Jotunar

Jotunar is a harsh and cold land. A land of monsters, weather, gods, and warriors that either hardens or breaks those that call it home. For much of its existence, Jotunar was a land only of monsters and Gods. Eventually, several hundred years ago, the Gods of the land decided to make space for humanoids. Then began the long war known as the Arthra in which the gods and their allies drove back or diminished the monsters of the land and allowed the humanoid species to flourish. Many of those great monsters have vanished completely and only their smallest descendants are still living in Jotunar today. The remains of the Arthra can still be found all around Jotunar. Huge skulls and bones belonging to Giants and Dragons larger than anything seen today still dot the landscape. As do the remains of these ancient and powerful beings' homes. Some are still undiscovered and contain ancient treasures and magics not seen in centuries. It is a land of opportunity and ambition where anyone can strive to make a name for themselves, or seize power if they are bold, strong, and clever enough.

Life and Society

Life is hard for many of the people of Jotunar. The land is loath to grow food, except the heartiest of fare. The forests and mountains are home to many monsters, the giants and beasts who have descended from those before the Arthra are always eager to reclaim the lands lost to their predecessors. This has led to a society based on survival, strength of arms, and trust between peoples. Many people, despite the difficulties, still make a living tending crops, hunting, and working the land. Many more still supplement their livelihoods with fishing and gathering the many bounties to be found in the rich waters surrounding Jotunar. For those that live within the great cities of Jotunar life is very different. Crafting, in particular wood and metalworking, are highly prized skills that one can make a comfortable living pursuing. Cities thrive as ports for trade, and centers for the various cultures of Jotunar to gather, live together, and learn from each other. Movement up and down the social ladder in Jotunar is easier than in many places. While certain clans may have traditions going back hundreds of years the structure inside the clan is relatively malleable. If one is cunning, brave, lucky, and vicious enough there is always a path to becoming the ruler of a clan, a city, or even a kingdom. This has resulted in a country that, up until recently, has been in a constant state of flux. The five great kingdoms, which have only risen in the past hundred years, have given Jotunar a greater sense of stability and unity than it has had in all but the longest-lived elves’ memory. Who knows what the people of Jotunar may do now that they are not always fighting each other? This doesn't mean the five kingdoms live in perfect harmony, but it is certainly calmer than it has perhaps ever been.

Major Geographical Features

The Glitterpeaks:
These mountains house the oldest Mountain Dwarven cities, some high in the peaks, and deeper in the earth below. It is believed by some that these mountains contain the remnants of fallen stars that have become the rich veins of gems that run through the mountains, giving them their name. The highest peaks of these mountains are also the homes of both Goliath and Stone Giants who have been at odds for generations. Orevein Mountains:
Rich in ore and fine metals these mountains, and their riches are a frequent point of contention between the Dwarves of the Frecklin Clans, the people of Brekt, and the Fire giants that all make their homes within. The most valuable and rare metals (iron, adamantine, and mithral) are all highly sought after and often fought over. Great Pine Forest:
This massive and magnificent forest seems to be from a bygone era. The trees grow to truly dizzying heights and are green throughout the whole year. The forest floor is littered with smaller trees as well as thick brush making it a dense and vibrant place filled with life. This protection from the elements and a large amount of resources make the Great Pine Forest not only filled with wildlife and monsters but also home to the great wood-elven city of Srelldendia and the great wooden fortress of Pinewoods Keep. Bay of Wyrms:
The aptly named bay is home to many of the children of Jormungandr. This makes it a dangerous place to traverse, but for those brave or foolish enough to fish or explore these waters a great deal of wealth can be found. Many ships have been lost in the bay and their treasures and secrets still lie below the seas. Many say the Aegir and Rana make their home in the deepest parts of the Bay of Wyrms. The Sea Elves who make their homes in the bay have developed magics to ward off the drakes that make the bay their home. Langran River:
The longest river in Jotunar, the Langran touches nearly every village and city on the western side of Jotunar. It is the source for pretty much everything for those that make its shore their homes. There are two halfling clans, The Rapid Rollers, and the WaveBorn who make the river their home and travel its length from town to town.

Important Sites

Buktborg:
A large and deeply fortified city, it is the capital of the recently consolidated kingdom of Jornur. Buktborg is not a large city, but its position allows it control over a large area of very important land making it significant in many campaigns over the years. King Grendra conquered it 15 years ago and brought the surrounding region under his control through a mix of marital might and diplomacy. Made rich by the ore mined through Hyngebrink, and being the largest port on the east coast of Jotunar has made Buktborg a prosperous and eclectic city. Aunaar:
A border city between the kingdoms of Jornur and Bresklin, Aunaar has had no fewer than 10 rulers in the last 8 years. Most recently Earl Largren conquered the city bringing it under the control of King Ragrarn Thembooke. Its location in the Wailing peaks make it both a rich city due to large iron and coal deposits, as well as a strategically important city. It boasts a high dwarven population, both mountain and hill, and has an ancient and revered temple to Jord which sees many a pilgrim. Lakeholt:
This small fortress has an ancient and great pedigree. It is believed that Njord and Skadi built their palace on the site where Lakeholt stands today. Some believe that there is a great and lost treasure to be had in the earth below the city. Of all the cities of Jotunar, Lakeholt has the largest population of Sea elves. Jarl Deepwater, the current ruler of Lakeholt is herself half sea elf. Brekt:
Nearly all the strength of the Kingdom of Nornall is due to Brekt. The largest, richest, most diverse, and best-educated city in all of Jotunar, Brekt is truly the jewel of the continent. Said to have been first settled by Odin himself, along with Frigg it is a city of great importance to all of Jotunar. Though the rest of Nornall is wild and mostly settled in small villages, Brekt with its large population and excellent placement more than makes up for it. Three full mercenary clans, as well as three settled clans, make their homes in and around Brekt. Brekt also boasts the only fully established Mage College in all of Jotunar, making it one of the only kingdoms with a decent number of wizards. Ravensguard:
It is believed that Ravensguard was first settled by the great giant Einsgrawn in the second age. They say she was drawn there by the call of the Norns and when she rested there, she had strange and prophetic visions. Blessed by the Norns she started a settlement that has grown and though the giants were driven from Midgard, the castle remains. This has left Ravensguard a larger-than-life place and often feely slightly haunted. Its power is undoubtable however and it is said that Ravensguard can never be conquered by strength of arms alone. Pinewoods Keep:
The only human city within the Great Pine Forest, it is the capital of the Kingdom of Longpine and perhaps the most sacred place in all of Jotunar. In the center of Pinewoods is the great tree that it is said Odin hung from for seven days after sacrificing himself to himself, thus gaining the powers of prophecy and all wisdom. This tree, known today as 'the hanged man's tree' is said to actually be a pierce of Yggdrasil itself. Pinewoods Keep, unsurprisingly boasts a large population of wood elves and half elves and is the sister city to Srelldendia. Srelldendia:
The heart and home city for the Wood Elves of the Great Pine Forest, Srelldendia is an ancient and beautiful city. Built in and amongst the great trees of the Great Pine Forest it is said that the center of the city hosts the Ash tree that the ancient elves used to leave Midgard when the great migration to Aelfheim took place. It is a significant place for all elves, not just those of the forest and most will make at least one trip there in their long lifetimes. Grimplegrin:
A city of solid stone, glittering gems, and rich metals Grimplegrin is the cultural heart of Mountain Dwarf society. It is found deep below the earth in the valley between the two legs of the Glitterpeaks. Its current leader Queen Yendrak LongFire has ruled, along with her clan The HammerHearts for the last 150 years and is well loved by her family.

Religion

The gods are everywhere. They wander the lands, they sail the seas, they fly through the air, and sometimes they may even knock on your door. The gods tamed the land and drove out or slew the greatest of the monsters during The Quelling, but it is said these beings fled but are not gone forever and will return in the future. When that time comes their gods will once again do battle and the lands will be shaped anew. Some believe that this cycle has been repeated many times before, but it is a fringe belief at best. The gods are worshiped in thousands of ways every day. It is not uncommon to swear an oath by one of the gods, "On Tyr's honor" or "By Heimdall's Sight'' for example, and thanks are given to the gods for nearly every good fortune, and their names are cursed for each misfortune. How much direct influence they have on the day-to-day small dealings of life is a matter of debate, but no one doubts their power and ability to shape, when they want, the grand workings of Jotunar's future. That being said, it is widely known that the gods are often working on their own grand workings and designs that occupy the bulk of their time, power, and attention. Whether this is a boon or bane for the people of Jotunar is a matter of opinion and debate.

Wealth and Trade

Wealth is hard to come by in Jotunar. There are rich veins of minerals and metals to be found within the mountains, but mining is a dangerous and time-consuming profession. Most of the richest veins and areas are already controlled by the great dwarven clans and this can lead to regular conflict between dwarves and others. Raiding, mercenary work, and trading are the most common paths to wealth for those who do not wish to till the soil or fish the seas of Jotunar. The monster-headed longships of the Vikingr are simultaneously feared(when raiding) and celebrated(when trading) wherever they travel. Few nations have spread their influence farther, or seen more new lands than the great explorers, traders, and warriors of Jotunar.