Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revisionPrevious revision
skyss:places:straven [21 Feb 2019 21:38] – [Community] added a description of the houses jamesskyss:places:straven [ 3 Apr 2026 13:20] (current) – General updates to add detail and links james
Line 1: Line 1:
 ====== Straven ====== ====== Straven ======
-Straven is a tiny settlement on an island about three or four square miles. Only a little of the island is cultivated, most of it is woodland or rough grazing for the sheep that the community keeps for their wool and milk. +Straven is a tiny settlement on an island about three or four square miles located off the west coast of [[:skyss:places:heimdal|Heimdal]] (Skyss). Only a little of the island is cultivated, most of it is woodland or rough grazing for the sheep that the community keeps for their wool and milk.  Characterised by its extreme northern latitude of 63.5 N, the community is defined by its isolation, self-sufficiency, and adherence to the traditional ways of the North. It serves as the childhood home of [[:skyss:chars:yngvild|Yngvild the Fierce]] and [[:skyss:chars:noren|Noren]] before their departure for [[:skyss:places:kronstadt|Kronstadt]].
  
-{{:skyss:places:img_20161114_map_of_straven.jpg?600|Sketch map of Straven}} +{{  :skyss:places:img_20161114_map_of_straven.jpg?600|Sketch map of Straven}} 
  
 ===== Community ===== ===== Community =====
Line 12: Line 12:
  
 The houses are two parallel tenements running inland from the jetty. The boat shed on one side with a ramp into the beach. There's a barn at the back with a fenced paddock for when the sheep are brought in.  The houses are two parallel tenements running inland from the jetty. The boat shed on one side with a ramp into the beach. There's a barn at the back with a fenced paddock for when the sheep are brought in. 
 +
 +The total population of Straven is approximately fifty individuals. The social structure is led by [[:skyss:chars:old_bjorn|Old Bjorn]], the boat captain and community leader, with Arne serving as his second.
 +
 +==== Security and Raids ====
 +Due to the seasonal threat of [[:skyss:chars:daelian_raider|Daelian Raiders]], the adults of Straven maintain a rigorous military readiness. Standardised drills are practiced regularly, where adults take up arms—including bows and woven shields—to hold the jetty whilst non-combatants evacuate to Lookout Hill.
 +
 +==== Theology ====
 +The community observes the transition of the seasons with communal rituals. The most significant is the celebration of the return of the night, where the people make homage to [[:skyss:pantheon:malfin|Malfin]], the Lady of Darkness. These gatherings are held around central fires as the sun touches the horizon, marking the beginning of the winter preparations.
 +
 +
 +===== Geography and Infrastructure =====
 +
 +The island covers approximately three to four square miles of territory. Much of the land is uncultivated, consisting of dense woodland and rough grazing used for livestock. Key geographical landmarks include:
 +
 +  * **Lookout Hill:** The highest point on the island, used as a primary observation post and a retreat point for non-combatants during maritime threats.
 +  * **Sickle Hill:** A secondary elevation located on the southern portion of the island.
 +  * **The Beach:** Two distinct sandy areas suitable for landing small craft, though the primary maritime interface is the stone and timber jetty.
 +
 +The settlement's infrastructure is concentrated near the rocky outcrop on the western coast. The buildings are constructed based on traditional timber-frame designs with overlapping upper storeys to protect against the harsh maritime climate.
 +
 +^ Structure ^ Function ^
 +| **Main Hall** | The primary communal living and dining space for the adult population. |
 +| **Old Hall** | The original hall, now utilised as the living and eating area for the children. |
 +| **The Barn** | A multi-purpose facility for storing cheese and skyr barrels, as well as providing winter shelter for sheep. |
 +| **Smokehouses** | Three dedicated buildings positioned downwind to process the seasonal fish catch. |
 +| **Workshops** | A cluster of industrial buildings including a forge and a boat shed for vessel maintenance. |
 +
 +===== Economy and Labour =====
 +
 +The economy of Straven is almost entirely maritime and pastoral. The community operates a single fishing boat that exploits the rich waters to the west. A high degree of literacy exists on the island, largely due to the influence of [[:skyss:chars:old_bjorn|Old Bjorn]], who has prioritised knowledge as a tool for survival.
 +
 +==== Primary Industries ====
 +  * **Fishing:** The central pillar of the island's subsistence. Fish are salted or smoked throughout the summer to provide a stable food supply for the "dark time" of winter.
 +  * **Sheep Farming:** The island maintains a sheep population roughly equal to the human population. These animals provide wool for home-woven clothing, as well as milk and meat.
 +  * **Trade:** Surplus smoked fish and wool are transported to the market at [[:skyss:places:portree|Portree]], which is located roughly four hours away by boat. These exports fund the purchase of essential ironwork, herbs, and spices.
 +
 +
 +===== Relationships =====
 +
 +==== People ====
 +  * [[:skyss:chars:old_bjorn|Old Bjorn]]: Community leader and boat captain.
 +  * [[:skyss:chars:yngvild|Yngvild Helgasdottir]]: Protagonist and former resident.
 +  * [[:skyss:chars:noren|Noren]]: Protagonist and former resident.
 +  * [[:skyss:chars:helga_trollslayer|Helga the Red]]: A prominent hero and former resident.
 +  * [[:skyss:chars:Arne|Arne the Slow]] - the steersman on the boat, de facto second in command to [[:skyss:chars:old_bjorn]]
 +  * [[:skyss:chars:Alwilda]] - Arne's partner
 +  * [[:skyss:chars:olaf]] - one of the boat crew
 +  * [[:skyss:chars:helga-red|Helga the Red]] - Old Bjorn's partner
 +  * [[:skyss:chars:Leif]] - another member of the boat crew
 +  * [[:skyss:chars:Birgitta]] - member of the boat crew
 +  * [[:skyss:chars:Gunnar]] - also on the boat crew
 +  * [[:skyss:chars:Erik-dark|Erik the Dark]] - member of the boat crew
 +  * [[:skyss:chars:Freya]]
 +
 +==== Places ====
 +  * [[:skyss:places:portree|Portree]]: The nearest major trading terminal and administrative hub for the Isles.
 +  * [[:skyss:places:heimdal|Heimdal]]: The mainland kingdom of which Straven is a remote dependency.
 +  * [[:skyss:places:kronstadt|Kronstadt]]: The destination for the island's rare diplomatic and heroic despatches.
 +
 +==== Concepts ====
 +  * [[:skyss:chars:daelian_raider|Daelian Raiders]]: The primary external threat to island security.
 +  * [[:skyss:chars:heroes|Heroes]]: Several residents possess divine blood, though this was largely kept secret until the arrival of the *Seagull*.
  
  

Trace: • Helga Trollslayer

Print/export
QR Code
QR Code Straven (generated for current page)