The Kingdom of Ostland is one of the three "Northern Reaches" nations, a collective of Norse-inspired cultures. It is located on two main, fertile islands, Noslo and Kalslo, and a few smaller ones. Ostland is a traditionalist society ruled by a powerful king, but with a significant amount of authority resting with the clan leaders, or jarls. Unlike its neighboring nations, Ostland has maintained a strong focus on piracy and raiding as a way of life, valuing personal strength and fighting prowess above all else. This lifestyle has made them a feared and respected naval power in the northern seas.
The landscape of Ostland is dominated by its islands, which are generally quite fertile and have enough pastureland for livestock. The coastline is rugged and windswept. Towns are not large, sprawling cities but rather developed from the fortifications of larger clans. The people of Ostland are typically large and fair-haired with heavy beards. Their clothing is practical, often made of durable materials for a life at sea or in a harsh climate. Their longships are a key part of their appearance, with their iconic designs and carved prows representing their warrior culture.
Ostland culture is centered on a warrior ethos, with a deep respect for personal strength and honor gained through combat. Piracy is not a crime but a way of life, and wealth is measured in plunder and fighting ability, not trade. They have a deep-seated contempt for sorcery and most forms of scholarship, believing it to be a dishonorable path to power. The only scholars they respect are the skalds, who are warrior-poets and keepers of their oral traditions and heroic songs. Their religion is based on a pantheon of gods similar to the Norse deities, such as Odin and Thor, who are revered for their strength and wisdom.
Ostland society is divided into three main classes: jarls, karls, and thralls. The jarls are the absolute clan leaders, and their power is so great that even the king must assert his authority over them through a show of force. The karls are freemen who are beholden to their jarls. The thralls are slaves, typically prisoners of war, who have no rights. The ruling monarch is King Hord Dark-Eye, who maintains control by selecting young warriors from each clan to serve in his Royal Houseguard, thereby weakening the power of the smaller clans while strengthening his own.
The Kingdom of Ostland consists of several islands in the northern seas, most notably Noslo and Kalslo, located just off the shores of Vestland. The land is almost entirely settled, and while the weather can be harsh, there is abundant fish in the surrounding waters. The borders are not strictly patrolled, but the fierce reputation of the Ostlanders keeps most outsiders at bay.
Ostland's primary resources are based on its maritime dominance and its livestock. The surrounding seas provide an abundant supply of fish, a staple of their diet. Their herds of livestock provide food and hides. Their true wealth, however, comes from raiding and piracy, which they use to acquire goods and riches from other nations. This reliance on raiding means they do not have a strong internal economy based on trade or production.
The Ostlander military is a formidable naval force, renowned for its skilled sailors and brutal warriors. They use longships to conduct raids on coastal settlements, and their tactics often involve quick strikes and ambushes. The Royal Houseguard is the elite military force of the King, composed of the best warriors from all the clans. Despite a reputation for a lack of discipline in formal combat, their effectiveness in a fight is undeniable, making them a valued, if volatile, ally.
How Ostland Feels about Others:
Thyatian Empire: Ostland has a long-standing alliance with the Thyatian Empire. The Ostlanders are mercenaries for the Thyatians and have helped them with their naval efforts, especially on the Isle of Dawn. They see the Thyatian Empire as a source of wealth and plunder, but they do not trust them in diplomatic matters.
Heldann Freeholds: The Ostlanders have a history of conflict with the Heldannic people, viewing them as rivals and enemies.
Vestland and Soderfjord: As fellow Northmen, there are complex relationships with these nations, often marked by rivalry and occasional conflict. They see them as competitors for raiding territory and prestige.
Glantri: The Ostlanders view the Glantrians with suspicion and contempt, especially because of their reliance on magic, which the Ostlanders see as a sign of weakness and cowardice.
How Others Feel about Ostland:
Thyatian Empire: The Thyatians see the Ostlanders as a powerful and effective military force, perfect for complementing their legions, but they do not trust them with diplomatic or political endeavors.
Heldann Freeholds: The Heldanners view the Ostlanders as a constant threat to their borders, and they have a shared history of conflict.
Vestland and Soderfjord: The other Northmen nations view the Ostlanders as traditionalists who are too stuck in their old ways. They are wary of their raiding tendencies.
Glantri: The Glantrian mages see the Ostlanders as nothing more than primitive barbarians, a society of brute force with no appreciation for the arcane arts.
The Kingdom of Ostland has a reputation as a nation of fierce and uncompromising warriors, feared throughout the northern seas for their raids and their powerful longships. They are seen as the quintessential Northmen, valuing personal honor, strength, and courage above all else. While they are viewed as savage and uncivilized by many of the more "enlightened" nations, their unwavering loyalty in battle and their incredible fighting prowess cannot be denied. They are a valuable but unpredictable ally to those who can afford their services.
Here is a video from YouTube that gives a brief overview of the Northern Reaches, including Ostland.