The Longhouse of Gorthoks Haven

The great hall and longhouse serves as the center of the community in Gorthoks Haven.  The massive building is a distincly different style from Gruna the Carpenters style so ubiquitus in the town. The longhouse is made from the ribcage of a huge beast. The ribs are too big to wrap your arms around at the base, let alone where they connect to the massive and jagged spinal corde that serves as the central beam of the building. The roofing covers much of the ribcage on the top of the structure, but the bone struts are seen clearly on the tall walls.    The entrance is a grand affair. Huge logs flank a large door and are carved in dizzying detail. A closer inspection would reveal scenes from the tribes early history. Of the settling of the vally and the discovery of this skeleton that served as a shelter.    Inside opens to a large room. The walls are lined with trophies of the hunt. Skulls of slain monsters, weapons and armor made from bone and tooth and scale. Tapestries and ceremonial garb woven from hide and leather and feathers. Shields and banners hang from the boney rafters and large wooden support pillars depicting trophies from old raids and gifts of liveries from neighboring tribes. In the center of the space sits a massive stone hearth its flames roaring and crackling and cooks working away on one end in a sectioned off area, preparing a meal. The smell was smokey and spicy and promised delicous and hearty food. There is no chimney and yet the roaring fire does not produce smoke the very occational flash of ice blue around the fire reveales the magic at work. Many long tables are arranged around the hearth.   On the far side of the hall there is an open space and large chair with five smaller seats flanking it. The chieftans throne is simple and strong, with carved runes of many languages woeven across its back. The chairs of the council are equally adorned. The simple elegance not detracting from the grandure of the rest of the longhouse. The most striking decoration on the walls are a pair of massive tusks that jut upward behind the chiefs throne. Mistaken as more of the great bones at first, the shine of ivory is clear when you approach.   Morning or afternoon: the tables are empty. The throne sits vacant. The cooks around the fire look up with idle curiosity at the unexpected presence of guests.   Mealtime: there is a smattering of people at tables. Mugs of a steaming hot drink are common, the simple and rough clay recepticles a far cry from the expertice of Siabasso but still beautiful in a simple and rustic maner. A spread of food is arrayed on a serving table. The summer months mean fruits and vegitables abound and huge bowls of mountain berries tempt all but the coldest of hearts.   Dinner and evening: the hall is full of orcs laughing and chatting. There is a group in one corner playing a set of strange instruments that thrum with a deep vibrating melody and bassy drumbeat. A serving table by the hearth is laden with food and a small queue waits to serve themselves a hearty dinner. Mugs of some kind of ale flow freely from large casks on one wall. The thrones and council seats are still empty. Clearly they are only used for ceremonial occasions.    Cook:Sugorim Mung  Casktender:Tozog Selfang