Hamlet

A hamlet is a group of rural dwellings that are too small to be considered a village, but possess an organisation that places them above thorps. There are four types of hamlet, associated with type-6 and type-5 hexes, depending on whether one or two hammer symbols are present. These four types, described below, are familiarly known as communal hamlets, bailey hamlets (or "hamlet forts"), free hamlets or reeve hamlets (also known as "gallows hamlets").

In most cases, hamlets are made up of free persons, though the amount of freedom varies, as does local admistration. Very little opportunity for trading exists, though some products — like bread, flour, river access or a place to safely camp are readily available, depending on the hamlet encountered. The basis of prosperity for most everyone is the production and transshipment of food, wood and stone.