Cairnhold
Ash-grey hold over the Gullet where the young grease winches and dead are owed.
Cairnhold is a poor, ash-grey surface hold situated directly over the Gullet, known for sending its youth down to grease the winch. The community memorializes its deceased on the Gullet's wall with the stark word 'owed,' marking their sacrifice. During Books 8–9, the hold fractures between loyalists and the Recusants, a faction that rejected comfortable lies to ally with the Bound.
- Location type
- Surface Hold
- Coloration
- Ash-grey
- Key feature
- Over the Gullet
- Leadership
- Marshal Halix (during truce)
- Major conflict
- Split between Loyalists and Recusants
- Memorial method
- Word 'owed' on Gullet's wall
Lore & Background
The social fabric of Cairnhold is defined by its grim proximity to the Gullet, where children are sent to perform dangerous maintenance tasks. This harsh reality culminates in a schism during Books 8–9, as the Recusants refuse the comfortable lie and instead ally with the Bound against loyalist forces.
Did You Know?
- Cairnhold is the single canonical name for this location, correcting earlier drafts that used 'Karth Hold'.
- The dead of Cairnhold are memorialized on the Gullet's wall simply with the word 'owed'.
- Marshal Halix leads the hold specifically during the truce negotiations.
- The Recusants are a faction within Cairnhold that allied with the Bound.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct name of this location?
It is canonically known as Cairnhold, correcting earlier drafts that used 'Karth Hold'.
Who leads Cairnhold during the truce negotiations?
Marshal Halix leads the hold during this period.
What is the Recusant faction?
The Recusants are a group in Cairnhold that refused the comfortable lie and allied with the Bound.
More in Locations
Elsewhere in Crown of Teeth
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