Blinkwind Haven

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Blinkwind Haven is a settlement of the Aethelwald, protected by gale and storm alike.

## Government

As is common throughout the Aethelwald, several competing individuals vie for power in the settlement of Blinkwind Haven, with responsibilities muddled and unclear to the point of confusion of actual leadership.

## Defence

Though internal strife divides many, the residents of Blinkwind Haven are fierce when threatened, with mandatory training with bow and blade considered the minimal competencies for most. Strong mountain winds make the passes leading towards the settlement treacherous for those not fleet of foot, or possessing of fast reactions.

## Commerce

The residents of Blinkwind Haven care little for the trade of outsiders, and so the road leading to the settlement has since fallen into relative disrepair. Though many of the residents use coinage in some manner, miserly thoughts based in the sentiment of a *coin spent is a coin lost forever* stifle conventional commerce in most instances.

## Organisations

Few organisations find a presence in Blinkwind Haven, for few find the settlement welcoming or worth the investment of their time and coin. Shrines to the Archfey tied to Whiterose in all its aspects are found carved into the crags, and depictions of Srar in the guise of the Frozen Prince are likewise commonplace.

## Description

The founders of Blinkwind Haven were, like all of the four major factions of the Aethelwald, the children of Aenarion Quelenneth Velenthir, Eladrin all, bearing the surname of Boreallus. Holding the presence of winter's harshness close, spawn as they were of a spirit of the Feywild known as the Coldborn and the Watcher, the Glacial Vigil brought Blinkwind Haven into being on the ideals of contemplation and perseverance. In time, Glacial Vigil has come to be used to describe any member of the region's populace, not just those of the Boreallus bloodline.

Although the touch of Whiterose is clear in the behaviours and beliefs of the residents of Blinkwind Haven, they are not an exclusively dour folk, as many so often claim. When celebrations do occur they are modest, but only not to be wasteful. Should one seek to sing or dance or otherwise revel, their actions are muted, not for disdain for such joys, but rather out of respect for their neighbours that might not wish to be disturbed with such frivolities at such time. Exchanges may seem outwardly curt and brief, but rather efficiency is placed on one's choice of words, a matter quite at odds as the orators and stentors of Rydoon to the north.

Blinkwind Haven is buried deep in the hills and mountains that rose from the soil and stone in the years following the vanishing of Covengrove. Said to be the influence of the Archfeys Vethurian and Zymuril over the region, chilling gales linger in the foothills of the region, buffeting and forcing would-be foes astray, but for those with the resolve to persist comfort and contentment can be found, though little warmth lingers in the lands of the Coldcursed. The Glacial Vigil patrol their lands zealously, often atop nibelytons, huge owl-like creatures with dark indigo feathers, of which they have grown capable at rearing and training.

Using iridescent inks prepared from rare herbs and leaves of Weald's Wake and the Wildwood, residents of Blinkwind Haven and those associated with the Glacial Vigil mark their palms, wrists, napes and temples with tessellating triangular pattern work. Most wear the tattoos as a matter of pride, though glamours and other illusions are a steadfast fallback when necessary for those wishing to pass unnoticed.