Icestair
Icestair is the largest settlement in the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, wedged against the wall of ice that marks the edge of the Crown of the World.
Icestair takes its name from its main feature: a vast set of human-sized stairs cut into the ice and topped with carved slabs of volcanic rock, rivalling even the Storval Rise as the most impressive staircase in the world. There is also a great winch used to haul the sledges and heavy gear of travellers up and down the great wall of ice. Most such expeditions arrive at Icestair from the distant continent of Tian Xia, and Icestair is filled with guides who lead these expeditions to Hillcross or even Wyvernsting. Icestair, due to its links with the distant continent, is home to many Tian humans and is run by a Tian, Po La the Bureaucrat.
Government
Po La and his assistants maintain the ice stair (which is indirectly assisted by the powerful cold magics of the Queen of Irrisen to the west), carving new steps when the old ones break or wear down, and replacing the winches whenever it is necessary. They also can arrange for well-armed guides to help merchants as they traverse the dangerous lands outside of the Realm of the Mammoth Lords. Since the opening of the Worldwound to the east, there are no absolutely secure routes to the south, Po La is often in touch with the orcs of the Hold of Belkzen in order to establish safe passage through their lands. In return for their guarantees, he has allowed them to hunt megafauna in Mammoth Lords' land.
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