> Passing references in Cattlelords & Clansmen (step forward, John
> Hughes), mainly (so far, I've not finished it yet) about the social
> obligations of those responsible for running them. Apparently
> somewhat attached to a king's household. Perhaps they acted as a
> kind of sub contracted royal hospitality. In Gloranthan terms,
> perhaps something for Issaries thanes to do.
In Sartar, Issaries hospitality probably is a princely duty.
In medieval Norway the most prominent farmers of the steads along the pass "roads" had the privilege to host travellers. The Travellers received the ordinary fare of these farmers and were given sleeping facilities according to their rank (meaning that the hosts often had to sleep in less comfortable lodgings in case of church dignitaries or nobles visiting). In Sartarite terms, these farmer hosts may well be called thanes or chieftains since they were the spokesmen for their immediate communities.
Back to Gringlestead, then, aka Apple Lane. I guess the old pawnbroker has a lot to answer for - goatherds, concubines, and a sheriff to make sure he doesn't contaminate the surrounding clans too much...
I guess Gringle has regular business in/with the cities of Karse and Nochet, and has copied much of its pleasures for his own stead.
"Andrinic Heortland" will have inns and/or hostels on the main highways and in major settlements.
Powered by hypermail