The Winter of Wolves

The Winter of Wolves was a particularly harsh winter that descended upon Westeros in the early decades of the third century AC. As is typically the case, the North was worst affected by the snows and cold winds, however, they were not alone in their suffering.

Fears of the last truly harsh winter to strike Westeros saw an increase in violent means of survival. Archmaester Bradamar would later pen a book titled The Winter of Wolves, so named for the old Northern proverb: "When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives." This lead to the winter being referred to as such in later years.

The Onset of Winter
Late in the year 325 AC, maesters throughout Westeros began noticing the chilling of the winds. Backed by enough evidence from across the Seven Kingdoms, the Conclave met in the fourth month of the year 326 AC and decreed the coming of winter. By their estimates, the winter was expected to be harsh, but Archmaester Bradamar believed none could have anticipated the extent of its severity, nor the impact this would have on the smallfolk population following the Long Night.

Desperation in the North
As the days grew colder and the winds harsher, it became more apparent to all that the winter would not be a short and mild one. Fear set in quickly, with the smallfolk dreading what was to come. Reserves of grain had been stockpiled as best they could be, but it would quickly grow apparent that these stockpiles would likely not be enough.

Will finish when not totally distracted.