Stoneward Hold
A grim fortress of stone and oath set against the mountains, Stoneward Hold endures as Heterland’s hard heart—unyielding, watchful, and incorruptibly fair.
Overview
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Type: Fortress City / Capital
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Country: Kingdom of Heterland
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Population: ~22,000 (including garrison and civil retainers)
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Primary Industry: Governance, defense, logistics, mountain trade
Description
Stoneward Hold is built to last, not to please.
Carved directly into a mountain spur and reinforced with cyclopean stonework, the city rises in terraces of gray granite and iron-bound gates. Snow lingers in shaded courtyards even in warmer months. The air is cold, clean, and sharp with the smell of stone dust, pine smoke, and oiled steel.
Architecture is severe: thick walls, narrow streets designed to funnel movement, and towers positioned for overlapping fields of fire. There are no grand plazas—only mustering yards, drill squares, and public halls meant for judgment and record. Banners are rare; symbols are carved instead.
The mood is austere but calm. Voices are low, tempers controlled. Justice here is not theatrical—it is procedural. Everyone knows where they stand, and that knowledge is a comfort.
Districts & Areas
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High Bastion – Inner fortress housing the royal seat and war council
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The Ledger Courts – Administrative quarter where law, taxation, and oaths are recorded
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Garrison Terraces – Barracks, armories, and training grounds
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Stonefolk Ward – Civilian housing for clerks, families, and artisans
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The North Gate – Heavily fortified mountain approach and trade entrance
Notable Locations
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The Seat of Balance – Hall where the monarch hears petitions and judgments
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Hall of Ledgers – Archive of laws, taxes, treaties, and military rolls
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The Oath Pillars – Stone monoliths where officials and soldiers swear service
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Ironwatch Keep – Command tower overlooking the mountain passes
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The Cold Hearth – Sole public hall for food, meetings, and announcements
People of Note
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King Gregor the XIV– Ruler of Heterland, known for stern fairness
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Lord Justiciar Halven Rook – Overseer of courts and legal process
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Marshal Edric Stonevale – Commander of the mountain garrisons
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Archivist Brenna Holt – Keeper of the Hall of Ledgers, feared for her memory
Factions Present
Law & Governance
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Law is written, posted, and uniformly enforced
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Trials are public, verdicts explained
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Nobility receives no legal exemption
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Oathbreaking carries the harshest penalties
Stoneward Hold believes predictability is mercy.
Culture & Customs
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Values: Duty, fairness, endurance
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Dress: Wool, leather, muted colors
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Traditions:
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Annual public reading of the laws
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Oath renewal ceremonies for officials
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Taboos:
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Favoritism
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Bribery
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Breaking sworn word
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People here do not smile easily—but they mean it when they do.
Rumors & Hooks
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A sealed mountain tunnel beneath the Hold has been reopened after centuries
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A Justiciar is quietly investigating corruption within the navy
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Dwarven envoys have arrived unannounced at the North Gate
Player Notes
Stoneward Hold is harsh, orderly, and just.
Laws are clear and consequences unavoidable.
Adventurers are respected if they are honest.
Break your word here, and the mountains will remember you.