Lindholm

The Inner Band, view from the Inner Harbor

Map of Lindholm, framed in the Jarl's Great Hall

Lindholm is a small, cold town built on the shores of Skeppsbrytare Bay on the coast of Nordmarch. Isolated by sea by seasonal ice flows and by land by the surrounding hills and mountains, it is a place usually protected from harm and regional conflict. It is currently ruled by King Åke Erling.

## History

Lindholm was founded roughly 900 years ago by Willahelm the Mighty. It was initially a small harbour settlement where his household settled while he went to Yemas. The Great Hall originated as the house his servants built for him while he constructed a ship to sail south from the natural harbour here. Willahelm never returned to Lindholm, and his household's descendants make up most of the town's oldest families.

House Erling is the current ruling family of Lindholm, having governed the town since the sudden death of King Amund Asulf roughly 200 years ago. Having been loyal servants of House Asulf for much of their reign, then patriarch Hakon Erling took up the mantle of regent while the town recovered from the tragedy, before eventually being appointed as King by the ruling families of Lindholm.

Once a dependancy of neighboring Svardholm, Lindholm has been independant for only 120 years, having fought for their independance after the then King of Svardholm, Bjorn Ivarrson, had the King of Lindholm executed after a failed raid. Relations have yet to normalize between the two Kingdoms, though they have not clashed for 80 years.

Lindholm has enjoyed relative peace since its independance. While often in open conflict with the Nájazd people of Ligarwia, their geographic isolation has made intrusions into the town itself rare and often insignificant. A powerful navy of longships and a mastery of naval and coastal warfare has ensured the security of its shores, as well as the continued exploitation of its abundant maritime resources and trade routes.

Positioned strategically in a bay along a jutting point on the coast, Lindholm controls a vital chokepoint along Nordmarch's southern coast via a series of fortresses and colonies that dot the shallow waters of the surrounding sea. Utilizing these positions to regulate trade and launch raids, Lindholm has gathered much material wealth by taking advantage of these positions.

Most of the town's conflicts have been expeditionary in nature. Lindholm is home to many faithful of Thedun Oakcracker, its temple being a frequent point of pilgrimage for denizens of the petty kingdom and surrounding holds. Many crusaders have gathered in the square outside this temple, often lead by scions of House Erling as they seek plunder and glory against the enemies of the Stormlord.

The greatest tragedy to strike the town was the War of Hämnd, which started with a Nájazd raid on Lindholm itself. Caught unprepared and with its forces at sea, much of the town's Inner Band was plundered and razed. House Erling managed to stage a valiant defense at the Battle of Hakon’s Bridge, where King Ake Erking led his thanes and honour guard in the defence of the Jarl’s Great Hall. Meanwhile his three eldest, Thyra, Liv, and Ingrid, organized and led the town’s citizenry at the steps of Thedun’s temple. The Nájazd ultimately withdrew, leaving much of the town razed and a third of its population dead or taken in slave ships.

The War of Hämnd continued for four years, ending in a strategic tie at the Battle of Krev Bay. Upon the war’s conclusion, Lindholm’s population was decimated. Though many who had been captured were rescued, much of the town’s youth were slain in the conflict. Few raids have been launched since, as the town has focused on its reconstruction.

A monumental undertaking led by Ingrid Erling, Lindholm’s reconstruction has taken much effort and wealth. While still far from complete, the effort has seen much of the Inner Band rebuilt.

## Landmarks and Topography

Lindholm is a fairly large town, numbering roughly 10,000 people, though this number has been whittled down heavily in recent conflicts. It is split into four distinct areas, each with its own purpose and notable locations.

### The Inner Band

Starting with Hakon’s Bridge in the west and ending with the rocks below Willahelm’s Point in the east, the Inner Band comprises the main harbor, as well as (during the winter months) the winter market. Being the lifeblood and face of the town, it is heavily policed and well maintained, with much of the town’s guard being marshalled on the docks, overseen by Sigrid Erling.

**Hakon’s Bridge -** Built by Hakon Erling during the height of his reign, the bridge is a key landmark of the Inner Band. It is a beautiful construction, being carved of stone from the nearby mountains and dedicated to the earth and Thedun with many runes. The bridge is meticulously maintained by Ingrid Erling, a master stonemason in charge of the Runecarvers in the town.

**Jarl’s Great Hall -** Built by Willahelm the Mighty during Lindholm’s founding, the Great Hall is the seat of the King and the political centre of the petty kingdom. A masterpiece of wood and stone, the Great Hall has stood unburned and unplundered for 900 years.

**Shrine to Thedun -** Erected around a massive stone statue of the Stormlord, this shrine conatins the countless offerings of Lindholm's warriors. A shield bearing the crest of the ruling family is left at the foot of the statue, being taken up in times of war and returned once peace returns. It is custom for denizens and visitors to Lindholm to visit the shrine and make an offering of iron in hopes of earning the Stormlord's favor.

**The Harbor -** The harbor of Lindholm is a relatively large deep-water port that can hold upwards of 20 ships at once. It is where the town’s men muster for raids and crusades, and where most of the town’s income flows through. During the winter months the shallower ends of the harbour freeze over, allowing merchants to set up their stalls by the water. Ships are able to anchor a stone’s throw from the town’s renowned woodcarvers, runecarvers and scrimshanders, forming a unique mercantile system that keeps the gold flowing through the difficult winter months.

**Shrine to Kenos -** Erected in the middle of the bay at the mouth of the harbor, the shrine depicts the God of the Sea channeling the waves in a mighty torrent around him. Offerings of mead and wine are often left by those who pass through the harbor. Those who cannot spare such luxuries sing songs in his honor instead, requesting or thanking him for safe passage.

### The Runeward

The core and center of Lindholm is called the Runeward, named as such for the many runic carvings erected over Lindholm's 900 year history. Most all are dedicated to the Stormlord, invoking his protection and blessings. Almost every building in this area is made of carved stone, the intricate carvings and reliefs restored and maintained by Ingrid Erling and her order of Runecarvers.

**Temple of Thedun -** The temple of Thedun is the largest building in Lindholm; a towering structure of wood and stone with runic carvings and reliefs etching the entirety of its surface. It is bedecked in honorifics of Thedun, thanking him for his protection and guidance. The plaza in front of the temple has been the staging ground of many raids and crusades, where the Stormlord's faithful pledge themselves to the service of his children. Three statues stand in the temple's main hall: Thedun, at the center, basking in natural light let in from above, alongside his son Stromn Lightningbeard at the right enclave and his wife Gigana at the left enclave.

**Runecarver's Hall -** The Runecarvers are a recent formalization of a long standing tradition. Lead by Ingrid Erling, the Runecarvers are tasked with the creation and maintenance of the many stone buildings in Lindholm, as well as the dedication of ships to Thedun and Kenos.

**Arnulf's Forge -** Built by King Arnulf 300 years ago, the forge sits across the temple of Thedun in the center plaza. Its smith has been tasked with the creation of the ruling family's arms and armor for generations. Using steel and runecraft, the items that leave this forge are renowned throughout the Kingdom. Since it was first constructed, it has been worked by the elven smith Finar, who is famous for setting himself on fire and beating the metal into submission with just his fists.

**The Mortar and Pestle -** A comfy hall that functions as an inn and tavern. It hosts most of the long term visitors to Lindholm, and is renowned for the bizarre creations of its keeper, Mad Maud, whose attempts at fusing brewing and alchemy have produced many medicinal and dangerous concoctions.

### Willahelm's Rest

Formed of the rocky cliffs overlooking Skeppsbrytare Bay, Willahelm's rest is home to the Lindholm Lighthouse, as well as the small extension to the town that has formed at the lighthouse's base.

**The Lindholm Lighthouse -** A recent addition to the town, the lighthouse helps guide sailors through the misty seas of the region. It is manned day and night and heavily guarded.

**Woodward -** Woodward is the nickname for the small town that has sprung up on the cliffs. Formed of wood and thatch houses and huddled in the shelter of the lighthouse, these people work and guard the lighthouse and serve as lookouts for potential raiders.

### The Kaldskógur

Beyond the walls and palisades of Lindholm is the Kaldskógur forest. Stretching from Skeppsbrytare Bay to the surrounding hills and mountains, it is a thick, frozen thicket home to plentiful game and useful herbs. Not much lives in thsi wilderness, barring the occasional village that owes fielty to Lindholm.

**Speaker Arngorm's Hut -** A hermit who has secluded themselves in the woods, Speaker Arngorm uses psychadelics to commune with Thedun and the spirits of nature. The local wise man and herbalist, he is respected by the Erling family and often consulted with in regards to the spiritual.