Haardast

Haardast is a fictional location featured in the fantasy novel "The Broken Sword" by Poul Anderson. It is described as a large, fortified city located in a mountainous region. The city serves as a significant stronghold for the forces of the evil sorcerer Skarl. Haardast is characterized by its imposing architecture and the oppressive atmosphere that pervades it, reflecting the malevolent influence of its ruler.

Within the narrative, Haardast is a place of both strategic importance and fear for the protagonists. It is a center of Skarl's power, where his armies are mustered and his dark magic is practiced. The city's defenses are formidable, making any direct assault a perilous undertaking. The journey to Haardast is often fraught with danger, and its inhabitants are generally depicted as subservient and fearful of Skarl's wrath. The city's physical description emphasizes its rugged, uninviting nature, often contrasting with more natural and peaceful landscapes found elsewhere in the story. It represents a nexus of evil and a major obstacle that the heroes must overcome.