Fatnose

Fatnose is a hamlet in central Chrichheim, Empire of Man. It sits on the southern coast of Loch Mor, to the west of Fort Thicket. It is the second largest settlement in Nasthicket, though it only has a population of 110.
The hamlet was formally a notable ferry port, but it has been significantly overshadowed by Fort Thicket in recent times.
The name comes from the shape of the nearby hills and headland, which resembles a fat nose.
== Characteristics ==
=== History ===
Fatnose doesn't appear in any Imperial records until the Emergence War. It is said a large Imperial counterattack took place here, with the invading force crossing Loch Mor and using the hamlet as a landing zone. However, the Arachi forces anticipated the move and swiftly overwhelmed the attackers as they made landfall, with only two ships escaping. The prisoners were all executed by the Arachi, with the heads of the commanders sent to the Duke of Chrichheim.
During the Second Vampiric War, Fatnose was miraculously able to avoid much of the direct fighting - though it no doubt suffered from the spread of vampiric corruption.
By the Restoration, Fatnose was finally given a land link to wider Chrichheim via a dedicated road. This was something that did not exist until this point, meaning the common folk relied mainly on water travel.
=== Geography ===
Fatnose is located on the southern coast of Loch Mor, and to the west of Fort Thicket. The hamlet is nestled between gently sloping hills and a headland that resembles a fat nose, which is how it earned its name. The terrain around Fatnose is a mix of coastal plains and low hills, with patches of dense woodland and open moorland. The biomes include the lush, green vegetation typical of the temperate maritime climate, with heather and gorse dominating the higher ground, and a variety of deciduous trees in the wooded areas. The weather is mild and wet, with frequent rain and fog rolling in from the loch. This consistent moisture supports a rich and diverse plant life, making the area around Fatnose both picturesque and fertile.
=== Economy ===
The economy of Fatnose is modest, primarily driven by subsistence agriculture, fishing, and small-scale trade. The fertile coastal plains and nearby woodlands support a variety of crops and livestock, with residents growing vegetables and keeping sheep and goats. Fishing in Loch Mor remains a vital activity, providing the hamlet with a steady supply of fish that is both consumed locally and traded with nearby settlements. Although Fatnose was once a notable ferry port, its prominence has diminished, and it now serves more as a quiet, rural community with limited but steady economic activities.
=== Culture ===
The local culture of Fatnose is characterised by a close-knit community that values tradition and self-reliance. The villagers have a strong connection to the land and loch, with seasonal festivals celebrating the harvest and fishing hauls. Folk music and storytelling are integral to social gatherings, where tales of local legends and the dark creatures of the loch are shared. Superstitions and rituals to protect against these ancient forces are deeply ingrained in daily life, with charms and amulets commonly used to ward off evil - even if they are, in reality, ineffective. The hamlet's close relationship with the loch, though less obvious in modernity, is still clearly shown with old boat-building techniques and navigation lore that is still remembered and respected.
== Trivia ==
* Fatnose is inspired by the real-life Scottish town of Stranraer.