Namwys

Namwys ('nɑm-wis) is a coastal town located on the North-central coast of Sano. Due to its advantageous position relative to the rest of the island, it is a major way-point for travel and trade along the Western coast of Atakumi. The settled land to the South of the docks is heavily inundated wetlands, and the society is centralised around Atakumi's largest temple to Mesai.

Geography
A large dock, nearly one and one-half times the size of the permanent village settlements, borders the town to the North, which contains multiple man-made inlets for ships to remain for long periods of time. Frequent visitors of the area will often set up camps by their docked ships in order to adjust to the notoriously unpredictable weather and be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. The village itself is comprised of marshes, where rice crops are maintained and houses are, by necessity, built on stilts. The area floods each spring. A large temple to Mesai is built to the West of the docks.

Economy
Namwys' economy is built on trade tariffs, dock taxes, and in a small part on seasonal tourist trade during the spring pilgrimages to the Temple of Mesai. Rice crops are also a key export, and Namwys is the primary source of the crop for the country of Sano. Due to its advantageous positioning, the vast majority of trade travelling to and from any location on a longitudinal line along the Western part of the continent passes through the town. Because of this, the "dockside" area to the North of the village is its primary hub of economical activity, with the village residing to the South dedicated mostly to the local farmers. The Temple of Mesai is funded in part by donations, as well as a yearly stipend given by the town itself.

Society
Although there are no religious requirements within the town, it is rare to find anyone who does not at least occasionally pray to Mesai. The temple is the primary governing body and serves also as a haven during crisis, a medical clinic, a courthouse, and a tourist attraction. Year-round, the town's energy is dedicated to rice farming and the exchange of ships through its docks, and throughout the year numerous festivals are observed surrounding the local deity, the rice crops, and maritime travel. By far the biggest festival is during the spring flood, when a subsequent flood of tourists visits the town, effectively doubling its size for approximately a month.

Places of Note



 * Mossy Lode

A farm-to-table restaurant, grocer's market, and inn.


 * The Lodge

Supply store and inn.


 * The Veil

Tavern, theatre, and inn.


 * The Docks and "Dockhouses"
 * The Temple of Mesai

People of Note

 * Alos Rin, Temple Head
 * Eho Farthur, Lead Doctor
 * Rathbor Derch, Dockmaster
 * Laiza Hilasman, Dockhouse Manager