Ten Trail

The Ten Trail is a crucial route connecting the Ten Towns to the southern edge of the Frozenfar and the rest of Faerun. It serves as the primary path for caravans transporting goods to and from the cities of Icewind Dale. Given the numerous dangers along the trail, caravans must be well-armed to ensure a safe passage.

The trail begins at the town of Fireshear, near the Sea of Swords, and travels north to Hundelstone, a settlement perched at the foothills of the Spine of the World. Hundelstone marks the end of the Northern Means, a larger road leading northwest from Luskan. From there, the Ten Trail continues north, climbing the mountain slopes through the North/South Pass, before descending into the foothills of Icewind Dale. In the past, the trail extended all the way to Targos, following the eastern side of Maer Dualdon. However, since the founding of Bryn Shander, most caravans now end their journey there, effectively making Bryn Shander the northern terminus of the Ten Trail.

As the name suggests, the Ten Trail is not a paved road but rather an earthen path marked by the furrows of wagon wheels. The journey is arduous, with frigid temperatures, rough terrain, and a scarcity of places to shelter or resupply. Moreover, the trail is fraught with danger, from prowling crag cats and lurking yetis to bandits lying in wait for trade-laden wagons. Only the bravest, most desperate, or most foolhardy travelers dare to undertake the trek to Icewind Dale.