InsaneJournal

Capital: Winterhold
Jarl: Kraldar
Steward: Thonjolf
Alliance: The Imperial Legion
Typical Weather: Winterhold is another region of Skyrim that is subject to constant arctic climate. The cold is bitter and unforgiving, and takes a steadfast being to withstand the harsh conditions. Be on the lookout for white saber-cats, ice wolves, and ice wraiths while on the road and in the wilderness. Fire is your friend.
Crime Rate: Winterhold is a rather desolate town aside from the College of Winterhold. The guards really don't have to put up with much here, and nobody really wants to be thrown into "The Chill", Nord or not.
Economy: Winterhold was once the capital city of Skyrim before the Great Collapse, but now that the town is laying in mostly ruins, not much can be said for its economic stability. Only members of the College of Winterhold are able to purchase spellbooks and training from the local mages, so that leaves Winterhold with a small general goods store and the inn for their in-city commerce.

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Eighty years before the Dragon Crisis of 4E 201 happened, Winterhold was a bustling city and the capital of all Skyrim. However, tragedy struck when a series of storms attacked the city, causing most of Winterhold to erode away into the Sea of Ghosts. Nobody knows how or why it happened, but many of the survivors suspected the College of Winterhold had something to do with the destruction of the once-great city. After the Great Collapse, the College was one of the only buildings left standing and remained mostly untouched while everything else laid in ruins. The College itself does show some remnants of the Collapse, as parts of the bridge leading up to the college are missing completely.

The locals of Winterhold continue to be suspicious of the College and the circumstances surrounding the Great Collapse, but the College continues to operate, regardless of any rumors that might be spread. For the most part, they've completely dissociated themselves from the outside world and only allow talented mages or aspiring scholars to enter the College. Though, they did make an exception for the Dragonborn when he came seeking information about the Elder Scroll on his journey to defeat Alduin.

Though Winterhold itself doesn't have much aside from the College, the Hold of Winterhold is still home to several other points of interest or historical significance in Skyrim. It is home to Ysgramor's Tomb, the ancient ruins of the old city Saarthal, a Shrine of Azura, and a few shipwrecks along the coast. The original city of Winterhold was built on top of Saarthal, an Atmoran settlement that was raided by the Snow Elves during the Night of Tears. The ruins are closed off to the public, but the members of the College have been exploring the old underground city in hopes of finding something worthwhile.

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PLACES IN WINTERHOLD
These are the more notable locations within and near the city.

• Jarl's Longhouse
• College of Winterhold
• Ysgramor's Tomb
• Shrine of Azura
• Saarthal Ruins

Inns

• The Frozen Hearth

Shops

• Birna's Oddities