Aldurstein (AHL-DERR-STYN)
Summary
Aldurstein, the central nation of the north, was once part of the Unconquered North before it was invaded by Princess Karina and her brother Mirnov, who slew and subjugated the gaian natives of the Kongrikelm. Much of Aldurstein is uninhabitable, as the nation is riddled with massive, frozen mountains. However, there are plenty of snowy tundras that surround the fjord cutting into the region, which is where many of the settlements in the frigid region can be found.
Geography
Aldurstein is beautiful, but inhospitable due to its low temperatures and the strong winds blowing in from the fjord. These winds have contributed to significant erosion along the cliffs around the fjord, where many settlements have cropped up. Beyond these cliffs are snow-coated tundras. Even during the summer months, ice can still be found clinging to the foliage that grows in the tundra and crystals form in the air with every breath.
While industrialization and modern expansion has led to clearing many of the sites of battle from the Conquering of the North, some of these battlefields can still be found under the ice and snow in the region, dotting the otherwise plain landscape with shredded banners and frozen corpses.
Baraka Fjord
A rocky fjord that cuts into the southern tundra of Aldurstein. The cliffs are grand and jagged, rendering traversal of the fjord by water incredibly dangerous, though efforts to shave down the more troublesome rocks have been moderately successful over the years, allowing vessels to reach the eastern port city of Tanskjol without too much issue, though only two large trade ships can travel side-by-side in the fjord comfortably.
Forlog Pines
A cold, snowy pine forest that surrounds the northwestern ridge of the Spine of Aldur. The pines here are incredibly tall and dense, though the outer edges of the forest have been subjected to significant logging efforts.
Molbroto Tundra
An icy tundra where brown foliage, grey stones, and pale ice fill a landscape that is otherwise only broken up by the occasional ancient battlefield.
Spine of Aldur
Named after the ancient dragon Alduraxaes who was felled by the gaians of the north in roughly the year 400 PR, the Spine of Aldur was originally called Denhvdod Aldur, or "the Site of Aldur's Death" by the gaians, and referred to one specific mountain. Karina renamed the entire mountain range after conquering the north, changing the meaning from "the place the white dragon was slain" to "the corpse of the white dragon". The actual site of Alduraxaes's demise has been lost to history since, and efforts to locate the area have failed.
The spine itself is a lengthy mountain range that really does seem to resemble the spines of a tremendous dragon when viewed from a distance, rising and falling from east to west. The spine spreads all the way from the western edge of Aldurstein (a region also named after Alduraxaes by Karina) to central Rossade, making it one of the largest mountain ranges in Aen.
Simple Tips for Players/Writers
Comparative GeographyNorway
Comparative Society/GovernanceStandard monarchy, though the throne is inherited by women.
Comparative ArchitectureVernacular
Nomenclature Mixture of Turkish and Old Norse Suggested Accent (if desired)Mixture of Indian, Russian, Turkish
Bastard NameAxeborn
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