Runestaff

Runestaff is a small outpost at the opposite end of the Neomar Valley from Greenstar. Runestaff is located on a final plateau before the geography of the valley opens up and plunges downward into a sprawling, largely unexplored and untamed boreal wilderness. A hybrid of small town and shipping outpost, there are few permanent residents of Runestaff, and the people who pass through are generally adventuring sorts. Hunters come into town to trade their collected pelts for supplies and services and coin. Some local wilderness-dwelling tribes have come to use the town as a sort of neutral meeting ground where they can engage in commerce and diplomacy.

By far, the most popular feature of this backwater is the Doomgate Inn, owned by a massive human named Conrad (he claims orcish heritage several generations back) and the inn specializes in hearty fare and strong drink, to fortify the body against the brutal mountain weather. The snow in Runestaff starts mid-autumn and still lays on the ground nearly until the start of summer. Travelers sometimes jokingly refer to the Doomgate as "The Last Inn in the World", as Runestaff truly marks the most northern border of known civilization.

Rough population estimate, approx 600 people in the Runestaff area of influence, maybe about 200 or so in town, 400 in supporting farms and similar industries. Hunters and trappers and tribal members come and go, rarely spending more than a week in town at a time to barter, sell goods and pelts, or prepping to set out for other locations.