Valdic People

The Valdic People are an ethnic group of humans native to Sorligste. The group have dwelled in the continents eastern lands for many centuries, forming small petty-kingdoms for much of their history.

Currently, the majority of the Valdic population reside within Frostmarch, although Soumere has a large population in its Kronesian Annexes. Much of the Valdic population has recently disappeared during the Kronesian Vanishing, estimated to number around 20, 000. It is unclear exactly how many dwell throughout the rest of Rathnir, but both cultural and linguistic similarities across the Rough Sea imply major migrations may have occured.

Prehistory
Little is concretely understood of the history of the Valdic. They originally dwelled in the Old March region of modern Frostmarch, along the Artir River, although ancient migrations south and west occurred following dramatic climate shifts.

Due to the harsh climate, the population relied heavily on fishing to sustain stable populations, and technological advancement was slow. Eventually, through naval trade, bronze working was introduced to the region, and progress in tilling the land began. From here, the increase in urbanisation and population lead to the first Jarldoms.

Early History
Early Valdic history is composed of dozens of minor petty Jarldoms, jockeying amongst each other for regional dominance. Despite technological advancements, life expectancy remained low due to constant conflicts between the Jarldoms.

Over time, Valdic Society would steadily progress, and the many dozens of Jarldoms would coalesce into greater powers, the most powerful being Skjaldreyja, Erðvald, Grajavit, Suðerlind and Norðurstod.

Classical Valdic Age
During this time, Valdic society would meet its first period of cultural development. With travel safe between the Jarldoms, trade began, and the once local stories travelled across the March through the mouths of bards and poets. A great deal of epic poetry was written in this time, largely centred around the large numbers of northern migrants entering previously Valdic realms and the conflicts that would ensue.

In this time, the cities of Grajavit and Norðurstod would be laid to ruin by foreign invaders. Norðurstod's ruin came by mercantile operations seeking to exploit the local ice spikes. Grajavit's destruction is far more speculative, however, as its assailants have never been concretely identified.

First Empire of the March
During the conflicts against the colonial migrants of the northern Empires, one great leader would rise, Horfan of Skjaldreyja. His leadership would unite many of the displaced northerners into one great host, which he would lead on his infamous crusades.

While these conquests were portrayed as a resistance against invaders, his army would more often fight with rival Valdic Kingdoms than colonial ones. Following 13 years of war, the Valdic Empire was established, stretching across much of the Old March, Suthistoð and Nordurstoð.

Following the expulsion of many of the colonial settlements, Horfan lead his host into the wastes to construct the Horfanvirk, a potentially fictional fortress. He and his host would never again be seen, although rumour of the mythic Horfanvirk would hang over the Valdic for much of its history.

Declining Empire
The Valdic Empire established by Horfan would be managed by his son, Halvag, following his mysterious disappearance. While Halvag would do his best to maintain the realm by expanding infrastructure of travel between Jarldoms, he would continuously encounter resistance from his subjects, increasingly unwilling to cooperate without a foe to rally against.

Over the generations, the power of Skjaldreyja would continue to wane, as no means to exert power could be established. Under the reign of Bjørn Blackhand, a brief revival would occur, although it would be cut short during his western campaigns, where he was killed in combat at the age of 23.

In total, the Valdic Empire would only last approximately 230 years.