Baldrhold

An Introduction...
Legend has it that a new nation - in a new world - was founded by a group of fearless explorers who braved the treacherous seas and harsh wilderness in search of a new home. Led by a chieftain of legend, these intrepid settlers carved out a new kingdom amidst the frozen wilderness, their strength and determination earning them the favor of the gods.

In the frost-kissed lands of the far north of Abexilas, nestled amidst towering mountains and icy fjords, lies the freshly fostered Nordic nation of Baldrhold. Named in honor of a deity of light and purity, Baldrhold is a realm steeped in rugged beauty and fierce warrior tradition. The people of Baldrhold are fiercely independent and proud, with a deep reverence for their Norse heritage and traditions. They are skilled craftsmen, renowned for their mastery of shipbuilding, blacksmithing, and seafaring. The rugged landscape of Baldrhold yields abundant natural resources, from precious metals and gemstones mined from the depths of the earth to timber harvested from ancient forests.

At the heart of Baldrhold stands its capital city, Asgardhiem, a majestic fortress perched atop a towering cliff overlooking the icy waters below. Here, the great hall, Valhalla, stands as a testament to the valor and heroism of Baldrhold's warriors, where feasts and celebrations echo throughout the halls in honor of the fallen. But Baldrhold is not without its challenges. The harsh climate and unforgiving terrain test the resilience of its people, while threats from rival clans and marauding invaders lurk on the horizon. Yet, the spirit of Baldrhold endures, forged in the fires of adversity and tempered by the wisdom of its ancestors.

A Brief Summary
The Baldari are a Nordic people who are strictly independent and prefer living in coastal settlements in cool regions, where they live out a life of building, brewing, and seafaring. As a militaristic culture as well, raiding and pillaging are to be expected - enacted via organized campaigns and explorations. While violent in practice, relations are held with some the Baldari come to respect. Their warriors are also open to being hired as mercenaries should another nation require their assistance. However, it must be understood that the people of Baldrhold have immense pride in themselves and their heritage, and so will also see themselves as an independent folk, as so must be recognized as such by those who consider themselves friends to the Baldari.

The Baldari also enjoy the smaller things in life, such as mineral riches and decorated homes, distinct armor and weapons, fishing, beer and other strong alcoholic beverages, and the mystic arts! Their faith centers around the power of symbols, fabled to have been discovered on shed scales of sea serpents and dragons left on shores and mountains - found, recorded, and interpreted by the shamanic order of the Baldari (More info in the religion) section).

So when coming upon a Baldari, should they not be in a berserk-frenzy, show of your trinkets, share a beer, and you'll have a good time!

The Legend of Gunnar Ironheart
In the rugged land of Baldrhold, where icy peaks pierce the sky and the roar of the ocean echoes through the fjords, there lived a renowned adventurer and dragon slayer known as Gunnar Ironheart. Born of noble blood but raised in the wilds of the north, Gunnar possessed a spirit as untamed as the wilderness itself. From a young age, Gunnar's thirst for adventure knew no bounds. He roamed the vast expanses of Baldrhold, honing his skills as a warrior, hunter, and tracker. Tales of his daring exploits spread far and wide, earning him a reputation as one of the greatest heroes the land had ever known. But it was his legendary feats of dragon slaying that truly cemented Gunnar's legacy. For in the dark caves and mist-shrouded mountains of Baldrhold, fearsome dragons lurked, their fiery breath and razor-sharp claws striking terror into the hearts of the people.

Determined to rid his homeland of this scourge, Gunnar embarked on a quest to hunt down and slay the dragons that threatened Baldrhold. Armed with his trusty sword forged from the heart of a fallen star and clad in armor as strong as the mountains themselves, he ventured into the depths of the wilderness, facing danger at every turn. One by one, Gunnar hunted down the dragons, each battle more harrowing than the last. He faced fierce blizzards, treacherous terrain, and the relentless fury of the dragons themselves. But with unmatched skill and unwavering determination, he emerged victorious time and time again. As news of Gunnar's triumphs spread throughout Baldrhold, the people hailed him as a hero, a champion of their land. They looked to him for protection and inspiration, knowing that as long as Gunnar Ironheart stood against the dragons, their homeland would remain safe.

But Gunnar's greatest challenge lay ahead, for a monstrous dragon known as Nidhogg, the scourge of the north, had emerged from its lair to wreak havoc upon Baldrhold. With scales as black as night and eyes that burned with malice, Nidhogg was a terror unlike any other. Undaunted by the odds, Gunnar set out to confront the beast, knowing that this would be his greatest battle yet. With courage in his heart and the spirits of his ancestors by his side, he faced Nidhogg in a titanic clash that shook the very foundations of the earth. For days and nights, Gunnar and Nidhogg battled, their fury echoing across the land. Fire and ice clashed in a symphony of destruction, but in the end, it was Gunnar who emerged victorious, his sword plunged deep into the heart of the dragon. As Nidhogg's lifeless form crumbled to the ground, Gunnar stood triumphant, his spirit unbroken, his legend forever enshrined in the annals of Baldrhold. And though he knew that other dangers would always threaten his homeland, Gunnar Ironheart would never falter in his duty to protect the land he loved. For he was a hero, a dragon slayer, and a legend of Baldrhold.