Frosthaven

The Capital of Ice

---

"In the unyielding cold of Vélactris, we built a city that defies both ice and oblivion. Here, science is our flame and steam our breath."

— Inscription at the summit of the Inventors' Tower

Frosthaven is a shining beacon of ingenuity and resilience, rising defiantly against the icy dominion of Vélactris. More than just a city, it is a marvel of human determination, where technology and reason triumph over the eternal cold. A sanctuary of rationality and a testament to human ingenuity, Frosthaven embodies the unrelenting spirit of those who refuse to succumb to the whims of Cryos, the merciless god of ice.

Origins and Foundation

The founding of Frosthaven is a tale of survival and ambition. The frozen lands of Vélactris are an unforgiving domain where temperatures plummet far below freezing and storms rage with lethal intensity. Early settlers, driven by necessity and a desire to escape the chaos of warring realms, sought refuge in this harsh expanse. The cold that threatened their survival became the catalyst for their innovation, forcing them to devise ways to harness the natural elements for their benefit.
The discovery of geothermal heat pockets beneath the icy plateau proved pivotal. These underground reservoirs provided a reliable source of warmth and energy, allowing the settlers to construct their first shelters. Over time, these primitive dwellings evolved into a sprawling city powered by steam and ingenuity. Frosthaven emerged as a haven for inventors, engineers, and visionaries—individuals united by a shared belief in the transformative power of science and technology.
The city's heart, the Inventors' Tower, stands as both a literal and symbolic representation of Frosthaven's ideals. Built to honor the city's founders and their groundbreaking innovations, the tower serves as a hub of research, a place of governance, and a monument to the unyielding spirit of progress.

Government: The Council of Steam

Frosthaven's government is a unique blend of pragmatism and meritocracy, governed by the Council of Steam, a scientific oligarchy composed of representatives from key societal pillars: engineers, merchants, and scientists. This council oversees every aspect of city life, from infrastructure maintenance to resource allocation, and their decisions shape Frosthaven’s future.
Alongside the council is the Glacial Inquisitor, a figure of significant authority who serves as both a military leader and an enforcer of order. The Inquisitor ensures that the council’s directives are carried out efficiently and that the city's citizens adhere to its laws. This dual leadership structure reflects Frosthaven’s commitment to both innovation and discipline, as well as its emphasis on survival in an unforgiving environment.
While the Council of Steam values logic and debate, their decisions are ultimately utilitarian, prioritizing the city's well-being above individual interests. This has fostered a culture of collective effort and mutual responsibility, though it also leaves little room for dissent or personal expression outside of sanctioned channels.

Culture and Ideology: Glacial Rationalism

Frosthaven's culture revolves around a philosophy known as Glacial Rationalism, a belief system that elevates science and engineering to near-religious status. Citizens are taught from a young age that every problem has a solution rooted in logic, innovation, and mastery of resources. This belief drives the city’s relentless pursuit of technological advancement and fuels its citizens' collective pride.

Education and Innovation

Frosthaven’s academies are among the most advanced in the world, specializing in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and mechanical engineering. Young minds are rigorously trained in these disciplines, with an emphasis on practical application. Students are encouraged to think critically, challenge assumptions, and collaborate on projects that benefit the community. The spirit of innovation is further fostered by annual competitions, where inventors present their creations in hopes of earning recognition and support from the council.
However, this focus on technical achievement comes at a cost. The arts, while not outright banned, are relegated to the periphery of society, viewed as indulgences rather than necessities. Similarly, individuals without technical skills often struggle to find their place in a society that prioritizes utility above all else.

Military Forces: The Ice Wardens

Frosthaven’s survival in the frozen wastes of Vélactris depends heavily on its formidable military forces, the Ice Wardens. These elite soldiers are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including steam-powered exoskeletons that enhance their strength and protect them from the extreme cold. Armed with advanced weaponry such as steam cannons and heat-based projectiles, the Ice Wardens are a formidable deterrent against both external threats and internal unrest.
In addition to their human forces, Frosthaven employs Mechanical Wardens, autonomous drones designed to patrol the icy expanse surrounding the city. These machines are equipped with sophisticated sensors capable of detecting hostile creatures, rival factions, or environmental hazards. The Mechanical Wardens serve as the city’s first line of defense, allowing the Ice Wardens to focus on larger-scale threats.
Training for the Ice Wardens is rigorous, combining physical endurance with technical expertise. Recruits undergo months of grueling exercises, learning not only to operate their advanced equipment but also to adapt to the unpredictable and often hostile conditions of Vélactris.

Geography and Landscapes

Frosthaven is perched on a vast frozen plateau surrounded by the Crystal Mountains, a majestic range whose ice-covered peaks shimmer like glass under the sun. These natural formations act as a barrier, shielding the city from the fiercest winds while also providing a steady supply of raw materials for construction and innovation.
Beneath the city lies a sprawling network of natural and artificial tunnels. These subterranean passages connect geothermal heat pockets, which are used to power the city’s steam engines, with reservoirs of frozen water that are melted and purified for consumption. This underground infrastructure is a testament to Frosthaven’s ingenuity, allowing the city to thrive in an environment where most others would perish.
Above ground, Frosthaven is a striking sight. Industrial chimneys dot the skyline, releasing plumes of steam that condense into misty columns in the freezing air. These "steam towers" are both practical and symbolic, representing the city’s industrial might and serving as beacons for travelers navigating the treacherous wilderness.

Foreign Relations: Between Influence and Tension

As the most powerful and wealthiest city in Vélactris, Frosthaven exerts tacit authority over other bastions. Its foreign relations are primarily commercial, but it is not hesitant to resort to intimidation to impose its views.

• Heidheim, the military fortress of the north, maintains a strategic alliance with Frosthaven based on mutual protection agreements.
• Mirragel, the city of illusions, is in constant tension with Frosthaven, which views its philosophical approach as a threat to its pragmatic dominance.
• Arkendelle, the peaceful city, seeks to maintain good relations with Frosthaven but laments its authoritarian approach.

Type

Megalopolis

Population

3 to 4 million

Location under

Vélactris