Harald's Holdfast

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The ruins of Harald's Holdfast.
A Húskarl of the Imperial Thingalid making a proclamation in the Godsgrove of Harald's Holdfast.

Harald's Holdfast is an ancient fortress situated on Hnossa Isle in the Jarldom of Gularike from which the Imperial City of Haraldsborg derives its name. Historically and ceremonially Harald's Holdfast is one of the most important strongholds of the High Realm of Stormark, though much of it now stands in ruins.

It is one of the most picturesque landmarks in the Twenty-Six Jarldoms and an iconic sight to all those who have travelled on or along the Fulltrui Flow.

About

The ancient ruined fortress of Harald's Holdfast is situated on the exact spot where Jarl Harald of Ettlingar Freyu made landfall during the Days of the Old Tale. The aforesaid landfall was the very moment that the Conquest of the Heartland commenced.

For purposes of ceremony, Harald's Holdfast enjoys the status of an Imperial Residence. It is open to the public and is a major tourist attraction.

History

Harald's Holdfast was built in one day by the Goddess Freyja during the Conquest of the Heartland to provide Jarl Harald with a stronghold as a base from where he could carry out his campaign to conquer the Heartland.

During the Conquest of the Heartland Harald's Holdfast was gradually supplanted by the larger and stronger Vanadísarhall as Jarl Harald's seat. Subsequent to the aforesaid conquest the latter fortress also became the official residence of the High King of Stormark as well as the seat of the Imperial Government of the Lands of the Longships Throne and Harald's Holdfast was largely abandoned. For reasons of romance Harald's Holdfast was allowed to fall into ruin, causing the aforesaid ancient fortress to become a noble ruin in a majestic setting.

Harald's Holdfast's curtain wall is made of basalt blocks and shaped roughly like a figure-8 aligned along the bank of the Fulltrui Flow. The curtain wall is green with moss.

Courtyard

The Courtyard of Harald's Holdfast is regularly the site of State Ceremonies such as the Inauguration of the High Justiciar. It is also a popular venue for Imperial Ceremonies as weddings and investitures.

Godsgrove

Harald's Holdfast's Godsgrove is the place where since Time Immemorial, from amidst runestones inscribed with the deeds of High King Harald of Ettlingar Freyu, proclamations and announcements concerning deaths, births, and marriages of senior members of the House of Ettlingar Freyu as well as other Imperial life events are made.

The aforesaid also applies to proclamations and announcements regarding senior State officials and the important events of State life.

Triva