Salkans and Steerians

Originating from precursor tribes, the Salkans are known for their northern clans which raid Severon and Barakon extensively, and founding the state of Steeria. Salkans excel in shipbuilding, sailing, and demonstrating feats of strength.

Home Region: The Salkan Fjords
Origin: Various tribes in and around the Peninsula from 850 BR
Presence: Steadfast
Common Religions: Salkan Pantheon, Steerian Pantheon
Real World Influence: Norse
5e Additions:
Magic Proficiency: Water Evocation
Non-Magic Proficiency: Athletics

Steerian
Real World Influence: Norman, Norse
5e Additions:
Magic Proficiency: Water Evocation
Non-Magic Proficiency: Acrobatics

History

The Salkans are a collective name for the tribespeople who originated around the Salkan Fjords. They are very much not well-connected, and likely do not all share similar lineage. Since time immemorial the Salkans have ruled the seas around their coasts, and have notoriously ventured out to the rest of Kronis, often stirring trouble where they went.
As of the 1000s AR, the Salkans have yet to properly unite amongst more than a dozen clans and tribes. Some would think they prefer it that way. Throughout the centuries these clans would launch extensive raids along the northern and eastern coasts of Kronis, often upsetting the Rhalans, Kholams, Poscaeans, and Ghiskans who they frequently interacted with.

Steerians

The most noteworthy expedition resulted in the creation of the Steerian civilization on the island of Tongiu - which became arguably the most united Salkan nation. The Steerians quickly displaced the Seikans and thus impacted their own beliefs on how the world really worked. For the next age the Steerians would frequently go to war with the Kodrans and sometimes the Makans.
The Steerians participated in the final destruction of the Seikan state and the resulting Tri-Pact treaty around 175 AR. From then on they maintained rather peaceful relations with the Kodrans and Makans. It was during the 100s and 200s AR that Steeria transitioned into a state of focused on trade and raiding the Sinan and Lammetrian coasts.

Traditions

Salkans are known first and foremost in their seafaring skills, and secondly as their mining & mineral extraction skills. Some of the best steel is said to be produced by the Salkans, found both in their weaponry and lining the hulls of their ships.
Salkan coming-of-age tradition also dictates that one must either adventure or complete the "Rite of Sailing" where they navigate fields of ice and rocks in a series of quick and skillful maneuvers. Obviously not all Salkans survive these endeavor, and thus the culture has gained a reputation of producing only the fiercest of warriors.

Fantasy Additions

Given their background, Salkans cannot be anything but dwarves. Still, Salkans are an evenly mixed human and dwarf culture, where most dwarves are proportioned and stand as humans, only shorter and with a tendency to build greater muscle mass. There are two prominent types of dwarves - seafaring and mountain. Seafaring dwarves tend to be a little leaner and excel in sailing and ship maintenance. Mountain dwarves have been known to build great mineshafts which reach deep into the Vovik Mountains and Salkan Scape.
Dwarves everywhere also have a tendency towards alcohol of course, but the Salkan dwarves produce some of the best brews of beer and vodka.