Stoneshaw

== Geography ==
Stoneshaw is the largest county in the Crags, yet strangely enough also the one which is often simply forgotten. Encompassing the most inhospitable part of the region, it’s not hard to see why most outsiders have never even heard of it. 
In addition, Stoneshaw stands as one of the youngest counties in Alenthyl, having only been created in the 10th century of the Third Era from large swaths of Saintsvale and Mellerne in order to ease the burden of administration for those counties. Bare, limestone surfaces make up most of the surface, usually in the form of steep cliffs, slopes and outcrops that all make travel very difficult.
The exception to the is the Coldstone Plateau, a windswept plateau that towers above all but the region’s tallest peaks and is known for its above average quantities of Arcane Essence. In contrast to rest of the Bastion, the mountaintops within Stoneshaw are covered in ice all year round, and spectacular glaciers can still be found occupying the upper limits of the valleys. 
Settlements are sparsely dotted all over the rugged landscape, home to either entrepreneurial miners or hermits who prefer the quiet mountains to the bustling cities elsewhere in Alenthyl.
== People ==
Stoneshaw is no place for the feeble, and this is reflected by its people. Usually more robust, fair-haired and hardy than other Alenthylians, the people take pride in their ability to survive in such harsh conditions. Visitors to the county are rare, and very few traders choose to peddle their goods here. 
People born in the region tend to stay in their hometown for their entire life, taking over whatever business their family runs. This usually involves keeping mountain goats and sheep as hardy as the people themselves. The Arcane Society also has several outposts in the region, and it’s not uncommon for members of the order to wander into towns for more mundane supplies.
== Ruling Family ==
The harsh landscape of Stoneshaw is ruled over by House Gairne, a small but wealthy noble house ruling from White Citadel up on the Coldstone Plateau. The Gairnes are hermits, keeping mostly to their fortress, only sending a representative out to Gouldhearte when explicitly invited over by House Vincent. 
They seem to care little about the politics of the small settlements within their territory, leaving the local lords completely in charge. Members of House Gairne are often Gifted, leading to rumors among the townsfolk that the Gairnes own their power and wealth to large Arcane Essence mines, in addition to their association with the Holy Templar of Alenthyl.
Category:Regions
Category:Around the World
Category:The Crags
Category:The Holy Empire of Alenthyl