Stonedale

Stonedale was a shrinking settlement of the Velinrim bracing the harsh winds on the High Cliffs. Stonedale was on and around a cliff top overlooking the Wooded Sea.

History
Stonedale was the only settlement of the first Stúnicmen in the Velinath and was founded late in the First Age. It once spread around the entire northern end of the Velincant, however, when the First Long Winter fell, it devastated the population and rendered it mostly abandoned, so by the time the second wave of Stúnicmen arrived it was mostly ruins. Most of the ruins were taken for resources, however, others were built up, the three watchtowers and Margen Hall all had their foundations rooted in the ruins of Stonedale.

When the Blood Bond was made Stonedale became officially part of the Thegndom of Velincant and was the seat of power for House Highcliff. Murfie Highcliff had Margen Hall constructed and ruled over the Riverlands and Stonedale from there until 531 S.A when House Windcliff ruled Stonedale. In 798 S.A House Winccel were proclaimed Earls of Stonedale and had themselves built a fort to protect Stonedale. The fort was constructed throughout the Wesfeldan War of Succession and put on hold many times. It was not completed until 858 S.A and named after Sigamund.

In 844 S.A Pippin 'the Long' proclaimed Stonedale an independent realm and fought to seize the throne of Westfelda. This resulted in his and his first son, Pippin's, death but his second son, Sigamund managed to claim the crown and ruled from the Thegn's Hall. He granted Corl Sieward's infant son the control of the Riverlands as House Highcliff had been wiped out in the war.

From the Light Tower at Stonedale, the small Imperial fleet was seen coming up from the River Winding to the Velinath. When the Imperial fleet landed after their victory at the Battle of Green Bay, they docked at Stonedale and used it for supplies.

It was just outside Stonedale that the Northern Law was signed.

Stonedale switched hands again during the Thorn Years, when the Loyalist house, Winccel, were replaced by Thornist house, Blackfish. House Blackfish. When House Orrimbar came back to claim their land they landed in Stonedale and House Blackfish submitted and aided them immediately. They even relinquished control back to Irwin Winccel.

Geography
Stonedale sat huddled on the High Cliffs facing the harsh winds from the sea. It was a tiered hamlet with three levels, The Port, The Quarry and Gods' Height.

Etymology
Stonedale comes from the Stúnic words Stona meaning "Stone" and dala meaning "Dale".