Midgard is the capital and bustling heart of the Bifrost Isles, a vibrant settlement where tradition, power, and commerce intersect. Positioned at the center of the main island, Midgard is the largest and most prosperous harbor in the Isles. Its docks is home to the formidable Einherjar, the black flagship of the Goliath tribe.
Inhabitants
The settlement is dominated by the imposing Great Hall, where the Jarl resides, overseeing the unification of the Goliath clans and ensuring peace among the Isles' people.
While primarily inhabited by the Goliath tribes, Midgard also sees the presence of the Wood Elf tribe, with some elves living among the Goliaths, and even a handful of Dwarves from the mountain holds. The town is a melting pot of cultures, where Goliath warriors, Elven rangers, and Dwarven artisans share space in the city’s bustling markets and vibrant streets.
Description
Midgard is a hub of activity, with merchants from all corners of the Isles, artisans showcasing their crafts, and warriors preparing for battle or festivities. The town's sturdy stone buildings and towering spires reflect the strength of the Goliath people, while its vast, open plazas capture the raw energy of the bustling city.
The Great Hall dominates the skyline of the settlement, visible from every corner, with its impressive roof adorned by a masterfully carved horned goat, a symbol of strength and reverence.
Districts
Himinháll - The Hall of the Heavens
Perched at the very heart of Midgard, Himinháll—"Hall of the Heavens"—is the seat of the Jarl and the political center of the Bifrost Isles. Towering above the city, its immense longhouse silhouette is crowned with the legendary carved effigy of the horned goat Heidrun, visible from every district. Constructed from ancient timber and reinforced with dragon-bone beams, the hall radiates strength, tradition, and authority.
Inside, its grand hearth burns day and night, casting flickering light across rich tapestries depicting the history of the Isles. Warriors, envoys, and clan leaders gather here beneath a vaulted ceiling adorned with runes, while the Jarl presides from a high seat draped in furs and banners. More than a throne room, Himinháll is a place of council, celebration, and judgment—a living symbol of unity for the diverse peoples of the Bifrost Isles.
Isgrind Docks - The Ice Gate
Nestled against the frozen coastline of Midgard, the Isgrind Docks serve as the lifeline between the Bifrost Isles and the treacherous Niflheim Sea. Named after the grinding ice that constantly threatens its waters, this harbor is specially reinforced to accommodate the mighty Ice Drakes and the Einherjar. Cranes carved from darkwood and bone line the piers, while shipwrights and sailors prepare vessels for both frozen crossings and open-sea voyages.
Hjartforge - The Dwarven District
The beating heart of Midgard’s craftsmanship, Hjartforge is the city's renowned crafting district. Here, the rhythmic clang of hammers and hiss of steam fill the air as Goliath smiths, elven artisans, and visiting dwarves work side by side. Named for the “Forge of the Heart,” said to be blessed by Odin’s thunder, this district produces everything from masterwork weapons to intricate jewelry, and houses the great foundries where enchanted steel and sacred ore are shaped into tools of legend.
Vindskogr - The Elf District
Vindskogr, or "Windwood," is a quiet, forested district on the edge of Midgard where the trees are left to grow tall and wild. Home to the Wood Elves and druids residing in the capital, its elevated walkways and treetop homes echo the architecture of Alfheim. Gentle winds whistle through the leaves, carrying the scent of herbs, bark, and old magic. It is a place of calm amidst the city's bustle—where nature is honored and ancient traditions are preserved.
Skjaldgarðr - The Goliath District
Skjaldgarðr, meaning “Shield Enclosure,” is Midgard’s martial heart. This fortified district houses the garrison, barracks, and expansive training fields where the warriors and rangers of the Goliath tribes hone their skills. Echoes of sparring steel and war cries ring through the air as new recruits are drilled under the watchful eyes of seasoned veterans. Built from heavy stone and timber, Skjaldgarðr embodies the unyielding strength and discipline of the Goliath people.
Ásahof - Hall of the Gods
Asahof is the temple district dedicated to the divine pantheon of the Bifrost Isles, with Odin honored above all. Crafted from white stone and stormwood, the temple radiates quiet reverence. Within, priests and druids perform ancient rites beneath an open oculus, through which lightning has been known to strike during major festivals—a sign believed to be Odin's blessing.
Runmark - The Rune Marker
Runmark is the bustling trade square of Midgard, where merchants from every tribe gather beneath colorful canopies and carved wooden stalls. Named for the rune-inscribed stones that line its perimeter, the square hums with the clatter of coin, barter of rare goods, and the scent of roasted meats and herbs. It is the commercial lifeblood of the Isles—ever thriving, ever shifting.
Kaupheim - The Trade District
Kaupheim is Midgard’s vibrant trade district, where merchant halls, supply depots, and caravans converge in a constant rhythm of commerce. Stone-paved streets bustle with traders from across the Bifrost Isles, exchanging everything from enchanted goods and rare herbs to furs and carved relics. The air is thick with voices, barter, and the scent of salt and smoke—a testament to the lifeblood of the Isles' economy.
Skipheim - The Harbor District
Skipheim is the bustling maritime heart of Midgard, where the mighty Einherjar and agile Ice Drakes dock side by side. Constantly alive with the cries of sailors, clatter of rigging, and scent of salt and pine tar, this district houses the city's great drydocks, shipwright halls, and sail-lofts. It is where vessels are built, repaired, and launched into the treacherous Niflheim Sea, maintained by master artisans and storm-tested mariners.
Hjarnheim - The Butcher's Ward
Named after the old word for bone, Hjarnheim is the domain of livestock handlers, meat carvers, and tanners. Pens of hardy mountain goats and long-furred cattle line the outer streets, while skilled butchers and bonecrafters work within timbered halls. The scent of curing meats and boiling fat hangs thick in the air. Here, no part of the animal is wasted, and the tools of survival are shaped from horn, hide, and sinew.