Hahnmark
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. It is the ancestral homeland of the Steinr in Wintermark, and in ancient times was the centre of the troll kingdom.
The largest settlement in Wintermark, the great town of Kalpaheim, was once the capital of the Winterfolk. It guards the largest pass through the mountains that lead to the more hospitable lands to the south. A massive carving of King Ulmo in the side of a mountain looks down upon Kalpaheim, to remind all that the eyes of history are upon them. 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 a number of tunnels into the mountains and parts of the hall now occupy them.
The other passes through the mountains are likewise protected by fortified halls, preventing access to the rolling hills that drop down towards fertile plains.
Major Settlements
Kalpaheim
Once capital of Wintermark, the site of the original joining of the three cultures. It guards a large pass through the mountains that leads to the forests and mines of Skarsind. The Hall at Kalpaheim extends into tunnels within the mountain, and has a great stone fort at its front.
Woodhall
In the edge of the forests on the southern side of Hahnmark, it’s a bustling logging town, supplying most of the wood and charcoal for Wintermark’s building, crafting and smithing.
Minor Settlements
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 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.
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.
Moot
Moot was where the Winterfolk first signed a peace treaty with the Marchers. 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.
Stormspire
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.
Turelva
A small fishing hamlet across the waters of Kronevann from Kronehal. The two settlements enjoy a friendly rivalry in all matters. The yearly fishing contest between the two has become a four day festival, and boasts attendees from as far afield as Dawn.
Valashal
A Hall almost entirely peopled by groups of Steinr, accepting warriors from all over the nation. Its 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.
Places of Interest
Runegrott
A vast labyrinthine chamber in the ice, in which many runes are carved. They are thought to be very old, and may even be the origin of runes in Wintermark. 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 -- come from this chamber.
The Statue of Ulmo
A huge carving of King Ulmo in the slopes of the mountain overlooking Kalpaheim.