Frostmarch

Frostmarch is a nation-state holding territory in the far east of Sørligste. Its capital city, Erðvald, sits on the banks of the River Artir. Due to its recent founding and isolationist foreign policy, the nation has not been recently engaged in major conflict.

Founding and Insurrection Period
Frostmarch was officially founded on the 12th of December, 2020, when the Jarls Council of Erðvald declared independence through insurrection of the Sørligste Confederation. Over the weeks following, territory would steadily be taken from the Confederation and incorporated fully into Frostmarch.

By the 27th of December, the Sørligste Confederation disintegrated, and all remaining territory was split between Frostmarch and Jarldom of Suðerlind.

Iceland Incorporation
On the 21st of December, iam_nekk stepped down as leader of Iceland, to retire south in peace. A transfer of ownership was negotiated, and the territory was transferred to Frostmarch for maintenance, upkeep and temporary control. As of yet, iam_nekk remains in peaceful retirement and Iceland is under Frostmarch control.

Southern Settlement
Seeking to utilize the untapped resource of Ice Spikes in the far south, Jarl xxRestinbeansxx set out to found the town of Skjaldreyja. Following the towns establishment, a weystone path was build by Jarl green1e1000 linking the outpost to the capital. Over the following days, the settlement would prove its worth, producing great mineral wealth and, of course, plentiful ice of all kinds.

Culture and Traditional Practices
The peoples of Frostmarch are culturally Valdic (traditionally found along Sørligste's eastern coasts). Valdic peoples are easily identified by their practices and customs. The most prominent traditions in modern Frostmarch include;

Alcoholism
Drinking is integral to social interactions in Erðvald, with activities as simple as fishing and debate often resulting in substance abuse. It is tradition in Frostmarch for new members to drink poorly crafted alcoholic beverages, so as to test constitution.

Another alcoholic practice of Frostmarch is known as the Siðasmal, or the "Last Supper". In this ritual, crimson wine is consumed in combination with rotten pufferfish to induce intense hallucinations, levitation and total organ failure. The fatality rate of this ritual is 106.2%.

Literature and Historiography
Despite the nation's reputation, its people have a strong appreciation of literature of all kinds, favouring historic texts of far away lands. A public library exists in the North Wing of Erðvald Museum, wherein texts of interest have been compiled from around the world for citizens to read.

Warrior Culture
Militarism is a core value of Frostmarch, part due to the harsh environment its people inhabit, and part due to the nations history of near constant political tension. The fighters among the people of Frostmarch are held to high esteem, often permitted greater privileges and plunder than other citizens.

Hoarding
The instinct to collect and compile seems innate to all people of Frostmarch, from lone pilgrim travellers to Jarls presiding over their keeps. Nowhere is this urge to take better showcased than the Erðvald Public Museum, wherein items of interest are displayed, no matter how ethical the means of acquisition.

Territory
Within this territory, are three major forests (currently unnamed), two ice spikes biomes (Norðistoð and Suðistoð) and a record breaking population of polar bears.

Cities and Settlements
There are five main sites of activity in Frostmarch

Erðvald
The capital of Frostmarch, this city acts as a hub of trade, travel and administration. The majority of the March's population is within this city's walls.

Skjaldreyja
A southern town constructed to prospect for mineral wealth and begin processing of the regions abundant packed ice. The mythical Hlýja, or "Warm Land" gives this town a strong agricultural output rivalling that of the capital, despite weaker infrastructure.

Iceland
Originally settled by iam_nekk, this town is now under Frostmarch's protection and management. While the site has been left undisturbed for respect of its prior inhabitants, some mining and development has occurred.

Brenglaður Ánni

A small settlement established by MidgeApe in the central tundra, along the River Danor. Between Erðvald and Skjaldreyja, this outpost is a common place of refuge for weary travellers.

Vesverga
A small border town under the watchful eye of Jarl Cryo. Looking over the Syktar Mountain Range, this town provides essential protection for travellers, pilgrims, and the March as a whole.