Semmerholm

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Overview

Semmerholm produces the majority of the nation's food, though it is closely surrounded by thick and dangerous forests. The dark forests here are home to vicious beasts, including boars, lions and bears, and hunting is a regular pastime for nobles. There are several well-fortified castles here at various strategic points along the border, protecting Semmerholm from the barbarians of the Barrens, The senator for Semmerholm is responsible for holding the border. This responsibility tends to weigh heavily on the head of the Semmerholm senator, with the realisation that if they fail at their task this will be the first land lost to the barbarians in Dawnish history.

Minor Settlements

Arnet

Once the great fastness of the Orcs who lived here before the Empire took Semmerholm. Their last battle was here, their leaders died here, and their shamen screamed curses here. Arnet stands cleansed now, a symbol of the Ambition of Empire.

Auvanne

Once famed for its farriers; the finest horseshoes in all of Empire were made here many, many years ago before Semmerholm was even a territory of the Empire. With the passing of the horses, the smiths turned their mastery to armour, and even some Wintermark smiths acknowledge their craft.

Estcastle

A bastion; a tower in the mountain wall that watches the Barrens, an armed camp. Imperial orcs live and drill here, awaiting word to strike south.

The Gate

A mighty wall entirely blocking a key mountain pass save for a massive tunnel-entrance through which two dozen may march abreast. It was constructed by engineers from Holberg and tales of its courageous defense are told throughout Dawn. Great armies march through the mighty gates south to do battle in the Barrens.

Lacre

A well-defended port known as a place of adventure. Many’s the questing-knight who has set sail to the east from here. The few who return are fêted and applauded, their names recognised on inn signs throughout the town. It also serves as the closest port to the Barrens, and armies march from its gates to the fortress-settlements to the south.

Semmer’s Rose

An old citadel from the invasion of Semmerholm. A great castle of concentric circular walls, resembling a rose to those who stand on its tallest towers. A known meeting place for some of the finest troubadours of Dawn, where they share music, legend, and tales of Virtuous glory.

Rucastle

First constructed in wood in the early years of Empire; a base for the campaign against the orcs who occupied Semmerholm. It was founded by those strong in the new religion: half church of Virtue, half castle against the orc. Closer to a Chapterhouse than fortifications built in Dawn before its foundation, this is a fortress of Empire. It has close ties with the nearby Navarri steading of Greenstead, which it helped to found.

Places of Interest

The Semmerstones

A cluster of thirty moss-covered white stones on top of a hill, many of them carved with runes thought to be from Terunael. Each is about two feet high. There’s no discernible pattern to their layout.

The Pits of Brychel

Parts of the earth have fallen away here to reveal an underground complex of Terunael ruins. It was stripped of anything of value many years ago.