Encyclopedia Norlandica

[Narthok 10416]

 

Encyclopedia Norlandica

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Foreword

Spoiler

 

          I Einarr av Ruriksgrad have decided to embark on a scholastic mission. Inspired by the ever expanding literary canon that is housed in the libraries of the Hearthton Monastery. Being of a more secular nature I hope to address secular topics. Of late I have noticed that the Red Realms of Norland are, from the exterior, seen to be quite opaque. Foreigners know little of our ways and tend to avoid venturing to our Kingdom. This in turn has given rise to a scant foreign knowledge concerning our peoples, with what is known being little more than a compilation of myths and rumours.

 

          Not that this caution is entirely unwarranted. I will not deny that the Red Realms have a checkered history. To be a Norlander is to be a synonym for brutality, cruelty and general savage boorishness. At least this is the general understanding held by peoples foreign to our realms. Hence, my first work shall address the complexities of my homeland. Herein I hope to cover a wide array of topics in reference to both the wider realm as well as the peoples of Norland. I do this in the hopes that my work can serve to educate the peoples harkening from the lands of wheat and wine. I will attempt to approach the subject from as neutral a perspective as I can muster, accounting of course for my nationality.

 

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Index

I. Concerning the Folk of Norland

II. The Wealth and Industry of the Red Realm

III. Tradition and Obligation

IV. Norlandic Law

V. Hierarchies of the Realm

VI. Faith

VII. Tactics and Dogma

VIII. The History of Norland, a Norlandic Perspective

IX. Norlandic Families of Note

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I. Concerning the Folk of Norland

Spoiler

 

The peoples of Norland are a reclusive folk with a fierce independent streak. For the most part they wish to be left to their own affairs. The folk of Norland are a rural people, refraining from the construction of sprawling metropolises. Norlanders generally prefer to populate a series of hamlets and coastal towns. Generally Norlanders settle in the far flung wildernesses among mountains, islands or marshlands. This tendency is the result of persistent conflict with the various heartland realms, prompting the Norlandic peoples to seclude themselves in regions where they can avoid intrusion.

 

         That is not to imply that the Norlandic folk are not prone to violence and conflict in their own right. The Norlandic peoples have long been immersed in a culture of violence, looking both externally and internally. As a general fact of life the harsh regions where Norlandic folk settle tend towards infertility. Hence Norlandic populations are typically less dense than their Heartland cousins. This facet can also be seen to contribute to their tendency of decentralization as to maximize food yields from the mountains and coasts where they tend to dwell. This reality of population has led to the development of two unique aspects that contrast heavily from Heartlander cultures. Due to the severe demand for bodies to fill the shield walls, engage on vital raids for food and supplies as well as defend the fishing villages, women were often called to participate in warfare when there were not sufficient men. This led to the development of the ‘shield maiden’ wherein certain women gained a love of war and participated heavily, albeit with the cautious tolerance of their male counterparts. The second severe contrast is the practice of ‘Ash wives’. Due to the almost constant warfare endured by the Norlandic peoples the mortality rate of their young warriors was exceptionally high, hence a need for more children coupled with a scarcity of eligible fathers. The solution to this issue lay in the taking of Ash wives. While ash wives were sometimes brought home from conquest more often than not they simple served as concubines of wealthy Norlandic nobility. Rather than taking a single wife, or any wife at all Norlandic nobility sired many children on a variety of women. Upon coming of age, those that were fit in form and mind were adopted to serve the family and become heirs. However this practice of legitimate harem building is practiced mostly to the upper classes as Norlandic peasants often find difficulty securing and supporting more than one wife.

 

          In summary the Norlandic folk are a people prone to independence and rural living. Their sustenance either drawn from the meagre productions of their stony fields and coastal fisheries, or procured via intensive raiding. A large number of Norlandic norms are centered around the procurement of additional warriors to partake in the seasonal raids or work the fishing ships and farmsteads.

 

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II. The Wealth and Industry of the Red Realm        

Spoiler

 

  The economics of the Norlandic realm are a strange affair compared to the more industrial and mercantilism realms of the Heartland. The majority of the Norlandic economic production revolves around the production of bodies and war materials, as the nation has been in a constant state of warfare for some two hundred years. Hence the Norlandic folk have grown quite proficient in the conception of children and the crafting of quality arms and armour. While the harsh lands settled by the Norlandic peoples may not quite be a blessing, they are certainly not a curse. The rough borders of civilization are always teeming with fresh fonts of lumber, good stone and minerals. When the excess labour is available the Norlandic peoples will occasionally export any surplus quantities of raw materials and refined iron goods Beyond the production of raw and refined goods, the people of Norland persist on the production of two staple crops. Due to the relatively inhospitable lands in which they generally settle Norlandic peasants are very fond of root crops. Thus potatoes and carrots consist of the majority of the Norlandic agricultural production. These crops are supplemented with supplies of fish. As the other major avenue of foodstuffs production can be found within the fishing villages that hug the coast of any Norlandic territory. When not engaged in oversea raids these village support themselves by harvesting the seasonal runs of river and ocean fish while occasionally pursuing larger game such as whale.

 

          However, one cannot relegate the economic functions of Norland to their productions exports. To do so would be to provide a fallacious and incomplete account of Norlandic affairs. In addition to the production of raw materials and of meagre foodstuffs a significant if not a majority of Norlandic wealth is acquired through warfare or raiding. Rather than eke a living in the rough infertile soils of their native lands Norlandic warriors will look to more lush territories seeking to liberate the fat and weak from unnecessary excess. This in turn influences the distribution of wealth within the confines of the Kingdom. As most human realms the warriors serve as the elites of society, acquiring the largest portions of wealth through martial prowess. While the lower classes tend to be those who cannot or will not participate in warfare, and are relegated to more menial. The only exception to this can be found in the clergy, who occupy an awkward intermediary position. The clergy generally have first claim to the most fertile portions of any settled land and as such are generally able to persist if not profit off of the products of their holdings. The rare few luxury goods that are produced with in the bounds of the Norlandic realm are limited to the confines of the fertile monasteries that possess the wealth to sustain more skilled craftsman. These craftsman focusing on the production of fine meads and ales as well as the production of fine woolen products.

 

          Thus the Norlandic economy is centered mostly on amassing raw materials and refining said materials to fulfill war goals and satisfy defensive necessities. The production and possession of luxury goods is rather rare and is exclusive to the militant nobility or the clerical nobility. Finally, in contrast to the vast majority of realms, the Red Realm has made a concerted effort to move away from the monopolistic tyranny of the mina. En lieu of this universal currency the Norlandic administration has made a concerted effort to focus on the local economy of the realm. Encouraging exchange between federal holdfasts rather than providing much incentive to interact with strange foreign merchants. In this sense, the Norlandic administration looks inward and seeks to promote economic stimulus through the minting of its own currency, aptly named the Norlandic Mark. This currency is distributed from the crown to the military and administrative officers. Who in turn distribute their payment to the various amenities they need, housing, food, pleasure and such. This prompts an active and stimulated economy rather than a stagnant mina based economy wherein the coinage is accumulated and hoarded amongst the upper elite.

 

 

 

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III. Tradition and Obligation       

Spoiler

 

 The traditions of Norland are centered around the preservation of social cohesion and hierarchy. Due to the fact that the monarchy of Norland is deeply involved in the sacred beliefs of the Norlandic peoples the supremacy of the divine monarchs remain unchallenged. This position is unalienable and is reinforced by the daily routine and tradition of the Norlandic folk. This process of reinforcement begins with their chronological structure. The Norlandic cycle is centered around the onset and passing of winter. In this fashion when asked their age a Norlander will typically reply with a rough estimate of how many winter seasons they have lived through. Beyond this the Norlandic cycle is divided into seven portions, each portion being dedicated to a specific paragon who is charged with overseeing the All Father’s children for the duration of that portion each portion contains twenty and four cycles of the sun. The period marking the onset of winter (monday) is referred to as Edvardsday. This is followed by the darkest and coldest period (tuesday) known as Beosday. With the fading of snows comes Ashday or Astridsday, with Ashday being held as a short form of Astridsday. The onset of the growing season is generally held to be Eiriksday. With the feast day signalling the start of summer being referred to as Svensday. Following this and rounding out the week are Thorsday and Myrsday. Then the cycle repeats at the onset of Edvardsday. This calendar serves as a constant reminder of the history and faith of the Norlandic peoples. 

 

         In accordance with this calendar there is a grand feast that occurs once per cycle. Generally this feast takes place on Svensday to celebrate the coming summer. The feast of Svensday generally involves excessive merriment with consumption of baked potatoes, stuffed boar and fried fish. The months following Svensday are suspiciously filled with an unusually high amount of births, however I have not been able to draw any connections between the two. This feast is in turn counteracted by the feast of Edvardsday. The folk of Norland gather together to steel each other for the coming cold. They stock themselves full of the traditional Norlandic stew comprised of potatoes and carrots mixed with coastal fish. This feast is filled with prayer and remembrance of the honoured dead. Generally this feast has a very sombre atmosphere in contrast to the celebratory feasts of Svensday.

A Grand Cycle, 4 Cycles

 

Edvard	Beo	Astrid	Eirik	Sven	Thoromir	Myro
Feast of Edvard	2/24/0000	3/24/0000	4/24/0000	5/24/0000	6/24/0000	7/24/0000
1/24/000	2/24/000	3/24/0000	4/24/0000	Feast of Sven	6/24/0000	7/24/0000
1/24/000	2/24/000	3/24/0000	Feast of Eirik	5/24/0000	6/24/0000	7/24/0000
1/24/000	2/24/000	3/24/0000	4/24/0000	5/24/0000	Feast of Thoromir	7/24/0000

 

 

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IV. Norlandic Law

Spoiler

           The complexities of Norlandic law are the result of countless amendments and the injection of various interests by the various clans and factions of the Norlandic realm. To discuss them in full would be far too difficult to enclose herein, in light of this I will provide an abbreviated rendering. Norlandic law is structured in a series of ‘scrolls’ each scroll being a uniquely conceived article that addresses a specific facet of Norlandic life. Recent amendments have reduced the number of scrolls in an attempt to reduce the legal complexities of the realm. I will address the modern incarnation of the scrolls below as the historical scrolls do not retain much relevance.

 

The First Scroll

         The First Scroll of the Norlandic Code deals with the social strata of the Norlandic Realm. While from the exterior the Norlandic realm is often perceived as a realm of chaos and disorganization this is not often the case. While the realm does sometime descend into internal rebellion or conflict due to the Kingsmoot institution, the survival of Norland is perpetuated by its incredibly strict social hierarchy and structure. While vertical ascension is possible within the large social structure it must be pursued in an accepted fashion. To return to the root of the discussion, the First Scroll of Norlandic law denotes the rights and obligations of each strata of the realm. With the house of Ruric and its various clans possessing the largest share of rights and obligations, trickling down to the clergy, military clans and labouring families.

 

The Second Scroll

         The Second Scroll of the Norlandic Code delves into the powers endowed to the various institutions of Norland. This scroll essentially codifies the division of powers between the crown and the clergy. With the clergy serving as a restraining mechanism upon the Crown. Evidence of this of course being displayed during the First Moot War between Jevan Eiriksson Rurik and Arthas Edvardsson Rurik. Once coronated the crown has an incredibly strong mandate with which to impose their will upon the proceedings of the realm. However due to the deep relationship between crown and faith the influence of the clergy cannot be ignored. Hence a King of Norland cannot be King without the assent of the clergy.

 

The Third Scroll

         The Third Scroll dictates the minutiae involving the peculiar Norlandic practice of ‘Kingsmoot’. The Kingsmoot is an almost intentionally complicated affair wherein any member of the ‘Rurik’ lineage may challenge the seated monarch or heir on grounds of incompetence / failure / lack of piety etc. Each Ruric may issue this challenge a single time in their life. However should the body of vote holding landlords fail to attend then the challenge will have been wasted. At a ‘Kingsmoot’ any direct male descendant of Thoromir, may submit themselves before the moot as a candidate for King. Once every candidate has made themselves known then every fief holder and chieftain will cast their vote to select the next monarch. This institution largely being intended to ensure the most politically adept and respected member of the holy lineage ends up ruling.

 

The Fourth Scroll

         The Fourth Scroll dictates the basic tax code of the realm. Due to the widespread use of the Norlandic Mark Norlandic business are taxed exclusively in this coinage. Generally fiefdoms are not taxed except in extreme circumstances and what taxes do exist involve a small amount of coinage or portions of the production of lumber, agricultural crops or stone.

 

The Fifth Scroll

         The Fifth Scroll concerns prohibitions upon the actions of citizens in the realm. In essence it delves into the intricacies of what is ‘deviant’ behaviour and what is acceptable. While violence is generally unacceptable there are various legal forms of violence that members of the realm amy engage in if they wish to avoid adjudication by the courts. Beyond this is a series of prohibitions upon assault, murder, theft, tax evasion etc.

 

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V. Hierarchies of the Realm

Spoiler

          As touched upon before the Norlandic realm and peoples are a folk prone to hierarchical understandings of society. At the top of the hierarchy is the Rurik family. This family bein divided into its own internal hierarchy based on a system of internal rules and perceived levels of strength. The Rurik family is divided between three clans however all descendants of ‘Thoromir’ are considered to be Rurics and are held within this upper strata. The three clans within the Rurik family are the Eirikssons, the Edvardssons, and the Freyssons. Each branch of the Rurik family tree tend towards similar tendencies and aspirations therein, but all are fiercely proud, talented warriors, and have a penchant to anger easily. The Rurik royal family tend to be the highest respected members in any circle in Norland.

 

         The Holy Hearth, preaching the Red Faith serves as the nation’s clergy, typically forms the second tier of influence (though this may supercede the Ruriks depending on how devout a town may be) in Norland. This strata identifies itself much in the fashion of their religion - two seemingly opposing branches with wildly different applications. These two branches are the Purifiers and the Priests. Priests focus inward and tend to serve the needs of the people in the community - performing marriages, funerals, festivals and most often also serve as town doctors. The Priests arrange their rankings by tiers of spiritual enlightenment, giving merit to knowledge and growth of people through social interaction. The Purifiers, on the other hand, focus outward, serving as the more militant branch of the faith - fighters and warriors devoted to safeguarding the Norlandic people by violently putting to the axe those who would see it destroyed. They serve as guardsmen, man-at-arms for training, and commanders in war. Their rankings are not dissimilar to those of a typical military - giving merit to martial prowess and survivability in battle. Though these two branches are different, each branch also puts aside some time to learn the rudimentary fundamentals of the other branch’s service in order to make their uses more fluid and applicable to any situation. Older Norlandic text suggest at one time, these “Red Brothers” were one branch of warrior priests who distinguished rank by how much blood was on their armor. This antiquated notion has since been forgone, however. Both modern branches answer to Hearth Keepers and the High Keeper, who serve as the head of their organization. Arguably, the High Keeper is the second most important person in Norland.

 

         Following the clergy is the noble and militant classes. Primarily comprised of large families that have repeatedly demonstrated a capacity for warfare. The clans and chiefdoms serve as vassals beholden to the Ruriks. Generally this group holds a variety of additional rights and obligations when compared to the average

 

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VI. Red Faith

Spoiler

 

     The Red Faith is the faith of Norland. It is a monotheistic faith worshipping the All Father. This All Father is surrounded by a pantheon of semi divine ancestors who have been risen to server the All Father. I will not delve too deeply into the theology as there is a plethora of available literature that is far more in depth than anything I could attempt to muster. The Red Faith is comprised of a strict hierarchy. At its height are the Heart Keeperss, who each in turn tend to a Holy Hearth. These Hearths are much more than simple symbolic fires that warm the soul. They are held to be portions of the All Father’s very soul, provided as a gift unto the servants of the Father. These Hearths are constructed and ignited to tend to concentrations of faithful. Below the keepers are the brothers of the order, divided into two classes. Those who preach and those who fight, although it is not entirely unheard of for the two to mix. Below this are the neophytes, the junior rank of priests that have just completed their initiate, followed by the initiates proper.

 

         In terms of theological positions the Faith is generally in favour of spreading the light of the All Father without violence. As a violent conversion is held to be a meaningless conversion as the converted individual has not been truly brought into the light. They take a hyper aggressive position against any form of magic or unnatural deviance. Seeing these things as evidence of nefarious interference with the natural order, requiring them to strike out and remove these forces from the mortal realm. Beyond their sacred duties the faith serve as a significantly hefty political faction in the Red Realm. As they serve as a restraint on the power of the nobility. The Thorned crown being obtainable without the assent of the faith as one cannot ascend to the throne if they are not of the Red Faith.

 

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VII. Tactics and Dogma

Spoiler

 

 As a general rule Norlandic legions and levies are generally comprised of heavy infantry complemented with supporting slingers and archery units. Cavalry is eschewed if not actively looked down upon. Any cavalry that is encountered is generally the result of auxiliaries or specialized vassal levies. The tacts and dogma of Norlandic armies has remained relatively consistent throughout the progression of Norlandic history. To this end an assembled Norlandic force will generally default into a unified shield wall with the most veteran units comprising the vanguard while inexperienced troops form the following ranks. Tacts are rarely a complex affair and generally involve a slow advance into enemy formations, relying on the superior armour and weight of the Norlandic formation to grind through the enemy. As a result Norlandic formations are genrally unwieldy and have difficulty engaging in complicated or agile maneuvers. Thus they are often exploited by light cavalry or skirmisher units. When confronted by these units the reaction generally depends on the competence of the commander and the morale of the Norlandic unit. In the most ideal circumstance the unit will retreat unto itself forming a defensive formation of shields and withdrawing to a defensive location. However when controlled by an incompetent officer it is not unheard of these formations to break into a mass rout.

 

         When not forced into pitched battles Norlandic forces tend to default into their historical methods of conducting warfare. This generally involves conducting lightning warfare by launching lightning fast raids upon settlements seizing what they can before retreating back to their fortifications. The linchpin of the Norlandic martial philosophy revolves heavily around siege warfare. The consistent aggression of Norlandic raiding parties generally results in foreign realms retaliating with invasions. Hence Norlanders have become adept if not reliant upon their fortifications skills. It is in this field that the Norlandic martial composition shines. Rather than being forced to chase more agile units around the field the Norlandic heavy infantry is tasked with defending choke points and high walls. In this circumstance they thrive, managing to repel sieges. When unable to repel enemies they generally inflict heavy casualties upon their foes.

 

         The structure of Norlandic militaries has changed over time and is generally dependent on the ruling King and marshal. Armies range from a collection of war bands and levies to a unified legion of heavily disciplined troops. In the current era the House of Rurik fields a collection of heavily armoured and disciplined infantry that are supplemented by the levies of their various vassals.

 

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VIII. The History of Norland - A Norlandic Perspective

Spoiler

          The History of Norland is a rather complex and contentious affair, in the interest of brevity and minimizing bias I will try to recount it in as efficient a fashion as possible. In order for an individual to understand Norlandic culture and people they must first understand Norlandic history. To understand Norlandic history one must recognize and understand its origin.

 

         The ‘Origin’ of Norlandic history is half myth half history. There are some records remaining that were recorded by the Scholar Myr regarding the life and existence of the mythical Thoromir so we have a reasonable body of evidence to confirm the fact that he is real. Regarding the origin of ‘Norland’ and her peoples the fable goes as follows. Thoromir and his clan were caught in the deep ravages of a blizzard. On the cusp of death the All Father descended from the heavens and saved the clan. It was at this moment that the Father’s covenant was forged. Thoromir was granted a portion of the All Father’s soul that he may spread the light of the Father. Thus the general terms of the compact were as follows, Thoromir and his people would serve the Father and spread his light in exchange for his protection. This fable is the root of the divine right claimed by the House of Ruric. The Hearths and Flamebrands possessed by the priesthood as well as the variety of sacred objects wielded by the King.

 

         Following this origin point is the foundation of a collection of petty Kingdoms and pseudo independent holdfasts. The first real conception of Norland as a proper ‘kingdom’ unto itself can really only be attributed to the antics of the Rurik folk on the isle of Avar. While the Thales and Northern Athera can be defined as the ‘birthplaces’ of Norland, it was within Vailor on the island of Avar that the Norlandic peoples truly came into their own. The Norlandic peoples muddled around on the realms of Vailor until they were finally gathered together under the banner of Edvard Thorsson. Edvard was the eldest son of Thoromir and upon the passing of the prior Edvard assumed the mantle of leadership. Under his reign the Red Brothers were founded, this group amounted to a collection of fanatical savages consumed with blood lust and zealous fury. They terrorized the coasts of the Vailic mainland until they were drawn into the conflict between the Empire of Oren and the Dwarven Empire of Urguan. Edvard had his people enter the conflict as mercenaries for the Dwarven Empire. The Red Brothers served until the contract expired at which point they withdrew from the conflict and instated their neutrality. They were harassed by the dwarves for a period of time before random raids incited an invasion by the Farfolk realm of Haria. At this point Edvard was found dead in the mountains, frozen to death in the midst of a prayer. Thus began the first Rurik Civil war.

 

         Edvard’s eldest son Beo Edvardsson laid claim to the crown of Norland stating that as the eldest son it was his right and his duty to rule the Norlandic peoples. Edvard’s younger brother Eirik disagreed and contested the claim. This sparked a civil war between the peoples of Norland that was resolved in a single clash. Beo being supported by dwarven allies while Eirik was supported by Imperial forces. With the defeat of Beo, Eirik vassalized to the Imperium and moved to the heartlands.

 

         The Norlandic people dwelt amongst the wheat and wine laden lands of Lorraine until Eirik passed, prompting Sven, Eirik’s eldest son to take up the mantle. Sven soon began moving his peoples back to their homeland on the island of Avar seeking to rebuild what had been lost. The reconstruction went relatively smoothly until the onset of the Dreadlandic conflict. A collection of raiders and marauders began to harass the realms of Oren. The Norlandic levies met these incursions time and time again yet felt that they were bearing the brunt of Imperial security alone. Thomas Rurik, eldest son of Sven gathered the family levies and marched upon the Imperial Palace. He demanded that the Emperor grant his family the entirety of Avar in order to house their growing population. He further demanded that his family was owed a ducal title due to their efforts in securing the borders of the Empire. The Emperor refused to open the gates of his palace and so the Ruric levies were disbanded. Returning later alone Thomas seeked to once more assert his request to the Emperor. Seeing his demands as an intolerable violation of Imperial authority and a challenge to Imperial power the Emperor denied all of his demands and had his guards smash the knee of the young heir before casting him into a dungeon. At this point an Elite Squadron of Dreadlandic marauders infiltrated the Palace and killed every single person within despite being massively outnumbered. They rescued Thomas but were not able to capture the Emperor. This sparked the Rurik rebellion. Sven and Thomas gathered a large fleet and launched an invasion of the mainland, using their fleet to skirt the massive ring of Imperial border forts and strike directly at the capital. Thomas believed he had secured the assistance of the Courlandic Duke ensuring his victory when the clash of fleets was to occur. However the Stauntons betrayed the Rurics, betraying their promise and marching with the Empire for the promise of a wife of Horen blood. The invading fleet was defeated resulting in the sack of Seahelm, the genocide of the Norlandic peoples and an exodus from the island. Following this the Norlanders fled to the Dreadlands and participated in the revitalized offensive against the Empire. They were soon followed by the Courlanders who had been invaded as soon as Thomas’s rebellion had ended. While achieving pyrrhic victories the Dreadland invasion made no significant progress in toppling the Empire. It dissolved soon after settling in Axios.

 

((Written by N0tt))

         After settling on Axios, Donavon Freysson, son of Torbjorn, took up the mantle of the thorned crown after a lack of leadership. Donavon would set a goal to revive his kingdom back to its former greatness, with help of his right hand man Raymond Ronjon. After several years Donovan was able to turn Norland into a strong and feared kingdom, prompting the Dwarves, more specifically the Grand Kingdom of Urguan. The half-men set out to destroy Norland in its entirety, in the first and second sieges of the Krag.The forces of Norland, with the help of the legendary mercenary group, Dunamis, was able to hold off the Dwarves for over 4 years. Donovan, then having had successfully fended off one of the most powerful nations of the realm was able to secure peace after the death of the Grand King of Urguan who waged the war. Donovan then stepped down from the throne after his mental health depleted and he believed that Urguanian spies were everywhere. The mantle of the throne was then passed down to his younger cousin Artyom Eirikson. Artyom’s time was a time of peace, and a sad time for Norland. No wars were to be had nor raids were allowed as Artyom sat in his keep and began to remodel the Krag. Artyom married an ascended woman, and had two children, one girl and one boy. Artyom, earned himself the title of the King who lost the Krag after a legendary dark elf bard Lonan Daemyr, wrote a beloved tavern song about Artyom and his shite decisions. Artyom would then step down after his short reign and give the throne to his younger cousin and fellow Eiriksson, Javier Ruric. Javier would begin his reign by building on the large island that which neighbor’s the Krag, a great city, which became the capital of Norland, Vjorhelm. This City would be where Norlander’s would reside for the rest of their time on Axios as their final settlement. Javier would lead Norland through several wars, the most important two being the war against the newly reformed Oren, and the Frostbeard Rebellion. Javier would come to win all the wars which he lead Norland in, earning himself the title of a renown king and powerful leader, but even Javier was not meant to last forever, as he’d later step down from the throne to let his eldest son, Jevan Ruric, take the throne.

 

         This would lead Norland into its worst and darkest hour, Norland would have a Crusade set upon them by the Cannonist faith. This would prompt Jevan to attempt to save himself from the crusade by disavowing the Red faith as the true faith of Norland and allowing Canonist inside the walls of Vjorhelm. In doing so the Members of the faith went to the Crusading Kingdoms, one of which being Renatus and would join the crusade against Norland turning it into a war to destroy Norland. Under Jevan’s leadership Norland would lose the battles leading up to the first and last siege of the Krag. During the time in between these battles is when the War of Moots began. This war, initially being started by Arthas Ruric in his calling of a moot for Javier to step down and allow for his successor to be chosen by the people, in which Javier allowed Jevan to take the throne. Would lead to Jevan calling a moot in hopes of ending all of the conflicts between the Crusaders, Norland and the Red faith. This would be his own demise as he’d only tie during the moot and, after agreeing to a death duel with Exander Ruric for the crown, he’d run off and go missing, never to be seen again.

 

          In the last siege of the Krag, the troops of Norland lead by, Jory, Jorik and Jorvik Ruric. The troops would fail to defend Vjorhelm, having been deceived by the siege camps and it’s artillery as it’d had been pointed at the krag. With the Capital in Ruins and the Ashtree damaged, Jory would call a moot to select the King of Norland for the last time. This moot would end in Jory’s election as King. Following Jory’s Coronation he vassalized to Renatus, the Kingdom that lead the crusade on Norland. Within the next 5 years, Axios would begin to crack and fall apart, Jory would then lead the Remnants of Norland to Atlas, to resettle as his ancestors before him.((End of N0tt))

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IX. Norland Families of Note

Spoiler

 

          Change, being the paradigm of Norlandic life in general, makes keeping track of the many Norlandic noble difficult. Organizations in Norland may or may not follow the conventional “family house” one may see in a Heartland nation. Many “Families” are simply clanfolk who claim a common banner. Nevertheless, the following contains a list of Norlandic houses, both currently standing and long gone. It contains manuscripts, ancient texts, local gossip and town folktales. The list is also incomplete, since some houses are lost to time.

 

House Ruric

          House Ruric has ruled over Norland since Thoromir Ruric received the ancient flame from the All-Father and delivered his people from an ancient cataclysmic blizzard. Their covenant to the All-Father grants them their right to rule, and this is seldom questioned by the Norlandic people. Descended Rurics are tall, broad, have pale skin and raven-black hair (though recent Rurics have been known to have traces of brown). Generally Rurics that do not possess the ‘pure’ Ruric features are considered inferior to full bloods.

 

House Grimlee

          The House of Grimlee is a venerable house, harkening from humble origins. The Grimless family is primarily a farming clan with a fondness for cultivating vast swathes of crops and grazing fields. However when the raiding season arrives they lay down their scythes and hoes and take up their axes and round shields. Joining the raiding bands striking out from the Heartland. Of late House Grimless has fallen from its former glory and the few surviving members lack the desire to reunify and revitalize the house.

 

House Greymane

          The House of Greymane joined the body of Norland during the brief interlude in Vailor wherein the Rurics dwelt in the heartlands. House Greymane is comprised of individuals bearing a fiery shock of hair to complement their wild beards. Generally the Greymanes tend to their own agricultural holdfast. They possess a peculiar fondness for dwelling in swamps and their diet is comprised of various fish stews, gumbos and a variety of fried crustaceans and amphibians.

 

House Silversteed

          House Silversteed was conceived during the Norlandic settlement of Avar. They served the house loyally until the Moot war. After the end of the Moot war Avalon, angered by his lack of influence departed Norland, founding Arbor. At this point the Silversteeds were declared to be a seditious and heretical faction. Avalon was killed, by Jory Ruric in a duel to settle the rebellion. Currently the house is led by William, with it being heavily fractured compared to its former glory.

 

House Volaren

          An ancient house, Volarens boast being the only elven Norlandic house. According to legend, the Voalrens helped Norland first establish itself from the time of Thoromir down to the founding of the Krag. Volarens tended to be talented archers and poets, being credited for many old Norlandic songs such as the Krugsmas Miracle of Seahelm. A secretive house, the Volarens do not have much of a presence in Norland itself, but are nevertheless considered revered for their vital roles played at pivotal points in Norland’s history. They are notorious for being free-spirited and jovial.

 

House Faretto

          Small remnants of an initially small house, the Farettos are known mostly for their devout piety to the Red Faith and their consistent allegiance to the Edvardsson Rurics. According to folklore, the Farettos helped write the original Red Scrolls along with the ruling Edvardssons as Norland’s first religious text and code of law. Descended Farettos are strong and hardy, having strong jawlines, thick necks, and remarkably deep voices. They are notoriously passionate for what they believe in.

 

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