Valkengard The Forbidden North & War of the Skull God The current year for our Forbidden North campaign is 20 A.S. (After the Skull God). Inspired By Robert Alderman

Perched upon the frigid shores of the Sea of Storms, beneath the shadow of snow-capped mountains and ancient pine forests, stands the city of Valkengard—the greatest bastion of civilization in all the Forbidden North. Massive stone walls encircle the city, while towering keeps and watchtowers stand vigilant against threats from both land and sea.

To weary travelers arriving from distant lands, the sight of Valkengard rising above the mist-shrouded harbor is often their first glimpse of hope after a long and perilous journey.

Though isolated from the southern realms, Valkengard has become a beacon for refugees, adventurers, merchants, and fortune-seekers alike. With the collapse of the Hadean Empire and the chaos spreading throughout the civilized world, thousands have fled northward in search of safety and opportunity. The city's docks are crowded with ships carrying desperate souls seeking a new beginning, while caravans arrive daily through the northern roads bearing supplies, news, and rumors from distant lands.

Life within the city walls is a mixture of hardship and determination. The people of Valkengard are a hardy folk accustomed to long winters, bitter winds, and the ever-present dangers of frontier life. Fishermen brave the icy waters each day, hunters venture into the surrounding wilderness, and craftsmen labor to provide the tools and goods necessary for survival. Despite the harsh environment, the city's markets remain lively, filled with traders selling everything from exotic imports to treasures recovered from forgotten ruins.

The city is ruled by powerful nobles and influential guilds whose interests often compete behind closed doors. Alliances are forged and broken in candlelit halls while merchants negotiate lucrative contracts and politicians maneuver for power. Beneath the surface of everyday life lies a web of intrigue that touches every corner of Valkengard. Those seeking wealth or influence quickly discover that the city's greatest dangers are not always found beyond its walls. Yet it is the wilderness surrounding Valkengard that has earned the city its reputation.

Beyond the safety of its fortifications stretches the vast expanse of the Forbidden North—a land of ancient forests, frozen valleys, towering mountains, and forgotten kingdoms. Countless ruins from lost civilizations dot the landscape, their crumbling halls filled with relics, secrets, and untold dangers. Many adventurers arrive in Valkengard with dreams of uncovering these ancient treasures, though few fully appreciate the risks involved.

Legends abound throughout the city. Sailors speak of sea monsters lurking beneath stormy waters, hunters tell stories of giants wandering the highlands, and scholars whisper of forgotten gods whose influence still lingers in remote corners of the North. Every tavern contains tales of lost expeditions, hidden tombs, and treasures beyond imagination. In Valkengard, rumors are as common as snowfall, and it is often difficult to separate truth from myth.

For many, Valkengard is the end of a long journey. For others, it is merely the beginning. The city stands as the last great outpost before the untamed wilderness, a place where civilization meets the unknown. Beyond its gates lie opportunities for glory, riches, discovery, and ruin in equal measure. Those who possess courage, ambition, and a willingness to face the dangers of the Forbidden North may find their fortunes here—or carve their names into legends that will be told for generations to come.