Kulikovia
02-10-2008, 16:09
The Kingdom of Norgardia
History:
The Norgardians trace their origins through lore and songs sung by bards in the Mead Halls. According to legend, the Norgardians are descended from a group of sea fairers who traveled across the Endless Blue Ocean from a far distant continent. Their motives for leaving are unknown. They settled in the region of Everwood and spread out along the coast, up the navigable rivers further inland. Numerous clans emerged and vied for dominance. Then, a great plague ravaged the region, killing an estimated third of the population. The survivors found themselves greatly weakened by this plague. Only eleven clans survived and one man from a clan decimated, Norgard Alvesta, brought the leaders of the eleven clans together and proposed a united country. Of course, due to their rugged independence, Norgard was laughed out of the council chambers. An invasion of beatsmen from even further north swept across the region and the clans turned to Norgard who reluctantly took command of a fledgling army to counter this new threat. During an ambush, 7,000 Northlanders, as they commonly referred to themselves at the time, attacked an through his leadership, slaughtered a far greater army of the beastmen in the White Mountains to the East. The people rejoiced and pronounced him king of Norgardia, in his honor. After several years of rule, the aging king died and a city spread around his burial mound on the banks of the river Nar. THus, Halgard, the capital was born.
Economy:
The Sea is the most important part of Norgardian livlihood. Fishing and much of their trade are done on the sea and is the main source of their economy. 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. The navy under High King Dunslur, a century prior revamped itself into a far more organized and lethal force of long boats, galleys and transport ships. It has evolved from a raiding fleet into a powerful armada.
Notable amoungst the Norgardian cavalry is the use of a special breed of wolves. In Norgardia, the wolf is highly reveared. Many soldiers wear wolf pelts in the belief that it will increase their strength. A specific breed is bred for war. They are fearsome War Wolves. They are the size of horses, wuick and agile. Some are unleashed upon the enemy while others have riders atop them. It is a formidable force to reckon with.
Beserkers are some of the most fearsome warriors. Carrying heavy battle axes or other weapons.
Religion:
Norgardians are pagan in religious senses. With numerous festivals dedicated to a specific god. Their chief god is Tjorn. The wolf is highly reveared amoungst them
The Clans:
Halgard
Tranas
Lansgaar
Oldenberg
Skara
Ethosia
Grimstad
Lindas
Avras
Stromsund
Falkenvar
Current Head of State: High King Erik I
History:
The Norgardians trace their origins through lore and songs sung by bards in the Mead Halls. According to legend, the Norgardians are descended from a group of sea fairers who traveled across the Endless Blue Ocean from a far distant continent. Their motives for leaving are unknown. They settled in the region of Everwood and spread out along the coast, up the navigable rivers further inland. Numerous clans emerged and vied for dominance. Then, a great plague ravaged the region, killing an estimated third of the population. The survivors found themselves greatly weakened by this plague. Only eleven clans survived and one man from a clan decimated, Norgard Alvesta, brought the leaders of the eleven clans together and proposed a united country. Of course, due to their rugged independence, Norgard was laughed out of the council chambers. An invasion of beatsmen from even further north swept across the region and the clans turned to Norgard who reluctantly took command of a fledgling army to counter this new threat. During an ambush, 7,000 Northlanders, as they commonly referred to themselves at the time, attacked an through his leadership, slaughtered a far greater army of the beastmen in the White Mountains to the East. The people rejoiced and pronounced him king of Norgardia, in his honor. After several years of rule, the aging king died and a city spread around his burial mound on the banks of the river Nar. THus, Halgard, the capital was born.
Economy:
The Sea is the most important part of Norgardian livlihood. Fishing and much of their trade are done on the sea and is the main source of their economy. 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. The navy under High King Dunslur, a century prior revamped itself into a far more organized and lethal force of long boats, galleys and transport ships. It has evolved from a raiding fleet into a powerful armada.
Notable amoungst the Norgardian cavalry is the use of a special breed of wolves. In Norgardia, the wolf is highly reveared. Many soldiers wear wolf pelts in the belief that it will increase their strength. A specific breed is bred for war. They are fearsome War Wolves. They are the size of horses, wuick and agile. Some are unleashed upon the enemy while others have riders atop them. It is a formidable force to reckon with.
Beserkers are some of the most fearsome warriors. Carrying heavy battle axes or other weapons.
Religion:
Norgardians are pagan in religious senses. With numerous festivals dedicated to a specific god. Their chief god is Tjorn. The wolf is highly reveared amoungst them
The Clans:
Halgard
Tranas
Lansgaar
Oldenberg
Skara
Ethosia
Grimstad
Lindas
Avras
Stromsund
Falkenvar
Current Head of State: High King Erik I