Frostford

Introduction

Frostford is not a single village but a complex of six interconnected hamlets nestled high in the Dragonspire mountain range. Together, these hamlets form the last stronghold of tribal humans in Keraian, a resilient people who have thrived for generations in the harsh and untamed wilderness. The central settlement, Skyhold, houses around 300 residents and serves as the hub of the community. The remaining five hamlets- Stormroost, Hearthglen, Frostperch, Windhaven, and Eaglecrag- each contribute unique skills and resources to the tribe, with populations ranging from 20 to 200 people.

The tribe is unified under High Chief Harvald Eagleshadow, a warrior revered as a descendant of the mythical Eaglors. Each hamlet is led by a chief (usually a man) who oversees daily life and represents their settlement in tribal councils held in Skyhold. Despite their independence, the hamlets share deep cultural and spiritual bonds, grounded in their reverence for the land, sky, and ancestral spirits.

Geography

Frostford sprawls across the rugged cliffs and valleys of the highest tops of Dragonspire Mountains, a landscape of icy peaks, roaring winds, and dense forests. The six hamlets are scattered across this challenging terrain, connected by narrow, winding trails.

The Settlements

1. Skyhold
   
   The heart of Frostford, Skyhold, serves as the central hamlet and the seat of the Stonefeather Tribe's leadership. Perched on a wide plateau, its elevated position provides a natural defense against potential threats and offers a commanding view of the surrounding peaks. At the center of Skyhold is the Great Hearth, where the tribe gathers for communal rituals, storytelling, and decisions that shape the future of all six hamlets. The longhouse of Chief Harvald Eagleshadow rises proudly here, a symbol of unity and strength.

2. Stormroost
   
   Tucked deep within a storm-laden canyon, Stormroost thrives under the protection of towering cliffs that shield it from the harshest mountain winds. The hamlet is often shrouded in mist, with the roar of cascading water from nearby falls creating a serene yet ominous ambiance. Its inhabitants are renowned for their resilience and mastery of crafting sturdy tools and weapons, often from the iron and stone they mine from the canyon walls.

3. Hearthglen
   
   Nestled within a lush, forested glen, Hearthglen is the most verdant of the Frostford settlements. Rich with wildlife and natural resources, it provides much of the food and medicinal herbs that sustain the tribe. The hamlet’s people are skilled foragers, hunters, and herbalists, living in harmony with the land. The dense foliage surrounding Hearthglen is said to be watched over by ancestral spirits, making it a sacred place for many.

4. Frostperch
   
   Clinging to a frozen glacial ridge, Frostperch is a testament to the indomitable spirit of its inhabitants. The dwellings here are carved directly into the ice and rock, creating an otherworldly, shimmering settlement that glows under the moonlight. Known for their fearless nature, the people of Frostperch brave the harshest conditions to hunt elusive mountain beasts and harvest precious resources hidden deep within the glaciers.

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Founding Date

268 BDA

Alternative Name(s)

Stonefeather Tribe

Type

Hamlet

Population

Around 700

Related Traditions

• Dreamcrest Weaving

Halvard Eagleshadow

"The winds of the Dragonspire shape us, testing our strength and resolve. But it is not the storms that haunt me- it is the choices we make in their wake."

— Harvald Eagleshadow, High Chieften of Frostford

Windhaven

Perched on a high mountain peak where the wind howls ceaselessly, Windhaven is the most exposed and isolated of the six hamlets. Its breathtaking views of the heavens make it a site of spiritual importance, with Skywatcher’s Peak nearby serving as a sacred space for communion with the spirits. The villagers of Windhaven are masterful weavers and craftsmen, using the wind and stars as inspiration for their work.

Eaglecrag

Hidden among jagged cliffs, Eaglecrag overlooks a sacred nesting ground for eagles, revered as the tribe’s ancestral guardians. The hamlet’s remote and concealed location ensures the safety of these majestic creatures, which are deeply intertwined with the spiritual beliefs of the Stonefeather Tribe. The people of Eaglecrag are skilled climbers and falconers, maintaining an unparalleled bond with the eagles that soar high above.

The climate is harsh, with long winters, biting winds, and short summers that bring bursts of greenery and wildflowers. Survival here demands both strength and ingenuity.

Goverment

The Stonefeather Tribe is led by High Chief Harvald Eagleshadow, whose authority is derived from his lineage, his prowess as a warrior, and his wisdom. Each of the six hamlets has its own chief, who governs local matters and acts as a liaison to the High Chief. Together, these leaders form a council that meets regularly in Skyhold’s Longhouse to make decisions affecting the entire tribe. The governance is a mix of tradition and practicality, with decisions often guided by spiritual insight from Eira Stormseer, the tribe’s Elder Shaman.

Daily Life

The people of Frostford live in harmony with their rugged environment, relying on hunting, gathering, and small-scale farming to sustain their way of life. Their daily activities and traditions are shaped by the seasons, reflecting their deep connection to nature. During the harsh winters, survival becomes the central focus, with villagers huddling around the Great Hearth to share stories, preserve their communal bonds, and draw strength from their unity. In spring and summer, the hamlets come alive with hunting expeditions, crafting, and relentless preparation for the colder months ahead. Autumn marks a time of celebration, as the villagers perform rituals to connect with the spirits of the land and sky.

Each of the six hamlets plays a vital role in the tribe’s survival, contributing unique skills and resources. Stormroost, nestled in its stormy canyon, is renowned for crafting tools, weapons, and sturdy stone structures that withstand the harsh elements. Hearthglen, situated in a forested glen, excels in hunting and foraging, as well as preparing herbal remedies essential for the tribe’s health and resilience.

Frostperch specializes in ice-fishing and exploration, providing rare materials from the frozen landscape. Windhaven is the spiritual heart of the tribe, where rituals and vision quests connect the villagers with their ancestors and the spirits of the sky. Lastly, Eaglecrag, hidden among jagged cliffs, serves as a training ground for warriors and a sacred site for rites that honor their eagle ancestors.

Together, the hamlets form a resilient and interdependent network, ensuring the survival and continuity of the Frostford people’s ancient traditions and way of life.

Traditions and Customs

The people of Frostford live in harmony with the rhythms of nature, their traditions deeply intertwined with the changing seasons. Each part of the year brings its own challenges and blessings, and the tribe honors these cycles through unique rituals and celebrations. From the vitality of summer to the introspection of winter, these traditions reflect their enduring bond with the land, the spirits, and the skies.

Summer Tradition

The Eagle's Rite

The Rite of the Eagle is a transformative coming-of-age ceremony held at Eaglecrag, where young warriors of age (around 15-17 years old) are tested to prove their strength and courage. The ritual begins at dawn, with each initiate climbing the steep, jagged cliffs of Eaglecrag alone. The climb is challenging, and the young warriors must endure both physical hardship and spiritual reflection. At the summit, they face a final test- a battle against a wild creature or a trial of skill with a weapon. Once the challenge is completed, the initiates receive a talon-shaped necklace and a ceremonial tattoo, marking them as full-fledged warriors and protectors of their people. The ceremony concludes with a feast, where the tribe celebrates the new warriors and their readiness to defend the tribe.

Autumn Tradition

The Skywatcher's Vigil

The Skywatcher’s Vigil is an essential spiritual ceremony held at Skywatcher’s Peak, where the shamans of Frostford commune with the spirits of the sky. This vigil takes place on a night with clear skies, and the shamans spend the night on the peak, meditating to invoke visions from the sky spirits. The vigil is meant to seek guidance for the coming winter or to receive prophecies that will aid the tribe in their survival. The most sacred part of the ritual occurs when the shamans perform the Sky Dance, a vital ritual that connects them with the winds and the clouds. By the end of the ritual shamans that are blessed is said to get direct communication with the spirits, who might offer warnings or blessings. The visions gathered from the vigil are then shared with the tribe.

Spring Tradition

The Festival of Winds

The Festival of Winds is a celebration held every year at Windhaven, where the tribe expresses its gratitude to the spirits of the wind and sky. This festival, lasting three days, begins with a great feast in the heart of Windhaven, where food, music, and storytelling fill the air. The second day is dedicated to a series of challenges between the tribe’s chiefs. During this event they all wear elaborate feathered cloaks and masks. On the final day of the festival, the people release specially crafted kites, each one decorated with symbols that represent the tribe's history and its bond with the sky. The festival concludes with a bonfire lighting ceremony, where the tribe gathers together to reflect on the year past and offer their gratidute for the spirits’ continued favor.

Winter Tradition

The Great Hearth Gathering

On the eve of the cold winters, the tribe gathers around the Great Hearth in Skyhold for warmth and unity. This tradition is more than just a practical necessity- it is a spiritual and communal event. Elders recount tales of the tribe's ancestors and their struggles against the elements, strengthening the villagers' connection to their past and their belief in their shared heritage as descendants of the Eaglors. The hearth is also the site of midwinter ceremonies where the tribe honors the spirits of the land and sky, offering carved tokens, woven talismans, and the season’s meager bounty to ensure protection through the remainder of winter. As food is rationed and the nights are long, these gatherings foster a sense of togetherness, resilience, and hope for the coming spring.

People of Frostford

Harvald Eagleshadow, the chief of the Stonefeather Tribe, is a revered figure among his people, known for his exceptional skills as a warrior and hunter. His sharp, piercing gaze and swift, decisive movements evoke the majesty of an eagle, leading many to believe he is a direct descendant of the Eaglors. This belief has earned him the title "Eagleshadow," symbolizing both his deep connection to the tribe's legendary ancestors and his ability to strike with the speed and precision of the noble bird that inspires his name.

Kael Stormclaw

Kael Stormclaw though young, is a highly valued member of the Frostford community. A skilled tracker with an innate understanding of the Dragonspire Mountains and their rugged terrain, Kael’s deep connection to the land is matched only by his curiosity and ambition. He longs to explore the wonders of the world beyond, yet his unwavering loyalty to his people keeps him rooted in Frostford, where he remains committed to serving his tribe.

Kara Frostblade

Kara Frostblade Kael's mother, is a formidable asset to the Stonefeather tribe. Renowned for her unmatched prowess in battle, Kara is both a fierce huntress and a skilled warrior. She is the only female chief, overseeing the hamlet of Hearthglen. She is one of the few members of the tribe who dares to venture far beyond Frostford, hunting in the treacherous depths of the Dragonspire Mountains and even near neighboring villages, securing valuable resources for her people. Respected and admired, she serves as a mentor to the tribe's younger warriors, passing on her wisdom and skills to the next generation.

Eira Stormseer

Eira Stormseer, the eldest woman in Frostford, serves as the tribe's revered spiritual leader. As the keeper of the tribe's oral history, she carries the responsibility of passing down their ancestral stories from generation to generation. Eira is entrusted with performing the sacred rituals that connect the tribe with the spirits of the land and sky, maintaining their bond with nature. She possesses the unique ability to communicate with the spirits of their Eaglor ancestors, often conducting these spiritual communions at the sacred Spirit Stones, where the tribe's deepest mysteries and traditions are preserved.

Key Locations in Frostford

At the center of the main village of Frostford, Skyhold, lay the Great Hearth, a large communal fire pit that serves as the heart of the Featherstone Tribe. Here, the villagers gather for meals, storytelling, and rituals. The Great Hearth is also the site of important tribal ceremonies and spiritual gatherings.

The Longhouse in Skyhold is a large wooden structure that serves as the communal meeting place and the home of the village chieftain. This is where the tribe discusses matters of importance, makes decisions, and holds celebrations during festivals.

A high, windswept cliff overlooking the hamlet of Windhaven, Skywatcher’s Peak is a sacred site where villagers come to commune with the spirits of the sky. It is said that on clear nights, one can see the spirits dancing in between the stars, and the shamans often perform rituals here to seek visions and prophecies.

The Spirit Stones are a circle of ancient standing stones believed to be a link to the spirits of the land and sky, as well as to the Eaglors, whom the villagers claim as their ancestors. Rituals and ceremonies are held here to honor the spirits and seek their guidance. They are located in a clearing in the hamlet of Frostperch

Finally, the Windsong is a large, ancient stone structure located at Eaglecrag, believed to have been built by the Eaglors themselves. It serves as a communal gathering place for the villagers and a sacred site where the most important decisions of the tribe are made.