Gru Whal

Gru Whal is also known as the "Land of the Strong" in the toungue of the Himadra people. The harsh environment of Gru Whal supports this name as much of the wildlife are unnaturally strong compared to similar creatures found on the other continents. With its cold climates and difficult terrain, Gru Whal is a truly inhospitible place to live.
Despite its challenges the Himadra people have not only survived, but have thrived. They live in small nomadic tribes, often even going to war against other tribes for resources. Because of the harsh nature of Gru Whal it has made its people tough and their culture respects feats of strength. It is not a place for the weak.
These tribes do share a unified religious belief which serves to bring the tribe into harmony. The Styrkur Shamans are a group of Shamans that inhabit the central island of Gru Whal aptly named Styrkur after the primary god they worship. At the center of the Island is the great temple built in the god's honor. It contains the Kjarni which supposively unlocks the true potential of those that can conquer the trials of Styrkur.
Surrounding Gru Whal is the an incredibly rocky sea with many islands. These are known as The Teeth of Vatn, after the water god Vatn. These harsh, shallow waters have kept the Himadra people from venturing beyond their lands.

Geography

The land is mountainous and rocky. A layer of permafrost keeps a majority of plants from growing. The Is Tree is one of the few exceptions, managing to thrive in this harsh land. Streams trickle down from the peaks surrounding the central island and at the center of the Styrkur Crater is the island called Styrkur.

Fauna & Flora

The plants of Gru Whal are as tough as their neighbors. Because of the harsh environment most plants have become resistant to the cold temperatures and the hard ground. The most notable are the red leafed Is Tree that has taken over the continent.
The animals of Gru Whal are vicious. The herbivores of the island largely feed on the Is Trees and other tough ground plants. These herbivores like the Sterk Moose are often large hardy creatures that are difficult to fell. These strong herbivores require the carnivores to become even more challenging. The primary predators are packs of Dire Wolves that travel in packs. Traveling solo are the Kjot Hatid, these ambush predators resemble that of a Himadran but more massive and with sharp claws and teeth. It is said that a Himadran that is separated from a clan and manages to survive the wilds becomes a Kjot Hatid.

Natural Resources

The hardy Is Tree is found to be an excellent source of wood for creating the shafts of spears and weapons, including the iconic Himadran Axe. The lands within the Styrkur Crater are found to be rich with metals. The Styrkur Shamans declare these deposits of metals as holy sites where they work to refine the metal. These metals are then traded with tribes or given for feats of strength. None of the metal is used to create currency.

Alternative Name(s)

Land of Strength

Type

Continent