An Explorer's Guide to Skìrah

by Clavius Clegorane

Written by David_Ulph

Far too often, noble visitors from Elgerlor see little more of Skìrah than the view from their fortified carriage and the backs of their bodyguards. To be sure, this coarse, uncivilized region my own blood originates from is far from hospitable, but it is also a place of fierce, wild beauty, with grand vistas and inspiring natural wonders awaiting those with the will to seek them out and the refinement to truly appreciate them. If you are of a mind to see Skìrah for yourself, I recommend beginning your adventure as I did, by seeking out Stones of Fate.

No doubt you are taken aback by the name, as I once was. The local Korgs have all manner of dark tales about these ancient monuments. Stories of necromantic rituals and fell spirits, of great and terrible powers conferred on any who dare to touch them. The stories are, as Syre Jon of House Wintersblood once told me, "A load of mammoth dung." A bit uncouth, but you get the point.

To be sure, keep your guards with you at all times - brigands and wild animals are never to be taken lightly. But the stones themselves are nothing to fear. Quite the contrary, their proximity to cities and roads makes them ideal destinations for the novice explorer, and many boast spectacular views that make the journey well worth the effort.

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To whet your appetite, here are four such locations:

Most travellers enter Skìrah by way of Mundi Keep, "Gateway to the West." If you find yourself in this backwater hovel, consider taking an afternoon's ride to the west, keeping to the road as it winds down the cliffs at the eastern end of the beautiful Loch Inen. Just off the path, on a small bluff, lie three ancient stones, considered the greatest standing stones of the old Dathranii Tribes in all of Elgerlia. The view of the Loch here at sunset is simply sublime, although make sure to keep a steady vigil if you wish to stay after dark. The lands here are plagued by savage Minotaur tribes.

Visitors from Lionmidden will pass through Valsport, city of intrigue and larceny since the Golden King's day. If you seek adventure in Valhol, leave the city by the southern gate and cast your gaze upon the bluff that rises to the south. Atop it sits another ancient stone, this one covered in the stories of a long forgotten deity stealing anothers heart, a fitting symbol for the city of thieves.

Frostern is the heart of Skìrah, with the towering palace of Dun Gemrad rivalling even the great castles of Dagorland. But should you tire of the Earl's famed hospitality, another adventure awaits a few hours to the east of the city, along the road that rises higher up the Great Glen. The standing stone depicting an ancient ritual can be found atop the lone hill that rises on the north side of the road, set into an ancient monument. Take time to soak in the incredible view of the Great Glen from this unique spot.

More seasoned explorers may wish to visit Struiglay, the ancient city of stone far to the south-east and capital city of Mountainwatch. The mountainous pathways that cut Mountainwatch and Dawnsmarch make travel here perilous, but for those determined to seek adventure no matter the cost, another stone can be found to the east of the city, perched on the nearest mountain. Though the climb is difficult, reaching the summit is a milestone any explorer could be proud of.

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There are other Stones of Fate to be found in Skìrah - I myself have seen several more, perched on the most remote mountain peaks, or wreathed in fog amid the tundras and marshes. But the true joy of exploration is in the discovery, and so I leave the rest to you. May Shyrakann or Kelai guide your steps.