Winter Lodge

Each family has their own area to live in, their ancestral home for many centuries. The families will have a head who will come together in a parliament to determine the running of the Lodge over the darker months.

The Lodge is protected by multiple layers of stone walls, covered over with mud and grass to keep the cold (and enemies) out.

It's position high in the mountains lends it some level of protection from invaders in winter as the mountain passes are not navigable in the snow covered months.

The two main gates are covered by thick wooden doors and when everyone is inside they are sealed up

While here, repairs are made to wagons and tents, as well as other equipment which is in use the rest of the year.

It is also here where animals are taken care of to keep them warm and safe until the spring when they can return to the summer farms.

There is a small fresh water lake in the centre of the settlement, fed by a stream down from the top of the mountain, which is used for bathing.

Drinking and cooking water is gathered from two deep sunk wells, this job is often given to children who seem to find the long walks amusing while their parents enjoy the peace.

There are large storerooms and pens for animals inside the Mound but these are all cleared out as everyone leaves in the spring.

The stone walls have been smoothed out over the years, although many repairs have had to be made as the weather and the sieges have damaged them.

Walls in different areas have different decorations which have been created by each family. Children often enjoy finding their favourite paintings when they return year on year.

While people are living here it is very cold outside but the inside rooms are kept warm with fires so it is a very cosy place to spend the months.