Frostarch

Not to be confused with Frostmarch.

Frostarch, also referred to as Frostarch Keep, is a Helmian city in the province of Duskyon, and is ruled by Alpha Kaerfels. It is the seat of House Kaerfels.

History
The city's construction started on July 19th, 2021. Originally, the city was designed as a fortress to shelter those from Daelyria who sought out protection from war or other attacks, with its mountainous environment helping serve that purpose.

 

It was in Frostarch that the province of the Midlands, now a region inside of the larger province of Duskyon, was created, when Lord Spoken contacted Lord Alpha and a bartender named SkyRox in the forming of a geographical union. This union's goal was to make the region consist of  '70% castle, 20% alcohol, 10% town'.

 

Frostarch was the first place to host a tournament in the defunct nation of Daeylria, hosting several others afterwards. In Daelyria, tournaments were the most common way of satisfying the bloodlust of the population.

Over the time, Frostarch expanded and during September and October, the town gained many citizens and was the most active town in the nation. It has become a cultural heritage of Daelyria.

On January 8th 2022, Frostarch served as a camp for the Simulami and Mithran forces in the war against the Alamayn rebels. After the initial attack on Adwa, Frostarch was raided by Ulfaeng, who were hired by Alamayn in advance. The battle ended in Frostarch Keep being looted clean, animals getting killed and places of cultural importance being destroyed. It is said that Alpha Kaerfels watched the ruins in a flood of tears, seeing his walls breached, chests cleared and even the smallest things stolen. This started a shockwave of sorrow in all of Mithra, after which they surrendered to Bardonia to avoid another devastating conflict, becoming the Provisional Helmian State (Helmian Federation).

For a long time Frostarch sought to expand outside the walls. The citizens and the mayor started connecting the Wyrmpit, the largest arena in the continent, Vederya and Treetop Inn with houses, forming one huge city. This lead to the Midlanders developing a new type of Draconist Church, the Kyrepion style.

Architecture
The foundation is made from cobblestone, with the walls being made of stout diorite. The snowy environment of the city makes it perhaps the most beautiful settlement in Helmia and has been recognised as such by many. The town centre and streets are surrounded by many colourful houses, most of which have incredible views. The ambience of the town is quite relaxing and cozy. The strong fir near the marketplace in the higher parts of the town is called "Viotal's gift", named after Alpha's nephew Shade Eptaskia Kaerfels, who after the events of the war in Frostarch left his home town for his love.

Smart military engineering allows the pretty castle to have functional defenses, especially in the walls. The fortress itself is a complex of four castles, each with its own purpose.

Culture
Frostarch grows a mutated variant of the Duskopion berries, Hvaekan berries. These are known for their amazing taste and resistance to cold weather. Their roots have adapted to the rocky soil and can extract minerals, that help develop an umami taste. Followingly they are great for garnish or refining any dish. Thus they are a main ingredient in Daelyria's national dish, Gaelkrys. A variation of the dish is known among the common folk as "Potats". Hvaekan berries are also the main ingredient in the recipe for Hvaekar wine, an expensive traditional wine made at Frostarch.