Howling Grotto

Powerful northern winds race across these cavernous lands creating an ominous wailing said to be the voices of fallen elf warriors. Many believe these lands are haunted.

Overview
Area: 14k

Population: 112k (8/mi2), plus Geldn.

Races: Human (33%), Dwarf (24%), Orc or Half-Orc (19%), Elf or Half-Elf (10%), Goliath (8%), Giant or Giantkin (3%), Shifter (2%), Other (1%)

Climate: Semi-arid with cool, brief summers and long, harsh winters (especially in the north)

Balderk
The dwarfs of the Balderk clan have taken control of the region and operate a gold and silver mine near the Dreadwood. The dwarfs have begun rapidly deforesting the Dreadwood to fuel their mining operation—exacerbating the existing tensions with the fey. Rumors have been spreading that the dwarfs found something of incredible value in the depths of the grotto.

Northaven
Far north and into the cold lays a hamlet forgotten by most of the realm. For centuries, the men and women of Northaven have somehow managed to survive, despite some of the most inhospitable weather in the Evenfall. However, as the drought on the Golden Coast grows increasingly severe, many believe that the abundant supply of fish and game surrounding Northaven can provide sustainable food for the realm. As such, the trade families in the Evenfall have offered substantial wealth in exchange for hunting and fishing license. Strangely, all offers have been refused without reason or audience with the king.

Razorwind Pass
The only known passage to the Frostfell. A frost giant clan dwells within the pass which frequently raids northern hamlets in the Howling Grotto.

Noteworthy Residents
Ragnar, the Mighty

There are many tales attributed to this hulking half-giant, some perhaps exaggerated. Nevertheless, this nomad of the north is the only champion to win the Test of Valor twice in a lifetime.