We start in the middle of a 2 decade long winter. Baelor Targaryen sits on the Iron Throne.  This places our story at the year 165, approximately 119 years BEFORE the reign of Robert Baratheon.  It is a harsh winter, food and supplies are scarce, men go out to the wolfswoods on patrol and do not return, as the hill tribes raid from all directions.

Sellswords and free riders gather in camps outside the gates or rent lodging from inside the taverns, men speak  of  the dangers in the woods beyond the wall. Wildlings move amongst the under-canopy of the frozen woods and make their homes deep in the darkness, away from the prying eyes of the men of the north.  The Night’s Watch comes to Winterfell on a  monthly basis to gather men for the wall.  The king has sent men to Winterfell as emissaries, and other houses seem to have followed suit.  The word “Peace” is used around tables and tavern halls, but all to often are the smiles transparent… These are dire times, ill tides are raising on the horizon.. …