Harlaw
Harlaw is one of the great isles of the Iron Islands
Geography and Background[edit]
Harlaw is the easternmost of the Iron Islands, lying northeast of Pyke, a day's sail across Ironman’s Bay, and southeast of Orkmont and Blacktyde. To the south, across the wide grey waters of the bay, lies the coast of the Westerlands, with Banefort visible on clear days from Harlaw’s high shores. [1]
Second in size only to Great Wyk, Harlaw is the most densely populated of the Iron Islands. While other isles remain stark and thinly peopled, Harlaw boasts more villages, holds, and keeps than any of its kin. The island is dotted with small stone towns and harbors where longships are built and repaired, and trade flows through its markets. Beneath Harlaw’s low hills lie rich veins of lead, tin, and iron . [1]
Once Harlaw was thick with ancient forests, but these were long ago felled by the shipwrights of the isles. Even so, the ironborn here have adapted; while horses are rare across the Iron Islands, the islanders ride sturdy Harlaw ponies and ox-carts remain a common sight along the winding roads. [2]
Harlaw was, for countless centuries, ruled by House Harlaw, whose power on the isle was unrivaled. Noble houses such as the Volmarks and Stonetrees swore fealty to House Harlaw. [2] However, the Harlaws were removed from power when Gorold Harlaw was killed by Urron Greyiron in 35 A.I., rendering the house extinct. A ruling council governed the isle afterwards for several years, until a new lord was determined.
Notable Houses[edit]
- House Harlaw - (Extinct)
- House Kenning
- House Myre
- House Stonetree
- House Volmark