A township is a term that refers to any sizable settlement that exists outside the City of Nodd.
Whereas resources tend to be readily available within the city proper, each township has its own limit in terms of supplies. Wild beasts, weather, raids from the Council or other townships are just a few concerns that cause even the most unhappy citizen to hesitate to leave the City.
In particular, resurrection is far less assured in a township and, even when it does happen, one ends up back in the city regardless. While some townships do have powerful enough mages to perform resurrection on their own terms, the skill and resources required tend to mean it's reserved only for the most important individuals.
Townships are also quite prone to their own politics, which can make one's life much easier - or much harder.