Volodmartz
Overview
A mountainous area, Volodmartz is rich in timber and deep mines. There are comparatively few vales here, and the boyars have a reputation for being particularly iron-fisted. Much more common are outposts, scattered across the brooding hills and growing rich from the mineral wealth they exploit. Both tend to be very well fortified, and not without reason. There are dark things in the Volodmartz mountains, and plenty of folk tales tell of malign horrors that burrow under them, emerging without warning to overwhelm the foolish. The Volodny had their old centre of power in Volodmartz, and it was here that Alderei the tyrant-boyar was defeated by the Imperial Army. The ruins of his stronghold still lie beneath the forest canopy.
Major Settlements
Triosk
A riverside town, with a fish-dam and low bridge that has always been the main land route into Karsk. Once a hotbed of support for Alderei the Fair on the edge of what was then Varushka, and the scene of savage fighting in the war against his forces. Empire armies laid siege to it, and burnt the original town to the ground. He sallied forth before the final assault, and gathered those still loyal from across Volodmartz and the wilds to his final battle to the north. Now it is the front line of a different war, doing all it can to support those who still cling on in Karsk, bloated by refugees.
Minor Settlements
Ruin
Once a key mining settlement, until a group of miners delved too far into rocks under the broken peak above Alderei’s Run in search of rare ores. The vale did not survive their return. It is now the occasional home of Warden-bands who seek to ensure no Vale makes the same mistake again.
Runa’s Loss
A place of legend. Runa was a Draughir Warden who watched the Sovereigns of the hills, and Toki her Changeling lover, apprentice to a Volhov. That Volhov turned, seduced by an Eternal of Winter and Toki chose loyalty to master over love. Runa was one of the wardens who hunted and killed the Volhov and all loyal to it. The Vale reminds all wardens that their calling is more important than lesser loyalties. Now they watch most vigilantly to the south-east, and Wardens march from here to keep close eyes on the barbarians in Karsk.
Void
Home to a number of Cabals. Here they study and perform those rituals best kept away from centres of population. Rumour has it that Heralds from the Realm of Winter come here to treat and bargain with the Volhov.
Places of Interest
Alderei’s Run
The valley where Alderei the Tyrant-Boyar’s forces were finally destroyed by the Imperial Armies. Rumour says that Alderei can still be heard there, ordering his men back into the fray. To the north of the run are a series of small caves that Alderei’s army used for stores. These contain eroded carvings of star patterns attributed to the Sarassians.
The Hunt of Alderei the Fair is a Bourse position which produces weirwood from the valley of Alderei’s Run.
The Granites of Veltsgorsk
The Granites of Veltsgorsk is a Bourse position which produces white granite.