02 - Iron Kingdoms W.. - Captain Spud Is Amazing

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strongholds. It was also one of the last strongholds to
fall during the Scourge as the Orgoth fled west in 201
AR. Some say the dark stones here burn the flesh of
those who touch them and that the large, now-toppled
henge stones weep blood. Regardless of the truth of
this claim, after eight centuries of dark rites, no one
has rebuilt Henge Hold.
Ingrane: Time has washed away the blood of
Ingrane, but the ruins remain a silent reminder. Where
a thriving fishing village once stood, only blackened
remains of fire-gutted houses poke from the bluffs.
Neither graves to mark the resting places of the
former inhabitants nor bleached bones remain; dark
hands took them all away. A Cryxian raiding party
took this village by surprise and mercilessly set upon
it with sword and torch in 584 AR. The few survivors
fled to Ramarck and never looked back. The most
famous survivor of this tragedy is the warcaster
Captain Victoria Haley who was just five years old
at the time and dislikes answering questions about
that night. Locals avoid the ruins, convinced they are
haunted. On some fog-shrouded evenings “Ingrane’s
Keening” can be heard coming from the bluffs. It
is described as an unnatural wind that produces a
haunting sound akin to hundreds of pain-stricken
voices wailing in anguish.
Nine Stone: The origin of the place called Nine
Stone is unknown, yet it has been linked to many
dark uses throughout its history. The ruins consist
of several crumbled walls, ramped earthworks,
and collapsed tunnels, but it is named for its most
striking feature: nine enormous, sharpened stones
that protrude from the earth and reach for the sky
like claws. It is believed—and circumstantial evidence
in the Enkheiridion supports this belief—that the
stones are older than the Twins. The stones have
been linked to Devourer rites and to dark druidic
practices. The Orgoth were fascinated by the 30-foothigh
stones resembling many surviving examples of
their architecture. Warwitches and priests frequented
the area, but the Orgoth never built a permanent
structure closer to Nine Stone than their fortress at
Henge Hold. Occasionally druids still gather in small
councils at Nine Stone, but these druids have not
caused trouble for Ramarck or Orven, so the soldiers
of nearby Westwatch have thus far ignored them.
Raelthorne Island: Raelthorne Island is the
exclusive palatial retreat of the Cygnaran monarchy.
The great stone manor that sits on the island’s northern
shore was built during the reign of Raelthorne II.
With some of the best hunting ground in the whole
kingdom, the island is blessed with a large population
of wild game. Its well-manicured lawns and ample
gardens are renowned throughout the kingdoms.
The Island has fallen into disuse since the reign
of Vinter Raelthorne IV; the Elder had little use for
island retreats. Leto fondly recalls the days of his youth
spent on the Island but cannot bear the thought of
visiting the place without his beloved wife. The place is
maintained by a skeleton crew of caretakers who dwell
on the Island. Since its construction, visitors have
sworn the manor is haunted though the caretakers
claim this is mere superstition.
Tomb of Lost Souls: This lost tomb was recently
rediscovered deep in the Dragonspine Peaks thanks
to the efforts of High Prelate Dumas of Corvis who
is credited with finding its location. Although there
has not been time to study it properly, the University
of Corvis has been debating a “fiscally responsible”
method for cataloguing its contents. The tomb
remains a very dangerous place filled not only with
old devices to safeguard those buried here but also
by the intrusion of unwelcome creatures drawn to
dark and dusty chambers. This was the burial place of
thousands of Cygnaran soldiers who were placed here
in 295 AR at the request of a divine manifestation of an
archon of Morrow. Various prophecies and portents
are linked to this tomb, but the full meanings are still
hotly debated.
Cygnaran Wilds
Bloodsmeath Marsh: Located in the upper
northeast corner of Cygnar, Bloodsmeath Marsh
comprises hundreds of tiny peat moss islands afloat in
a sea of murky water, cat-tailed reeds, water locusts, and
black mangroves. It is home to few humans—hermits
and druids mostly. Difficult to traverse, the marsh is
often avoided by travelers who prefer the safety of the
Black River a few miles to the east. Bloodsmeath is thick
with biting insects and poisonous snakes and home to
gatormen, bog trogs, and primal gobber settlements.
Cygnaran forces have recently been forced to make
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