Topographic Overview

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Dominated by ice fields and glacial deposits, especially along its northern shore, the Pale (named for the pallid Tundra and pigmentation of its Nord inhabitants) is one of the four oldest Holds in Skyrim.

The harsh environment here makes life a chore rather than a joy, and the shape of the Hold has led some to refer to it as “the old boot.” Ragged peaks, snow-covered ground, and little sunshine means most of the Nords congregate at the city of Dawnstar, a popular port and mining town.

The Pale lacks waterways, save for Lake Yorgrim, located in the southeastern part of the Hold.

Routes and Pathways

Possessing fewer roads and pathways than most other Holds, there is still a reasonable road connecting the Pale to Hjaalmarch, which continues past Fort Dunstad and eventually heads east into Eastmarch and Windhelm or south below the snow line into Whiterun Hold.

Hold 3: The Pale

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This Hold’s perimeters are dominated by mountains that run north to south along the western edge, and the Sea of Ghosts runs along the northern coast. To the east are the Winterhold Mountains, which follow the perimeter south and then east, to the partially frozen Lake Yorgrim...