Longside

Introduction, Geography

Longside is a small town situated within the Amorvale, only a day north of Amotorr Sanctuary. The town was built where River Amor meets the Burn Dully.

There, the two rivers converge to form a loch called the Loch Burn. The River Amorr is the main river that runs through Amorvale. The River Amorr is a fast-flowing mountain river that swells with the melting of ice at the end of the dark days of the year.

Burn Dully also collects the waters of the northern mountains in Amorvale, notably from the spectacular Dully Falls and Loch Dully.

Over time, Longside has developed into a prosperous rural and merchant market town, relying on fisheries, logging, horse rearing, and cattle farming for its wealth. However, the town is well-known to have endured two major setbacks in its past.

History and Infrastructures

At first, Longside was founded on the main island of Loch Burn, Longisle. In ancient times, living on the sizable island in the middle of the loch provided shelter and safety from raiders and marauders from neighbouring clans.

However, three centuries ago, most of the island was submerged under the rise of the loch waters. According to the stories (and legend), the amount of snow on the Amor Mountains had been unprecedented that fateful winter. It was followed by a quick and sudden thaw, which saw the loch waters rise quickly in a few hours to drown many helpless Longisle villagers trapped on the island's diminishing surface.

After that tragedy, where half of the village disappeared underwater and many lives were lost, the town was rebuilt on the shores of Loch Burn. the Druids at Amotorr, at the time, helped rebuild the community buildings and restock the land with livestock. Some of the famous Amotorr horses were donated to the farmers to breed, and the town, now renamed Longside, is renowned for its horse breeding programme. Many local ranches share the prairies of the Amorvale to raise quality cattle and horses.

For another century, Longside enjoyed an uneventful history. Then, the Vale was sent into turmoil during the last war of succession, called The War of the Adders. Longside was partly destroyed, and the Druids in Amotorr were replaced by the Sanctuary Seers after Thane Thingor Gremane created the Arkivon.

After this latest disaster, the Longsiders (or Siders) decided collectively, with the help of the Seers, to rebuild the town. Through the rituals now dedicated to Brid or Brigand. The Seers had observed prophecies of the town's future prosperity. This time, Longside was to flourish for millennia under Alven's new authorities. Longside was rebuilt near the river, but on a low hilltop, colloquially called the Mount.

Despite the Seers' reassurance, the villagers insisted that a wall was built around the town too. Longside is the only fortified town in the Armorvale, and to this day, a local militia patrols and guards the thick stone walls.

Demographics

The town consists mainly of the local human population, and most people belong to the Amorvale and the Sanctuary. They are not clanless per se, but the people's allegiance is to the Sanctuary, not Clan Hoershal. Because of Amotorr's influence, a few world-renowned writers, artists and artisans have settled in - sometimes only for a few years - in Longside.

The Outsiders have come from far and wide and are always welcome in the town. Longsiders always protect Amotorr's guests, and enjoy tall stories and tales from afar on the long winter nights. They are also keen traders and see the rivers that bring people and goods as part of their livelihood.

Organisation: Circle of Elders

The town recognises Amotorr and the Seers as the leading authority in the community. However, day-to-day, Longside is run by a Circle of Elders, elected by the Seers and the town itself during the most important religious annual ritual to the goddesses Brigand and Ria. Ria is the goddess of horses and warriors. During Suntyme, the ninth month of the year, the The Feast of Ria is an ancient tradition in Longside.

The townspeople organise a week-long celebration, the Seers officiate, and the celebration strengthens and renews the connection between the Torr and the villagers. The Feast of Ria in Longside is also the time when the largest Fayre in the Amorvale takes place - the Long Fayre.