Heidheim

"Only discipline allows survival, and only strength allows triumph."

— Motto of Heidheim

  Heidheim stands as the indomitable bastion of Vélactris, a fortress city carved from stone and ice. Nestled within a frozen valley and surrounded by jagged peaks, it is a place where rigor, loyalty, and unyielding strength form the foundation of life. Unlike the technological ingenuity of Frosthaven, Heidheim embodies brute force and strategic precision, serving as a shield against the harshness of both nature and enemy incursions.  

Origins and Legacy

Heidheim’s origins trace back to a time of ceaseless strife, when the icy lands of Vélactris were plagued by marauders, rival factions, and relentless storms. The founders of Heidheim, warriors forged by the cold and adversity, sought to establish a sanctuary where strength and unity could prevail over chaos.   Choosing a location that offered both natural defenses and proximity to vital resources, these pioneers laid the foundation for what would become one of the most formidable strongholds in Vélactris. Over generations, Heidheim evolved into a military city revered for its unyielding discipline and tactical brilliance. Its towering walls, impregnable design, and elite warriors solidified its reputation as a fortress that could withstand any siege.  

Government and Military Organization

Heidheim is governed by a Military Governor, a position earned through merit and elected by the city’s senior officers. This system ensures that leadership is entrusted to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strategic acumen, and unshakable resolve.   The government is centralized and heavily militarized: every aspect of life in Heidheim is oriented toward preparation and survival in the harsh conditions of Vélactris. Martial law is the norm, and a strict hierarchy ensures that orders are executed with flawless discipline.   The Officer Council, comprised of the fortress’s most influential generals and tacticians, serves as an advisory body. While the governor holds ultimate authority, the council’s insights help shape Heidheim’s long-term strategies, from resource allocation to military campaigns.  

Culture and Ideology

The culture of Heidheim is steeped in discipline, duty, and reverence for strength. To its citizens, survival in the unforgiving cold is not just a necessity but a calling—proof of their endurance and devotion.  

The Role of Cryos

Religion plays an integral role in Heidheim’s identity. Cryos, the god of ice, is both revered and feared as a relentless force that tests the mettle of mortals. Citizens view Cryos not as a cruel deity but as a demanding mentor whose trials forge resilience and strength.   Religious practices in Heidheim often involve physical challenges, such as endurance tests or ceremonial duels, symbolizing the union of faith and fortitude. The city’s temples of Cryos are austere yet imposing structures that serve as places of worship, communal gatherings, and moral guidance.  

Celebrations and Symbols

Cultural expressions in Heidheim are deeply tied to its military ethos. Epic ballads recounting legendary battles, frescoes depicting heroic victories, and grand parades honoring Cryos are common sights.   Discipline Day, the city’s most significant annual celebration, commemorates the valor of Heidheim’s warriors and reinforces the values of loyalty and sacrifice. Citizens gather to honor soldiers who have excelled in battle, participate in military games, and reaffirm their collective dedication to the fortress.  

Military Forces and Defensive Strategies

The Mist Guard, Heidheim’s army, is one of the most feared military forces in Vélactris. Composed of heavily armed soldiers, it specializes in siege warfare and battles in extreme conditions. The reinforced ice armor worn by warriors offers exceptional protection against both physical and environmental attacks.   Heidheim also boasts steam-powered tanks and siege towers mounted on rails, enabling it to effectively protect its territory while exerting pressure on enemy cities. Military strategies include ambushes prepared in the ice mine fields surrounding the city, as well as the use of steam cannons to repel direct attacks.  

Geography and Infrastructure

Heidheim is perched in a naturally fortified valley, surrounded by frozen mountains with cliffs so steep they are virtually impassable. The city itself is built from reinforced stone and metal, with imposing walls equipped with cannons.   One of the key elements of Heidheim's infrastructure is its network of underground tunnels. These strategic passages connect the different parts of the city and allow secure access to essential resources such as water, coal and military supplies. In the event of a prolonged siege, the tunnels provide shelter for the population and ensure that military operations can continue without interruption.  

Relations with Other Cities of Vélactris

Heidheim’s interactions with other cities are defined by pragmatism and caution.  

Frosthaven

The fortress maintains a strategic alliance with Frosthaven, founded on mutual protection agreements. While the two cities collaborate on defense and share resources, Heidheim remains wary of Frosthaven’s technological ambitions and seeks to avoid over-reliance on its industrial might.  

Mirragel

Relations with Mirragel, the city of illusions, are fraught with tension. Heidheim views Mirragel’s light-based technologies and philosophical approach as impractical and unsuited to the harsh realities of war. However, limited trade continues, primarily for specialized equipment unavailable elsewhere.