Race: Dwarves, Goliaths
Government: Glacial Stronghold
Theme: Endurance, ancestral defense, survival against the cold and the world
Frostvein Hold predates many of Andorea’s modern nations. Founded in the First Era by dwarven clans fleeing volcanic upheaval and goliath tribes driven south by advancing ice, the Hold became a sanctuary carved from necessity. United by survival, the two peoples forged a culture centered on endurance, honor, and guardianship.
Frostvein does not seek conquest. It exists to hold the line—against the cold, against invaders, and against ancient horrors sealed beneath the ice. The Hold’s rulers believe that some relics and passages must remain guarded forever, even if the rest of the world forgets why.
Frostvein represents steadfast resistance: the belief that survival itself is a sacred duty.
Frostvein Hold is governed through a rigid but respected hierarchy rooted in tradition and merit.
Key elements of governance:
The High Warden of Frostveil
Supreme ruler and military commander
Selected through a conclave of clan elders and goliath chieftains
Holds authority for life unless proven unfit
The Council of Stone and Ice
Composed of dwarven thanes and goliath elders
Oversees law, resource allocation, and relic custodianship
Acts as a stabilizing force against rash decisions
Clanwardens
Local leaders responsible for tunnels, villages, and outer farms
Maintain population records and defensive readiness
Leadership is conservative by design. Change is slow, deliberate, and often resisted unless survival demands it.
Frostvein’s defenses are among the most formidable in Andorea, built for endurance rather than expansion.
Heavy infantry trained for arctic warfare
Equipped with rune-etched armor and ice-tempered steel
Form the backbone of Frostvein’s armies
Elite defenders stationed at mountain passes and chokepoints
Specialists in ambush, tunnel fighting, and siege endurance
Often serve decades without leaving their assigned pass
Guardians of ancient artifacts sealed within the ice
Equal parts warrior and scholar
Authorized to use forbidden relics only in existential crises
Internal security and emergency response force
Patrols settlements, monitors supply lines, and watches for internal collapse
Also tasked with watching for Ashen Dominion incursions
Allied with:
Skyrend Clans – Seasonal migration treaties and mutual defense
At War with:
Ashen Dominion – Northern expansion and scorched-earth incursions
Frostvein does not seek allies lightly and does not abandon them easily. War is fought not for glory, but because failure means extinction.