Halas

Dearest Allyssa

I'm writing to you to say that I am well. I have reached Halas and met the locale medicine man (or 'Shaman' as he refers to himself). He's a rough sort, but has a good nature, and his manner with those who are brought to him is as fine and caring as I would hope for from any of my students.

"Over Halas" by Nicholl Silverfrost of Clan MacNeacail, bard. This is an excerpt from a much larger poem that describes the Shattering, its impact on the Northlands and how even after living in the south for generations, the Northmen dream of returning home. Though snow fell soft as silk Upon stone and street, now silent Flames and fire finished Halas Stone r…

…Many citizens have begun to protest the lack of aid we are giving the Guktan Army as the Trolls and Dark Elves march upon them. It also seems as though these protests are popping up all over Norrath. The only people that have decided to take action seem to be the Northmen of Halas. An elite force of Barbarians made a brave attempt to breach the siege and rend…

…Ameylia was born into a troubled marriage between a clansman from Halas, in the icy wastes, and a farmer's daughter from Freeport. She got her name Ameylia SunRise even before she learned to walk - delighting on riding her father's shoulders at the morning hunt, to catch the first glimpse of the new sun.

Today was an especially cold day. Never stay in Halas again. The only bright point was I met a Master Brewer named Garsen who agreed to join our group and help us explore the uncharted depths of Permafrost. He seems to speak only in rhyme which is a bit annoying but his skill with weapons makes up for it.

A commotion erupted near the warm camp fires in the cave leading to Halas as a pair of gnomes scurried out into the cold carrying odd looking equipment.

…~ Halasian Soldiers Clash with Ykesha ~ Only Ykesha himself could defeat the warriors of Halas in an open field of battle. As steadfast allies of the Frogloks, the people of Halas made a preemptive attack against the camped armies of Ykesha. Survivors report that at first the Northmen caused many casualties in the Troll ranks.

…This is a journal kept by a wild barbarian of the northlands who was instrumental at taking back Halas. Unfortunately, it doesn't end on a pleasant note. Excerpt: For fifteen years, I have been a babe. Today, on my Woading Day, I have been told why we struggle within the cold. We once had a home, but it was taken from us. Our people come from the orc city of…

…Gathering together several brave souls, including a barbarian native to the snowy town of Halas, we began hiking northwards through the Qeynos Hills. Being careful to heed the advice of the Windstalkers, we deftly avoided all of the bears and the wolves that made these foothills their home.

…Eventually laying siege to Halas, they would signal the death-knell for the rugged barbarians. The Snow Orcs would immediately change direction, however, after meeting with a strange visitor. Leaving Halas behind, they began marching to the south with a determined pace. The Crushbone: Not much is known about the Crushbone orcs during this time period.

…During her watches now, Kiva thought about Benno. He was not of her village; his voice had an odd inflection she could not place. But he spoke Halasian as did she and he was very handsome. Gazing upwards into the stars, Kiva wondered where he came from and whether she might see him again.

…"The Horde is at the river; orcs only and I sense they are afraid of something," Benno told the village elders once Kiva introduced him. "I know not what. This is the time to push them back. Push them back beyond Halas." The village leaders agreed. This time they would be the aggressors and slay the Horde. "I go with you; I must avenge my clan," said Benno.

…My home is Halas of the North. My business takes me to Qeynos Hills and for that reason alone, I must suffer the trek through the stench of the gnoll pits. Sometimes I will send ahead my pet wolf Silkie to find sport in the darkness. She enjoys the exercise, for the gnolls cannot outrun her.

This is the second part of a legend among the Northlanders concerning the Age of War. In Part One, Kiva met Benno, who was not of her village. Though the Horde had not yet come to their village, Kiva's people were prepared. With the Growth season upon them, they knew that ways previously impassable were now easier to access.

…Lysbith McNaff says 'Hail! Ye've come to [serve Halas], have ye not? We're the Wolves o' the North and it is our task to defend our city from harm.' You say, 'I serve Halas' Lysbith McNaff says 'Halas is surrounded by barren arctic tundra. We've many foes. Among them are the [orc troopers], [ice goblins] and the ever-present polar bears.'

…Cutting up from the southwest and running through the center ofthe nation are the Everfrost peaks, a collection of jagged. rocky mountains, sometimes covered in treacher- ous snow and other times bare to the wind. The rest of the Northlands is mostly plains, cold flat expanses of land with nothing to shield the wind and snow.