Overview
The Soderfjord Jarldoms are a collection of independent-minded clans that inhabit the rugged coastline and fjords of their homeland. They are one of the "Northern Reaches" nations, a people of Norse-inspired culture, but with a more settled and mercantile outlook than their more aggressive cousins in Ostland. The Soderfjord people, or Soderfjorders, are renowned for their skill as seafarers, explorers, and traders. They are a tough and resilient people, shaped by their harsh environment, but they value peace and diplomacy as much as they do battle. Their society is a mix of traditional Norse customs and a growing influence from the more "civilized" nations to the south.
Appearance
The landscape of the Soderfjord Jarldoms is a land of deep, narrow fjords, towering mountains, and rocky islands. The coastline is rugged and beautiful, with fishing villages and small towns nestled in the sheltered coves. The homes are often made of sturdy wood, and their longships are a common sight in the fjords. The Soderfjorders themselves are a fair-haired and muscular people, with a hardened look from a life at sea and in the cold. Their clothing is practical and durable, often made of leather and wool, and is designed to protect them from the harsh elements.
Culture
The culture of the Soderfjord Jarldoms is a blend of traditional Norse warrior ethos and a growing mercantile spirit. While they respect strength and courage in battle, they also value a good deal and a profitable voyage. Unlike their cousins in Ostland, they are not pirates. They are explorers and traders who prefer to earn their wealth through honest commerce. Their religion is a traditional Norse pantheon, with a strong emphasis on gods of the sea, wisdom, and trade. They have a rich oral tradition, and their history is passed down through epic sagas and songs.
Society
Soderfjord society is organized into independent clans, each led by a jarl. The jarls are elected by a council of elders, and their power is based on their wisdom, their wealth, and their ability to command respect. While they have a king who is nominally in charge, the real power lies with the jarls. There is a great deal of social mobility, and a person can rise to a position of power and influence through their skill and their wealth. They have no standing army, but every able-bodied man and woman is trained to fight and is expected to defend their home and their clan.
Territory
The Soderfjord Jarldoms are a vast coastal nation, with a long and winding coastline of fjords, inlets, and islands. Their territory is defined by the sea and the towering mountains that make up their border. The land is largely untamed and wild, with little in the way of agriculture. The people live mostly along the coast, where they can fish and trade. The borders are not strictly patrolled, but the harsh environment and the fierce reputation of the Soderfjorders keep most outsiders at bay.
Resources
The Soderfjord Jarldoms' primary resources are their abundant fisheries and their powerful, long-distance ships. The fjords are rich in fish, a staple of their diet and a major export. They also produce a surplus of high-quality lumber from their forests. Their greatest resource, however, is their skill as seafarers and traders, which allows them to sail to all the major ports of the Known World and bring back a wealth of goods and riches.
Military
The Soderfjord military is a powerful naval force, with a fleet of longships that are fast, agile, and well-armed. Their sailors are some of the most skilled and experienced on the seas, and they are masters of naval combat. They have no standing army, but every able-bodied person is expected to fight in defense of their clan and their home. Their tactics are based on quick, decisive strikes, and they are masters of naval ambushes and raids.
Relations
How Soderfjord Feels about Others: The Soderfjord Jarldoms have a complex relationship with the other nations of the Known World. They have a long-standing alliance with the Empire of Thyatis, and they often serve as mercenaries for the Thyatians. They have a competitive but respectful relationship with the Kingdom of Ostland, their cousins to the north. They have a cautious but productive relationship with the Republic of Darokin, and the two nations often engage in trade. They view the other nations of the Known World with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
How Others Feel about Soderfjord: The other nations of the Known World view the Soderfjord Jarldoms with a mix of respect and apprehension. They are seen as a powerful naval force and a nation of skilled traders, but they are also viewed as unpredictable and untrustworthy. The Empire of Thyatis sees them as a valuable ally and a source of skilled mercenaries. The Kingdom of Ostland sees them as a rival for influence and prestige. The Republic of Darokin sees them as a valuable trading partner, but they are wary of their warrior nature.
Reputation
The Soderfjord Jarldoms have a reputation as a nation of skilled seafarers, fierce warriors, and shrewd traders. They are seen as a more civilized and diplomatic version of their Ostland cousins, a people who prefer to earn their wealth through commerce rather than plunder. They are respected for their courage and their skill on the seas, and they are a valuable, if unpredictable, ally. They are a testament to the idea that a people can be both a warrior and a trader, and that a longship can be used for both conquest and commerce.