Suðmyrkviðr

Founding
Before the founding of Sudmyrkvidr, its people lived in the extreme southern reaches of the world. As spring drew near, High Chieftain CeljskiGrof and his council noted with concern the rising sea levels, initially believing it to be the result of higher-than-normal runoff from the nearby mountains. Day by day, however, it became clear that this was not the case. The water continued to rise, tremors began in the earth, and fierce storms arose with increasing frequency. In the Last Great Council of the Old World, the High Chieftain issued an edict that the entirety of his people would prepare a great ship to seek out a new home before their proud civilization was destroyed entirely.

Skilled shipbuilders, the people made rapid progress, and the day soon came for their departure. The earth shook and the sky was rent with lightning as they loaded the last of their provisions onto the ship. Sailing away, they watched as the trembling of the earth and waves of a ferocity not seen before or since laid low their proud halls. This event became known among the people as the Great Calamity. For weeks they were driven by the storms upon the sea, but their ship stood strong against the elements until at last the heavens were calmed and they sailed without interruption until they found land to the north.

Intent on never again being found at the mercy of the sea, the people journeyed inland until they found a place high upon verdant taiga hills. Here they would build their new home, Sudmyrkvidr. Having founded the settlement as refugees, the people decided that regardless of future growth and development, they would never be known as a town or city, but as a Refuge. All who wander far from home or are driven from the comfort of their own hearth are welcome.