Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #179

Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #179 

June 28th, 2023 

• Number: 179 

• Name: Deep Dive on a Site of Interest: Tawen of Noldrune Part 4 

• Location: Along the Tauoi River between Ma’amore Maug and Far Harbor (#36) 

• Population (approx.): 4,000 inhabitants spread over the 3 wards of the large town 

• Brief: For years Tawen remained isolated from the affairs of the Ta’arnans in the past and the Houses of Noldrune to the north and Tribes of Taodeas to the south. The north bank of the Tauoi was reached by ferry or a single narrow wood and rope bridge across the canyon. Soon after the founding of Noldrune, emissaries of House Macad arrived at Tawen seeking to strengthen the Count’s control of and access to the Tauoi River for trade and travel. The Council of the Eight were initially reluctant until the Count offered to construct two great spans over the Tauoi to facilitate expansion of Tawen on to the north shore (appealing as the pinnacle was crowded).  An agreement soon followed wherein Tawen, and a stretch of lands to the north, became a Viscounty owing fealty to Count Macad and thus Noldrune. Dwarves from Clan Ma’amore and the Builders Guild arrived and bridged the gap. The newest ward of Tawen, the large and varied Outer Town (nicknamed the Alienage by the Tawen), sprawls around the two great bridges crossing the canyon from the pinnacle to the northern bank. 

• Geography: Across the river, spanned by bridges of fine white stone, lays the semi-circle of the Outer Town. Here are the homes of some of the Eight Peoples (space in the pinnacle now at a premium) and those of Noldrune locals who make their home by the river. Notable buildings include various Guild halls (including those of Magicians, Merchants and Travellers), lesser government buildings (so that the Council’s outward facing representative, the “Viscount,” may conduct business), and walled estates of local Noldrune minor nobles, Macad’s ambassador and stores of all types. Caravan fields and farms dot the lands outside a low curtain wall surrounding the Outer Town, patrolled by Guardians of Cloud and Grass. Narrow walkways, ladders and an elevator lead from the Outer Town down the canyon wall to the river below. 

• Next Article: Notable persons and sites of Lower Tawen