North Pass

North Pass is a diverse town, with its population compose primarily of Aurelian, followed closely by Yamato and Multicultural citizens. The Inua Naraare present but typically are in transit. A few stay for long, and familiar faces rotate often. This transient nature brings a constant undercurrent of change to the town.

North Pass is governed by a Mayor, supported by a town council made up of business leaders, miners, and long-term residents. The council helps set trade policies, mediate disputes, and organize civic events. The mayor's position is elected every five years.

North Pass's economy thrives on precious metal mining, outdoor goods for hikers and campers, and trade through the mountain pass it oversees. Tourism brings income during the warmer months and local artisans sell crafted tools and mining gear.

Exports: Gold, silver, refined metal tools, crafted hiking goods

Imports: Fuel, foodstuffs, luxuries, high-end machinery

Well-maintained roads connecting all districts

Marketplace in Trade District

City Hall in Strom Chapel

Public parks and green spaces

Two major mining sites outside town (Silver and Gold)

Multiple businesses: grocery stores, camping gear suppliers, hotel and specialty shops

Mining headquarters and associated warehouses

Residential housing (from cottages to communal buildings)

Water and power supplied via small local reservoirs and geothermal energy

Trade District

Once a rugged mining camp, now a thriving commercial center. This district hosts most shops, supply depots, and gift stores. It's the beating heart of the local business and where newcomers first step into town.

Storm Chapel

Named after the old stone chapel near the hotel, this district houses the City Hall, the North Pass Hotel, and a collection of upscale shops and residential homes. A popular spot for tourists and officials alike.

Farmill

A residential-heavy district where most of the population lives. A small, community-run farm on the outskirts provides fresh produce. The atmosphere here is quiet, familial, and neighborly.

The Shade

A gritty industrial zone where the mining headquarters are located. Warehouses, loading docks, and worker barracks define the area. There's known criminal activity here, mostly smuggling and black-market dealing tied to mining goods. Locals avoid The Shade after dark.

Active silver and gold mines

Strategic location for trade routes into the mountains

Abundant forest and freshwater sources nearby

Popular hiking and camping terrain that brings in seasonal tourism

Founded as a mining camp in 1900 IE, North Pass exploded into a permanent settlement when silver and gold were discovered. As the largest mining operation in the Union of Zavartia, the town helped solidify the Union's status as an economic force.

Unknown to most, including the mayor, the Night Lands Portal lies hidden in a nearby meadow. Hikers unknowingly camp close to it, and strange disappearances have occasionally been dismissed as animal attacks or weather mishaps.

The Storm Chapel: An ancient, weather-worn stone structure that survived the early mining days. Still used for ceremonies and weddings.

Goldtooth Tavern: A popular meeting spot for miners and adventurers.

The Old Pit: A sealed mine shaft now turned historical landmark.

The Night Meadow: A picturesque meadow that's popular among campers... and unknowingly harbors the Night Lands Portal.

Buildings are practical, built from Timber and stone quarried nearby. Roffs are steep for snow runoff, and buildings are reinforced against strong winds. Storm shutters and stone chimneys are common. Trade District shops often have painted wooden signage and canvas awnings.

Nestled between two ridgelines, North Pass sits on a natural mountain corridor, with a river running just west of town. Rocky outcrops and pine forests surround the area, giving it a rugged frontier appearance.

The weather is cool and alpine, with long winters and short, mild summers, Snow is frequent from Frostember through Zephyria. Thunderstorms are common during transition months, which gave Storm Chapel its name.

Silver and gold (active mining)

Freshwater springs

Timber from controlled forest cutting

Limited medicinal herbs native to the region

Mysterious "Shadow Quartz" occasionally unearthed near the portal site. Properties currently unknown.