Mauerstein
pop ?
Major Trade : Gold
Governor : ?

 

Deep within the heart of the Fallin Mountains lays the land of Mauerstein, or translated into common as “The Wall of Stone.” Centuries ago a great race of man sailed the seas landing upon the southern shores of the continent. The inhospitality of the natives forced the newcomers to seek refuge in the harsh distant mountains. Nearly half of the people perished that first winter. As the weeks went on they traveled deeper within the mountains. Then one day to their surprise they discovered the secret the Fallin Mountains had been keeping, a fertile valley untouched by elves, dwarves, or men. The valley was colossal and the wanderers knew they had found home. Within a century a small kingdom had been created, keeping with it the traditions of old. For generations the people of Mauerstein lived in isolation from the rest of the continent.

 

The land was fertile but wasn’t without its dangers. Various beasts roamed the mountains as well as the valley, some of them large and terrible. To the settlers dismay they discovered their blades had little effect on the beasts, due to their thick hides or shell like exteriors. It was then that the people discovered the might of the hammer. With the hammer they were able to crush through their enemies and claim the land their own.

 

In keeping with tradition, the ways of old forbid a male child from being named at birth. A name is sacred and defines one as a man. Therefore, the child is known as his father’s son. The son of Mik would be known to his people as “son of Mik” or in most cases “Mik’s son.” (Mikson). Within the culture there are also ways to distinguish the children of Mik should there be more than one male (since they would all be “sons of Mik”), but such customs are unimportant to those living outside Mauerstein.

 

When a male is old enough he must decide which path he will take in becoming a man. The most common route today is to serve in the border patrol. After he has proven his worth he may be given a name. Once named, he is officially part of the community now possessing the right to own property as well as marry. Another path that may be taken is that of an adventurer. The fact the male can cross the mountains alone makes him worthy of a name, but in taken this path the male is in search of more than a name. Those that return from adventuring may be titled Yeden, meaning Great Man. A Yeden in Mauerstein is considered the equivalent of a Great Knight in other realms. Upon return the male is expected to be laden in gold and other treasures as prove of his journey’s success. For this reason a “Steinman” away from his homeland my appear greedy, doing what ever it takes fore a gold piece. It’s not uncommon for such a man to either burry or hide his treasure as well.

The people of Mauerstein are strong and proud. With Fallin providing them with defense, invaders have not yet succeeded in even reaching Isen, the land’s capitol. The mountains are so harsh many invaders have turned back before the people of Mauerstein were even aware of their threat. The few armies that conquered the Fallin Mountains were in for a much more dangerous threat. The people they were to face were every bit as fierce and stubborn as the mountains they called home.

 

Nearly every king of Aitaegen has despised the people of Mauerstein. Not only did they have their own king but they often refused to pay taxes as well. Every other generation of kings seems to declare war on these people, and yet these people continue to exist unconquered, untamed. For this reason the people of Mauerstein have earned the nickname Steinmen, or in common rockmen.

 

A decade ago trade opened between the Steinmen and the village of Brazen. Four times a year the people of Mauerstein travel through the mountains to trade with their neighbors. Official tax collectors of the King have been stationed in Brazen to await the arrival of the Steinmen. The first few years the Steinmen were compliant, but as the years progressed they decided it foolish to pay some distant king. For this reason the people of Mauerstein have not paid taxes in two years. The king has not forgotten these supposed untamed men of his kingdom, but for now they are the least of his concerns.

 

Chapter 2

 

When the sky turned black the Mauerstein people dug in deep. The surge never made its way into the mountains surrounding the city. When news of the kingdom failing the people rejoiced. They opened up the main passage that was once destroyed to rebuild the trade route to Brazen and Hopesfall. It took about a year to clear the path and build a new passage. The Mauerstein men began once again with the tradition of making a name for themselves that was quickly halted during the revolt against Tumult.