Regions of Enelis
Proud Jarldom of Aelgard
United Noradrie Homeland of the Horselords
Banner: An axe below a helm on a blue flag with yellow sashes.
Capital: Highhold (15,280)
Notable Settlements: Jorvik (7300), Elfrborg (6300), Skogrthorp (3500), Hafdyrr (6200), Sudrborg (7800), with many smaller market towns.
Rulers: High-Jarl Heregar Hethroth
Government: Hereditary monarchy with feudal council (Council of Jarls)
Military: Strong. Especially strong calvary units. Holds 62 defensive fortifications.
Languages: Noradrie, Nomen (Common)
Religion: Noradrie pantheon.
Primary Exports: Horses, cheese, livestock, wool, flax, rye, barley.
Detailed Map of the Northlands
History
Like the other Noradrie, the people of Aelgard were once slaves to Jotuns. They then learned to fight, joining the Dwarves in the war against their former masters. The warrior culture of the Noradrie grew out from this past. Strength and prowess in battle has long been the mark of a great leader. These lands have always been divided between great warrior-chiefs who rule over a given region. In -513 G.R., Rohard Hethroth united the Noradrie clans into the Aelgardian Empire as the first Great-King (Storr-Konungr). Their armies were so mighty, that they successfully challenged the Nomen Empire, and captured Goldwall for a time. The Empire eventually dissolved as each individual Clan-King (Aett-Konungr) fought for control of the regions. It wasn’t until 133 G.R., that Bryman Hethroth was able to reunite these scattered clans again to fight in the Last War. Shortly after, the Jarldom of Aelgard was founded by his descendants.
After the death of Bryman Hethroth at the end the Last War, his son Herevard was able to gain support from the clan-leaders (Jarls) who had fought with Bryman. They all swore fealty to Herevard and the Hethroth clan in order to maintain a united Noradrie nation against future threats. Prior to Bryman’s involvement in the Last War, the Noradrie were seen by southerners as little more than Vikings and raiders. Herevard saw an opportunity for improving the lives of his people by aiding the refugees and trading with the people of the south in a joint effort of peace and prosperity. The new High-Jarl of Aelgard did not wish to anger their new allies to the south, so raiding of the eastern coasts was strictly banned, there would be no more Vikings. However, many of the northern clans would not agree with this change. They feared their culture and way of life would be subsumed by the ways of the south. They continued to raid, and caused diplomatic stress upon the kingdom. Thus, after a civil war between the warrior-clans, the northern Clan-Kings of Krungar seceded from Aelgard in 322 G.R.
There has since been much coordination between the Clan-Kings of Krungar and the Jarls of Aelgard, especially concerning the northwestern border with Hashan. After the orc horde of 452 G.R., Aelgard has been instrumental in the formation and maintenance of the Alliance to protect the rest of the east from the threat of orcish invasions. The Jarls and Clan-Kings share the responsibility of keeping the garrisons of the borderland forts.
Government
Aelgard is a hereditary feudal monarchy. The Hethroth family is the ruler of the lands by divine right as the High-Jarl. The Council of Jarls, however, still control much of their own regions. There are six provinces of Aelgard, with the Hethroth’s controlling the largest central province of Aelheim. The other provinces are controlled by the five jarls that make up the council. The role of the High-Jarl is that of a military leader and diplomatic leader of the nation, but the governance of the province is left to the jarl and their underlying vassals. Small wars between vassals and jarls are common as they may fight for control of specific resources, but the High-Jarl ensures that these disputes never undermine the cohesion of the kingdom as a whole.
Military
The stars of the Aelgardian military are the ridders, heavy calvary and vassals of the Jarls. Much like the knights of Verland, the ridders of Aelgard typically control a village and fief in exchange for military service to their Jarl. Horses are a cornerstone of Aelgardian society, such that a ridder will conscript numerous light calvary troops in their warbands when called to war. So when a Jarl calls his vassals to service, they are able to unite a large army of ridders and light calvary that thunder across the plains. Serfs who are called into military service are typically armored and armed into light or heavy infantry, based on individual military skill.
Economy
The economy of Aelgard is strong, thanks to the trade agreements they have with nearby Hopesdawn. After the Nomenir brought horses to Ularin, the Noradrie quickly mastered the breeding of these beasts. The Noradrie people are quite devoted to these creatures and horse-breeders are important figures of their communities. They have breeds that specialize in all manner of purposes. Aelgard also exports a lot of timber, linen and wool cloth, as well as grains, beers, and a variety of cheeses and salted fish and meats.
Culture
The Aelgardians of Aelgard are a settled people with a modern Noradrie culture. They are foremost known as brave warriors, wise sages, and eager traders. Much like the other Noradrie cultures of the region, these people have a strong respect for their ancestors and their warriors. However, in contrast to the Krungi, the Aelgardians no longer wage war with their neighbors or send out raiders to raid the eastern coasts. The Aelgardians see themselves as the keepers of Noradrie culture, spreading their world view through trade with the south.
The settlements of Aelgard are as much Noradrie as one can be. Most homes are simple waddle-and-daub long-huts with thatch roofs. They grow barley and oats in the summer, while relying on herds of goats, sheep, and reindeer in the winter. In the Aelgardian cities, one finds enormous long-houses of strong timber that serve as mead houses, gathering halls, and organizational headquarters. Stone buildings are usually limited to small chapels and temples devoted to the Noradrie pantheon.
Much like all Noradrie, Aelgardians are a tall people with pale to ruddy skin and hair colors that range from whites, blonds, light browns, and reds. Aelgardians tend to wear fur-lined cloths, typically linens and wools. They are quite fond of metallic rings hanging and embedded within their clothing. Their armaments are often decorated with bone and ivory. Most Aelgardians speak Noradrie and Nomen (Common). Aelgardians typically worship the Noradrie pantheon with a strong reverence for Hethroth, the hero who united their people.
The Aelgardians highly value honor above all else. Physical strength is a highly admired trait. But unlike their Krungar cousins, the Aelgardians have come to appreciate skills in craft and art as well. A few centuries of regular trade with the south have altered their culture, but not in a way the Krungar feared. If anything, trade has allowed the Noradrie to more easily share their culture and art with the outside world. It has allowed them to define themselves more clearly in contrast to the cultures of the south.
People from Aelgard tend to be boisterous and fun-loving, but also hard-working and industrious. They value loyalty and honesty above all else. They often make and keep oaths to others to bind their trust. They take great pride in their people and culture.
Adventure
The lands of Aelgard, like much of the northern lands, have Jotun remnants of the Braellheim Empire scattered throughout the lands. There are also many ancient Noradrie sites in the hills and mountains. On the southern end, there are even old sites of the Nomen Empire. The wilderness of Aelgard is known to hide all manner of great beasts and mighty foes, including Jotuns, drakes, and even dragons. Many Aelgardian warriors make a name for themselves by seeking out and slaying the nearest monstrous terror. Although, far more make the attempt and never return.