Kulikovia
22-11-2007, 15:10
The Kingdom of Norgardia
History:
The lands north were first settled by explorers from the southern regions. The first know settlement was on the island of Ethosia on the delta for the river Nar. There, a village grew and prospered from the abundant fishing in the sea. From here, the Ethosians spread out along these northern passages and settled these nearly uninhabited lands. The White Mountains to the east, a long chain of high mountains serve as a natural boundary for the grassy plains below which lead to the coast. There are several rivers that cut through as well. As these people explored and settled, they formed seperate clans. There were over thirty clans at one point. Each one prospered from herding, grazing, fishing, and trading. The land and climate could not afford them the opportunity for farming so the sought other avenues. Approx 600 years ago, a mysterious plague befell the region, destroying much of the population of these rich clans. Soon entered a dark age for the clans as chaos ensued. Beasts from even farther north, monsterous creatures invaded their lands and began to spread their fury. One Northlander, Norgard Alvesta ascended to power in the clan of Avras and sought to cease this plague upon their people. He organized and rallied teh remaining clans into a unified force, staving off these beastmen. Finally, he led an army of 6,000 men to the White Mountains with a horde of over 30,000 beastmen in pursuit. Norgard led the horde into a trap in the Great Pass where his men, from high above attacked with arrows, spears, and rocks and finally charged down the mountain at the bewildered beastmen and slaughtered them. A number escaped never to be heard from again.
Norgard, in an effort to rebuild the lands, united the clans into a loose confederation due to his knowledge of their rugged independence, did not opt for one kingdom. He set a system of laws and balances and government up which helped to rebuild the economy. Before he could complete his work, Norgard died and a city spread from his burial mound. The Mound of Halgard became the city of Halgard, the capital of Norgardia.
Only eleven clans remained and sent representatives to Halgard to serve as Court of the High King whose bloodline derives from Norgard. A long line of kings followed as the clans continued to thrive. Several civil wars are noted throughout their history as one clan became too powerful and must be checked.
Economy:
The Sea is the most important part of Norgardian livlihood. Fishing and much of their trade are done on the sea. In the plainlands, grazing and herding are the staple of life. Iron deposits as well as granite and limestone from the White Mountains provide a robust metalworking and building material. Lumbering is also a notable source as well. Another facet of the economy which is also important is raiding. Each clan has permission from the High King to engage inraiding expeditions to non-Norgardian lands and bring back their spoils where a tribute is paid to the High King. Trading and slavery are prominent as well. Due to Norgardian law, no Norgardian may become a slave to another Norgardian as all are free men.
Government:
Each clan is for the most part, independent; however, a representative must be sent from each clan to represent them in the Halls of Halgard in the Court of the High King. The High King's word is law but may be overturned by a majority vote of the councilmen. The councilmen can also propose a law which the High King takes into consideration. Each representative has a measure of power and also serve as advisors for the king.
Military:
Each clan is required to give 1,000 men into service for the standing army of Norgardia. That makes 11,000 for a standing army year round which are posted at several strongholds and fortresses along the frontier and borders, and garrisoning the capital. A Home Guard of sorts are used to protect each clan, which protect their own clan. During times of crisis, every able bodied man may be called into service. The clans from the plains are renowned cavalrymen. Norgardians are also master seamen with excellent ships designed to sail even through shallow waters, as well as traversing deep waters of the ocean. There is not standing navy but each clan sets aside a number of ships for patrol duty along the southern coast.
Religion:
Norgardians are pagan in religious senses. With numerous festivals dedicated to a specific god. Their chief god is Tjorn.
The Clans:
Halgard
Tranas
Lansgaar
Oldenberg
Skara
Ethosia
Grimstad
Lindas
Avras
Stromsund
Falkenvar
Current Head of State: High King Erik I
History:
The lands north were first settled by explorers from the southern regions. The first know settlement was on the island of Ethosia on the delta for the river Nar. There, a village grew and prospered from the abundant fishing in the sea. From here, the Ethosians spread out along these northern passages and settled these nearly uninhabited lands. The White Mountains to the east, a long chain of high mountains serve as a natural boundary for the grassy plains below which lead to the coast. There are several rivers that cut through as well. As these people explored and settled, they formed seperate clans. There were over thirty clans at one point. Each one prospered from herding, grazing, fishing, and trading. The land and climate could not afford them the opportunity for farming so the sought other avenues. Approx 600 years ago, a mysterious plague befell the region, destroying much of the population of these rich clans. Soon entered a dark age for the clans as chaos ensued. Beasts from even farther north, monsterous creatures invaded their lands and began to spread their fury. One Northlander, Norgard Alvesta ascended to power in the clan of Avras and sought to cease this plague upon their people. He organized and rallied teh remaining clans into a unified force, staving off these beastmen. Finally, he led an army of 6,000 men to the White Mountains with a horde of over 30,000 beastmen in pursuit. Norgard led the horde into a trap in the Great Pass where his men, from high above attacked with arrows, spears, and rocks and finally charged down the mountain at the bewildered beastmen and slaughtered them. A number escaped never to be heard from again.
Norgard, in an effort to rebuild the lands, united the clans into a loose confederation due to his knowledge of their rugged independence, did not opt for one kingdom. He set a system of laws and balances and government up which helped to rebuild the economy. Before he could complete his work, Norgard died and a city spread from his burial mound. The Mound of Halgard became the city of Halgard, the capital of Norgardia.
Only eleven clans remained and sent representatives to Halgard to serve as Court of the High King whose bloodline derives from Norgard. A long line of kings followed as the clans continued to thrive. Several civil wars are noted throughout their history as one clan became too powerful and must be checked.
Economy:
The Sea is the most important part of Norgardian livlihood. Fishing and much of their trade are done on the sea. In the plainlands, grazing and herding are the staple of life. Iron deposits as well as granite and limestone from the White Mountains provide a robust metalworking and building material. Lumbering is also a notable source as well. Another facet of the economy which is also important is raiding. Each clan has permission from the High King to engage inraiding expeditions to non-Norgardian lands and bring back their spoils where a tribute is paid to the High King. Trading and slavery are prominent as well. Due to Norgardian law, no Norgardian may become a slave to another Norgardian as all are free men.
Government:
Each clan is for the most part, independent; however, a representative must be sent from each clan to represent them in the Halls of Halgard in the Court of the High King. The High King's word is law but may be overturned by a majority vote of the councilmen. The councilmen can also propose a law which the High King takes into consideration. Each representative has a measure of power and also serve as advisors for the king.
Military:
Each clan is required to give 1,000 men into service for the standing army of Norgardia. That makes 11,000 for a standing army year round which are posted at several strongholds and fortresses along the frontier and borders, and garrisoning the capital. A Home Guard of sorts are used to protect each clan, which protect their own clan. During times of crisis, every able bodied man may be called into service. The clans from the plains are renowned cavalrymen. Norgardians are also master seamen with excellent ships designed to sail even through shallow waters, as well as traversing deep waters of the ocean. There is not standing navy but each clan sets aside a number of ships for patrol duty along the southern coast.
Religion:
Norgardians are pagan in religious senses. With numerous festivals dedicated to a specific god. Their chief god is Tjorn.
The Clans:
Halgard
Tranas
Lansgaar
Oldenberg
Skara
Ethosia
Grimstad
Lindas
Avras
Stromsund
Falkenvar
Current Head of State: High King Erik I