Eden

### Ruler

While most of Eden is self-governed, native Edenians look towards the Høvdingen, a council of elders, for guidance.

### Inhabitants

Many cultures meld here, though stronger presence tends to lean towards Swedish/Norwegian.

## Overview

Situated to the far north of the Spiral Isles, **Eden** is a land steeped in heritage and culture. Even before the Divide brought the world to what it is today, the lands that preceded Eden were considered to be a place that celebrated everyone and everything. In the current age, that still holds very much true, yet the harsh climate and atmosphere has molded the Edenians into a reclusive, yet proud bunch. However, with their pride also comes their might, and theirs is a force not to be trifled with.

Eden is a stretch of land that plays host mostly towards alpine/forested regions. The southern half observes relatively temperate climates, with dense woods and golden beaches facing the south, east and west shores. The upper end is frigid and treacherous, with alpine forests and ice floes out towards the sea. Despite this, one of the largest settlements in the Spiral Isles is stationed here; this being the capital of Eden, Norfang.

The other two settlements range towards the far east and the southern coast. Hoggormur is a small fishing hamlet full of former warriors and soldiers who have long since retired from their duties. Between there and Fort Phidi is the Tapt Skog; the stretch of dense forests that consumes most of the island's center. Many who venture there never return, making either coastal travel or voyage by sea a more feasibly safe bet.

## Major Landmarks

### Norfang

A sleepy old Nordic town, Norfang is the capital of Eden and rests along the banks of the main river that splits the nation. Lacking the technological advancements of the outside world, the people of Norfang rely on their own personal strengths and the lay of the wild to secure their continued survival. While Norfang lacks any sort of traditional government, the locals look towards the Høvdingen as a source of wisdom and guidance.

### Fort Phidi

At the south shore of Eden is Fort Phidi, a military garrison housing the resident superpower in the Spiral Isles, HEAVEN. Observing heavy military presence, Fort Phidi is both the safest route into Eden and the fastest route towards the capital, Norfang. Given recent tension between HEAVEN and native Edenians, most routes through to the capital have been blocked off, forcing many travelers to either circumnavigate the entirety of the island or venture through the dangerous Tapt Skog to reach the capital.

### Höggormur

A fishing village to the far east of Eden, Höggormur is a peaceful place where many adventurers and warriors go to retire from their busy lives. The village rests right on the dividing line between the north and south climates, allowing it to retain a cool, temperate atmosphere at most times. Höggormur doesn't see traffic very often, aside from the rare merchant vessel or traveler passing through.

### Tapt Skog

Consuming most of the mainland's center is the Tapt Skog, a forbidden place where few dare to tread. The area is noted by the lack of natural light, with dense tree cover blocking out sunlight in the majority of the area. Beyond this, no one exactly knows why the Tapt Skog is so dangerous; only that those who enter, never leave. However, some people have reported seeing strange, blue lights dancing in the depths of the forest, as if inviting them to their inevitable doom.

### Sunder Peak

To the east of Eden is a small island, known as Sunder Isle. While generally unassuming by any other means, the island contains the largest mountain in all of the Spiral Isles; Sunder Peak. The Høvdingen consider it to be a sacred place, mainly because their venerated dead are buried beneath the mountain. Folktales posit the idea that Sunder Isle was separated from the mainland by hand, because the dead had a nasty habit of not staying dead. Further rumors suggest that Sunder Peak has been there since before the Divide, kept intact by powerful magic, and that a hero of old was entombed beneath, only to rise when he was needed most.