Steade

Steade is a remote walled settlement north of Haven along the Anangali river. Its position is notable for its natural defenses, with the river running to its west and nearly impenetrable forest to its back. It is not known when it was settled, but families claim to trace their lineages froim before Ashodian times.

Steade Society
Steadian society is distinguished by its tight-knit, communal nature. They rarely covet material wealth or luxuries, preferring to indulge in the natural bounties of the Brevar forest that surrounds them.

All Steadians are given a rigorous upbringing in the way of the woods. By late childhood, Steadians are expected to know how to survive in the Brevar for any amount of time or face great shame.

Steade Economy
About half of Steadian adults participate in a rotating labor system that combines forestry, trapping, foraging, and hunting. Some who demonstrate particular devotion and expertise to any one of these areas may go on to specialize in it in their later years.

Arts such as woodcarving and leatherworking are practiced by almost all Steadians to some degree. Distinguished artisans are often to make a livelihood by trading their works.

Other Steadians farm along the narrow banks of the river. The mine sees limited activity, but it has been an important source of opportunities for traveling workers.

Steade Government and Law
The mayor of Steade is elected by the Townsmoot every 17 years. They cannot be from the same family as the previous mayor. Generally seen as a ceremonial position, the mayor has occasionally been forced into a decisive role in times of crisis. The current mayor, Harley Halfsmeet, was elected 6 years ago.

There is no official legal framework in Steade, but instead a rigorous tradition of customs and norms dating back centures. Disputes are discussed by Townsmoot and the agrieved parties until an understanding is reached. On rare occasions, families have left the town after an unsettled dispute. Even rarer, an offending party has been shunned and exiled by the townsfolk.

Steade Religion
The people of Steade revere the spirits of the forest, but fear them too. They believe getting too close to these spirits can shatter mortal minds. Their long list of rituals and superstitions reflects this balance between worship and caution.

Steade Military
Though adept with bow, spear, and dagger for hunting game, very few Steadians have ever used them in a real fight. The city itself was built defensively upon a large earthworks on the banks of the river. Its thick wooden walls have stood for centuries. As a last resort, Steadians are taught to evacuate northward into the forest to regroup against threats plaguing their town.