Valkendur

Valkendur is a province set in the frigid north coast of Svirun. It has been the adopted homeland of the Skald since the early Age of Enlightenment, who migrated there from Skaldenfar due to the fact that the island was quickly breaking apart. Valkendur is consists of vast taigas, frozen tundras, and steep fjords.

Geography
Valkendur is bordered to the southwest by Lothor, separated by the Skjoldr Mountains. Across the Saltvain Channel to the southeast lies the province of Draven. On all other sides, Valkendur is surrounded by the dark, freezing water of the Ionad Sea, and all the terrible creatures that lurk within.

Being the northernmost province of Svirun, a majority of Valkendur is cold almost all year, save for two or three months in Summer. Most of the forests there are spruce or pine taigas, though some oak, maple, and birch woodlands are found along the southwest border, lining the Skjoldr Mountains. In the northern tundras, the soil is too cold to produce many plants, and only the occasional shrub and spruce tree can even be found. These tundras are generally flat, though some tall hills dot the snow-covered fields.

A large portion of the north coast of Valkendur is made up of thick ice that floats upon the surface of the sea. Because of this, no ports are built on the north shores. Instead, the Skald have built their cities and docks on in the Valk Bay, where they are more sheltered from the northern icebergs. On that topic, the Valk Bay connects to the Ionad Sea to the north, and to the Saltvain Channel to the east. The Saltvain Channel is connected to the Sea of Shivers to the east, and is flanked on both sides by tall fjords. Thin land bridges known as the Skald Bridges connect either side of the channel, and have stood for as long as anyone can remember.

In the far east corner of Valkendur lies the Sindmere Mountains. Surrounded by the Faye Groves that form a labyrinthine maze around them, these mountains are home to many legendary creatures, supposedly including Syldr the Satyr, the infamous liar of Skald folklore who tried to use the Liar's Jewels (one of Lokir's artifacts) to rule over the Skald. As punishment, he was eternally bound to a tree in the forest, yet supposedly still holds the jewels.

One island in the center of the Saltvain Channel, known as Ashild Island, is actually the resting place of various underground crypts of famous Skald warriors; including the bloodline of Queen Frindul, the only person to unite the Skald clans under one banner.

Locations
For full article, see: Locations (Valkendur)

Flora
Main article: Flora (Valkendur)

While not nearly as dense as Lothor, Valkendur has it's fare share of unique flora. Spruce and pine trees are common, as well as coniferous shrubs. In the south of Valkendur, oak, maple, and birch trees are found, as well as many flowers and berries. In the harsh northern lands, very little flora besides conifer trees can grow in the frozen soil.

Fauna
Main article: Creatures (Valkendur)

Many forms of wildlife can be found in Valkendur, including elk, northern reindeer, timber wolves, arctic foxes, walruses, and polar bears. The Saltvain Channel provides many species of fish to the locals, and the icy northern coasts are often used for ice-fishing.

Government
Main article: Skald Clans

The Skald of Valkendur live in a clan-based society, and have longer than they have lived on the continent of Svirun. Each clan is made up of family and friends, and are usually quite large. Constant warring among the Skald clans has always been common, and the politics that surround it are complex, often linked to ancient grudges, competition for resources, and religious differences. From 186 AE to 144 ADR, the clans were united under Queen Frindul's Empire, who brought upon a golden age of conquest and great wealth for the people of Valkendur. However, this empire succumbed to a slow and painful death following Agara's domination by the Dracae.

Since the fall of Queen Frindul's Empire, the most powerful Skald clans have taken up residence within the beaten walls of the cities of Valkendur. One such clan, Clan Berserker, took over the city of Sinding in the early years of the Age of Men and has ruled it with an iron fist ever since.

Foreign Relations
The Skald have a very dynamic web of relationships with the rest of Agara; including with themselves. As stated previously, the Skald fight endlessly among themselves. However, there are several clans who consider each other allies, and stand by one another in times of struggle.

Ever since the signing of the Salt Circle Agreement, most Skald clans have taken to considering the Kells a valuable ally that is not to be trifled with. Not many cultures can say they are considered a friend of the Skald, as so many other societies are aware of. Because of this treaty, the Arenese Empire have been unable to form strongholds within Lothor due to the risk of unintentionally waging war against the Skald, who already have a hatred of them ever since the Sacking of Petrides in 187 AE (and the events it lead to, known as the Ionad Sea War). The Arenese Empire already has enough trouble fighting small groups of Skald raiders simply at sea, and do not wish to create another conflict, unless they know they can win.

Like the Arenese, the Griswulf of Draven are not on necessarily good terms with the Skald. Having been the target for many successful (and particularly gruesome) raids by the Skald during the reign of their empire, the monarchs and military advisers of the Griswulf Empire have spent a great amount of wealth in an attempt to prepare for another assault. However, as of 1800 AM, the Skald have yet to attack the Griswulf, leading to a great deal of paranoia among it's citizens.

The Skald have clashed many times with the Inuk Empire of Yakone, but the two cultures can barely be considered rivals. To the powerful Inuk, the Skald are simply a nuisance to be swatted away. The same can be said about the Krasimir, who have only experienced small raids by the Skald.

The Tavini have mixed feelings for the Skald, as they had fought on several occasions during the Age of Enlightenment, but also traded goods on several occasions following the fall of Queen Frindul's Empire.

The Jötunn were once mortal enemies of their ancient brothers, but have recently come to good terms with the Skald following the disappearance of the Dracae. Their good relationship has allowed the Jötunn entry into some Skald cities such as Thorunhold and Frindulhold.

Economy
The Skald rarely import or export any goods, except in trading with small merchant ships that have struck deals with the clans. The biggest export of Valkendur is timber and ice. Weapons and armor are rarely shipped outside the province due to their cultural significance in Skald society.