Hahnmark
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{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofHahnmark.png|title=Mountain passes and granite halls|caption=Regions of Hahnmark|align=left|width=600}} | {{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofHahnmark.png|title=Mountain passes and granite halls|caption=Regions of Hahnmark|align=left|width=600}} | ||
== Overview == | == Overview == | ||
The territory of Hahnmark is spread along a series of treacherous mountain passes, the rolling foothills beneath and the wide plains that stretch toward Sermersuaq and | The territory of Hahnmark is spread along a series of treacherous mountain passes, the rolling foothills beneath and the wide plains that stretch toward [[Sermersuaq]] and [[Kallavesa]]. In ancient times was the centre of the troll kingdom, but today is considered the ancestral homeland of the [[Steinr]] in Wintermark. | ||
The other passes through the mountains are likewise protected by fortified halls, preventing access to the rolling hills that drop down towards fertile plains. | The other passes through the mountains are likewise protected by fortified halls, preventing access to the rolling hills that drop down towards fertile plains. | ||
==Recent History== | ==Recent History== | ||
During the invasion of [[Skarsind]], many refugees came down through [[Skarsind#Pakaanen's Pass|Pakaanen's Pass]] to find temporary homes in [[#Northspires|Northspires]] and [[#Bruckland|Bruckland]]. Since the territory has been reclaimed, many are returning to their homes - although a number have chosen to stay permanently in Hahnmark. | |||
{{CaptionedImage|file=Wintermark2.jpg|align=right|width=300|caption=Costume by Jo Perridge}} | {{CaptionedImage|file=Wintermark2.jpg|align=right|width=300|caption=Costume by Jo Perridge}} | ||
== Major Features == | == Major Features == | ||
=== Kalpaheim === | === Kalpaheim === | ||
Once capital of | The largest settlement in Wintermark. Once capital of the entire nation, this is the site of the original joining of the three cultures. The settlement circles a stone fortress built in the first days after the defeat of the trolls - the Hall at Kalpaheim - parts of which extend into tunnels dug deep beneath the mountains. A prosperous hub for trade with other nations, Kalpaheim guards a large pass through the mountains that leads to the forests and mines of [[Skarsind]]. Other valuable trade routes include those to [[Hercynia] in the north-west, and down into the [[The Marches|Marches]]. | ||
As well as safeguarding the prosperity of Hahnmark, Kalpaheim is a central feature in the heritage of the Winterfolk. The '''Face of King Ulmo''', an immense carving of the first monarch of Wintermark, looks down upon Kalpaheim from the side of one of the western mountains. It serves as a reminder that the eyes of history are upon the town and the people of Wintermark. This impressive feat is one of the wonders of the Empire, constructed long before the nation joined the Empire by a trio of [[Wintermark Magical Traditions#Artok|Artok]] under the control of the [[Wintermark Magical Traditions#Icewalkers|icewalker]] Gilda Heimssdottir. She also dug out most of the tunnels that parts of the hall now occupy. | |||
=== The Fingers === | === The Fingers === | ||
When the Steinr travelled through mountain passes to find the Suaq and Kallavesi, they sought guidance in visions. It is said that this high-mountain with its four jagged peaks rose above the mist in the early daylight, pointing out the way. It is now home to a religious settlement called The Fingers, where the virtues that founded Wintermark are celebrated | When the Steinr travelled through mountain passes to find the [[Suaq]] and [[Kallavesi]], they sought guidance in visions. It is said that this high-mountain with its four jagged peaks rose above the mist in the early daylight, pointing out the way. It is now home to a religious settlement called The Fingers, where the virtues that founded Wintermark are celebrated; the [[Courage]] to carry such a bold plan through, the [[Pride]] gained through the trials of the journey, and the [[Loyalty]] that now joins the three peoples. | ||
=== Gulnar’s Deeps === | === Gulnar’s Deeps === | ||
An old series of copper mines that unexpectedly broke into a much larger cave network beneath. The full extent of the caves has never been mapped, since ice and meltwater make much of it treacherous, but a wealth of minerals and metals now comes from the deeps. | An old series of copper mines in northern [[#Kalpamark|Kalpamark]] that unexpectedly broke into a much larger cave network beneath. The full extent of the caves has never been mapped, since ice and meltwater make much of it treacherous, but a wealth of minerals and metals now comes from the deeps. | ||
=== | ===Runegrott=== | ||
In southern [[#Northspires|Northspires]] is found a vast labyrinthine chamber in the ice, in which many runes are carved. They are thought to be very old, and some scholars argue that the origin of runes in Wintermark lies here, rather than in the caves beneath [[Skarsind#Gildenheim|Gildenheim]]. The chamber is carefully guarded. It is a matter of debate as to whether the runes bear any message -- some claim the original laws of Wintermark, and thus the Empire -- were taken from the inscriptions in this chamber. | |||
==Regions== | ==Regions== | ||
===Bruckland=== | ===Bruckland=== | ||
=== | Of all the regions of Hahnmark, Bruckland has the highest concentration of halls that have a majority of Suaq members. The cold, flat plains are scattered with low, artifical hills atop which lie stone beacons and desolate watchtowers. The most famous settlement in Bruckland, the fishing hamlet of '''Turelva''' lies across the waters of Kronevann from Kronehal. The two settlements enjoy a friendly rivalry in all matters; an annual fishing contest between the two has become a four day festival which boasts attendees from as far afield as [[Dawn]]. | ||
===Kalpamark=== | |||
The heartland of Hahnmark, site of [[#Kalpaheim|Kalpaheim]] and the face of King Ulmo. The halls of Kalpamark are some of the most prosperous and influential in Hahnmark - possibly in the whole of Wintermark.<br> | |||
'''Keywords:''' Hills | |||
===Kronemark=== | ===Kronemark=== | ||
The flattest part of Hahnmark, the downs of Kronemark are a patchwork of fishing villages and [[farm|farms]]. The largest settlements sprawl around the shore of the icy lake Kronevann, or along the many streams that connect it to it's sister lakes in [[#Bruckland|Bruckland]]. The best known of the settlements on the Kronevann is '''Kronehal''. Claimed as the home of Sigrid Alvsdottir, legendary champion of the Steinr who slew Vatr, the one-eyed warleader of the trolls and as her reward claimed the crown of the Steinr. | |||
===Northspires=== | ===Northspires=== | ||
The hills and mountains of Northspires are a rich source of [[Materials#Orichalcum|Orichalcum]] and [[Materials#Tempest Jade|Tempest Jade]]. Some of the highest peaks in Wintermark are found here, and there are scattered ruins on the upper slopes that date back to the height of the troll kingdoms. Several halls look down across the rest of Hahnmark from here, the most famous of which is probably the '''Stormspires'''. A remote fortress and watchtower whose commander is often titled ‘the Eyes of the North’, Stormspire keeps a careful watch on any traffic from the North. One of the key major beacons, the folk of Stormspire also maintain and man a smaller network of beacons on nearby peaks.<br> | |||
'''Keywords:''' Hills | |||
===Southridge=== | ===Southridge=== | ||
In the years before the foundation of the Empire, there were regular skirmishes between the Winterfolk and the Marchers, often fought across the southern border of Hahnmark. These came to an end with a final peace treaty, signed at the settlement of '''Moot'''. Grim-faced folk drew lines on maps and agreed to fight orcs, not each other. The place of meeting grew into a small trading settlement where Marcher grain goes north, and Wintermark sends its worked metal and leather south.<br>'''Keywords:''' Hilly | |||
===Valasmark=== | ===Valasmark=== | ||
=== | Rugged Valasmark slopes down towards the cold fens of [[Kallavesa]] to the south-west. In a populous valley near the centre of the region stands '''Valashal''', a Hall almost entirely peopled by groups of Steinr, accepting warriors from all over the nation. It's stated intent is to be the greatest focus of martial heroism in the country and therefore the world. Without Suaq, their casualties in time of wear tend to be horrific; but they also attract scops from far and wide to sing of their bravery and their dead are remembered for their glorious deeds.<br> | ||
'''Keywords:''' Hills | |||
===Wood Heath=== | |||
On the edge of the forests on the southern side of Hahnmark stands the bustling logging town of '''Woodhall'' which supplyies a great deal of of the wood and charcoal for Wintermark’s building, crafting and smithing. Woodhall also sees regular caravans from [[Temeschwar]] to the east, and enjoys cordial relations with the [[The Marches|Marchers]] of [[Upwold]] to the south.<br>'''Keywords:''' Hills | |||
==OOC Notes== | ==OOC Notes== | ||
* The regions of Hahnmark are under the control of the people of Wintermark (and by extension the Empire) making the territory staunchly Imperial. | * The regions of Hahnmark are under the control of the people of Wintermark (and by extension the Empire) making the territory staunchly Imperial. | ||
[[Category:Wintermark]] | [[Category:Wintermark]] | ||
[[Category:Gazetteer]] | [[Category:Gazetteer]] | ||
Revision as of 10:38, 1 May 2014
Overview
The territory of Hahnmark is spread along a series of treacherous mountain passes, the rolling foothills beneath and the wide plains that stretch toward Sermersuaq and Kallavesa. In ancient times was the centre of the troll kingdom, but today is considered the ancestral homeland of the Steinr in Wintermark.
The other passes through the mountains are likewise protected by fortified halls, preventing access to the rolling hills that drop down towards fertile plains.
Recent History
During the invasion of Skarsind, many refugees came down through Pakaanen's Pass to find temporary homes in Northspires and Bruckland. Since the territory has been reclaimed, many are returning to their homes - although a number have chosen to stay permanently in Hahnmark.
Major Features
Kalpaheim
The largest settlement in Wintermark. Once capital of the entire nation, this is the site of the original joining of the three cultures. The settlement circles a stone fortress built in the first days after the defeat of the trolls - the Hall at Kalpaheim - parts of which extend into tunnels dug deep beneath the mountains. A prosperous hub for trade with other nations, Kalpaheim guards a large pass through the mountains that leads to the forests and mines of Skarsind. Other valuable trade routes include those to [[Hercynia] in the north-west, and down into the Marches.
As well as safeguarding the prosperity of Hahnmark, Kalpaheim is a central feature in the heritage of the Winterfolk. The Face of King Ulmo, an immense carving of the first monarch of Wintermark, looks down upon Kalpaheim from the side of one of the western mountains. It serves as a reminder that the eyes of history are upon the town and the people of Wintermark. This impressive feat is one of the wonders of the Empire, constructed long before the nation joined the Empire by a trio of Artok under the control of the icewalker Gilda Heimssdottir. She also dug out most of the tunnels that parts of the hall now occupy.
The Fingers
When the Steinr travelled through mountain passes to find the Suaq and Kallavesi, they sought guidance in visions. It is said that this high-mountain with its four jagged peaks rose above the mist in the early daylight, pointing out the way. It is now home to a religious settlement called The Fingers, where the virtues that founded Wintermark are celebrated; the Courage to carry such a bold plan through, the Pride gained through the trials of the journey, and the Loyalty that now joins the three peoples.
Gulnar’s Deeps
An old series of copper mines in northern Kalpamark that unexpectedly broke into a much larger cave network beneath. The full extent of the caves has never been mapped, since ice and meltwater make much of it treacherous, but a wealth of minerals and metals now comes from the deeps.
Runegrott
In southern Northspires is found a vast labyrinthine chamber in the ice, in which many runes are carved. They are thought to be very old, and some scholars argue that the origin of runes in Wintermark lies here, rather than in the caves beneath Gildenheim. The chamber is carefully guarded. It is a matter of debate as to whether the runes bear any message -- some claim the original laws of Wintermark, and thus the Empire -- were taken from the inscriptions in this chamber.
Regions
Bruckland
Of all the regions of Hahnmark, Bruckland has the highest concentration of halls that have a majority of Suaq members. The cold, flat plains are scattered with low, artifical hills atop which lie stone beacons and desolate watchtowers. The most famous settlement in Bruckland, the fishing hamlet of Turelva lies across the waters of Kronevann from Kronehal. The two settlements enjoy a friendly rivalry in all matters; an annual fishing contest between the two has become a four day festival which boasts attendees from as far afield as Dawn.
Kalpamark
The heartland of Hahnmark, site of Kalpaheim and the face of King Ulmo. The halls of Kalpamark are some of the most prosperous and influential in Hahnmark - possibly in the whole of Wintermark.
Keywords: Hills
Kronemark
The flattest part of Hahnmark, the downs of Kronemark are a patchwork of fishing villages and farms. The largest settlements sprawl around the shore of the icy lake Kronevann, or along the many streams that connect it to it's sister lakes in Bruckland. The best known of the settlements on the Kronevann is 'Kronehal. Claimed as the home of Sigrid Alvsdottir, legendary champion of the Steinr who slew Vatr, the one-eyed warleader of the trolls and as her reward claimed the crown of the Steinr.
Northspires
The hills and mountains of Northspires are a rich source of Orichalcum and Tempest Jade. Some of the highest peaks in Wintermark are found here, and there are scattered ruins on the upper slopes that date back to the height of the troll kingdoms. Several halls look down across the rest of Hahnmark from here, the most famous of which is probably the Stormspires. A remote fortress and watchtower whose commander is often titled ‘the Eyes of the North’, Stormspire keeps a careful watch on any traffic from the North. One of the key major beacons, the folk of Stormspire also maintain and man a smaller network of beacons on nearby peaks.
Keywords: Hills
Southridge
In the years before the foundation of the Empire, there were regular skirmishes between the Winterfolk and the Marchers, often fought across the southern border of Hahnmark. These came to an end with a final peace treaty, signed at the settlement of Moot. Grim-faced folk drew lines on maps and agreed to fight orcs, not each other. The place of meeting grew into a small trading settlement where Marcher grain goes north, and Wintermark sends its worked metal and leather south.
Keywords: Hilly
Valasmark
Rugged Valasmark slopes down towards the cold fens of Kallavesa to the south-west. In a populous valley near the centre of the region stands Valashal, a Hall almost entirely peopled by groups of Steinr, accepting warriors from all over the nation. It's stated intent is to be the greatest focus of martial heroism in the country and therefore the world. Without Suaq, their casualties in time of wear tend to be horrific; but they also attract scops from far and wide to sing of their bravery and their dead are remembered for their glorious deeds.
Keywords: Hills
Wood Heath
On the edge of the forests on the southern side of Hahnmark stands the bustling logging town of Woodhall which supplyies a great deal of of the wood and charcoal for Wintermark’s building, crafting and smithing. Woodhall also sees regular caravans from Temeschwar to the east, and enjoys cordial relations with the Marchers of Upwold to the south.
'Keywords: Hills
OOC Notes
- The regions of Hahnmark are under the control of the people of Wintermark (and by extension the Empire) making the territory staunchly Imperial.