Rakelstake

Rakelstake is the principal settlement and sacred site of the Avarosans, the largest and most diplomatically inclined of the Freljord's tribes. Under Ashe, the Avarosan warmother said to be the reincarnation of Avarosa herself, it has grown into a thriving community that welcomes travelers and traders. The town embodies Ashe's vision of a united Freljord, standing in contrast to the warlike traditions of rival tribes. At its heart lies a great frozen lake, sometimes called the inland sea at Rakelstake, described as glittering like a jewel too massive for anyone to own. Troll tall tales credit its making to the troll king Trundle, who boasts that he dug it out after breaking the Whitestone Giant across his knee. Beside the water the Avarosans have raised a statue of Avarosa and built a monument, claiming the lake as their own despite its vastness, and pilgrims gather beneath the statue to murmur their reverence. Rakelstake also serves as a gathering ground where many tribes come to hear the words of Ashe. It was here that Braum's wandering journey led him, and he witnessed the barbarian Tryndamere lost in an uncontrollable rage during a duel, moving to kill an opponent he had already beaten. Braum planted himself before the downed fighter with his shield raised, absorbing every blow until the fury was spent. His good nature won Tryndamere over, and it is said Braum introduced him to Ashe, whom the barbarian would later marry as her only bloodsworn. Not all view the Avarosans kindly. The rival Winter's Claw despise them, and even some sympathetic outsiders see the Iceborn warmothers as too rooted, living their lives as if they were statues that fear the world beyond Avarosa's shadow. The alliance forming around Ashe at Rakelstake has drawn the unwelcome attention of the Frostguard, who hold a mysterious interest in Braum's enchanted shield.