Bravhund
Bravhund’s strained relationship with Tir Volen colors much of its diplomacy and foreign policy. Southern merchants and emissaries are treated cautiously, with an emphasis on keeping Bravøllr’s resources and people free from outside control. While trade and occasional cooperation exist, Bravhund’s independence and sovereignty are paramount, and any attempts by The Seat to assert influence are met with firm resistance.
Demographics
35% Humans: The largest group, mostly natives of Bravøllr accustomed to its harsh climate.
25% Dwarves (Duergar and Mountain): Many from nearby mountain clans, skilled in metalworking and crafting.
15% Goliaths: Hailing from the cold northern mountains, these towering nomadic warriors frequently settle in Bravhund for protection and trade.
10% Half-Orcs: A hardy group known for their physical prowess, often serving as soldiers and mercenaries.
8% Shadar-Kai and Snow Elves: Reclusive and rare, these elves have an affinity for the frozen landscapes and often work as rangers or guides.
7% Other (including Tieflings, Gnomes, and Firbolgs): A small mixture of different races, often attracted by the town’s frontier status.
25% Dwarves (Duergar and Mountain): Many from nearby mountain clans, skilled in metalworking and crafting.
15% Goliaths: Hailing from the cold northern mountains, these towering nomadic warriors frequently settle in Bravhund for protection and trade.
10% Half-Orcs: A hardy group known for their physical prowess, often serving as soldiers and mercenaries.
8% Shadar-Kai and Snow Elves: Reclusive and rare, these elves have an affinity for the frozen landscapes and often work as rangers or guides.
7% Other (including Tieflings, Gnomes, and Firbolgs): A small mixture of different races, often attracted by the town’s frontier status.
Government
Feudal Authority: Bravhund operates under a feudal system where the Jarl rules with near absolute authority. Local clan leaders and warlords serve as advisors or military commanders, helping govern the smaller villages and outposts surrounding Bravhund.
Sovereignty from Tir Volen: Though Bravhund maintains cautious diplomatic ties with Tir Volen for trade purposes, the nation of Bravøllr is fiercely independent and refuses any form of governance from The Seat. The people of Bravhund have a long history of defying southern nations, valuing their autonomy and warrior culture above external alliances.
Sovereignty from Tir Volen: Though Bravhund maintains cautious diplomatic ties with Tir Volen for trade purposes, the nation of Bravøllr is fiercely independent and refuses any form of governance from The Seat. The people of Bravhund have a long history of defying southern nations, valuing their autonomy and warrior culture above external alliances.
Defences
Bravhund is heavily fortified, surrounded by imposing walls and watchtowers that make it nearly impregnable from all sides except the south. The natural cliffs provide a defensive shield to the north, west, and east. The only point of entry or exit is the Wintergate Bridge, a grand stone and ice structure built across the chasm separating Bravhund from the rest of the world.
The Wintergate Bridge is both a marvel of engineering and an iconic landmark. It is highly defensible, with portcullises and traps built into its structure, making it almost impossible for an army to invade without heavy losses.
Reinforced Stone Walls: The town is surrounded by thick, icy walls with guard towers positioned at strategic points. Watchtowers and fortifications are manned by well-trained soldiers.
Warriors of Bravhund: Goliath mercenaries, dwarven warriors, and human soldiers form the town’s defense force. They frequently train for incursions from northern monsters and raiders.
Ice-Crafted Ballistae: On the town walls, giant ballistae made from enchanted ice and iron can fire bolts that freeze targets on impact.
The Wintergate Bridge is both a marvel of engineering and an iconic landmark. It is highly defensible, with portcullises and traps built into its structure, making it almost impossible for an army to invade without heavy losses.
Reinforced Stone Walls: The town is surrounded by thick, icy walls with guard towers positioned at strategic points. Watchtowers and fortifications are manned by well-trained soldiers.
Warriors of Bravhund: Goliath mercenaries, dwarven warriors, and human soldiers form the town’s defense force. They frequently train for incursions from northern monsters and raiders.
Ice-Crafted Ballistae: On the town walls, giant ballistae made from enchanted ice and iron can fire bolts that freeze targets on impact.
Industry & Trade
Mining: Rich in iron, silver, and froststeel (a magical metal that retains cold properties), Bravhund’s mines provide valuable resources for trade.
Fishing: Though a frozen region, Bravhund thrives off the frigid lakes and rivers, which yield unique coldwater fish that are a delicacy in the south.
Crafting: Blacksmiths and artisans of Bravhund are skilled in creating frost-resistant weapons, armor, and tools that are highly sought after by other settlements.
Fishing: Though a frozen region, Bravhund thrives off the frigid lakes and rivers, which yield unique coldwater fish that are a delicacy in the south.
Crafting: Blacksmiths and artisans of Bravhund are skilled in creating frost-resistant weapons, armor, and tools that are highly sought after by other settlements.
Infrastructure
Bravhund is built upon a vast platform of ice and rock, a natural plateau that provides both defensive advantages and isolation. The roads are often treacherous in winter, as snow builds up quickly. Stone and wood constructions blend with reinforced ice architecture, and all major infrastructure projects are carefully monitored to ensure the platform remains stable. The town's network of tunnels allows for efficient heating and mining.
Walled City with Fortifications: Bravhund is designed with defense in mind. The settlement is encircled by towering stone walls reinforced with iron and wooden watchtowers. Narrow streets weave through the town, with snow-cleared walkways and stone bridges over the town’s drainage system.
Icy Underground Channels: Hidden beneath Bravhund are icy canals that carry meltwater and runoff from the nearby mountains. These are used for drainage and water supply, and some are rumored to hide old smuggling routes.
Icy Underground Channels: Hidden beneath Bravhund are icy canals that carry meltwater and runoff from the nearby mountains. These are used for drainage and water supply, and some are rumored to hide old smuggling routes.
Districts
The Keep: The heart of Bravhund, where Jarl Bjornhild’s seat of power stands. The Keep is a fortified stone fortress that houses the town’s leadership and military forces.
Trader’s Row: The main commercial hub of the town, where traders from the south and nearby regions come to sell goods. This district has blacksmiths, leatherworkers, and general stores.
The Winter’s Hearth: The residential district, primarily housing workers, soldiers, and their families in tightly-packed, insulated homes.
Ironclad Barracks: Home to the town’s military, this district is fortified separately and serves as both a training ground and a defensive fallback.
The Undercroft: Beneath the surface of Bravhund, a sprawling series of tunnels and caverns are used for storage and secretive activities, including a rumored network for spies and mercenaries.
Trader’s Row: The main commercial hub of the town, where traders from the south and nearby regions come to sell goods. This district has blacksmiths, leatherworkers, and general stores.
The Winter’s Hearth: The residential district, primarily housing workers, soldiers, and their families in tightly-packed, insulated homes.
Ironclad Barracks: Home to the town’s military, this district is fortified separately and serves as both a training ground and a defensive fallback.
The Undercroft: Beneath the surface of Bravhund, a sprawling series of tunnels and caverns are used for storage and secretive activities, including a rumored network for spies and mercenaries.
Assets
Blackstone Forge: A famous dwarven forge producing high-quality weapons, armor, and tools. Many of Bravhund’s weapons are exported to neighboring regions.
Glacier’s Bite: A tavern and inn catering to travelers, mercenaries, and adventurers seeking shelter from the cold or work from local factions.
Icewater Baths: Heated naturally by geothermal vents, this spa-like establishment offers warmth and relaxation, a rare luxury in the frozen north.
Glacier’s Bite: A tavern and inn catering to travelers, mercenaries, and adventurers seeking shelter from the cold or work from local factions.
Icewater Baths: Heated naturally by geothermal vents, this spa-like establishment offers warmth and relaxation, a rare luxury in the frozen north.
Guilds and Factions
Ironclad Brotherhood: A powerful military order of mercenaries, soldiers, and warriors dedicated to defending Bravhund and Bravøllr as a whole. While The Seat may have its own mercenary groups like the Silvercloaks, the Ironclad Brotherhood sees them as distant rivals, emphasizing loyalty to Bravøllr first and foremost.
The Frozen Hand: An underground criminal syndicate dealing in smuggling, theft, and espionage. They maintain a covert presence within Bravhund.
Rimefoot Collective: This guild manages the delicate trade relations between Bravøllr and Tir Volen, but its members are often wary of outside influence, ensuring that Bravøllr’s resources are not exploited by the south. Trade routes are heavily guarded, and tariffs are high to reflect the frosty relations between the two nations.
The Frozen Hand: An underground criminal syndicate dealing in smuggling, theft, and espionage. They maintain a covert presence within Bravhund.
Rimefoot Collective: This guild manages the delicate trade relations between Bravøllr and Tir Volen, but its members are often wary of outside influence, ensuring that Bravøllr’s resources are not exploited by the south. Trade routes are heavily guarded, and tariffs are high to reflect the frosty relations between the two nations.
History
Founding: Bravhund was established by an alliance of human and dwarven clans seeking refuge from both the harsh northern environment and frequent raids from neighboring territories. The settlement’s history is marked by frequent wars with the southern nations, including Tir Volen, and the subsequent desire to remain independent.
Recent Events: Jarl Bjornhild’s rise to power was marked by a series of skirmishes with southern raiders, including mercenaries from Tir Volen. Under her leadership, Bravhund has solidified its position as a sovereign stronghold, with a growing mistrust of southern influence, especially from The Seat.
Dangers Below: Beneath the city lies the Icechasm, a series of caverns and tunnels running through the rock and ice, filled with dangerous creatures, including frost wyrms and ice elementals. The depths of the chasm are largely uncharted, and many believe that powerful, ancient forces dwell there, waiting to rise again. The Icechasm also serves as a challenge for warriors seeking to prove their worth, but it is perilous, and many never return.
Recent Events: Jarl Bjornhild’s rise to power was marked by a series of skirmishes with southern raiders, including mercenaries from Tir Volen. Under her leadership, Bravhund has solidified its position as a sovereign stronghold, with a growing mistrust of southern influence, especially from The Seat.
Dangers Below: Beneath the city lies the Icechasm, a series of caverns and tunnels running through the rock and ice, filled with dangerous creatures, including frost wyrms and ice elementals. The depths of the chasm are largely uncharted, and many believe that powerful, ancient forces dwell there, waiting to rise again. The Icechasm also serves as a challenge for warriors seeking to prove their worth, but it is perilous, and many never return.
Points of interest
Frostspire Keep: The seat of the Jarl, this massive fortress is constructed from dark stone and enchanted ice. It is said to house relics of Bravhund’s founding and the Jarl’s ancestral weapons.
Temple of the North Star: A sacred site where locals worship gods of the cold and stars. The temple is a beautiful building made of blue ice and stone, with a focus on divination and protection.
Crystalline Caverns: A network of caves beneath the cliffs to the north. The caverns are home to rare and dangerous creatures, as well as crystals rumored to possess magical properties.
Wintergate Bridge: The only route into Bravhund, this colossal stone and ice bridge spans the great chasm below the city. It is a symbol of Bravhund’s strength and a marvel of engineering.
Temple of the North Star: A sacred site where locals worship gods of the cold and stars. The temple is a beautiful building made of blue ice and stone, with a focus on divination and protection.
Crystalline Caverns: A network of caves beneath the cliffs to the north. The caverns are home to rare and dangerous creatures, as well as crystals rumored to possess magical properties.
Wintergate Bridge: The only route into Bravhund, this colossal stone and ice bridge spans the great chasm below the city. It is a symbol of Bravhund’s strength and a marvel of engineering.
Tourism
Adventurers and Explorers:Although there is some controlled tourism from the south, adventurers from Tir Volen are often met with suspicion and must tread carefully. Bravhund is seen as a mysterious and dangerous frontier, with many southern visitors intrigued by its warrior culture and untamed wilderness.
Merchants and Traders: Bravhund’s market is a bustling place where rare northern goods—such as froststeel, coldwater fish, and enchanted ice—are traded.
Winter’s Festivals: Bravhund’s festivals are steeped in local tradition, and while foreign visitors are not unwelcome, they are expected to respect Bravøllr's customs. Tourists from Tir Volen may find themselves caught up in the rugged festivities but should remain aware of the underlying tensions between the two regions.
Merchants and Traders: Bravhund’s market is a bustling place where rare northern goods—such as froststeel, coldwater fish, and enchanted ice—are traded.
Winter’s Festivals: Bravhund’s festivals are steeped in local tradition, and while foreign visitors are not unwelcome, they are expected to respect Bravøllr's customs. Tourists from Tir Volen may find themselves caught up in the rugged festivities but should remain aware of the underlying tensions between the two regions.
Architecture
Stone and Frost: The buildings of Bravhund are made from thick stone bricks to retain heat, often reinforced with ice. Roofs are steeply angled to shed snow, and windows are covered with thick furs or glass panes. The use of magically treated ice gives the town a unique and otherworldly appearance, especially in the evening when lanterns illuminate the frosted streets.
Fortified Structures: Even the homes of civilians have reinforced doors and windows, prepared for potential invasions or storms.
Fortified Structures: Even the homes of civilians have reinforced doors and windows, prepared for potential invasions or storms.
Geography
Mountain Enclosure: Bravhund is surrounded on three sides by towering, icy cliffs, with a large gate to the south providing the only real entrance and exit.
Frozen Lakes: Several frozen lakes surround Bravhund, feeding into the rivers that flow down into the warmer lands to the south.
Frosted Forests: Small forests of hardy, frost-resistant trees dot the landscape around Bravhund, providing timber for construction and fuel.
Frozen Lakes: Several frozen lakes surround Bravhund, feeding into the rivers that flow down into the warmer lands to the south.
Frosted Forests: Small forests of hardy, frost-resistant trees dot the landscape around Bravhund, providing timber for construction and fuel.
Climate
Perpetual Winter: The temperature rarely rises above freezing, with fierce snowstorms sweeping through the area. Summer is mild at best, with the briefest of thaws occurring in the spring.
Auroras and Ice Showers: During the night, the skies of Bravhund are often lit up by brilliant auroras, and the occasional ice storm brings magical snowfall that sparkles with cerulean hues.
Auroras and Ice Showers: During the night, the skies of Bravhund are often lit up by brilliant auroras, and the occasional ice storm brings magical snowfall that sparkles with cerulean hues.
Natural Resources
Froststeel: A rare metal that retains magical cold properties, harvested from the mines to the north.
Coldwater Fish: Unique species of fish, only found in the freezing waters of the northern lakes, are highly prized for their flavor and restorative properties.
Ice Crystals: The surrounding cliffs are home to large crystals formed from ancient magic, often used by enchanters and mages.
Coldwater Fish: Unique species of fish, only found in the freezing waters of the northern lakes, are highly prized for their flavor and restorative properties.
Ice Crystals: The surrounding cliffs are home to large crystals formed from ancient magic, often used by enchanters and mages.
Population
10,000 - 12,000 residents: Bravhund is the largest settlement in the region, though it is still relatively small compared to major cities.
Owner/Ruler
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