The Kingdom of Haeloth is a hardy one, full of Northmen and Pioneers, survivors of the North's many dangers. Between the constant battle of survival against the elements, and the creatures that prowl the icey hills, The people of this Kingdom are well versed in outliving the dangers around them. They almost all wear furs and cloaks to guard against the cold, and their forts and keeps are always ablaze with a fire in the hearth.
While the people there are tough, they are also superstitious, and believe in omens and bad luck. This being the case, the people of Haeloth are very distrustful towards strangers, and well known for non-tolerance of non-human races. Considered untrustworthy, other races will still be allowed to go about as regular citizens, but they will be watched and regarded with distrust wherever they go. This puts the Kingdom in a bad light to the rest of Auzera.
Clans of Haeloth[]
Haeloth has several powerful clans, all of whom act as chieftains that are fiercely loyal to their King. Those Clans are:
- Clan Brynjar
- Clan Gunvald
- Clan Dagfinn
- Clan Torvald
Clan Gunvald is the current ruling clan, and it is closely followed by clan Dagfinn. These clans are large and old, and many of their men and women learn to fight before anything else. They have a durable army, filled with men who favor round shields, hand axes, chainmail and furs, and javelins. They are all well versed in surviving off the land, even in this climate, making them versatile and able to move without a supply line. The chieftains themselves are experienced, as there is always conflict to be had in the North. Ice trolls make their homes here, alongside frost giants and direwolves. This constant threat allows Erland’s people to gain experience against foes that most would balk at.
History[]
Early History[]
The clans of Haeloth are the descendants of the first Northmen from the Second Era, the first settlers who found themselves trapped in the frigid expanses. Those early settlers were not prepared for the climate or beasts they faced, and the expedition quickly fell apart, with its members slaughtered by creatures, or falling dead to the cold. However, towards the end of this catastrophe, one of the settlers, stripped naked in the ice storm surrounding the doomed explorers, and screamed out to the night sky, twinkling with starlight, as if the very gods were amused by this occurrence. The settler swore to whoever was watching, whatever being would favor them, he would serve if they would but save the lives of himself and his companions. He shouted, swearing that if he just had a way to fight, he would be victorious. He mocked those watching in silence, and raged against the night sky. He was ignored.
Ignored by all but one. Banir, the God of Triumph, heard this boastful, yet heartfelt plea, and he acquiesced. From the sky, a spike of ice impaled the settler, leaving no wound, absorbing into his body with a painful scream. What is recorded next is the first of the Beornings, and how they came to be. With this newfound ability, the remaining settlers were able to survive as Beornings, in the forms of massive bear-kin, until the storm passed. Little is known what happened since then, but it is believed that the descendants of these great beings are the people of Haeloth and its clans, forever watched over by the peaceful beast-men that follow the God of Triumph. This being the case, the Beornings are held in the highest regard, and revered by most Northmen.
Present Day[]
The current ruler of Haeloth, King Erland Gunvald, is a boisterous man who favors strength and spirit over all. He despises the Empire, and is fiercely defensive in his dealings with them. He regards Arilaand to the south with contempt, as its King, while kind and just, is weak, and does not meet his standard of nobility. This has made any kind of diplomacy nigh impossible with them. They are very self sufficient, dealing mostly in hides and furs for trade. They excel at travelling through harsh conditions, and are known to settle just about anywhere in the cold regions. Erland has two sons, and a daughter.
King Erland is a warrior. He values strength at arms, and spirit in a fighting man more than anyone's diplomacy. His people are somewhat rowdy, respecting men that work with their hands, more than those who practice ‘finer arts’. They are not easily impressed, and hold little respect for anyone outside their own culture. They especially despise the Empire, as they see them as a potential threat to their homeland. And in the west, a small garrison of men watch an older threat. A few keeps lining the long expanse of mountains separating Erland’s people, and the darkness of Moro-Gorath. It is unknown what that threat is exactly, but these superstitious people will not take any chances.
Though many of the Northmen follow Banir, God of Triumph, not all are willing to put their survival against the unknown into the hands of another. Many speak darkly at night over campfires of the wailing sounds heard coming from over the ice mountains… the screams of anguish and sounds of evil. This is enough to maintain a permanent watch on those cursed landscapes, in the hopes of having warning, should anything come to pass.
King Erlands two sons, Njord and Hroarr, are both generals in his army, and Chieftains in his court. They are stationed watching their own halves of the Kingdom, one facing the Empire, and the other, keeping an eye on Moro-Gorath.