Skarsind

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Skarsind a place of alpine slopes and valleys, pine forests and rising mists, set in what's known as the Great Vale, a bowl of mountains that holds both Skarsind and the forest of Hercynia. Gildenheim in the east was the second largest settlement in Wintermark. Founded by Gilda Heimssdottir, it stands over the entrance to a frozen underworld cavern into the walls of which are carvings in a mysterious alphabet that are said to be the source of the magical runes used throughout Wintermark.

The folk of Skarsind were particularly noted for their fine rune work and many of the best craftsmen travelled here to study their craft. There were troubles with tribes of yetis that live in the valleys above Skarsind, but most of the danger here came from the barbarians living on the far side of the mountains.

In 373YE a savage blizzard swept down out of the mountains. The blizzard raged for three days, serving as magical cover for an army of barbarians who marched beneath it. They attacked Gildenheim with the assistance of a dozen enslaved Artok, smashing great holes in the defenses. The blizzard continued for another four days, and the orcs used the advantage it gave them to ravage many of the low-lying halls. The Winterfolk who were not killed in the attacks are now kept as thralls by the victorious barbarians.

There are still pockets of resistance in Skarsind, mostly based around the mines and halls to the north-east, but the situation is looking increasingly desperate. Since the initial attack the weather has remained unnaturally harsh, with snow falling for nine months out of each year, and supplies and the will to fight are both dwindling. There is little doubt that the barbarians here have the support of powerful magic, and unless it is dealt with Skarsind will never be reclaimed by the Winterfolk.

A saga called Lament for Skarsind is popular in some parts of Wintermark.

Major Settlements

Gildenheim

Was the second largest settlement in Wintermark. Founded by Gilda Heimssdottir, it stands over the entrance to a frozen underworld cavern into the walls of which are carvings in a mysterious alphabet that are said to be the source of the magical runes used throughout Wintermark and the wider Empire. In 373, it fell to the barbarians after a long siege. Inge Suvvisdottir, most recent of the bearers of the crown of Wintermark, fell with it. Despite the demands of Wintermark senators for resolute and overwhelming response, Emperor Walter dithered and did nothing to support the defense.

Minor Settlements

Crow’s Keep

A mountain stronghold, lookout tower and beacon. Has not been heard from since the barbarian invasion, but hope still live that it holds. It was high and well-fortified, with deep wells, they say; its stormcrows crafty and wise in war.

Gulhule

A valley settlement known for its runesmiths and well-crafted weaponry until the barbarians took it in 372. There was warning of the barbarian advance. Many of the smiths fled, and have since found forges elsewhere, scattered across the Halls of Wintermark.

Krysse

Since its fall in 371, a bastion for the barbarians. It now covers their eastern flank. In happier days it had close ties with nearby Mormyk in Varushka, and was a local centre of trade between the two nations, hosting a market at each turning of the seasons.

Skogei

Last to be brought into Empire, in 154, and first to fall of the Halls of Skarsind. In 371 its wooden walls were burnt, and few can now be found who once lived there.

Solvi

Once a foresting town providing wood and charcoal to wider Wintermark, it was adopted as the base of campaign for the Imperial forces led by General Dunstan Irontongue. The settlement was hard pressed, and he led an aggressive series of sorties to relieve the pressure. He fell on one of these raids early in 376 alongside Empress Britta.

Torfast

The high watermark of the barbarian advance in 373. It was retaken by Wintermark, League and Varushkan forces in 375, the first of the Skarsind settlements to be returned to the Empire. It is now heavily fortified, and bears the scars of many battles, guarding what was once the major trade route from Skarsind’s forges down to Temeschwar.

Places of Interest

Pakaanen’s Tower

Ancient tower made from mammoth bones, allegedly containing the notes, paraphernalia and failed experiments of the legendary mage. No-one has ever managed to enter it.