Shadows of Winter
Factions
The Hierarchy rules the roost in Oulu. Outside the necropolis, Renegades and Heretics may be found, though none hold any real power.
Dark Kingdoms
The Dark Kingdom of Iron forcefully claims the necropolis of Oulu. Its rulership owes allegiance to the Iron Legion. The Hierarchy is well-ordered and organized and has made effective fortifications out of the Shadowlands’ natural features. The Anacreon manages Oulu from Citadel Linna, which is located in the Shadowlands counterpart of Castle Oulu. This castle sits on an island in the delta of Oulujoki River, overseeing the Sea of Shadows and the necropolis behind. The castle site is very old, built and rebuilt multiple times since at least the 12th-century.
Guilds
All legitimized Guilds function in Oulu alongside their Stygian benefactors. Regulated Guilds operate carefully in the necropolis while outlawed Guilds prudently stay out of town entirely. The most powerful Guild in Oulu are the Artificers. The local Guild contains both old-school forgers, who work hapless souls into useful relics night and day, and new-school hi-tech electronics and IT experts. All operate out of the main Guildhouse, called Vanha Takomo (“The Old Forge”), located in the Myllytulli District across the bridges from the heart of the necropolis.
Heretics
Few Heretics abound in the area and all stay out of the necropolis for fear of the soul-forges. Lakemen are drawn to the numerous bodies of Tempest-water in the area. A Laestadianism brand of the Magisterium has begun to pop up on the outskirts of the city. These fanatically religious wraiths are causing a headache for the Pardoners and Hierarchy alike.
Renegades
Lords of Valhalla and StormRiders are the two biggest gangs in the region. In fact, the StormRiders are big and bold enough to maintain a base (called Huoltamo, “The Garage”) on a peninsular extension of the necropolis, the Oulunsalo District. Beyond the city’s protective Shadowlands walls, the site where the city airport occupies the land instead has become a take-off zone for the brazen Riders.
