Hello everyone!  This is the first of (hopefully) many files
covering the geography of the world of the Morrow Project.  Be
warned, Gentle Reader, that I may deviate (or just plain JUNK)
modules or other sources, as I'm trying to create a world that is
player-proof - that is, my players can't screw up my environment
by saying, "Hey, aren't there a lot of those ____________ in this
area?"

   Since, like many of you, I wish to get published,  The data
here will be incomplete, and you'll have to buy my supplements
when I get them out.  I hope to publish under Phil's aegis.  Use
this stuff freely, except for making money on it.

Scott Hann    ElevenMike@aol.com


The North Shore Region

   The North Shore is mis-named, at least by modern standards. 
It encompasses the Lake Superior shores of Wisconsin, Michigan, &
Minnesota.  It also covers the Eastern shore as far South as
Green Bay.  If it helps, form a rough quadrant from Green Bay to
Sault Ste. Marie to Isle Royale and back to Green Bay.  Follow
all shore lines except through the mass of Wisconsin.  The region
is called the North Shore as it is a different area from the East
Shore.
   This area contains a unique culture and character.  While
heavily populated with Chippewa Indians, the non-Indians are
unusual.  Try to imagine a cross between Norse Vikings, French
Canadian Voyagers, and some aspects of American society.
   Most non-Indians are Caucasian, and are now predominantly
blonde.  Blue eyes are very common, and hair is often worn long. 
Men and women braid their hair, the men using braids at the
temples to denote warrior status.  This warrior status is not
exclusive, and the Colonial "Minutemen" example compares
favorably, as does the Viking village.
   The people of the North Shore are hardy, fun-loving, and for
the lack of a better word, barbarians.  This doesn't mean that
they are vicious, just the opposite.  They fight for food and
survival.  The Plains Indian custom of wife stealing has been
adopted, but with a few rules (rape is a heinous crime to the
North Shore men, so there MUST be a successful courtship, or the
girl goes home).
   Sports include axe throwing, wrestling, and piking.  Piking
can best be thought of as whaling on Lake Superior for Giant
Pike.  To do this, the locals get into their Long Boats (VERY
similar to their Viking forebears' craft), sail onto the North
Sea (the local term for Lake Superior), and have at it.  This
occurs only in May, when the Pike make the run up from the Great
Eastern Sea - the Atlantic.  There are often those that don't
come home from the piking, lost in the struggle.
   The people of the North Shore have access to Iron deposits in
Michigan (but it is limited) and are accomplished smiths.  The
more inland one goes, the more tied to the land the people
become.  Farming, herding, and light industry become greater
parts of local labor and fishing & hunting get lesser priority.
   Trade with other parts of the Continent is very welcome, and
first-time visitors to the region are often surprised by the
hospitality.  Also surprising is the ability of most locals to
speak "Souther" or "Trade Talk" in addition to the lingo of the
Ship men AND the Chippewa.  Top this off with the fact that the
Northmen have their OWN language.
   Regions North of the North Sea area are known, but the land is
so harsh (oncoming Ice age) none lives there.  A group of
Northmen might be convinced to go there, guiding an expedition,
but only with good inducements (gold, good cloth, fine things for
their women (to keep them happy at the warriors absence), etc.)
   The ship men trade actively with the Northmen, wanting the
fine furs and handicrafts they make.  This trade brings
manufactured goods to the North Shore, as well as travelers. 
When a ship drops anchor near a North Shore village, a party
ensues.  The Northmen brew very good beer.  The Ship men distill
very good wine.  Get the picture?
   The Chippewa of the region watch their neighbors with awe (at
their ability to drink gallons of beer and still walk) and
amusement (due in part to their fun loving nature).  Relations
are good, and much horse trading goes on.  Often, when "Cons" get
loose in the area, they are hunted by both groups not so much out
of necessity, but for sport.  (The Village that brings back the
most Con heads wins...)

   That's all for now, more to come as I develop it and play test
it.  I'd appreciate feedback from all - part of my market
research, etc.  Good ideas will be in the finished work that gets
sold, with full credit given.