Kingdom of Sealgrimm
Life and Society:
Sealgrimm is the smallest kingdom, both in geography and in population. Its northern border, which is contested with both Longpine and the dwarves of Grimplegrin is a constant source of conflict, mostly minor. However when new veins of valuable minerals are found in the southern reaches of the Glitterpeaks tensions and conflict often escalate. The northern border along the western coast is heavily debated and the small fortress of Elvelop changes hands between Sealgrimm and Longpine with regularity. Right now, it is held by the Sealbark clan in the service of Sovereign Hreasgal in Seaborne.
The life of the people of Sealgrimm is very different depending on where you live. The people who live in and around Seaborne make their livelihoods as raiders, many of Jotunar's most feared clans come from there. They also make a great deal of money in the trade of seal and whale oil, skin, and bone, as well as the products of the more monstrous denizens of Seal Bay. Seaborne doesn't do as much train with the continent as the other two major southern cities, but they do quite a bit of trade along the western coast, at least when they aren’t at war with Longpine. Sealborne and its surrounding peoples are certainly great fishers, but their most valuable export is food. The city sits on the most fertile soil in Sealgrimm, a full half of the food grown in Sealborne is sent south down the Southrun River to Seaborne. The halfling clan, The Riverwanderers, have long been the clan in charge of transporting goods up and down the Southrun and are responsible for keeping Seaborne fed. Ravensguard is self-sufficient and mostly keeps to itself. While its Jarl pays homage and tithe to Seaborne, its people have always thought of themselves as citizens of Ravensguard first and foremost.
Major Geographical Features:
Southrun:
The southern segment of the Longrun, the Southrun River like many of the rivers throughout Jotunar, feeds, connects, and defines the kingdom it runs through. What makes the Southrun River unique is the large amount of mineral wealth that can be found in it. The waters that flow down from the Glitterpeaks are rich in gold, silver, and gems that can be found spread throughout the Southrun’s bed. This wealth attracts monsters and fea as well, making Southrun one of the more dangerous rivers in Jotunar as well.
Seal Bay:
Seal Bay, and its dozens of islands, are definitely under the control of Sealgrimm. It has been under the control of sea elves of the Seoladair clan for as long as anyone can remember. If you want to safely and securely traverse Seal Bay a tithe to the clan is your best bet for an easy trip. Seal Bay is home to, unsurprisingly many seals but also many a creature that feeds on these seals. From mundane threats like killer whales and sharks to more dire threats such as sea dragons(the children of Jormungandr) and even, if the rumors are to be believed Kraken who make their homes in the deepest parts of the bay. Some say that in those deep and dark parts, there are a whole clan of people living below the waves of Seal Bay. Ships, especially those not guided by the Seoladair clan tend to vanish before they reach their destination.
Skjult By:
Skjult By is a place of myth a legend. It is the ruins of a once great tower that fell long ago. The scope of it marks it as being made by giants, and there is a huge series of rooms and caverns below it. Bandits, monsters, dragons, and many others have made their home in Skjult By over the years and there is renown, wealth, and glory to be had by those brave or stupid enough to delve into it. Some say that during the great moons, those who stay there can be transported to other realms, so sleep carefully.
Hjurnglek:
High in the southern mountains lies Hjurnglek. These standing stones are carved in runes that defy explanation. Many a wizened scholar has spent years, or a lifetime, studying these stones only to be frustrated by their resistance to explanation. Srelldendia has a whole room devoted to the studies of these mysterious stones. Even the stones themselves are an enigma, not matching any other stones native to Jotunar. Many a theory and more than a few cults have sprung up centered around these mysterious standing stones.
Important Sites:
Seaborne:
The second largest city in Sealgrimm, and its capital, Seaborne has long been a city of great importance to the humans of Jotunar. It sits high above the Soutrun River on cliffs that are its first line of defense. This high point gives Seaborne a dominating view for miles all around. Seaborne is not beloved by those who did not grow up near it. The constant processing of sea creatures into oil and other products leaves the whole city reeking of fat, soot, and smoke. It also leaves much of the city covered in a thin film of fat and oil. Because of this the people there have a strong bathing tradition and soap is one of the many byproducts it makes and exports. This high level of industry has led to several dwarf clans making their homes in and around Seaborne. This means there are many more Mul's here than in most other cities. Sovereign Hreasgal rules Sealgrimm from the whalebone throne and they are well liked by their people. Other than the processing of sea creatures the main industry of Seaborne is raiders. The many forests, maintained by a great grove of druids are used to make the finest and fastest drakkar in Jotunar. These ships are feared not only across Jotunar but through much of Arnareth.
Sealborne:
Unlike its warlike sister city to the south and its gloomy cousin city to the north, Sealborne is a relatively peaceful city. Its people, a mix mostly of humans, halflings, and hill dwarves are a content lot. They spend their days working the land, enjoying the many fruits of their labor. The orchards of fruit trees, fields of grape vines, and fields of wheat have led to a strong and diverse brewing tradition and brewing competitions are fierce among the clans that make their home around Sealborne. This love of peace and growth has often been mistaken for weakness, to the death of many a raider. They have expected to find nothing but farmers and have instead found some of the best cavalry in Jotunar. Giant goats, stout horses, and even giant boar are all bred both for battle and labor by families around Sealborne.
Ravensguard:
Ancient, mysterious, curse, blessed, many words have been used to describe Ravensguard. Its magical origins are well known, Einsgrawn was drawn there and inspired by the Norns to build the city there and for many years it was the home of a clan of magical stone giants who sought some secret that had been lost. Their departure was sudden and mysterious, leaving behind a city steeped in magic, and larger than life to the humanoids who live there now. The giant structures, that seem to echo with the magic of those who lived there before, along with the restless undead left over from The March of the Ancients has left Ravensguard, and the surrounding land feeling dour and restless. There is great magic in the stones of the city and many a prophecy centers around Ravensguard keep and more than one cult has attempted to wrest control of it from the Darkwalker Clan that have ruled there for generations. This unique history, along with the land that provides all that the city needs has given Ravensguard a unique identity, and while it pays fealty to Seaborne, the people there will always think of themselves as Ravensguardians first and foremost.Elvelop:
This fortress has seen many rulers over its history. It is not a great keep like Ravensguard, nor a thriving city like Seaborne, but is a strong a sturdy castle that looks over and controls all trade that goes up and down the Southrun for many miles. This makes it extremely important and a point of constant contention between Sealgrimm and Longpine. For now, it is in the control of Sealgrimm, and they are doing everything they can to keep it that way.
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