Heilandi

Harsh arctic winds crashing against imposing mountains. Feet of snow falling within a few days. Nights stretching on into weeks, days which never seem to end when you need them to. Unforgiving winters and ice flows threatening ships coming in and out of port. The people of Heilandi are hardy and rough people because they have to be. Whether they are orc blooded, human, or goliath matters not… Nature will be unforgiving to those not wary and wise.
It is because of these difficult conditions that Talav Mor tribes band together in a tenuous agreement based around the desire to do one thing above all – survive. Though individual tribes may call them something different, most commonly the heads of these tribes are known as Jarls, and it is by Jarl they are known when they meet once per year at the base of the country’s largest mountain. These meetings are used to determine the plans for the coming year’s raids, gathering, and farming seasons. These meetings frequently last a week or more, and are often a reason for trade and festivals.
Fighting during this week or more long meeting is strictly forbidden, and inter-tribal weddings and public coming of age ceremonies are a frequent celebration held in the shadow of the mountain, overseen by the Jarls of all the tribes as it is believed to mean good fortune to receive the congratulations of all of the tribal leaders.
During the warm seasons, when their longships are able to pass through the frigid northern waters easiest, the tribes of Heilandi conduct raids on the towns and cities on the coast of Talav Mor. They bring their bounty – gold, food, supplies, and slaves – back to Heilandi, where they meet with those tribesmen and women who stayed behind to farm and prepare for winter.
Rumors are whispered that the last of the true angels live in the mountains, where they war frequently with the goliath tribes. The tribes frequently wear large feathers as part of their accessories and adornments, though it has been presented as a possibility that these feathers are more likely from griffins or some other large winged beast living in the mountains, of which there are many, and that rumors of angels are just folk stories.

Government System: Tribes/Councils
Racial Makeup:

• 59% Human
• 28% Goliath
• 9% Half Orc
• 5% Misc.

Pros: nearly complete freedom for non-slaves, completely equal rights for men and women
Cons: harsh living conditions, raiding, pillaging, slaving