Hjaarenwald

**Hjaarenwald** is a kingdom located in northeastern Aleria. It is primarily populated by dwarves, humans, and gnomes.

## Geography

### Geographical Features

The two main features of Hjaarenwald are the vast plans of the south, and the Västerdal Mountains in the north.

## Society

### Culture and Customs

The stereotype of dwarves being workaholics is a true one, but most dwarves in Aleria have learned that, in order to do the best work one can do, one needs to take time off sometimes. In Hjaarenwald, this means 2-3 days off per tenday. During this time off, the denizens of Hjaarenwald tend to enjoy a rowdy time at the tavern (another fairly true dwarven stereotype), a good fight at the local fighting pit, and watching (or participating in) a sledge or handcart race through the winding tunnels of the mines.

The music of the dwarves of Hjaarenwald dominates the region, but the music of the gnomes is quite interesting. Similar to the dwarves, the gnomes use many types of percussion, horn, and pipe instruments. But where the dwarven music is more simple and often utilitarian, gnomish music involves complex harmonies, meters, and odd and intriguing combinations of instruments. Not to mention the fact that the famously tinker-loving gnomes modify their instruments to the point where no two of the same-named instrument actually sound exactly alike to each other.

There are some mining discoveries that are so big, so important, that the miner, his family, and his friends will, once the lode is fully mined out, join together in a huge celebration. The best roasted meats and fine dwarven ales are used to toast to the grand find.

### Religion

Errimdor, the dwarven god of wealth and jewels, is the primary deity in the halls beneath the Västerdal Mountains. He is the head of the dwarven pantheon, and he and the lesser gods beneath him all receive glory from the dwarven denizens of the mountains. Many temples to Therin can also be found throughout the kingdom. The other races of Hjaarenwald tend to worship some of their own pantheons, as well as the primary gods of Alerion.

When Hjaarenwald and Grenlia were one, a story that was passed between the dwarves of the region was that they were blessed by the gods, as they were placed in such rich mountains, filled with metal ores and gems beyond reckoning. They say that Errimdor, when the dwarves were brought forth into the world, saw himself in this race, and he decided to come down and lead them to the richest place in Aleria, where they eventually flourished for hundreds of years.

When a new lode is found while mining, an Errimdor priest is called in. They bless the discovery and are typically given the first piece mined. Errimdor favors lodes that are properly blessed with large caches, or so the miners believe.

### Holidays and Celebrations

One of the most revered Shieldmeet traditions among the denizens of Hjaarenwald is the Offering of the Filigree. One of the most delicate, intricate pieces a craftsman can create, the Offering is meant to showcase the talents of those who participate. Twenty-two people are chosen for this work every four years, and their Offerings are displayed throughout the Grand Palace of Winterspire. It is considered the highest honor a craftsman of Hjaarenwald can receive.

The Midwinter festival is perhaps the most important one in the kingdom of Hjaarenwald. It marks the day of The Devastation. The Hjaarens feast on common foods while telling stories of life before The Devastation. They remember the hubris that caused the event to occur, hoping these observances will prevent future people from making the same sorts of mistakes.

## History

In centuries past, the Västerdal Mountains of Hjaarenwald and the Ivory Peaks of Grenlia were the same mountain range, known as the Vallerian Mountains, and that range, and the surrounding areas, contained just one large, united kingdom. Led by a dwarf, gnome, and human coalition, with a capital in the center of the mountain range, it had a cultural influence that spread through much of the eastern continent. However, as their influence grew, so too did their vanity. They began believing themselves above all others -- even the gods. Unfortunately for them, the gods noticed. Even more unfortunately for them, the gods had two nations that they felt required punishment at that time. They took the middle of the northern mountain range, uprooted it, and threw it far to the south, in the middle of Felithir. The Devastation decimated the population of the area, caved in the tunnels that laid beneath the mountains, and split the people from each other. The peoples from both Grenlia and Hjaarenwald blame the other for their separation all those years ago, and a deep rivalry has seeded between the two kingdoms.

Now that some time has passed, Hjaarenwald has grown to be an influential kingdom again, albeit nowhere near as much as when it was at its peak. The mountain-dwellers mine deep for precious metals and gems, which they then trade with other nations or craft into fine jewelry, arms, and armor themselves. Those who live on the plains manage to earn a rough living mostly farming, hunting, and logging. The sea breezes from the west give them much more fertile lands than those of Nerograd, or even Grenlia.

Ever since The Devastation, Hjaarenwald and Grenlia have been at each other's throats. Battles have been fought, but no true war has yet been waged. Both kingdoms worry about their losses while living in such cold, desolate climes, and they also worry about leaving themselves open to attacks from other lands, particularly Parsalos. But make no mistake, a large-scale war between the two is almost always a possibility.