Skaldvik

Skaldvik is a small, isolated fishing village on the rugged western coast of Bravøllr, nestled beside the Setting Sea. With its cold, windswept shores and proximity to the mysterious Iskrun Fields and Kaldskar, the village is a remote, almost forgotten place. It has a haunting beauty, with the cliffs, icy seas, and snow-covered beaches, but it is also a haven for those seeking escape from the world.

Demographics

Humans: 50%
Elves: 15%
Goliaths: 20%
Tieflings (Cold Heritage): 5%
Others (Dwarves, Elves, Genasi, etc.): 10%

Government

Skaldvik falls under the nominal authority of Bravhund as part of the greater Bravøllr region, though its remoteness means it often operates independently. Jarl Sigvor Hjarnson of Bravhund recognizes Skaldvik’s importance as a coastal village but rarely intervenes in its affairs unless there is an urgent matter of trade or security.

Defences

Skaldvik relies primarily on its geography for defense. The Setting Sea acts as a natural barrier to the west, while the Iskrun Fields and Kaldskar create difficult terrain to the northeast. The villagers themselves are hardy folk, used to surviving in harsh conditions, and many are adept hunters or fishermen who can defend themselves if needed.

Industry & Trade

Fishing: The main industry, with coldwater fish, seaweed, and other ocean resources being harvested.

Trade in Magical Crystals: Skaldvik is one of the few places where the magical crystals from the Iskrun Fields can be found, although access is limited by the Crystal Speakers.

Shipbuilding: Small vessels suited to navigating the Setting Sea are built here, using local wood and materials.

Infrastructure

The village is small, with few formal roads. The houses are simple, sturdy structures made of stone and wood, designed to withstand the biting coastal winds. A single, rough path leads into the village from the north, linking it to the broader Bravøllr region, though travel is often difficult due to snow, ice, and isolation.

Districts

Skaldvik is too small to have formal districts, but it does have distinct areas;

The Dockside: The central area along the coast where fishermen work, storehouses sit, and trade happens.

The Outskirts: Where the Crystal Speakers live in seclusion. This area is both feared and revered by the locals.

The Village Heart: A small cluster of homes around a central longhouse used for communal gatherings and meetings.

Assets

Coldwater Fish: A staple of the economy, Skaldvik exports a variety of fish, including cold-resistant species and deep-sea catches.

Rare Crystals: The Iskrun Fields to the northeast provide unique, magical crystals that are occasionally sold by the Crystal Speakers.

Seclusion: The village's isolation makes it an attractive place for those seeking to hide, escape, or find solitude.

Guilds and Factions

The Fishermen's Guild: A loose organization of local fishermen who ensure fair trade and resource management.

The Crystal Speakers: A mysterious group of shamans who live on the outskirts of Skaldvik. They are deeply connected to the magical energies of the Iskrun Fields and are known to possess powers related to divination, healing, and elemental magic. They rarely involve themselves in village affairs but are respected and feared for their mystical abilities.

History

Skaldvik has existed for centuries, originally founded by settlers fleeing conflict in the north. Over time, it became a place of refuge for those looking to escape the wider world. Its remoteness kept it mostly independent from the greater politics of Bravøllr, though the rise of Bravhund brought Skaldvik into the fold. The Crystal Speakers are believed to have lived in the area long before the village was established, guarding the secrets of the Iskrun Fields.

Points of interest

The Speaker’s Circle: A hidden grove on the outskirts of the village, where the Crystal Speakers perform rituals and commune with the spirits of the land and sea.

The Longhouse: The communal center of the village where meetings are held, and travelers can find shelter.

The Sea Shrine: A small stone structure at the edge of the docks where villagers leave offerings to the spirits of the Setting Sea for safe passage and bountiful catches.

The Iskrun Fields: A vast expanse of shimmering, magical crystals that lies a day’s travel to the northeast. It’s both a place of beauty and danger, with rumors of strange creatures and unstable magic.

Tourism

Skaldvik isn’t a tourist destination in the traditional sense, but it does attract scholars and adventurers interested in the mysteries of the Crystal Speakers and the Iskrun Fields. Few stay long, as the village's isolation and harsh conditions make it inhospitable to outsiders.

Architecture

The village architecture is simple, with low stone walls and wooden roofs insulated with thatch and seaweed. Homes are built to be sturdy and warm, with fireplaces at the heart of every house. Larger buildings, like the longhouse and storehouses, are built from thick, weathered logs.

Geography

Skaldvik is perched on the western coast of Bravøllr, overlooking the Setting Sea. The village is uniquely divided between two main areas: one atop the coastal cliffs, and the other on a rocky outcropping that juts into the sea. These two sections are connected by an ancient stone bridge, often slick with sea spray but still sturdy after centuries of use.The Kaldskar and Iskrun Fields are close by, providing magical and natural resources but also a sense of foreboding. To the south, the icy road leads toward The Breach, but it is rarely traveled.

Clifftop Village: The majority of Skaldvik’s homes, shops, and communal buildings are located here, offering sweeping views of the Setting Sea. The cliffs are steep, jagged, and treacherous, with narrow paths leading down to the coastline below. This upper portion is the heart of the village, where most of the population lives and works.

Rocky Outcropping: A smaller section of Skaldvik sits on a jagged formation of stone just off the coast, accessible only via the stone bridge. This part of the village houses the docks and shipyards, essential to the local fishing industry. The sea here is rough, with waves constantly crashing against the rocks, but it’s sheltered enough to allow for mooring boats.

Bridge: The bridge is a vital lifeline for Skaldvik, connecting the upper and lower parts of the village. Though old, it is a marvel of ancient craftsmanship, with strong supports built directly into the cliffs and outcropping. During heavy storms, the bridge can be dangerous to cross, but it remains the primary link between the two parts of Skaldvik.

The village’s location provides natural defenses against attacks from the sea, but it also makes travel difficult, with the nearest major settlement being a week’s journey away.

Climate

The village endures frigid temperatures year-round. Strong winds sweep off the Setting Sea, bringing with them freezing rains and snowstorms in the winter months. Even during the summer, the weather remains cold and unpredictable.

Natural Resources

Fish: The Setting Sea is rich in fish, though difficult to navigate.

Magical Crystals: The Iskrun Fields are a source of rare, magical crystals used in enchanting and spellcasting.

Wood and Stone: The surrounding tundra provides a limited amount of trees and rock for building materials, though they are carefully managed to avoid depletion.

Population

The village is home to around 600 people, though that number fluctuates with the seasons as travelers and traders pass through or settle in during the warmer months.

Owner/Ruler

Agnar Drengsson