Overview
Stormhaven is the capital of Bjarnholt and the city guarding Stormhaven Strait. It stands on a small coastal hill on the southern side of the strait, with a large bridge spanning the waterway toward the north. Under Thorik, Stormhaven becomes the city where Bjarnholt holds the southern darkness front.
Geography & Layout
Stormhaven sprawls along the coastline and uphill from its harbor. The city has dark timber buildings, reinforced iron beams, angled rooftops suited to constant rain, docks with fishing boats and longships, and an elevated district above the sea. Thorik's great hall includes a sturdy rune-carved table, and the southern edge of the city descends toward the darkness front.
Stormhaven is built for Bjarnholt's harsh coast and the pressure from the southern front. Near the threatened southern districts, streets grow quieter, homes are abandoned, faded runes mark doorframes, and fortified outposts stand between the city and corrupted forest.
Stormhaven Strait
Stormhaven Strait is the narrow waterway below Stormhaven's coastal hill. It separates the southern and northern sides of Bjarnholt near the city, and a large bridge spans it for people and supplies. Near Stormhaven, the strait is at most a hundred paces wide.
Fishing boats, Stormhaven longships, Haverloch vessels, construct ships, and allied forces move through or near the strait. Vianna, Virel, and Maia cross it by boat on the route toward Haverloch. Later, Virel and Vianna ask Thorik for passage through the strait on the way to Thalassai. They offer refugee space in Haverloch and Morozkaya during Stormhaven's darkness threat.
Darkness front
As the darkness reaches Bjarnholt, the corruption presses close to Stormhaven's southern wall. Blackened grass, cracked earth, lost villages, and darkness creatures mark the perimeter, where guards and mages hold the darkness creatures back with rune-forged weapons. The threat is severe enough that Lythariel goes south to buy the city time.
Lythariel holds back and reverses the corruption near Stormhaven, keeping the city standing. She remains there until the people are safe, and later stays near Stormhaven with Silas and Krexyn. The darkness begins to recede.
Travel and Diplomacy
Stormhaven controls passage through Stormhaven Strait, so travelers and allied forces need Thorik's approval to move through Bjarnholt. Virel and Vianna negotiate with Thorik for passage toward Thalassai, offering refugee space in Haverloch and Morozkaya for Stormhaven's people in return.
Travel from Haverloch and Brighthaven also reaches Stormhaven's waters. Haverloch-style vessels pass through the strait, Stormhaven longships travel alongside construct vessels during Bjarnholt refugee movements, and Thalena later stops at Stormhaven to announce the Celestial Games. Bjarnholt's trade routes with Haverloch cities improve.