North Thearos
General information about North Thearos
North Thearos can be sectioned down to two main regions: The North and The Deep North.
The North is a diverse region where one can find forests, mountains and even some farmed fields, while the Deep North is a harsh and frozen land of fjords and a vast highland steppe. There are several small islands scattered around. Some are so small they are only used to keep livestock, and they have no permanent population, save for the farmers who might check in on them by ship ever so often. Others have civilisations that have been there for thousands of years. Most trade much with the coastal towns of northern Thearos, but some are said to have never been contacted by anyone since the days of the Golden Empire.
Cultures of Northern Thearos: The North
The Old North.
In the less snowy and more tree lined northern region of Thearos there are larger communities of people who often get mistaken for their deep north neighbours. However given the more abundant farmland; they tend to have a more sedentary lifestyle.
There are also many communities in forested regions, some are closely tied to the forest spirits and magics of their region. People living deep in the forest might even be so attuned with nature around they don’t look beyond their own grove unless threatened.
Around the north people wear a variety of different clothing depending on how far north they live. In the most southern regions some will even wear simple garb made primarily to keep the wind from battering them.
The Two Mighty Cities
The North has two different Cities that have stood their ground for years, building and rebuilding after many raids and battles to keep their land.
The City of Auðlund: Is a City filled with prosperous crops and beautiful scenery. Its mountains spread wide in a half bowl around the city and one huge waterfall that runs down to a river that spreads into the city. All kinds of animals run free around the grass fields and nearby forests.
When Mjötuðr (Lord) David Bjargborinn found this land years ago with his men, he named it Auðlendi for its riches. Today this city is still known for producing all kinds of foods and crops. They trade and keep watchful eyes on those who want to disturb their homeland. People who live there are called Auðlendingar.
The City Of Taumland: Land made of gold and silver. Known for their tall buildings and glorious new jewelry. Surrounded by nothing but Mountains and flat earth. There the people mined and produced gold, Iron, silver, and plenty of sulfur.
Before it became a city it was formerly known as the Mines of Bjarnarkot.
Where a tyrant ruler Bjarni Svartfeldur ruled with an Iron fist. But his rule came to an end after his servants and slaves rebelled. That rebellion was led by a man named Ingimar Sárvanur. Much blood was spilled that day for the prosperity and new found rule, so Mjötuðr (Lord) Ingimar named his new land Taumland, to remind his people that this was the land owned by those that were bound in shackles. It is degrading to be called slaves, or former slaves, but they are proud being called Taumlendingar
Today both cities have united under one banner of The North. For the new Mjötðrar, Freysteinn and Rúnólfur have wowed themselves in marriage. But people are sceptical of their love.
Current state of The North.
Some parts of The North have had cold rain for months, there has been some change that has shifted this peaceful land out of balance.
For the people living deep in the forests, they have noticed these changes and deem it so that the Forest Spirits are protecting their kin and life around them.
But the people living in towns and villages have not noticed these unusual changes.
The two cities within the North have settled on sharing their riches and culture to make the North a better place and keep the peaceful land safe and prosperous from any enemy or danger.
Culture and Fashion
Typically some people wore long linen underdresses, over which they wore a woollen overdress, often fastened with brooches at the shoulders.
Some wore tunics, trousers, and a belt, often with decorative elements. Both accessorized with jewelry and belts.
Cultures of Northern Thearos: The Deep North
The Deeper Old North.
There are many scattered populations of tribes and villages throughout the most northern region of Thearos. There are several small villages, farms or jarldoms, all controlled by local rulers who often have small wars between each other. By the coast are some of the most dangerous seafaring cultures who go off and settle small nearby islands. They sail down the coast and are known to pillage those that are weaker than them and to trade with those that seem stronger. Most of these communities tend not to get too large. They are small tight knit communities, everyone will know the name and life of every other person in their little village. However there are a few leaders who have cropped up as leaders of larger regions.
Gaukur `good beard ́ is the ruler of one of the biggest territories in North Thearos. He has vowed not to cut, trim or clean his beard until he controls all of North Thearos.
The Three Jarldoms
Clan: The Sons of Fenrir
Leader: Úlfsteinn “Jarl” Blóðkló - Devoted pack leader that acts and sounds more wolf than man.
Place: Fjötradalur
General Information: Known for their hunting tactics, The Sons of the Wolf travel in packs.
They offer their minds and spirit to the wolf, allowing them to be fearless animals in the face of their enemies or pray. It's a ritual given to young adults at the ripe age of 10. That Ritual Is led by a Priest of the Wolf Spirit.
Their main town Fjötradalur is in the middle grounds of the deep north. Their Jarldom spreads wast within the middle but are cut off by their enemies. They mostly want to be left alone within their grounds, but endless territorial war has made them protective of their pack and land. So they do not allow their people to leave or others to come in.
Clan: The Bear Jaws
Leader: Gaukur “Jarl” Góðskeggur - Gaukur `good beard ́ is the ruler of one of the biggest territories in North Thearos. He has vowed not to cut, trim or clean his beard until he controls all of North Thearos.
Place: Bjarnarkott
General Information: Bjarnarkott is a large town in the deep North west fjords. The Bear Jaws are a fearsome clan, known for their collective hides and trophies. They have laid waste to other settlements and villages to expand their Jarldom in the north. Their berserkers rage is something that has become well known and something that no one wants to face.
Clan: The Frozen Hearts
Leader: Snædís “Jarl” Silvur tunga - Known for her snowy white skin and cunning mind. Her words can inspire or demolish any man.
Place: Frostfjörður
General Information: In the Deep west fjords of the norð is a town called Frostfjörður. The people of Frostfjord, The Icewinds, are known for their magical abilities. Like Seiðir, Vala and fjölkynngi (Thread Magic rituals, Foresight and Witchcraft). They are neutral people that stay connected to their land and protectors, the Linx. Snædýs has foreseen the devastation of their homeland and wowed to make sure that her people would survive pure blood or none pure blood.
Pure bloods are the ones born within the clan, the none pure blooded are the ones that have taken part in their rituals and soon integrated/initiated into the clan.
Some non-pure bloods are Orcs and Dwarves. In the Clan no one is treated differently or experience prejudices, for Snædýs will not tolerate such.
Current State of the Deep North
The current state of the Deep north is Clan war. Gaukur has taken most of the deep north and keeps the war going. While other Clans, villages and farms survive under the protection of Úlfur and Snædís, even though they fight for territory too.
Culture and Fashion
The people tend to wear clothing made from animal hides to help with the cold weather. Great warriors will even seek out large and dangerous creatures to hunt and make clothes from. It is considered a mark of a great warrior to wear coats made of polar bear, moose, yeti or dire wolf.
Witches are finely dressed in blue, black or red dresses, and headscarf with golden thread along its edge, some wore bones or stones as accessories. It is thought that Volva shamans would have used wands, staff or items to empower their connection to the Galdrar (Magic) or spirits.
(Only the Priest of the Wolf, is known to wear a wolf mask, to represent his deeper connection to his Spirit)