Snowdrift Refuge

Snowdrift Refuge was a settlement in the southern aspect of the Hoarfrost Expanse.

Its residents later refounded the settlement, renaming it Snowdrift Respite.

## Description

Built in and amongst what appears to be a ruined abbey, Snowdrift Refuge provides a much-welcome buffer against the winds that sweep across the indomitable ice plains of the Hoarfrost Expanse. Strung between the ice-bitten stone coarse leathers form improvised shelter for those that seek it. Snowdrift was the improvised home of the Goliath Clan Agu-Vathala, lead by Jarl Argak Keenheart, the surviving members having since relocated to Whittengrove.

## Notable Features

* Ruined Tavern - While little of the interior construction remains, the layout of the one of the more intact homes in Snowdrift Refuge betrays its prior function as a tavern of sorts. Still a campfire rages where a hearthfire once burned, and it is around this that the Agu-Vathala tribe gather come nightfall to share in fermented goat's milk known as *Fjellengel.* There is a cellar located to the back in which meats (elk, seal, mammoth) are stored, safe from the roaming wolf and saber-tooth cats that inhabit the surrounding lands. The Jarl Argak Agu-Vathala (Keenheart) has made this his home.
* Animal Pens - In the remains of an old brewery once attached to the collapsed tavern directly next to it, the Goliath residents have made quarters for their livestock. Binding together the gaps in the walls with leather hides, the southern room is home to their aurochs Gale, whereas the eastern room is the home to two goats - Nibbler and Hammer.  The room that joins them is occupied by Mogath Agu-Vathala (Beastwalker), who is fiercely proud and protective of Gale, Nibbler and Hammer. His wife, Kaukeo Agu-Vathala (Hornmender) uses the milk the goats produce to make cheese which is pungent and tart in taste.
* Old Abbey - Atop a slightly raised point, the Abbey dedicated to an unknown deity has two remaining walls, that to the west and the south. The stairs leading up to it are warped and scattered. The shrine, long-windbattered is of smooth stone that depicts a lamb watching over a sleeping child. One of the goliaths has carved some tattoos into the babe's brow as if to try and make them more goliath-like in appearance. A small oil lantern burns in front of the shrine, a bucket of frozen blubber resting next to it.
* Watchtower -- At a modest thirty feet, the old Watchtower of Snowdrift Refuge only peaks out of the valley by a manner of ten feet or so, but serves as a vantage point nonetheless for the residents. The only route up is a set of stone steps that wind around the edge, more likely by chance than design, and they are slick with ice save for in the height of the day come summer. Niki Agu-Vathala (Flintfinder) and Neolath Agu-Vathala (Rainhunter) take turns at standing sentry.
* Leatherworking Room - One room remains standing near fully in the house on the southwestern aspect of town. While snow still creeps through the hole in the ceiling in the westernmost room, it has been sealed over by tanned leathers and an impromptu doorway created with two mammoth tusks serving as the framework. Outside between the ruins fish are hung upon a line to dry and freeze, and a tanning rack rests against one wall, weighed down by stones at its base. It is the residence of Vogun Agu-Vathala (Stormtanner) and his hound Kirim.
* Collapsed House - Once made up of four rooms of varying sizes, the house in the southwestern aspect of the township is in the greatest state of disrepair of all. Little more remains than the simple outline of where walls once were.
* Improvised Smithy - Though the forge has long grown cold, the hammers of Kanagal Agu-Vathala (Steadyfist) have not frozen over. Here the Goliath tends to weapons, fletches new arrows and restrings bows. He has a small storeroom which holds a few stray items that he had bartered with other hunters that sometimes come visiting.

## Residents

* Jarl Argak Agu-Vathala (Keenheart) - Hunter, Jarl
* Mogath Agu-Vathala (Beastwalker), Kaukeo Agu-Vathala (Hornmender) - Hunters, Animal Tenders
	+ Gale, Nibbler, Hammer
* Niki Agu-Vathala (Flintfinder), Zagoth Agu-Vathala (Rainhunter) - Hunters, Scouts
* Kanagal Agu-Vathala (Steadyfist) - Mason, Fletcher
* Vogun Agu-Vathala (Stormtanner) - Hunter, Leatherworker
	+ Kirim