Carn Geirick
This page will give a brief overview of Carn Geirick, its culture and its islands. For more information on specific islands, see their specific page for more details.
Demography and Population
Spread across multiple towns, ports and villages, the population of Carn Geirick's isles is relatively small compared to the 'mainland' to the south west. However, each seperate isle in the Carn Geirick chain differ greatly in population size, which typically corresponds to factors such as avaiibilty of food, building materials and space. The larger isles such as Carn Geirick, Bransay and Leifsay typically have larger populations for this reason, with the druid colony of the Frejr wilds having the smallest population. the vast majority of people living on the isles were born there, with very few outsiders settling in the region, most only come to trade, with the occasional bard looking for adventure or to collect stories. Occasionally foreign dignitaries arrive to discuss matters with the Jarls, but this is a very rare occurance indeed. More recently in the history of the region, there has been an influx of visiting travellers from the previously isolationist island of Neyris, though not many have chosen to settle in the region. The Nords themselves are a hardy people, the colder climate and unpredictability of the weatehr and seas make survival a fight on a daily basis, with the average life expectancy ranging from 40- 50 years for most populations. This has created a very strong warrior culture amongst the population, believing that only those that are strong enough to survive are able to, with the weak dying out as the harsh conditions claim them.
Territories
The seven Isles of Carn Geirick consist of: Bjornheif (the southern isle), Bransay (the northern isle), Carn Geirick (the central isle), Eirbrandr (the south western isle) The Frejr Wilds (the south eastern archipelago), Hollorton (the north western isle) and Leifsay (the eastern Isle). These islands were colonised many centuries ago, and the descendants of those same settlers have lived there ever since.
Military
Although lacking a formal standing army, each Jarl can call upon warriors from their population as well as military organisations controlled by certain Jarls such as the Sons of Bran, the Jarl's guard and the tribes of Bjornheif respectively. Though each of these orginisations have their own agendas, their is one organisation that have no alligance to any Jarl specifically, but are oathbound to protect all jarls. The shieldmaidens. This sisterhood of battle hardened maidens are traind at the temple of Odin at the centre of Carn Geirick's main isle. here they are given cermonial adornments and empowered by prayer to serve the Jarls and defend them from all threats. It is considered the highest honour to be recruited into this order and many young girls and women attempt the trials of entry.
Technological Level
main technological innovations:
- high quality ships
- steel and iron weapons
- chain and plate mail armour
- basic agricultural tools
- basic construction technology
- cattle drawn carts
Religion
The people of Carn Geirick only have two formal religious organisations, those being the followers of Odin who run the mountainous monastaries at the centre of the central isle, and the circle of druids that live in the Frejr wilds. Day to day religious practice is very versatile for the rest of the population, speaking words of prayer or blessing to their gods, whether it be thor, god of storms and the sea, or Frejr, goddess of nature, beauty and agriculture.
Foreign Relations
Carn Geirick has a very tenuous relationship with its southern neighbours, with semi-frequent raids occuring along the northern coast during the harsh northern winter period, when the Nords become ever more deperate for resources.
Agriculture & Industry
Main economic sources:
crop farming: cereal grains, hops, turnips, carrots, swedes, northroot, potatoes, cabbages and various herbs (both edible and medicinal)
animal husbandry: cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and highly trained hunting dogs. The isle of Bransay is the only example in the isles of domesticated horses.
hunting/trapping: furs, meats and exotic materials are collected from the vast swathes of ancient woodland covering the central and southern isles. Bransay and the Northern edge of Hollorton being completely devoid of trees rely more on herds of animals such as deer and elk.
fishing: one of the major industries of Carn Geirick, it accounts for about 75% of its total food stocks as the incredibly short spring and summer months make agriculture difficult.
textiles: a major export of the region is that of wool and hides, which it trades with the mainland for materials such as dyes, honey and salt.
mining: Carn Geirick contains many rich seams of materials such as copper, tin, iron, coal and precious metals like gold and silver. There is also a significant stone working industry as most of the houses in Carn Geirick are made mostly of stone.
metal production: the tool indusrty in Carn Geirick is quite lacklustre as tools are only crafted when needed, the main contracts the blacksmiths of the isles are concerned with are weapons and armour. Contracts for the Altean military and other such companies are common, though contracts from the isles will always take precident over foreign contracts.
woodwork/shipbuilding: there is a great tradition of wood work in the isles, but this is tempered as the forrest is also a major source of food for some isles. This has led to Carn Geiricks sea-faring vessels become reknowned for their sturdiness as all crafts in the isles must be built to last.
Trade & Transport
Trade and transport on the isles is almost exclusively by sea, with ships hopping from coast to coast on a daily basis, whether travelling far abroad, to a neighbouring isles or even just further along the coast of a single isle, th Carn Geirick seaways are possibly one of the most trafficked in the region.
Education
All nord children are raised by their community. This includes education and spiritual guidance, usually filling a role that is required, though most young Nords learn multiple crafts. Every single child on the isle is also trained in the art of combat, deemed a neccesity by the wider community as the 'survival of the fittest' mentality is deeply engrained in their traditions.
Infrastructure
The main travel routes are by sea, with inland roads being no less than roughly cobbled roads, tracks and pathways through the forrests and mountains of the isles, most of which are too treacherous to travel even on a bright and sunny day.
Capital
Head of State
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Barter system
Currency
copper, silver and gold coins and/or goods and services
Legislative Body
Every year, the Jarls meet at the great Thing to discuss matters of great import. with the chieftan Jarl, Jarl Ask, resolving disputes between the other Jarls as a fair mediator. This is achieved by discussion, executive decision or trial by combat. Though combat is very rare amongst most Jarldoms, the more tribal isle of Bjornheif use this trial for most of their political systems.
Judicial Body
The council of Jarls as a collective enforce their will over the multiple Isles of Carn Geirick, with each governing a specific isle and settling most disputes internally.
Official State Religion
Official Languages
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