Ostwalin

Ostwalin is a fictional town in the Nordmark setting, used across novels, role-playing games, and related media. It is depicted as a coastal municipality on the eastern shore of Lunarn Fjord and serves as the administrative center of Ostland County. The population is commonly described as about 8,000 residents, with a mix of fisherfolk, traders, and service workers.

Geography and climate: Ostwalin lies in a sheltered harbor bordered by spruce forests and low hills. The climate is temperate maritime, featuring cool summers and wet winters. The harbor accommodates fishing boats and small cargo ships, while the town center grows along a natural esplanade that fronts the water.

History: The town traces its origins to 12th-century Eastward settlers and developed as a fishing port and regional market town. A 1493 charter granted trade privileges, and a 1645 fire led to rebuilding in stone. The arrival of the Nordmark Railway in 1839 spurred industrial development and greater regional connectivity.

Economy and culture: The economy centers on commercial fishing, fish processing, ship maintenance, and tourism. Landmarks include the Old Fort Ostwall and Evander Lighthouse. Annual events such as the Winter Sea Festival attract visitors and reinforce maritime traditions. The fictional Ostish language is referenced in some sources alongside local dialects.

In popular culture: Ostwalin appears as a recurring setting in multiple works within the Nordmark canon, where its harbor, governance, and coastal communities are used to explore themes of trade, migration, and regional identity.