World's End Garrison

Humans have long sought the frontier as explorers, settlers, and even conquerors. That is what brought them to The Far Reaches in the first place, but even the frontier needs a frontier, and that place is the World's End Garrison.

Location

If Frosthold and her settlements are to flourish, we need to extend our influence across the whole of the Reaches. World's End Garrison is the realization of that goal in the west. It also serves as an excellent place to send militiamen who need a reminder on how to follow orders.

— - Marshal Dereth Vane, Frosthold Garrison

The World's Edge Garrison occupies a precarious position in The Far Reaches. Nestled along the east coast of Deep Whisper Isle, it sits on the final island before the Reaches give way to The Tempest Tides. Leviathans regularly venture near enough to the island to be seen by the militia, and more than one ship has disappeared in the waters nearby. While trade ships routinely venture north out of the Reaches and around the continent, non travel farther west than the Garrison. Any further west means certain death.

A Dangerous Posting

World's Edge has been around almost as long as Frosthold itself, at least in some form or another. Militia who get stationed there are either looking to prove themselves or are being punished for something. Either way, we don't provide hazard pay.

— - Marsha Dareth Vane, Frosthold Garrison

Initial settlers to Frosthold needed to ensure that they could travel uncontested down the Glacier's Gate River and throughout the coastal waters of the Reaches. They sought to set up trade not only throughout the region but also to other kingdoms throughout Karos. The World's Edge Garrison exists to provide support and naval escort for trade vessels from the city.

Despite its critical mission, difficulties have plagued the outpost from the beginning. The first expedition had built only the docks and about half the main garrison before everyone in it disappeared. The next supply ship to reach the island found no sign of the militia - only shattered supply crates and ruin.

Since the disappearance of the first expedition, more and more troubles have befallen the island. Many soldiers have gone missing throughout the decades, and the whole garrison has gotten a reputation of being cursed.

Requiring Tenacity

In addition to the disappearances, nearly a decade after the second expedition arrived, the central garrison was destroyed in a fire. The docks have been damaged repeatedly, presumably by a corrosive substance in the nearby waters, and the walls have crumbled for reasons that the soldiers there cannot explain. Still, Reachers are a tenacious people. Each time the garrison has been damaged, destroyed, or disappeared, it has been rebuilt and even improved upon. It is now the most formidable fortification in The Far Reaches.

Grim Resolve

I'll die at World's End. I've made peace with that, but I'll serve with honor until then, and when I go, It'll be in service to the people who serve here.

— - Marek Thren, Commander of World's End Garrison

Most of the soldiers who rotate through World's End Garrison are transient: they do a six or twelve month deployment before returning to Frosthold or one of the other outposts. Many spend most of that time praying to whatever power they worship for the grace to get them home safely. However, a rare few have chosen to make the island their permanent home. Those who do so garner great respect from the normal militia. They serve in the most dangerous place in the Reaches and ask for little in return. Their commander, Marek Thren, has become a legend in the Frosthold Garrison and throughout the militia. Under his steely hand, the garrison has survived for nearly the last twenty years without major incident. His steady command and willingness to lead his soldiers from the front has made him perhaps the most famous member of the militia throughout the whole of The Far Reaches.