Skellige

**Skellige**, commonly referred to as the **Skellige Isles** or the **Isles of Skellige**, is an archipelago located next to the Northern Kingdoms. The group of islands is situated in the Great Sea, off the coast of Cintra and southwest of Cidaris and Verden. It's legendary, famous for the unrivaled corsairs and swift longships that sail many seas. The most commonly spoken language in Skellige is Fjorisk. The archipelago is subdivided into three main regions: Ulaidh, Airer Ratha and Deasachaidh.

## Regions

### Ulaidh

The northernmost islands of Skellige are collectively known as Ulaidh, or "the northern islands". This region is characterized by its rugged, mountainous terrain, and its residents are known for their skill in mountain climbing and hunting. Ulaidh is also home to some of Skellige's most ancient and revered shrines, and many pilgrims travel there to offer sacrifices to the gods.

Ulaidh consists of a cluster of islands and islets. Unlike the other regions, does not have any large nations. Instead, it is inhabited by numerous small, independent tribes, each with their own unique customs and traditions.

The tribes of Ulaidh value their freedom above all else. They are skilled seafarers, navigating the treacherous waters of the Skellige archipelago with ease. The people of Ulaidh are known for their craftsmanship, particularly in metalworking.

The tribes of Ulaidh have a reputation for being fierce warriors. They are constantly raiding and pillaging one another, as well as the coasts of the mainland. Despite their violent tendencies, the people of Ulaidh are deeply spiritual, with a strong connection to the natural world around them. They worship a variety of gods and goddesses, many of whom are associated with the sea and the elements.

Because of the decentralized nature of Ulaidh, there are few large settlements in the region. Instead, the tribes live in small, scattered communities, often situated on remote islands or hidden coves. These communities are usually self-sufficient, with each tribe relying on fishing, farming, and hunting to sustain themselves. Trade between tribes is rare, and usually conducted through raids or bartering.

Overall, Ulaidh is a wild and untamed region, where the people live according to their own rules and traditions. While the tribes of Ulaidh may seem chaotic and disorganized to outsiders, they have managed to survive and thrive in the harsh environment of the Skellige archipelago for centuries.

### Airer Ratha

The eastern islands of Skellige are called Airer Ratha, or "the eastern islands". This region is known for its fertile farmland and fishing villages, and its residents are skilled in agriculture, fishing, and boatbuilding. Airer Ratha is also home to many of Skellige's finest poets and musicians, who gather in great halls to sing and recite tales of the archipelago's rich history.

Airer Ratha is home to the most prosperous and powerful kingdom in all of Skellige: the Kingdom of Hjartland. For centuries, Hjartland has dominated Airer Ratha with its wealth, power, and military might. The kingdom is ruled by a line of powerful kings, each of whom claims descent from an ancient hero known as Hjart the Conqueror.

Hjartland is known for its thriving economy, fueled by its position as a major trade hub between Skellige and the mainland. Its ports are always bustling with ships from all over the world, bringing goods and people from every corner of the globe. The kingdom is also renowned for its skilled craftsmen, who produce some of the finest weapons, armor, and other goods in all of Skellige. Hjartland is also one of the largest grain exporters in the world.

Despite its prosperity, Hjartland is not without its problems. The kingdom is beset by political intrigue, with powerful noble houses vying for influence and control. The king is often forced to navigate a treacherous web of alliances and rivalries, always on guard against those who would seek to undermine his power.

Outside of Hjartland, Airer Ratha is home to a variety of smaller kingdoms, chiefdoms, and clans, each with their own unique culture and traditions. Some of these smaller entities have allied themselves with Hjartland, while others have chosen to remain independent, wary of the powerful kingdom's growing influence.

Despite the dominance of Hjartland, Airer Ratha remains a diverse and vibrant region, full of life and energy. Its people are proud and fiercely independent, and they are determined to preserve their traditions and way of life, no matter the cost.

### Deasachaidh

The southern islands of Skellige are collectively known as Deasachaidh, or "the southern islands". Its residents are known for their seafaring skills and their bravery in facing the treacherous waters of the region. Deasachaidh is also home to some of Skellige's most important trading ports, which bring goods and people from all over the world to the archipelago. The southern islands of Skellige are a region of warring jarldoms, where the fierce warriors of Thule clash with their rivals from other jarldoms. The region is characterized by its treacherous waters, which are riddled with dangerous reefs, sandbars, and hidden rocks that make navigation difficult even for the most skilled sailors. The jarldoms of Deasachaidh are all fiercely independent and frequently engage in raids and battles with each other over resources, territory, and prestige. It's two most powerful jarldoms are Thule and Craobh.

The jarldom of Thule is known throughout Deasachaidh for its great warriors, who are feared and respected by all. The jarldom's capital city, Arden, is a bustling port city that serves as a hub for trade and commerce in the region. The jarl of Thule, Havardr, is an old and grizzled man who has seen many battles and is renowned for his courage and strategic brilliance. Under his leadership, Thule has become a dominant force in Deasachaidh, and many of the other jarldoms view it with envy and suspicion.

The jarldom of Craobh is one of Thule's most bitter rivals. It is known for its dense forests and skilled woodworkers. The people of Craobh are proud and fiercely independent, and they resent Thule's attempts to dominate the region. The jarl of Craobh is a cunning and charismatic man named Draif, who has built a powerful network of alliances and rivalries among the other jarldoms. The people of Craobh view themselves as the defenders of Skellige's ancient traditions and customs, and they see Thule as a threat to their way of life.