The Nordur Imperium

The Nordur Imperium is the most powerful nation within Teleria, ruled by the legendary House Hrafn. They are the preeminent seafaring and economic power, with wide reach and resources.

Capital: Ostra Aros

Other major cities: Nidaros, Arraheim, Skal, and Birka.

### Geography

The Nordur Imperium is situated on the landmass of Hemland, which sits in the far north between Gallica and Mystara. It is a large landmass, with varying geography. In the south, there is plenty of fertile, arable land in the form of lowland plains—The Slettem. These plains enjoy sunlight and temperate weather throughout most of the year, leading to decent crop yields and grazing pastures, as well as habitable areas for most of its major cities, fishing banks, lush river valleys, and rolling hills. There are thousands of fjords along the coastline, along with plenty of archipelagos, moraines, hotsprings, rivers, and lakes. These lowlands extend all the way to the land bridge with Mystara in the west, and all the way up the northeastern coast.
As you travel north, the landscape becomes colder, more rocky, and much less fertile. The lowlands steadily give way to dense forests and mountain ranges which snow and freeze in the winter. Eventually, they blend into tundras, glaciers, and ice sheets until you reach The Neverlands.

Key geographical areas:

* The Nordur Cascades
* The Slettem Plains
* The Halendi (central foothills)
* Skaut Peninsula (northwest)
* Framlen Peninsula (southeast)
* Adlig Peninsula (southwest)
* Grytt Mountains (west)
* Bogin Point (central, southern hump)

### Flora & Fauna

Being separate from Mystara proper, Hemland contains a diversity of wildlife and plant life not seen elsewhere in the north:

Mammoths. Amaroks. Direwolves. Yeti. Reindeer. Moose. Snow bears. Lynx. Otters. Black and brown bears. Caribou. Elk. Mice. Rats. Rabbits. Beavers. Rams. Goats. Wolverines. Musk ox. Chipmunks. Golden foxes.

Finches. Pigeons. Fanned Dunnocks. Blackbirds. Doves. Jays. Magpies. Wrens. Goldfinches. Robins. Starlings. Green woodpeckers. Tree sparrows. Golden Eagles. Falcons.

Lots of bees, which The Nordur consider sacred, due to their relationship to Freya. Ground and tree beetles. Moths. Stoneflies. Ticks. Ants. Roaches. Ticks.

### Economy

The Imperium is the pre-eminent economy within Teleria. It is a powerhouse in every way, dominating trade.

The Imperium’s main exports are: fish, weapons, shipping, lumber, shipbuilding, jewelry, and raw earth materials (iron, copper, tin, gold, and silver). They are a preeminent economic power within Teleria, dominating shipping and trade on The High Seas.

Their currency is the gjald, which are silver coins minted by The Imperial Treasury. The coins all come in various sizes and bear the image of major figures from House Hrafn, as well as The Gods. The gjald is a major currency, and is used to settle trade in various parts of the world.

### Government

House Hrafn rose to power on the coattails of The Storheim Dynasty, which fell to a weaponized plague designed by The Vrilic Order. Since then, they have had complete and absolute control over everything within their dominion.

The government system in The Imperium is an absolute diarchy, meaning both The King and The Queen enjoy absolute rule over their respective spheres. Within House Hrafn, control of the diarchy passes to the eldest child, regardless of gender. Their spouse becomes the opposite monarch, and is always sourced from among The People.

The Patriarch/Matriarch of House Hrafn is the head of state and government. They conduct war, control the military and The Imperial Treasury, maintain diplomatic relations, and make laws which govern The People and their territories.

Their spouse is The Executor of The People, tasked with safeguarding Nordur culture, patronizing the arts and commerce, preserving Nordur history, maintaining The People’s welfare and infrastructure, keeping the peace, and regulating internal commerce.

House Hrafn maintains sole control and ownership over The Imperial Treasury, including all its funds. The Imperial Treasury itself mints gjald, holds all of House Hrafn’s personal wealth, holds The Imperium’s assets/goods, makes loans and investments, and acts as a bank of deposit for all Nordur citizens.

House Hrafn also maintain sole control of The Imperial Academy, which is within the domain of The Spouse, and Hofud, of which House Hrafn owns half the stock. The People own the other half.

The King and Queen sit in The Golden Court, which is the name of the throne room in The Raven’s Keep.

House Hrafn is the only family that has ruled The Imperium since its inception at the start of the 4th age. Their sigil is the raven.

The Imperium maintains several vassal states:

* The Clan-Lords of The Havas
* The Snjofolk
* Brette
* The Jarl of Utgard (ruled by House Torvald)
* The Jarl of Canis (ruled by House Gunnar)

#### Diplomatic Relations

Telerian kingdoms generally tolerate The Imperium, as they’re good for business and trade. Although, there are a few kingdoms that tend to view The Imperium with disdain: The Two-Cities Federation, The Nihen Shogunate, Silicia (depending on who's in charge) and Alanis, also depending on who's in charge.

The Telerian kingdoms that view them most favorably, aside from their vassal states: Cathey, The Dalai et Saneid, The Aegin Junta, and The Jadar Kingdoms.

#### Military

The Imperium’s military is broken down into two main groups: The Imperial Navy and The Bersekercorps. Both pledge their oath of loyalty to The Patriarch/Matriarch of House Hrafn personally, rather than to The Imperium as a whole. They are paid personally by House Hrafn as well, via The Imperial Treasury.

The Berserkercorps comprises The Imperium’s main land force. They wear golden plate armor from head to toe, with shoulder plates superimposed over the chest plate and vambraces. There are thick swirling lines that trace along the armor and a helm of awe in the center of the breast plate. They carry either halberds or long swords, as well as blue shields, which bear a white raven sigil. There is an archer contingent, which uses longbows. The Berserkercorps are known for their war chant, which involves the beating of war drums, after which comes a low, growling “hoo” noise from each Berserker, as well as the stomping of feet, clanging of sword/halberd against shields, or the stamping of a halberd into the ground. It is quite intimidating, especially when they are out in force.

The Imperial Navy is the largest navy in Teleria, with over 200 ships, each carrying a crew of 180. They man full rigged ships and frigates, with big sails bearing The Imperial Sigil, and fire throwers on the main deck.

The total troop count between both groups is 150,000

The Nordur maintain a doctrine called Forsvar, which states that the entire nation is to be involved in defense of Hemland. If the country is at war, or is attacked, every facet of society is pre-engineered towards victory. Every man/boy is expected to fight and every woman/girl is expected to take on a role of logistical support, healing, and production for the war effort. Their seidhkona work as a unit to use Seidr to The Kingdom’s advantage. Hofud ships are repurposed into naval ships, putting total naval force over 1,000 ships, and their crew are armed as naval warriors. Any opponent of The Nordur will have to fight everyone in The Imperium— not just their armies. Their vassals, with the exception of Brette, also contribute.

### Culture

Nordur culture is highly unique among Telerian races. It is best described as homogenous, industrious, and prosperous. It is matriarchal, with children carrying their mother's surname, and women acting as the head of the household.

Due to their booming economy, The Nordur enjoy an extremely high standard of living, as well as a high standard of care from House Hrafn with free healthcare and universal, gauranteed jobs and income. Additionally, House Hrafn has engaged in centuries worth of social conditioning meant to bring about unity and cultural pride among The People. Therefore, it has some of the cleanest, safest cities in Teleria. Underground crime is rooted out quickly and severely punished, as is any crime against fellow Nordur—which is seen as an affront to The Community.

Honesty and bluntness are valued and expected by all. Families are strong and supportive. And the trade, production, and preeminence of The Imperium is of the utmost importance.

The Nordur see themselves as a unified community. Any betrayal to that community means banishment or death, usually to The Neverlands. All must contribute to the community, including its protection, its health, and its prosperity.

It is considered one of the worst kingdoms to go to war with, because you don’t just fight the famous Berserkercorps…you will fight the whole damn country.

Nordur society is matriarchal. Children carry their mother's surname and women are head of the household. They control all the finances, divvy out chores, and often either run or have their own businesses. Nordur women can hold public office, own businesses and property, can divorce their husbands, and vote in political matters. They have extreme influence within The Golden Court, primarily through The Queen and The High Priestess.

Nordur women are very warm, bright, friendly, and matronly, but can be very aggressive when crossed, defensive, possessive and bossy--and they are protective of their families to near homicidal levels. They are the most feared but the most desired women in Teleria— though in most cases they will staunchly refuse any man that is not Nordur. Generally, they are considered the most beautiful, but also the most deadly. Most women know how to fight just like men do, and they are much taller, and much more filled out than every other race of women- and even most men. They are known for being very busty, and well endowed, as well as for their charming, graceful, and otherworldly presence.

Nordur women are the only ones trained in Seidr and the only women allowed in The Cult of Freya.

Nordur men are measured, honorable, hospitable, industrious, disciplined, confident, brave, and hard working, but also can ironically be a bit emotional, and are very submissive to their women. They are known for being prolific fighters, seamen, hunters, and statesmen, as well as wonderful husbands, fathers, and lovers. They are famously well hung, more than twice as big as other men in Teleria.

Both sexes are known for their sexual prowess. Nordur men will sleep with just about any woman that looks their way, so long as other Nordur women are not around to corral them and they are not currently bound to one. Nordur women weaponize sex and magic against Nordur men to influence and control them.

Nordur has various healing houses where the healers and shamans work, along with birthing centers where children are born with the help of Nordur midwives. They are completely free to all.

Cremation is the primary funerary practice in Nordur. The deceased is usually put on a pyre with a sword, and an Imperial flag, along with their most prized possessions and burned as those gathered sing Helvegen and send their souls off to be welcomed by The Ancestors. The Great Families are placed on a ship rather than a pyre.

#### Food and Drink

Nordur cuisine includes the following popular foods:

* Farkal: mutton, cabbage, and potatoes inside soft, gooey dough
* Kidney pie: lamb, lamb kidney, carrots, onions, and garlic inside a flaky pie
* Sodd: a stew of mutton meatballs, potatoes, carrots, and herbs. Served with bread.
* Kamdal: fermented cabbage, served with a variety of dishes
* Pickled fish/meat: herring, cod, sardines, shark head, ram testicles
* Smoked or roasted salmon
* Salmon roe
* Roasted whale
* Boiled shrimp
* Cinnamon buns
* Barley porridge served with honey, berries, cream, and seeds
* Flat bread
* Sourdough bread
* Brown bread
* Other meats: reindeer, elk, and caribou
* Cheeses, from sheep, goat, or cows
* Smorgasbord: a collection of berries, vegetables, meats, and cheeses served cornucopia style
* Kefir
* Fruit pies
* Flat bread
* Sweet cake
* Cookies: sand cookies, thumbprint cookies, oatcakes, brown cookies, cinnamon cookies, shortbread, butter cookies.

The Nordur love their sweets. Every city has a bakery every few blocks, selling sweets and bread. In addition to bakeries, Norse cities also have dairies, farmer’s markets, and butcher shops.

Popular drinks: honey wine, coffee, milk, and cider.

The Nordur Imperium is the only place in Teleria that produces honey wine, which is similar to mead. There are multiple vintners, including: Freya’s Abode, Honeysuckle, Honeybrook, and Golden Nectar. These vintners also produce honey, which is exported and consumed domestically.

#### Art

Wood carvings, especially of animals native to The Far North, The Ancestors, or The Gods.

Picture stones- usually portraits of family members, The Ancestors, animals, or The Gods.

Jewelry- all kinds, especially gold and silver. Women in Nordur love jewelry, and wear lots of it.

Statues- Nordur has many stone statues of The Gods and The Ancestors, as well as prominent figures from its history. It is well known for the giant statues of The Gods which stand guard at its many harbors, particularly Östra Aros. They are said to protect all within it from spiritual and physical harm.

Nordur literature is primarily based around legends, myths, folklore, fairy tales, and epics. Nordur love reading things which reflect their inner view of themselves: powerful and masters of the world around them.

Music- traditional Nordur music involves drums, lyres, accordions, and fiddles. It is usually either lively or relaxing and trance inducing, and coupled with circle dancing or rituals.

#### Religion

The only religion practiced within The Imperium is The Nordur Imperial Cult.
The cult practices worship of the following gods, referred to as The Gods:

* Freya (colloquially referred to as The Goddess by outsiders): she is associated with fertility, love, lust, sex, romance, motherhood, war, death, wealth, and beauty. Depicted as a tall, voluptuous woman with thick, honey colored hair and topaz blue eyes that change depending on the association she is embodying: red (war), rose-gold (love/lust), black (death), green (motherhood), and purple-gray (seidhkona). She wields a powerful, ancient sword called “Thrungva”, which captures the spirit of those killed and binds them forever in darkness. Seidr is her form of magic. Its capabilities are wide-ranging and little is understood about its nature.
	+ The Cult of Freya is maintained to honor her through service, worship and magic. It is open only to full-blooded Nordur women. Those who go through its training and education become seidhkona or Lower Priestesses, serving in Freya’s Temples throughout The Imperium and its vassals. There are 12 Priestesses, with one High Priestess, who serve as leaders within The Temple of The Goddess and in The Golden Court. The seidhkona are heavily feared outside of The Imperium for their extensive, potent abilities.
	+ Offerings in her honor include: honey, honey wine, jewelry, berries, precious stones, flowers, pastries and cookies, amber, things related to cats, heart shaped charms, as well as service offerings related to taking care of honey bees, women, cats, or children.
	+ The Goddess is extremely loving and loyal to her followers. She is known to shower them with blessing and prosperity in every area of their life, evident by The Imperium's unrivaled prosperity.
	+ The Goddess’s sacred number is 13 and her sacred days are called Fredags, which is the sixth day of every week, the spring equinox, the 13th day of every month, and the 13th month of every year.
	+ The Goddess is extremely protective over The Nordur. Powerful spells rest over their land, and it has never been successfully invaded as a result (although neither has Slavi). Massive statues of her and her father, Njord, sit at Nordur’s many fjords, ports, and passages, warding off any evil or malevolent spirits or deities.
	+ Other shrines, altars, and temples to The Goddess dot the land, and her many priestesses and prostitutes roam the country doing her work.
	+ Her formal home is the realm of Alfheim
* Frey: Freya’s brother, associated with nature, the sun, masculinity, rain, and peace.
	+ His Temple stands at the north of Ostra Aros. It is constructed out of dark wood and limestone, with a large, imposing facade. Elaborate carvings depicting scenes from Norse mythology adorn the walls, showcasing Freyr's feats and adventures. Intricate patterns of runes, interlacing knotwork, and symbols of growth and harvest are masterfully incorporated into the design, reflecting the interconnectedness of the god with nature and the cycles of life. The doors to the temple are large and made of oak, carved with images and motifs of flowers, fruits, and creatures he’s associated with. Inside, the temple reveals a vast, soaring hall, suffused with warm golden light filtering through stained glass windows depicting scenes of bountiful harvests and joyous celebrations. The air is filled with the delicate scent of blooming flowers, mingling with the sweet aroma of mead offerings and burning incense. At the center of the hall is a magnificent statue of Freyr, carved from marble and gold. He is adorned in resplendent robes and wreathed with blossoms and vines. In his outstretched hand, he holds a gleaming sheaf of grain, symbolizing the fertility and abundance he bestows upon his worshippers. Altars are spread throughout the temple, adorned with vibrant tapestries, fresh flowers, and offerings of honey wine, honey, harvested crops, meat, and relics of animals and nature. Devotees gather here, engaging in prayers, songs, and rituals, seeking his blessings. Lush gardens surround the temple. Tranquil ponds and bubbling streams wind their way through the gardens, allowing for reflection and connection with nature.
	+ He has a small band of dedicated priests/monks called Brothers of Frey. They live out their days hunting, exercising, and spending time in the sun/tending to gardens and the temple. They also advise The King and Queen as part of The Golden Court.
	+ Frey is depicted as tall and muscular, with golden skin and hair.
* Njord: The Father of The Seas. His Temple sits on the western shores. It is a tall, round structure, encased with columns, and made entirely of granite with a shining gold trim. The ceiling inside is adorned with colorful reliefs depicting dolphins, swirling waves, and majestic sea creatures. A statue to Njord sits in the middle, surrounded by a fountain and pool. Outside, the waters are teeming with fish and luminescent coral. Several times a year, on days sacred to his children, dolphins and other sea creatures pay homage to him by swarming around the temple waters in harmony.
	+ He has no sacred number or special day, but rather is invoked for his favor and protection for any naval passage of seafaring adventure— although his daughter is also included in those as well.
	+ His offerings and prayers are generally simple, and while he values things that are related to the sea, it is said that he will accept anything given from the heart.
	+ There are dozens of simple shrines near the sea where all can come to make offerings and prayers to him. They are generally small piles of rocks with a platform on top for candles or offerings and a pocket underneath that contains a statuette or carving of him.
	+ He is the patron god of the Nordur navy and Hofud.
* The Nordur Imperial Cult also honors The Ancestors and House Hrafn. The Ancestors are the founding members and Kings/Queens of The Imperium, all of whom hail from House Hrafn.

The Norse have the most holidays of any culture

* Frith, is a debt forgiveness holiday that happens every 7 years.
* Disablot (February 2nd)- the honoring of all female figures and women. The Goddess Freyja is worshipped with prayers, offerings, invocations, and praises. Men generally give gifts to their women, bow down to them and worship them as daughters of The Goddess, pamper and spoil them, etc. Sex is also a staple of Disablot.
* Wife’s/Women’s Day (April 13th)- generally celebrated privately between couples.
* Oster (March/April): celebration of the spring, fertility, life, and newness. Consists of drinking, orgies/sex, lots of nudity, lots of flowers, egg hunts, rabbits, and gardening.
* Sigrblot (July/August)- first day of summer. Consists of bonfires, meat smoking, outdoor cooking, athletic competitions, drinking, and socializing. Offerings are made to the gods.
* Mid Summer (Summer Solstice)- publicly celebrated with bonfires, grilling, smoking, and roasting meats, music, and dancing. In private, it is celebrated with offerings to the gods, feasts, music, and lots of orgies/sex.
* Husband’s/Men’s Day (July 7th)- generally celebrated privately between couples.
* Cinnamon Bun Day (October 4): cinnamon buns are a staple sweet of The Hyperboreans. On cinnamon bun day, you can find them EVERYWHERE.
* Fall Feast (Fall Equinox)- marked by a large meal, similar to Thanksgiving but its purpose is to welcome in Autumn and prepare for Winter and honor the balance between light and dark, honoring The Sun and The Moons for their place in the world.
* Ancestor Veneration/Winter Nights (Halloween- 10/31). Offerings are set out for The Ancestors, as well as the ancestors of each family and individual. Special prayers are offered up as well, along with gifts and songs to The Ancestors. There are festivals celebrating The Ancestors and the House of Hrafn,the founders and protectors of Nordur. People dress in traditional clothing and eat traditional dishes and street food. There is lots of music and dancing.
* Alfablot-The Winter Solstice. Marked by a large meal and dedication given by the women of the house. Thanksgiving is also done, with special thanks to the woman of the house for providing warmth and comfort through the cold months, and to the man for providing protection and provision.
* Yule (whole month of December)

* Yule log
* Reindeer, polar bear, and snowman decorations
* Lots of red, gold, silver, and green
* Candles
* Bonfires
* Plants: ivy, holly, mistletoe, evergreen trees, birch, boughs, wreaths, and pine cones.
* Yule altar
* Prayers to Freyr to  welcome back the Sun and light
* Tree blessings
* Smoke purification rituals: incense, pine, cedar, rosemary, and juniper.
* Yule Feast