Lashmir

Far to the north of Jakkurin, nestled against the rugged base of the Krolun Peaks, lies the independent city of Lashmir. Known for its isolation, harsh winters, and resilient people, Lashmir thrives where others might struggle. Its survival depends on the unique relationship between its inhabitants, the surrounding mountains, and the creatures that call this frozen landscape home.

Demographics

The people of Lashmir, known as Lashmiri, are a hardy and close-knit group, shaped by generations of living in the shadow of the Krolun Peaks. Their culture revolves around survival in the snow-covered wilderness, and they have a deep respect for both the mountains and the animals that help sustain their way of life.

Government

Lashmir is governed by a Council of Elders, composed of the city’s most respected herders, miners, and religious leaders. The council meets within the Great Hall of Snow, a massive stone building carved into the base of the mountains, where decisions about trade, defense, and diplomacy are made.
Independence: Despite its small size and remote location, Lashmir fiercely guards its independence. The Mountain Watch ensures that no foreign power can encroach upon its territory, and the harshness of the terrain acts as a natural defense. Trade is conducted on Lashmir’s terms, and the city is careful to maintain its sovereignty, even in dealings with larger powers like the Kingdom of Darkia.

Industry & Trade

Goat Herding: Every family in Lashmir owns at least a few goats, and herding is both a daily necessity and a cultural tradition. Lashmiri goats are hardy creatures, capable of navigating the rocky, snow-covered terrain with ease. The herders often lead their flocks to higher pastures in the warmer months, where the goats graze on the sparse vegetation that survives in the mountain valleys.
Goat Milk: Goat’s milk is the lifeblood of the city, used to produce cheese, yogurt, and kefir that sustain the people through the long winters. Lashmiri cheese, in particular, is highly prized and is one of the city’s main exports. Known for its sharp, rich flavor, it’s said that each wheel of cheese carries the essence of the Krolun Peaks within it.
Goat Products: The primary export of Lashmir is goat cheese, along with woolen textiles made from the goats’ thick coats. These exports are in high demand across Jakkurin, with traders braving the mountain passes to bring Lashmiri goods to market.

Points of interest

The Shrine of Snow: High in the foothills of the Krolun Peaks, overlooking the city, stands the Shrine of Snow, dedicated to the mountain gods. Here, offerings are made throughout the year to ensure safe passage through the mountains and bountiful harvests from the goats.
The Goat Market: Every month, traders from across the region come to Lashmir’s Goat Market, where herders sell their finest goats, cheese, and wool. The market is also a social hub, where stories are exchanged over steaming cups of goat milk tea and plans are made for the harsh winter months ahead
The Ice Forge: In the deepest winter, Lashmir’s famed Ice Forge is operational, where skilled blacksmiths use the extreme cold to craft weapons and tools of exceptional strength. The forge’s products are sought after across Jakkurin, and only the most skilled smiths are allowed to work within its frozen halls.

Geography

Location: Lashmir is situated at the base of the Krolun Peaks, a towering mountain range that dominates the northern horizon. The city rests on the foothills, protected from the worst of the mountain storms, but still very much part of the unforgiving alpine environment. Snow covers Lashmir for most of the year, with only a brief summer where the landscape thaws into lush green valleys.
Krolun Peaks: The Peaks themselves are an awe-inspiring sight, their jagged, snow-covered summits reaching high into the clouds. Known for both their dangerous beauty and their role as natural barriers, they are home to numerous treacherous passes and ancient paths that only the most skilled mountaineers dare to traverse.
The Mountain Gods: Lashmiri religion revolves around the worship of mountain spirits, particularly the gods of the peaks. These spirits are said to control the weather, the fertility of the land, and the success of the herders and miners. Temples dedicated to these gods are found throughout Lashmir, often built into the mountains themselves.

Natural Resources

Mountain Goods: Lashmir’s access to the Krolun Peaks allows it to mine for rare crystals and metals found in the mountain caves. These materials, often difficult to extract, are sold to craftsmen and smiths across Jakkurin. The Mountain Watch also plays a role in ensuring that the trade routes through the mountains remain open, despite the risks posed by avalanches and marauding beasts.

Type

Town

Location under

Jakkurin