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Valkemf, Province & City of |
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Posted on Mon, February 02, 2004 by Legate |
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Abysslin writes "For a long time I have wondered what lie upon the Rhizia Peninsula, and for years of my life did I wait for official works to be published concerning it.
I had visions of my own as I am sure any that gaze at maps of the flanaess do. I had envisioned a dark and cold place, unforgiving in its nature. One whos inhabitants were cursed to live fruitless and mundane lives. Lives of labor and circumstance. Lives where one must learn sacrifice and perseverance to survive its inhumane environment.
You will find in the following, not a place of grand events and twisted plots. Not of politics and prestigious heroes. No, that is not what you?ll find here. No, you will not find that here on the Rhizia Peninsula.
What you will find here is the cold and dark truth. You will find the truth of a central province of the Ice Barbarians known as Valkemf. You will find the truth the Cruski live and endure everyday.
Your journey to the Lands of Rhizia begins here...
Valkemf, Province & City of By: Abysslin Used with Permission. Do not repost without obtaining prior permission from the author.
By Terrance Hunt (Abysslin)
Ruler: Jarl Isgrimich Cruskipaw
Resources: Wood, Furs &
Hides, Fish, Oil, and Copper.
Population: 7,981 (Province) –
Human 78% (Suel), Half-Orc 12%, Half-Ogre 8%, Misc. 2%
Life Expectancy: 63
Languages: Cold Tongue, Common,
Orcish, Ogre.
Alignments: Chaotic Neutral
Religions: Llerg, Norebo,
Xerbo, Vatun
Overview
Valkemf was so named after the barbarian Jarl that founded the
province, of the same name, among the Ice Barbarian (Cruski) lands
shortly after the ancient suel migrations brought their people here.
The land is arctic in climate year ‘round with temperatures very rarely
rising above 40 degrees F and the mean temperature is usually below
freezing, about 20 degrees F. Snow cover on the ground is commonplace
nine months of the year with only a minimal break in the summer months
and even then rarely for a long enough period to allow grass to turn
green.
Daylight is limited to perhaps seven hours, and at most, eight hours of
the day during all but the three summer months when daylight can extend up to
nealry 20 hours at times. The Cruski have adapted to such a way of life, living in the
dark. They can carry out menial daily tasks with only moonlight to
compensate them.
The province and city itself have grown to be a harsh habitat of labor.
The few residents labor rigorously throughout each day building ships,
mining copper from the Corusk peaks, fishing to supply food, or logging
the Sable Wood for ship and building construction, although wood is
also heavily used as a heating source. Whaling is also common place, not only for food but also because a whale’s body can be broken down to formulate a crude oil also used
for heating.
Agriculture is very minimal although less than healthy potatoes have
survived the harsh environment, and are farmed by few.
Horses, surprisingly, are quite common and nearly 70% of the population
owns one despite their somewhat high costs. “Take care of the tools
that take care of you, and that means your horse,” a common phrase
among the populace. All horses are well groomed and fed.
Livestock consist primarily of thick haired goats and arctic buffalo,
although they are kept primarily to feed one’s own family more so than
to sell for profit with a common family perhaps owning 2 or 3 goats.
The common diet of the population consists of many varieties of meat
from land and sea animals including goat, bear, rabbit, seal, and a variety
of fish foods.
Common apparel among the Cruski includes furs and hides of various
beasts, and the Cruski are best known for their ability to create boots
of the warmest design. Chosen weapons usually are the broadsword or
battle-axe with simple round shields of wood for defense.
The Cruski of Valkemf carry with them little of value, perhaps a pipe
or wineskin and some are found with a set of copper tools wrapped
tightly in a small stretch of hide. It is highly uncommon for a Cruski
to posses more than a few coppers and silvers at any given time.
Currency is near meaningless to them, as most possess the ability to
survive on the arctic plains.
Politics
The Cruski of Valkemf deem politics a lawful affair much to be ignored.
Most citizens are loyal to Jarl Isgrimich, but not to their King,
Lolgoff Bearhear of Glot.
Jarl Isgrimich will travel to Glot to join in the courts of the King
when required, but otherwise avoids any such endeavors, being very
intent on managing the affairs of Valkemf. Primarily, to provide wood
and copper for the nation and of most importance to him, the care of
Valkemf’s people.
When Jarl Isgrimich is at court he enjoys the pleasure of being the
King’s guest; women, wine, a bed of comfort. On matters of political
affairs however, Jarl Isgrimich’s input is as minimal as possible.
Rarely, the King of the Cruski, Lolgoff Bearhear, located in the
Nation’s capital, Glot, will call upon Jarl Isgrimich for men and ships
of war to aid in his raiding affairs. Jarl Isgrimich seems to decline
any requests as he hasn’t the men to keep his own province cleansed of
his troubles and his primary concern is to supply the ever demanding
requests for resources of wood and copper to the capital. All other
affairs are secondary.
Tribes and Clans
There are nearly 8,000 among the population of the Valkemf province. Of
those numbers, roughly 800 live within the City of Valkemf itself
including all the humanoids and demi-humans, mostly half-orcs and ogres
slowly coming in and being accepted from the mountains.
Roughly 1,200 more man the mines and logging projects of the province
and many labor in this manner their entire lives or until their bodies
can no longer endure the rigorous punishment, at which time retirement
within the city or their home clan’s camp is usually sought.
The rest of the population is divided amongst the 53 clans of Valkemf
living in camps throughout the province. Each clan numbers roughly 100
in count with the largest clan numbering no more than 150. Many, once
reaching manhood by conquering the Maenich (a ritual explained later),
travel forth to the mines and logging projects of Valkemf to claim
their own path in life. Others stay on hunting and gathering for the
clan their entire lives. Yet others among the various clans farm goats
and other herding animals of Valkemf’s clime. Many city folk refer to
clan folk as “outland goat shaggers” in jest, implying they commit foul
acts.
The various clans are loyal to Jarl Isgrimich to the death. However,
this is the case only if decided upon by the clan’s highest in
hierarchy, usually known simply as the Liech, or Lord.
The King of the Nation, Lolgoff Bearhear, declares these clans
politically as fiefdoms under his direct rulership and demand tribute
and numbers of their clan to man his small army, but these demands are
never met, nor are any punished for their blatant disregard for their
King’s requests.
Considering this disloyalty to their king it is peculiar that all the
Cruski clans throughout the province of Valkemf don round shields
depicting the Nations symbol’s, a blue base with a circle of white upon
it, which generally coincides with loyalty to the king.
Although the clans of Valkemf extend a show of loyalty to the Jarl and
if Valkemf were ever threatened they would unite, they are not beyond
battle with one another. Many times the clans will meet on the snowy
battlefields with their broadswords and round shields. Boundary
disputes concerning hunting lands arise and the Cruski of this province
consider the beasts of their territory as unused property not to be
tangled with by those of other clans.
When such violations occur, a clan will ride to the accused clan’s
territory in a march of war, tapping their swords against their shields
in a horrific melody of death. The defenders know what is about to be
unleashed upon them and prepare accordingly. The gruesome battle that
ensues will most certainly be filled with much bloodshed and in the
Cruski rage even children are not always spared for that is what it
means to be Cruski.
When a Cruski lay eyes on the blood of an enemy he does not wait for
dying breath to take it’s course. He does not wait for death to beckon
the enemy. No, he brings death to the enemy hacking violently until
blood covers the earth. Until only a mangled mess remain of his foe.
Trade
Trade amongst other provinces and nations is quite minimal, although a
ship is frequently sent to trade with the Frost Barbarians, or Fruskii,
trading large amounts of copper in exchange for smaller amounts of iron
in return, which is mostly used for weapon manufacturing.
For the most part resources are sent to the capital, Glot, to be
distributed amongst the other sixteen provinces although Glot keeps
nearly 50% of all resources imported from within the Nation.
Boundaries
The political Borders of the province extend from the southern most
reaches of Sable Wood’s expanse going to the Northern most point of the
Corusk Mountains, and from the Eastern coast along the Solnor Ocean
following West some 80 miles to the Corusk Mountains. Some 22,500
square miles of territory in it’s entirety.
Travel
The Citizens of Valkemf travel mostly by horseback although an
occasional mammoth can be found domesticated. Unfortunately travel over
long lengths of land is very limited too perhaps the capital, Glot, or
Jotsplat as the harsh and unpredictable weather is very foreboding.
Frozen fogs and freezing winds meshed with unforgiving snow fall can
halt such a venture in a matter of minutes.
However, the Ice Barbarians, or Cruski, are very proficient sailors
although inferior to their cousins the Snow Barbarians, or Schnai.
Travel by sea is a much quicker way to get to the major cities although
the coinage required can be quite abit more if one doesn’t know a ship
owner.
Events
Once per year, on Coldeven 7th, Jarl Isgrimich and the clergy of Norebo
hold a grand festival in honor of Valkemf’s founding known as the
Tibkof. At this time many craftsman and bakers line the village ways
selling their wares for reasonable fares. In the main market area of
the village, Jarl Isgrimich holds competitions of strength and skill.
Wrestling, Archery, and Logging, among many other events are held and
prizes given by the Jarl are quite gracious, often a new Iron Axe with
few minor gems encrusting it’s pommel, or grand cloaks enchanted by his
advisor, Yrag.
On Harvester 25th after the reaping the Sable Wood of Frudarg, a
semi-rare plant harvested for smoking that has hallucinogenic
properties, an event known as the Smukach is held. It is tradition to
spend months carving and whittling long elaborate pipes for one’s
honored. Father’s will pass pipes to their sons and sons to their
grandfathers. Cruski line the streets and gather in the arctic plains
to share in their family’s company during the Smukach.
Upon reaching 16 years of age all males in the village are required to
undergo the Maenich, the ritual of manhood. The young man must set out
with only meager equipment and the clothes on his back. Usually the
young man leaves the village with only a one weapon, often a broadsword
or axe, round shield, some minor means of creating fire, and one day’s
worth of rations. The Maenich requires that the young man return within
8 days with either the hide of a polar bear or dire winter wolf.
Some don’t return at all, memories of them melting away with the summer
sun. Others return empty handed, bringing upon themselves great
dishonor. One returning in such a way is usually sent out with the next
ship to Glot to be offered as gifts of slavery to the King and families
are well readied to accept this fate should unfold in such a manner.
For the young man returning home having conquered the Maenich, a minor
festivity of food and dance. Also the local temple of the young man’s
deity tattoos a grand vision on the young man, usually in some manner
symbolic of the Maenich.
Religion
The primary worship of Valkemf is devoted to Llerg, with secondary
worship to Norebo, Xerbo, and Vatun.
Most of the militia and other warriors among the populace worship
Llerg. The fisherman worship tends to follow the faith of Xerbo. The
rogues and less scrupulous tend to worship Norebo. And the shamans of
the province seem to favor Vatun; although legend says he is suffering
some devilish imprisonment.
Magic
Magic in the province is primarily limited to the shamans of the
various deities and to the very rare ice mage. Neither of which are
capable of attaining high levels of magic.
Magic as a whole is viewed as a weapon of the weak amongst Cruski of
Valekmf. There is no better extension of the body than the iron-forged
weapon.
Those dabbling in the mystical arts will soon find themselves viewed as
inferior, yet when a wound isn’t taking to natural ways of healing,
there is usually no hesitance in taking a trip to nearest temple for
aid. It is quite a frustrating complex for the temples to endure,
indeed.
Races
Valkemf is home to a very limited variety of races. The populace
is primarily suel with an occasional family of half-orcs or half-ogres
whom are surprisingly welcome by the humans of the province and are
often found working side by side with them.
Dwarves are seen among the village rarely and are watched with intent
suspicion as there is a community of Mountain Dwarves that live in the
nearby Corusk Mountains who have conflicting interest with the locals
on the land’s resources of which there are very few.
Other races seem to be few and far between and many can live their
entire life without ever setting their eyes on an elf or halfling,
although rumors of a great Drow city in the underdark below the Corusks
flow from the mouth of an occasional tavern conversation.
Valkemf Mines
Copper deposits in abundance have been discovered within the Valkemf
province dating back to the early days of its founding. Along with the
Sable Wood, the copper deposits are the single most reason for the
settling of this land although many jest around the tavern table about
not much more land being able to be traveled with the Solnor Ocean
being in the way and all.
Contrary to popular belief, labor among the mines of Valkemf is more
than tolerable. The temperatures within the mines are well within the
40s and without the chilling winds endured by folk living and laboring
above ground.
A typical day consists of a rotation of picking and axing, loading and
moving mining carts, and digging deeper within the mountain.
On a different rotation, men are sent back to Valkemf on wuktus, or
wagons (basically large boxes with axles and wheels) full of raw copper
ore. The wagons are usually in tow by domesticated mammoths condemned
to a life of laborious pulling and meager meals. Once the City of
Valkemf is reached the men deposit the copper ores at Jarl Isgrimich’s
keep and are allowed a three-day leave from the mines. This time is
usual spent spending their meager earnings at the taverns or with time
amongst family they are only able to see perhaps three days every three
months or whenever the rotation allows.
At times mining operations are driven to a halt when new mining tunnels
meet with dens of any variety of subterranean creatures, primarily
Umberhulks and Hook Horrors. The miners can spend literally months
expelling an entire colony much to the dismay of Jarl Isgrimich and the
King himself.
Ice trolls can also put a time sink into mining operations, as they
dwell in a nearby den, not too many miles from the main mines of
Valkemf.
Valkemf Logging
Logging, although less appealing, is more rewarding than labor among
the mines. Many find that they simply aren’t suited for a “groundhog’s”
(a common logger’s jest) environment below the Corusks. Loggers
are paid much more as the end product resulting from their harvests are
of a higher demand within the Nation which brings higher profits along
with it.
Work is long from dawn ‘til dusk, but the men are allowed resting days
frequently, commonly one or two days of each week depending upon
overall gross production. Leave rotations usually add another day or
two per month allowing individuals to visit the city for pleasantries
or their families.
As with miner’s, loggers employ mammoths too move their harvests to the
city and frequently use the mammoths to aid in clearing trees with
numerous complex rope and pulley systems.
Conflict for loggers is somewhat more common than it is for the miners.
Recent reports of confrontations have included arctic carnivorous apes,
dwarven ambushes, and ice gnoll patrols.
Military Life
Life among Valkemf’s military is mundane. Unfortunately, if labor among
the mines, the forest, or the tedium of clan life aren’t appealing,
there is nothing more than the military.
In the employ of Jarl Isgrimich one does not receive pay, nor leave
time. The only compensation comes in the way of food, a cot, and pride
in serving one’s province.
Daily life is restricted to performing a variety of drills and in the
evening partaking in numerous contests the superior’s command in an
attempt to evaluate skill.
For the land-based militia the highlight of the year could be aiding
the loggers and miners in expelling beasts that have invaded those
working areas. Other times they may be assigned to guarding supply
wagons en route to the City. Or even more exciting, being placed as
part of a group sent to attack dwarvish logging or mining projects in
an attempt to hinder their affairs or perhaps even provoke them to come
out of their fortress to do war, it matters not to Jarl Isgrimich.
For the navy life upon the Solnor and Dramidj is a welcome sentence for
being upon the sea is in a Cruski’s blood. Many young men aspire to
join their ranks, and since they are not paid Jarl Isgrimich would
happily accept them into the ranks if he could only bring about enough
food to feed more than he already does.
As it stands the navy represents nearly a quarter of ships owned in the
province, second only to the local fishing and whaling industry which
accounts for fifteen ships as opposed to the navy’s ten. The
remaining ships are privately owned and are usually for hire, charging
large sums of silver and copper to transport aspiring or adventurous
ones to the capital.
Common tasks appointed to the navy include coastal border patrol and
supply transport to Jotsplat and Glot.
Despite not being paid any coin the men of Jarl Isgrimich’s military
carry high morale. They are granted visits from the whores of Zdenka’s
Den courtesy of Isgrimich and Zdenka, ofcourse. Iced Ale, brewed with
fish by product, is a favorite among the Cruski and it is supplied in
mass quantities for consumption nearly on a nightly basis. And it is
generally viewed as an honorable occupation to serve one’s Jarl. That
is more than can be said among other Cruski provinces.
War
As stated previously, War on Valkemf soil is nearly unheard of. If such
an event would occur is highly probable that all able citizens would
take up arms to defend their homeland, as they hold it dear. Valkemf is
all they know.
Jarl Isgrimich would make use of the standard militia of the city and
the city’s occupants as his major force. In the mean time riders would
be dispatched to the fifty some clans of the province, the mines, and
the logging projects for reinforcements and within a day the province’s
entire population would be available for battle, less children
ofcourse, but including women.
Jarl Isgrimich’s militia consists mostly of inexperienced warriors
serving as cavalry and few shamans. Perhaps 100 in total count although
he does keep a band of 10 loyal and fanatic berserkers close to his
keep at all times which usually will suffice. It is very uncommon for
any sort of confrontation in the way of military venues to occur within
the province of Valkemf.
War dogs are heavily employed in Jarl Isgrimich’s militia. The dogs are
trained since birth and are not strangers to shedding blood.
The Navy, however, numbers nearly 300 men manning 10 longships.
Longships are much preferred to the Cruski for their speed over similar
ships of war. The Cruski’s desire for speed is breed by their
unfortunate circumstance requiring them to travel long distances to
reach Jotsplat for trade, Glot for political affairs, or even farther
yet, Stonefist or the Aerdy lands to conduct raids for spoils however
infrequent they may be.
His primary militia captain, Forschki Whitefang usually heads any
raids, while his advisor, Yragmire the Icemage (Yrag), one of the only
people to command wizard like magic in the province, stays by Jarl
Isgimich’s side. His concubine, Lady Aldara, is perhaps the most
powerful shaman in the province, a worshipper of Vatun.
Many times the thought has crossed Jarl Isgrimich’s mind to amass his
entire force and march upon the Coruskian Ice Dwarves that dwell in the
most southwestern reaches of his province. The spoils no doubt would be
beyond imagine. Enough to raise the modern day conditions of many folk
that call Valkemf their home. However, he sees this as an unlikely
event as he believes the dwarves to be acting as a cushion between his
province and the Frost Giants wandering on the far side of the dwarven
fortress. He often spends much thought on which is the greater “evil.”
Creatures of Valkemf
Many beasts roam the arctic plains of Valkemf, dwell in the nearby
Corusk Mountains, scurry in the silence of the Sable Wood, and navigate
the depths of the Solnor. Predominant species follow.
Arctic Plains
Polar Bears: These bears are considered the spirit of the Cruski and
are not intentionally killed unless one is partaking in the Maenich.
For the most part the Cruski and Polar Bears live in harmony.
Mammoths: Although the Cruski have managed to tame a small number of
these beasts, they are still quite dangerous and upon sight will charge
a Cruski attempting to stomp and gore one’s body.
Smilodons (Sabre-Tooth Cats): These beasts are known for their stealth
among the snow. Rarely does a Cruski have more than time to blink an
eye before the beast is upon him.
Snow Basilisks: A Cruski knows when a Cruski is frozen that a Cruski
falls. Frozen Cruski standing can mean only one thing…
Corusk Mountains
Ice Trolls: There are minor bands living in the Corusk Mountains that
can bring trouble to the village of Valkemf. Often hindering mining
operations or conducting small raids on the city although this is an
infrequent occurrence. Minor casualties and material losses are usually
reported and the raiders are usually driven off even by the common folk
transversing the roads of the city. Such is the mindset among the
populace.
Ice Dwarves: A community of Mountain Dwarves also logs the Sable Wood
much to the dislike of Jarl Isgrimich. He often sends militia to expel
the dwarves, but efforts so far have been unsuccessful.
Yeti: Small roving bands of Yeti roam the Corusks. Their hides are
highly sought after as it is thicker than most of the animals and beast
in the area and can keep a Cruski warm even on the coldest of
Valkemfian nights. Many of these hides can be seen worn amongst the
outlandish clans of Valkemf living near the Cruski Mountains.
Frost Giants: Very rarely a Frost Giant sighting will be reported, but
thus far, no giant problems have arisen. It is believed that the
dwarves, living in the Corusks west of the Sable Wood, are responsible
for declining Frost Giant sightings, as before they settled near the
province a skirmish with the Frost Giants seemed to be a monthly
occurrence.
Cryohydra: When a sighting of this magnitude is reported Jarl Isgrimich
leads a hunting party himself. For many years he has dreamed of this
trophy to adorn his keep with.
Sable Wood
Ice Gnolls: Generally considered more of a thorn than a blade, the Ice
Gnolls of the Sable Wood hinder logging operations, but pose more of a
threat to the province just south of Valkemf.
Carnivorous Apes: Known to shred small bands of men travelling south to
Glot by foot. They attack swiftly and silently showing their unusually
high intelligence as evidenced by their plans of ambush.
Dire Winter Wolves: This particular breed is rarely seen lone, they
prefer packs and more Cruski have fallen to this beast than any other
beast of the province. Winter wolves are considered a prized kill of
the Maenich ritual.
Treants: A rare sighting, but Treants of the Sable Wood grant no
quarter to the Cruski, especially to those carrying out logging
operations.
Solnor Ocean
Merrow (Aquatic Ogres): The Merrow seldomly attack anything other than
fishing vessels. It assumed they are a common resource of food and the
Merrow refuse to share.
Scrags (Aquatic Trolls): Not usually much of a threat to the Valkemf
Navy unless they are many leagues out. There seems to be a settlement
living not too near Valkemf, although any attempt to decipher its exact
location hasn’t surfaced yet.
Kraken: From time to time a ship disappears from Valkemf, gone forever.
Reliable reports tell of a giant squid crashing ships in half and
bringing her crew to the depths within a matter of moments.
Legends of Valkemf
Viktorik the White Dragon of Corusk
Cruski skalds of Valkemf know all too well the Legend of Viktorik. It
is said that Viktorik visited Valkemf himself when the Cruski first
settle these lands. In front of all Valkemf’s men to see Viktorik
demanded the newly built village present him with their largest whale
catch each month and he would allow the Cruski to populate his
territory.
Angered by the demands of this dragon Valkemf raised his Bastard Sword
(thought to be one of the Five Swords of Corusk) on high. In two hands
he held it, circling the blade above his head. “Come forth ye serpent
of meek and taste ye Valkemf’s steel,” he Taunted.
Viktorik rushed to meet Valkemf, buffeting his wings and swaying his
mighty jaws in a hypnotic rhythm. When they met it took but a squint,
but what seemed like an eternity before the battle cry of Valkemf came
to and end. Viktorik had pinned Valkemf to the ground with his mighty
claw and in one motion, tore Valkemf’s torso in two. Amidst the white
snow lay pool of red blood. But it was not of Valkemf’s only for he had
dealt the dragon, Viktorik, a mighty blow! Viktorik’s screams could be
heard from miles around as he flew off back to his den.
The people of Valkemf haven’t seen Viktorik since.‘Til this day when
the wind blows below the drifts, you can hear Viktorik in his mountain,
screaming.
This had taught the Cruski of Valkemf Bravery.
Fredmyr the Storm Giant
It was a cold day, perhaps 100 years after Valkemf’s founding. Snow and
freezing winds had plagued Valkemf for weeks. Ships hadn’t been able to
navigate upon the waters of the Solnor to harvest fish. Times were
trying in Valkemf.
Then, a large being visited Valkemf. Tall and mighty he appeared. As
big as 30 Cruski legend tells. He wore the garb of a Cruski and wielded
a giant sword of blue steel. He commanded the winds and weather. He
parted the clouds. He calmed the tides. He filled the nets of fishing
boats with the largest harvest this village did e’er see.
The Cruski of Valkemf thought him to be Llerg. “He’s here to deliver
us!” cried some. “He’s here to grant us boons!” others shouted. Hopeful
shouts of the Cruski filled the tiny village of Valkemf.
Llerg had called for the Jarl; a jealous man named Kichstein and
devoted worshipper of Xerbo. He would have no other than divine Xerbo
take attention away from the power he commanded in Valkemf.
Llerg asked of him what he would like as a great boon for him and his
people. “I would have of ye go forth and begone from this land
forever!” Kichstein bellered, saliva frothing.
Llerg did as requested, but first he commanded a Hurricane off the
coast! He commanded Avalanches to cover the Valkemf mines! He shook the
earth with his mighty roars! Then into the Solnor he crept. His giant
limbs slowly sinking into the large tides he had brought forth, until
finally he had totally immersed.
Once gone, the winds picked up even fiercer. The cloud cover had
returned, but these were no white clouds. They were black and throwing
out freezing rains and hail! For 30 days it stormed over Valkemf.
When the calm finally settled over the land a young Cruski named Achbel
went to the waters. He called for Llerg, but Llerg did not answer. He
called more, well into the night.
When morn’ came young Achbel was still at the waters. A shaman of Llerg
faith approached Achbel and asked if she could aid him, perhaps feed
him? Achbel declined the offer and cursed Llerg! Llerg had taken his
parents in the storm. “But young Achbel,” she started, “That was not
Llerg.”
No creature but Llerg himself could wield such power young Achbel
thought. He ignored the woman and walked on. The woman followed. For
days the boy walked. He walked and he walked and he walked some more
with no destination. The woman followed.
Young Achbel ached for the comforts of his family, but feelings of
hatred for Llerg kept him walking. Still the woman followed.
When the boy could no longer walk, the woman sat beside him as he
collapse into a drift of snow. “Are you going to continue walking?”
asked the woman. Achbel simply shook his head. He knew he couldn’t
continue on. All the strength within him had been whittled away by the
cold wind. “Where were you walking to?” the woman asked of him.
“To Llerg,” young Achbel muttered as angrily as his weary voice could
muster. “Well you’ve found him,” said the woman, but this time it was
not the voice of a woman. It was the voice of man, deep and hollow,
almost echoing.
Achbel turned his head as he lie there in the snow. He lay his tired
eyes on upon the sight of a strong man; built like the ox his father
plowed his potato field with. He wore furs of animal’s unseen.
“What do you intend to do with me?” Achbel whispered with his dying
breath. Llerg replied in a similar whisper, “Take you to your family.”
This had taught the Cruski of Valkemf Faith.
The Five Swords of Corusk
Legends tell of 5 swords that, once united, could free the mighty god
Vatun of his devilish imprisonment. None of which have been found
despite efforts of clergies throughout the nation.
Map of the Valkemf Region:
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Average Score: 4.03 Votes: 30
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Re: Valkemf, Province & City of (Score: 1) by cwslyclgh on Tue, February 03, 2004 (User Info | Send a Message) | nice, I especialy liked the legends part at the end. |
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Very Nice (Score: 1) by Greyson on Wed, February 04, 2004 (User Info | Send a Message) http://www.donkbrown.com | Very well done, Abysslin. Thorough, well articulated and detailed. It is obvious a lot of love went into this effort. I really like that you included a map. It lends perspective and tangible depth.
Good job. Now do Harby for us! |
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Re: Valkemf, Province & City of (Score: 1) by Abysslin (abyss@canonfire.com) on Wed, February 04, 2004 (User Info | Send a Message | Journal) http://www.canonfire.com | Thanks, Wes!
They prolly don't belong in a Gazateer entry, but I just couldn't stop writing. They just sort of "happened."
I'm glad you enjoyed 'em!
Greyson, I appreciate the comment.
Hardby? I'd love to and I'll add it to the list, but I'm sure some one will beat me to it. I'd imagine alot of people are doing Hardby.
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Re: Valkemf, Province & City of (Score: 1) by TwiceBorn on Sat, February 21, 2004 (User Info | Send a Message) | Abysslin,
Nice work! Since you asked for constructive feedback on forum thread, here's mine. Please keep in mind that the feedback merely reflects my assessment of your work, and criticisms are not intended as an attack on your ideas. Some of my suggestions are grounded in "Earth" reality (as opposed to Oerth fantasy), so evidently you may find some of them to be completely irrelevant. That having been said...
1) IF you intend for Oerth's climate to work somewhat like our own climate on Earth, then I would recommend the following changes.
a) In the arctic, six months of the year have very long periods of daylight (round the clock sun, i.e. midnight sun, occurring for as long as 3-4 months of the summer, depending on latitude), the other half of the year being primarily shrouded in darkness (total darkness for 3-4 months, once again depending on latitude). Of course, spring and autumn bring gradual, if short lived, balance between light and dark. Given that Hyboria lies even further north than the lands of the Cruski, I do think the above changes would make Valkemf more "believable."
b) I can tell you from personal experience in arctic Norway and Sweden (the "real life" lands which the Suel barbarian lands most closely resemble from a historical point of view in terms of culture and geography), that summers in those places are much warmer than your text would suggest (I often experienced 15-20 Celsius, and sometimes higher than 30 Celsius), warmed by the constant sunlight and the Gulf Stream (which might translate into warm winds from the Solnor Ocean?). Likewise, you would not find snow on the ground nine months of the year, except in mountains. Of course, since Oerth IS a fantasy world, you can make your summers as cool as you want. Even in the depths of winter, average temperatures in arctic Scandinavia tend to be a little warmer than what you suggest (once again, due to warming from the Gulf Stream).
c) In our world, penguins are only found in the Antarctic, not in the Arctic. But once again, since this is a fantasy world, you can do what you please.
I really like the fact that you included whaling as a primary livelihood source.
As far as valuables go, historical Vikings actually were very artistic, and made coins and ornate jewelry from gold and other precious metals. I've seen some of their treasure troves in Scandinavian museums, and they were impressive. But once again... if you prefer that the Suel barbarians be poor and with little artistic inclination, that's your right. I simply prefer to make their culture vibrant and advanced (when considered in light of their barbaric reputation and berserker fighting styles), a real surprise when PCs first encounter them.
Politics: as a historical note which may or may not be of interest to you, Iceland's Viking settlers developed a highly formal and codified legal system, so there definitely was order even in "barbarian" societies. On the other hand, justice and redress for perceived wrongs were often "resolved" via blood feuds (more likely, they kept killing each other back and forth)... which makes for an interesting mix of law and chaos.
Tribes and clans: I like your discussion about clans and inter-clan warfare (they tie in nicely with blood feuds), and your inclusion of the way the city folk perceive the country folk (I think of Glot as a big, sprawling settlement, rather than as an actual city... likewise, I have a hard time imagining Valkemf as a city... but hey, that's just me). Cruski sometimes slaughtering the young of rival clans during berserker rages is certainly consistent with a CN alignment. I would have liked to see how you differentiate tribes from clans, though.
Trade: the 2nd ed Five Shall Be One module suggests that the Barbarians might also trade with the Bandit Kingdoms for the high quality weapons that are produced by the latter.
Travel: Mammoths... wow! I never thought of placing mammoths there... interesting idea, it certainly would give them extra leverage in battle!
Events: I like the way you've fleshed out local culture here... I'll probably use what you've got here IMC.
Religion: I agree.
Races: I would be interested in knowing why half-orcs and half-ogres are welcome among the humans of the province... is there a story here?
Military life: that Iced Ale sounds positively disgusting... that's a keeper! Reminds me of the way putrefied shark meat is considered a delicacy in Iceland.
Everything else in the article looks really good to me, especially the legends... nice work! I would like to see you write more about the Blades of Corusk. Your map is also very good, reminds me of the early OD&D gazetteers I once used. I always liked those maps. I would, however, like to see more colourful names than "frost giant stronghold" or "gnoll hole." Other than that... great work!
I hope this feedback was of value to you (and now you know why I don't always have the time to write feedback when I first see an article... my job doesn't give me the time to do so on a regular basis!). Thanks for your valuable contribution to Greyhawk lore... keep it up! |
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