Medvyed

The village of Medvyed [med-ved] is the furthest-north permanent settlement in the Nocthian Caldera. Known for its production of honey and mead, it has a reputation as being a home for "weird folks"--the ones who don't fit in elsewhere. Founded about 15 years ago, it is home to roughly 300 people. About half the population is orcish; another 75-ish barbegazi of various original tribes, now the Honey-eaters tribe, 50-ish jazuu, mostly of the Stonehammer clan (now either in exile or estranged from the clan), and a few random others make up the rest.

Government

Officially, Medvyed falls under the authority of Rytsar Ivan ka'Anu, who lives in Bedni, about half a day's trip SE. In practice, it's self-governing. Or maybe ungovernable. The only semblance of local authority is Rita, who everyone considers the town "secretary" and who handles matters of collective concern. While she has no official power, everyone ends up listening to her--it's less trouble that way. Not that she is a tyrant or anything.

Places of Interest

Medveyd subsists on farming, trading with the local goblins (mostly of the Shrikenest tribe, trading "civilized" goods for forest products and, recently, cash in the form of old coins), and especially the production of honey from local hives, which is used to make the famous local mead at the Badger Brewery.

Badger Brewery

Attached to the Drunken Badger tavern is the Badger Brewery. The brainchild of Zap, it produces about 2 hogsheads of mead every month, most of which is taken to Bedni for bottling and sale further on. The sale of this mead produces roughly half the town's yearly income. Known for its sweet, strong, and unique flavor, Badger mead has somewhat of a cult following as far as Adron's Folly.

Drunken Badger Tavern and Inn

The only public house, eatery, and inn in town, the Drunken Badger is a single-story building with a main taproom and 3 guest bedrooms. It is attached to the Badger Brewery near the banks of the Aphidwine river (ok, overgrown stream) that runs along the north-west border of the village. It's the main unofficial gathering spot for locals. The proprietor is Cormac, a jazuu male in his late 30s. He and Zap are a couple. Cormac is known for his flamboyant dress, usually wearing dresses and other traditionally women's clothing.

Shrine of the Congregation

The local house of worship, devoted to all the Congregation equally, is the shrine. Located on the central market square across from the town hall, it is watched over by the priestess Jess, known for her long speeches.

Town Hall

A large stone building capable of housing most of the adult population (if they sit on each other's laps, mostly), the town hall is the official gathering place and Rita's workplace. It also houses the town records, which Rita maintains.

DD's Blacksmithing

A smithing establishment, mostly making farm implements. The proprietor, DD of Skem, has dreams of doing more military work and the training to match.

Watchtower

Located about half a mile west near the precipice marking the border of Wyrmhold Reborn and the start of the tribal areas, the watchtower is the brainchild of Peg-Leg and some of the other old war veterans who have settled here. They've roped several of the youngsters into participating as well. It stands about 20' tall and overlooks the gap in the precipice that the Aphidwine runs down through. Not designed for a protracted siege, it maintains a bell and signal fire and the veterans man it 24/8.

People

• Zap Brewer. Barbegazi male, 25 years old and about 5' tall. Shrewd businessman and much more independent than most goblins. Partner of Cormac.
• Cormac Inkeep. Jazuu male, 32 years old and about 6'7" tall...and roughly as wide. Extremely muscular. Cheerful and flamboyant. Partner of Zap.
• Jess Priestess. Orc female, about 26 years old. Young for a priestess, it's said she was given this post after her seminary teachers discovered that she can't be shut up once she starts speechifying. Gets very animated about it (what? Everything) as well. People come to her for blessings and have learned to tune out her ramblings.
• DD (Deidre) of Skem. Orc female, about 35 years old and about 5'2" tall. Hates people talking about her height and becomes violent if you do. Some wags have said that her name really refers to other attributes...but only very quietly when she's not around. Known for believing that the best approach is the straightest, most direct one.
• Rita. Human female, looks about 17 years old. But has been the secretary here for 5 years and hasn't aged notably at all. Moves as if she's dancing on an unseen wind. Extremely flighty in her personal life (known for missing meals because she got distracted by butterflies; never expect her to be on time for anything) but rock solid in her official capacity.