Cottenhorn is an island with quite diverse nature, ranging from the great frozen tundra in the north, to the dense forests in the southern part. The harsh mountains that run along the island are home to several tribes of dwarves, giants, trolls and worse.
The inhabitants are as diverse as the rest of the Estian Sea, although there are more dwarves here than other places. The windswept coasts can be quite hostile in autumn, so a certain amount of self-sufficiency is traditional as a village might have to fend for itself during winter. Despite the high winds, the land is very fertile and wine from the vineyards of the southern half is highly sought after in the noble courts of the Estian Sea and beyond.
The County of Cottenhorn encompasses the whole island. It is the most independent city-state (a word that it stretches the definition of) in the League, and also one of the most populous. Count Lucian Blaise sits on his family's seat on the Council of Estia, and has given the other seat up for elections. Votes are only given to the oligarchic burghers of the towns of Cottenhorn, and they are represented on the council my Michael nan Cohornae.
The tall mountains that divide the island in an eastern and western part are not impassable, but unless travelers know the route, it is very easy to get lost or wander into the territory of a troll or giant. The tribes of mountain dwarves that live here are gruff and hardy folk who keep to their traditions. While not openly hostile, they do not like outsiders.
Wyndheath
The windswept land along the great Glimmerspring river that flows from the mountains to the city of Heimdall's Anvil is less arable than the Vinelands to the south.
Heimdall's Anvil
Heimdall's Anvil is the largest city on Cottenhorn. It suffers from a lack of good anchorage due to treacherous reefs and high prevailing winds, which makes trade difficult despite a healthy agricultural production on the island that produces grain, wine, and meat. The city is divided by the Glimmerspring river, which runs from the central mountains to the sea. There is a single large bridge across the river, but a myriad of small boats are available for hire for those who need to cross elsewhere.
Sif's Stones
A small hill surrounded by seven monolithic blocks of stone. It is unknown who or what made this place, but the people of Cottenhorn have used them as a location for holding trials and other official proceedings.
The Vinelands
South of the mountains, the landscape flattens out to arable hills. It is the richest and most industrious part of the island. Here, raw materials from farms, mines, and logging camps across the island are refined into products that are shipped to Greystone and beyond on large flat-bottomed boats that can navigate the treacherous coasts.
Lilyharbor
Lilyharbor is a town on Cottenhorn that lies on the coast about a days ride south of Heimdall's Anvil. It is surrounded by flowing hills dotted with vineyards. Many halflings live here, working the fertile lands around the town.
Sagemeadow
Clarimede Basin
The northern third of Cottenhorn is a leafy forest, only interrupted by Lake Clarimede. The forest has several pockets of Wild Magic. The town of Roslake lies by the Clarimede, a center of the fluxsilk trade.
Ruins of the Moonwarren
In the far north of Cottenhorn, in the part of forests where the Feywild is closest, was once the home to a tribe of Harengon. Recently, they were driven off their soil by a red dragon, who destroyed their village.
Tribe Snowscream
One of the last tribes of mountain dwarves on Cottenhorn, the Snowscream are fierce warriors who only rarely come down from the peaks to trade.
Svala Snowscream
(dwarf druid, LE): Leader of the Snowscream tribe. Wears a snow leopard skin, and carries a staff topped with an icemoil flower.
Eirik Snowscream
(dwarf barbarian, LN): The strongest fighter in the village, and son of Svala. He is always eager to showcase his strength.
The Nettlerue Brambles
The eastern side of the mountain range is scarcely inhabited at all, dominated by a large thorny swamp. The few people who live here are doing so on their own, far from civilization.
The Bramblefort
In the middle of the Nettlerue Brambles lies a decrepit, overgrown fortress. Many years ago, this was a Teccan outpost, but has been long abandoned.
The Roiling Anchorage
High up in the mountains, a small community of storm seekers have gathered to train and meditate.
Mapleweald
In the south, large forests of maple, elm, and oak give rise to a lumber industry, primarily for ship building. The land that is reclaimed is usually used to grow grapes for wine. A clan of druids devoted to Skadi lives here and they have been trying to stop what they view as destruction of nature, with some success. Recently however the logging crews have hired more guards and have resumed operations.
Windcombe
Cape Providence
Ocean currents roil the water around Cape Providence, and many ships have been shattered on its treacherous reefs. Some sailors instead call it Aegir's Rock.
Thule
The northernmost part of Cottenhorn, far beyond the reach of civilization. Here, the ground remains frozen year-round. It is not actually known how far north Cottenhorn goes, but for most civilized purposes, Deephaven could be the northern tip of the island.
Deephaven
One of the most northern settlements on Cottenhorn. The village is centered on a gem mine, but it closed twenty years ago (due to elemental interference from the wild magic zone that straddles much of northern Cottenhorn) and most of the population left. The remaining inhabitants sustain themselves mostly by fishing the icy seas. Some of its inhabitants long for the time when the mine was open and Deephaven was a booming frontier village.
Wreck of the Icefalcon
The Icefalcon was a tradeship that travelled the northern route between Deephaven, Callatis, and Solstice, mostly carrying grain, gems, and furs, but it hasn't been seen for a while. A ship matching her description was reported beached far north of Deephaven.
Borkhum
On the desolate northern shore of Cottenhorn a violent tribe of orcs have settled down. They raid the southern villages in longship canoes, leaving destruction in their wake. The orcs worship the Crone of Skulls, a warlike aspect of Hel. Of those who are captured during raids, the lucky ones are killed. The rest are taken as thralls, and are worked within an inch of their life.