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.

Founding
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. He stepped into service for Dusk Synderys, who at the time ruled the region of Duskyon.

 

It was in Frostarch where the province of the Midlands, now a region inside the archonate of Duskyon, was created, when Lord Spoken Throne 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'. This cultural group has evolved, and so did the noble houses of the region.   

Daelyria to Mithra
 

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 day is remembered across Frostarch and 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).

The new Era
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. Under the High Kingdom of Daelyria, Frostarch has acquired the role of a de-facto capital, experiencing a large increase in population, even from Lorent in the south of Rathnir.

The Lithic War
The Lithic War, also known as the Stoned war, is a skirmish fought between Faern Luth, Alpha Kaerfels and Spoken Kaerfels against Koekie in the streets of Frostarch on March 26th. Both Alpha and Faern are builders, commonly using stone tools for building. Contrary to this, Koekie, being of wealthy nature, has been trying to stop Faern from using these tools.

The scenario escalated into a conflict once Alpha was smuggling stone tools from his chests in the town to Faern. Koekie took notice of this and killed the two. This however didn't stop them from continuing to deal the lithic instruments using trade, secret chests, or even spawning in Koekie's bedroom to deal there. These transactions were usually taken note of when both Alpha and Faern started laughing excessively. Even Alpha's brother Spoken and nephew Shade visited the town during the fights. Spoken, unaware of the situation, died. The local tavernkeep, SkyRox, in the aftermath, was disappointed that no alcohol was involved in the conflict and recommended the participants to drink up before fighting next time. The conflict ended with Koekie allowing Faern to own stone tools "for now".

"The stoned war part II incoming?" -Faern Luth

"I'm fucking gonna force moonshine down Koekie's throat" -Sky Rox

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.