The March
The March covers the northern territory of The Crescent, where temperate lands gradually transition into the frozen wastes of The Ironrime. This region serves as a natural border between civilized lands and the dangers that lie beyond the mountains.
The Old King's Road passes through The March, connecting Quelenthalar in the southwest to Bhel Kurzum in the northeast. The climate ranges from temperate in the southern areas to cold in the northern reaches near the mountains.
The Pale
The Pale occupies the far northwest of The March. This area consists of frozen wasteland that extends directly into The Ironrime territory. Travel through The Pale is extremely dangerous, as it lies outside the protection of The Road's network. Monsters, giants, and Varl raiders use this route to bypass The Frostgate and The Peaks when moving south, though many perish in the harsh conditions.
Military patrols rarely venture into The Pale due to the extreme risks involved.
Mirindor Forest
Mirindor Forest covers much of the southwestern March, south of The Pale. The northern sections contain primarily pine and birch trees adapted to cold weather. The southern portions feature more temperate species with distinctive coloring - copper-barked trees and foliage that maintains gold and orange colors year-round.
This forest was historically the homeland of the Sylvar people. Ruins of their ancient settlements can still be found throughout the woodland. Quelenthalar is located on the forest's southeastern border.
The Stormfont
The Stormfont is a lake located west of Quelenthalar. It formed around a permanent storm system that remains stationary above the water. The storm produces continuous lightning and weather activity but does not move or dissipate.
The Peaks and Frostgate
The Peaks form a mountain range along The March's northern border. These frozen mountains create a natural barrier between The Crescent and The Ironrime. Some Varl communities exist in the southern reaches of these mountains, though they maintain minimal contact with Crescent settlements.
The Frostgate is a major dwarven fortification built northwest of Bhel Kurzum. This defensive structure was constructed to prevent incursions from giants, Varl, and other northern threats. The fortress is permanently manned and serves as the primary military installation defending The March's northern border.
Settlements
Major Cities: Quelenthalar, Bhel Kurzum
Towns: Axemark is a logging community northwest of Quelenthalar that harvests timber from Mirindor Forest. Coldstone Post serves as a major trading depot for Bhel Kurzum, featuring underground storage facilities that preserve goods through winter months. Khor Duraz is a fortified military town near the Frostgate where all residents participate in militia service.
Regional Characteristics
The March represents the transition zone between The Crescent's settled territories and the wilderness beyond. Communities here tend to be more militaristic and self-sufficient than those in southern regions. The presence of dwarven fortifications and logging operations provides the main economic activities, along with some mining in the foothills.
Weather patterns vary significantly from south to north, with brutal winters throughout the region becoming increasingly severe closer to The Peaks. This climate affects agriculture, making most communities dependent on trade for food supplies.
The March provides character backgrounds for frontier settlers, military personnel, loggers, and those familiar with northern threats.