Frostmarch

Frostmarch was once ruled by myriad barbarian tribes, which delved south and east to raid other kingdoms and settlements. They also warred amongst themselves regularly. After the collapse of the ancient empire where The Beastwood now rules, there was a climate shift in this part of the world. Frostmarch grew colder and harsher.

The worsening environment and loss of resources caused the already chaotic land to become worse. Many were starving or sick, struggling to adjust to the new conditions. Desperation drove some tribes to work together, others to war, and the result was one continuous, bloody conflict engulfing the entire region. One union of barbarian tribes strong armed the various independent tribes under their rule. This new barbarian hierarchy was ruled by the chief of the strongest tribe, which at the time was Talnar.

Talnar was unable to maintain order and former chiefs still sought to be a ruler under a system of 'ruled by the strongest'. Varda, Talnar's wife, effectively led to a overthrowing of the male chieftans. Across the territory, the chieftans' wives had subdued their husbands through either negotiation or force. Varda won authority from Talnar in a public duel, staking her life against the right to rule. She won and became known as the first Matriarch of Frostmarch.

During her reign, she established the first permanent settlement, and capital, Icewall. To support the founding of this city, and as a consequence of officially establishing a city, Frostmarch began to develop into more of the expectation of a civilization, with other towns, an economy, and trade all starting to emerge. The Matriarch line continued ever sense with each Matriarch raising daughters to take the throne once they become too old to have a 'strong grip' on the kingdom.

Despite the attempts at being a proper civilization, the brutal climate, terrain, and history of being warriors, left certain cultural artifacts in place. Strength and cunning are still highly valued, and the 'rule of the strongest' is still in place for women, allowing anyone woman to challenge the Matriarch for the throne.

The climate and weather in Frostmarch is, as one would suspect, more cold and harsh than its neighbors. The country essentially hibernates for the month surrounding the winter solstice, as its so dark, cold, and snow-covered, that it's virtually impossible to get anything done. In larger town, mages are able to keep the ice from piling up too much, but there is only so much to be done against the weather. The summers are short, and still cool, compared to other areas in the region, but the days are very long, allowing for much more productivity and extensive trade with other nations.

The following locations of interest are in Frostmarch: The following characters are strongly tied to Frostmarch:
 * Icewall (Capital)
 * Lakeside
 * Miner's Rest
 * Eastmark
 * Talnar
 * Varda