Norfthorn

Norfthorn is a state of Bardonia in the middle of the Syltör continent. Its name derives the Norfst language, meaning 'northern mountain'. This refers to the location of nations capital of the same name, located in a small, lonely mountain range.

Government
Norfthorn is an absolute monarchy ruled by the king. A body of advisors exists to oversee specific aspects of the nation. This is a tradition that has been in place since the tribal ages of the Norfthorn people.

The general of the army, main architect, man of the farms and animals, diplomat of foreign affairs, inquisitor of internal matters and overseer of the nation are the traditional government offices. The king always occupies two of these, the office of "overseer of the nation" is passed down, granting him most of his legal powers. The other is chosen by the monarch.

Culture
An important aspect of Norfthorn culture is reciprocity, which the Norfthorn people believe to be the foundation of a peaceful and fulfilled live.

This applies to social interactions, where mutual respect is valued in strangers while trust and loyalty are expected in friends and family. Pride and the unwillingness to forgive are perceived to be signs of weak character and one is expected to forgive misbehavior and even crimes. However, if one refuses to apologize they will be ostracized from the community.

Reciprocity is also a factor in Norfthorn politics and diplomacy as respect, trust, loyalty and forgiveness upon apology are applied to foreign nations and allies.

Iconography and Religion
The most common religion in Norfthorn is Diklism. Its most important holy sites are the lake of Nasnidr, the mountain Thornnidr and the Ravine system of Darinidr, all of which are named after the three gods of the Diklism pantheon. Furthermore, the people of Norfthorn worship foxes and chicken.

Foxes (Ketru) are a link between the real world and the Taifar (Heaven). They are believed to be witty and clever and said to share these qualities with their owners.

Chicken (Hänkhen) are seen as a proud warrior species. In the times of old, the Norfst clan leaders would breed huge amounts of the chicken species native to the mountain Thornidr. the Thornkhen chicken are fluffier and fatter than the common chicken. They are also very aggressive and territorial. Thornkhen are common in the households of Norfthorn and are generally depicted alongside the warriors of Norfthorn.

Foreign relations
Norfthorn is part of the Syltörean Confederacy. An alliance between Aurlanor, Takumakken, Andorn, Fornois and Norfthorn. It has more recently become a freeholder in the so-called 'Freeholds of Westreach', an alliance of smaller states to its direct east.

When Norfthorn was integrated into Bardonia on 16th January, 2021. The agreement made between the nations allowed for mostly autonomous self governance of Norfthorn. All political offices and alliances outside of Bardonia remained intact. Only slight restrictions to foreign affairs were imposed by the agreement.