Shortmeade

Shortmeade has a population of just over 6000 residents, with roughly the same number within a two hour walk from Shortmeade's stone walls. The town's population is approximately 60% are humans, 25% wee-folk, 10% visk, and 5% havark. The neighboring countryside is 40% human, 35% week-folk, and 25% visk. The area has extremely fertile soil, and Shortmeade is known for a wide variety of agricultural exports. Cereal grains, root vegetables, and legumes travel well on Havark caravans. Shortmeade is close enough to Polisto to supply the capitol with cows, sheep, and pigs for slaughter.   The road to Polisto was paved by dwarves and stonemages during the height of Polito's magical institutions. Now only patches of the road show the signs of paving, with holloways having developed on the route. Still, the way is well maintained and patrolled, and cart traffic will have no problem on the journey. In addition to the main road, an ox track follows the river to Polisto on both sides to help pull barges up and down the river.   There are several cults in the town.  

Keepers of the Silent Feast

• Nature: Good
• Beliefs: Members believe that the Star Gods have abandoned Irvona, and it is only by celebrating them all will they show their influence
• Practices: On each new moon members paint themselves silver and partake in a midnight meal without uttering a single word, believing that silence on this night will appease the Star Gods.

 

The Order of the Unseen Path

• Nature: Strange
• Beliefs: Members believe in a mystical path that exists between the realms of reality and dreams. They practice meditation and dream-walking, seeking enlightenment and otherworldly knowledge.
• Practices: Members often sleep in public places, believing that doing so strengthens their connection to the mystical path.

 

Fangs of the Crimson Moon

• Nature: Evil
• Beliefs: A secretive group that believes in achieving immortality and power through blood rituals performed during the full moon. They are rumored to be seeking the secret of lycanthropy.
• Practices: Their rituals often involve animal or, more sinisterly, human sacrifices, conducted in hidden locations during the full moon.