Gundarlun Gundarlun ( pronounced " GOON - der - len " ) was an island in the Frozenfar in the Trackless Sea , off the coast of Icewind Dale in the North . Climate . Although classed as a subarctic climate like the nearby mainland , Gundarlun , like other islands in the area , experienced somewhat different weather , owing to the seas . Gundarlun endured winter for almost eight months of the year , and was regularly locked in sea ice that often reached over 1 mile ( 1 . 6 kilometers ) in extent by the month of Alturiak . When not packed in ice , the island was often blanketed in dense fog that rose late in the day . Summers were particularly cool . The island was lashed by heavy storms off the seas , and continual bitter northwest winter wind was called " Auril ' sbreath " by the islanders . The white dragon Arveiaturace drank from freshwater lakes and cascades on Gundarlun , among other islands of the region . People & Culture . Gundarlun was inhabited largely by Northmen . The people of the island were known as " Gunds " . They were excellent fisherfolk and merchants , and were relatively more devout when it came to the gods than most other Northmen . Rich and poor enjoyed dressing in colorful cloth made in the south . Their longship s were adorned with figureheads of fish , such as marlins and swordfish , or predatory birds like ernes or sea eagles and ospreys . Gund warriors preferred sword s to axe s . Gund mercenaries and adventurers were found all down the Sword Coast . Some fought as barbarian s , but only a few as berserker s . Locations . Like the other islands , most settlements on Gundarlun were built on the leeward side , away from the chill wind . The biggest settlement on the island — indeed , all the islands of the northern Trackless Sea — was the city of Gundbarg , the " Gateway Port " , with a population of 12 , 000 . The Dragon Turtle Inn in Gundbarg by the harbor was known as a place from which to hire captains with ships , as well as a hangout for adventurers . Notable locations : Economics . Gundarlun had an economy based entirely on fishing , farming , mining , and trading . Almost every ship to cross the Trackless Sea stopped at Gundbarg to take on fresh water and food , make repairs , replace crew , or exchange goods . The city provided all the services required by these seafarers , with inns , taverns , drydocks , sailmakers , and great warehouses , and maintained reasonable prices . Great quantities of dried , pickled , salted , and smoked fish were imported from Vilkstead on the Purple Rocks , and sold on to cities on the mainland . Government . Gundarlun was ruled by King Olger Redaxe by 1358 DR , and still ruled by him in 1370 DR . The island was organized into fifteen holds ruled by jarls . It was the only island member of the Lords ' Alliance . The dragon Arveiaturace claimed territory across the Trackless Sea that included Gundarlun . Military . Gundbarg kept a standing army numbering 300 warriors . They served as city guard and crews of the six raker warships commanded by the king . Each hold on the island had one to four longships of its own , each with a crew of 40 warriors . The sea - going fire giant s of Tuern occasionally raided as far as Gundarlun . History . Gundarlun was colonized by Northmen sailing from the coast of the mainland . The Gunds in turn colonized the Purple Rocks . Illuskan s from Gundarlun and Tuern later invaded the Moonshae Isles . In the Year of the Thousand Snows , 256 DR , the Ffolk surrendered the northern isles to the invaders . A Calishite mining colony named Berranzo was founded on the western side " circa " 1330 DR . However , " circa " 1333 DR , the inhabitants were mysteriously driven mad and killed . Prior to 1370 DR , Luskan fought a war against Gundarlun , but was unable to defeat the islanders , as they were unable to defeat many others .