The Great Iron Citadel of Asaka sat perched high upon the jagged granite cliffs of the northern peaks, surrounded by swirling snow and roaring mountain pines. Inside the Great Hall of the Bear, massive stone hearths burned with crackling birch logs, casting dancing orange firelight across carved ironwood pillars and hanging wolf pelts.
Hundreds of battle-hardened northern clan chiefs, fortress jarls, and academy weapon masters packed the tiered stone benches of the hall. The air was thick with the scent of roasted mutton, spiced pine ale, and the sharp metallic tang of thousands of polished steel broadswords.
Upon the elevated stone dais sat Grand Zorath Zaka Asakana, resting within the heavy carved Iron Throne. The elder chief was wrapped in a thick mammoth-fur cloak, leaning heavily upon a carved ironwood walking cane with deep, silver battle scars marking his weathered face and chest.
