Frostmarch

Frostmarch is a Valdic nation-state holding vast territory in most of Sørligste. Its capital city, Erðvald, sits on the banks of the River Artir. Frostmarch currently encompasses the vast majority of Sørligste, having annexed many of the other traditional nations on the continent.

Founding, Insurrection, and the Early Boom
Frostmarch was officially founded on the 12th of December, 2020, when Jarl Green 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. This starting period would be known as the Early Boom, in which Frostmarch would gain a large population and begin to quickly grow, as the idea of a Nordic style nation hadn't been thought of yet.

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

Early in its history, Frostmarch had been approached by the Crescent Concordant regarding membership. During early-mid December, Frostmarch was fully integrated into the CC, wherein it would assist in attempts to stall northern aggression.

War of the Pyramids
On the 12th of December, two mysterious pyramids of bedrock appeared in the south, one in the far western land of Jcon, and one within the then Sørligste Confederation. Control of the pyramids brought about great power and wealth, and so conflict over them began.

With the assistance of the Crescent Concordant, efforts began to hide the Pyramid near Frostmarch (Pyramid B) and to fortify the pyramid near Jcon (Pyramid A). Frostmarch warriors were sent to stand among the forces of the CC to defend both. Despite their efforts, none of these efforts succeeded, either in securing the pyramids or in defending CC land.

In the effort, CC operatives created the Sárið through dark means, forever scarring the March. The Jarls were not consulted, and much friction followed this decision. In the end, Frostmarch withdrew its warriors from the front and refused to cooperate with the pyramid offensive any longer.

Age of Banditry
As Frostmarch's military power waned after the disastrous events of the Pyramid Wars, many saw opportunity to plunder. The snow wastes came to be home of a raider clan, whose name to this day remains unknown. This clan led a week long campaign of plunder and terror throughout the March, ending with an attempted siege of Erðvald.

The raiders had snuck into the city through its still unclaimed wall and began to pillage its farmland. Unfortunately for them, they were cut down amongst the wheat before they could escape with their plunder. Greater efforts were made to defend Erðvald, and the bandits never returned. To this day, Erðvald has never once been breached by an invader.

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 Beans set out to occupy the town of Skjaldreyja. Following the towns establishment, a weystone path was build by Jarl Green 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.

Departure from the Crescent Concordant
On the 30th of December, following a period of strained relations and decay in communications, Frostmarch decided to leave the Crescent Concordant. Despite their departure, they continued to assist the Crescent Concordant until it collapsed on the 25th of January, 2021. This would begin the The Long Chillin Period, where Frostmarch stayed out of the world's politics.

Space Age
Following the mass production of Crimson Wine, Jarl green and Jarl beans travelled north. Jarl green consumed the wine (totalling 12 bottles), and became the first mortal to breach the Firmament and enter the stars. From then on, efforts began to send more to the skies. The Frostmarch Space Agency was founded in Skjaldreyja, and Jarl beans was also sent skyward. Efforts to colonise the stars failed.

Partition of Farnoka
Farnoka, one of the two independent Valdic States of Rathnir, had long been declining. Eager to integrate it into the March, negotiations began with the Kronesian Empire regarding who would come to occupy its lands. Eventually, a joint split of the land was decided. Kronesia would control the capital city and its northern territories, while Frostmarch would take the south, along with first pick on pillaged loot. Vesverga was established by Jarl Cryo to watch over the west, notorious for its crime after the Age of Banditry.

Establishing DE ASS
Following the collapse of the Crescent Concordant, a vacuum of power existed in the south. Kronesia had always been a great ally of Frostmarch, having stood together during the savage Walmart Massacre, and having agreed cordially to split the lands of Farnoka. Together, they agreed to form a union in which all nations of Sørligste could know prosperity.

Frostmarch favoured an economic union of regulated trade, given their experience in trade and economic management. Kronesia, having known first-hand the wrath of the north, instead wanted a military alliance against invasion. To meet both needs, the Defensive and Economic Alliance of Southern States was born. Over the following weeks, Soumere and Pahonja would be brought into the alliance.

Occupation of Suðerlind
As Farnoka was under Frostmarch control, Suðerlind was the only Valdic State beyond the authority of the March. After its people had long been abandoning its castle capital for greener pastures, the land was seized, and the capital left under the watchful eye of Jarl metagall. Along with this, some of the far eastern claims of Regalia were taken, although much was given to the members of DE ASS, to whom the territory was more useful.

Partition of Kronesia
As all the Valdic states were now firmly under Frostmarch control, the only land left was in the east. Following the sudden disappearance of the Kronesian peoples on the 18th, and the worry of foreign annexation, Frostmarch, Soumere, and Pahonja began discussing what should happen to the former lands. Pahonja quickly took a small chuck of east Kronesia and some islands. Vandalah, now a Sorgliste nation, claimed all of Kronesia up to the southern mountains. They later on had to renounce the claims. Soon afterwards, the partition had happened, with Frostmarch gaining a bit in the East, and Soumere a bit in the West.. Afterwards, Vandalah had taken up the rest, with support from Frostmarch and Soumere.

The Second Big Boom
With the newly acquired land from Kronesia, Frostmarch and Soumere became the 2 dominant powers in Sorgliste. Using the crises brewing in the north, and the general distaste for Rathnir politics at the time, Frostmarch became a great place to get away from dealing with wars and banditry.

Frostmarch's population began to explode when the town of Vesturperla was founded to secure Frostmarch's place in the west, and allow for a higher population to be founded for Frostmarch, due to the stagnation of the eastern coast in population. Edgeland would serve as a great place for resources such as potatoes, wood, stone, and any essentials. Ice roads were developed to reform the infrastructure, and enabled easy and quick travel through the overworld. Nether portals were created at many different towns throughout the nation, allowing for even faster travel.

Science was at an all time high in Frostmarch despite it's history of little research, with research being done various diseases thought the nation, especially ones from Suðerlind. Alchemy was also beginning to grow in Frostmarch, as a large Alchemist station was created in Vesturperla to allow for quick brewing of potions. Trade also began with nations outside of Sørligste, for one of the first times ever.

The Second Jarls Council
Having completed their work of spreading Nostíkur teaching throughout Rathnir and raising the Valdic people from their Dark Age, Jarls green, beans, Cyro, Epic and Train prepared their ascension. Through the power of mass ritual sacrifice, they breached the Firmament and escaped Rathnir on the 5th of April, 2021. Once word had spread of their departure, talks began amongst the people of the March regarding leadership. From this rose Jarl Host, Jarl Roduct and Jarl Flaming, who would lead the March into its next chapter. Along with the ascension, the Old Jarls hid all of their treasures in a crypt, with the crypt later being found the next day.

Conquest of Vandalah
Despite the Old Jarls intentions of welcoming the wayward to Sorligste, the people of Vandalah were beginning to prove themselves more an obstacle than an ally. Jarl Host, who was eager to expand the Ice Rail of the March across all of Sorligste, found himself repeatedly blocked by King Pierogi, who refused such a rail be built unless he could directly tax its use.

Over time, relations soured between the states, as Vandalah began forced deportation of certain "undesirable" peoples in its lands. Angered by this, and the kingdoms repeated refusals to co-operate, the New Jarls reached out to the people of Soumere to find a solution. Eventually, they decided that war was the simplest means to solve their problem.

With the assistance of Kostarion and Viewed, an invasion began, and the capital city of Vandah was seized. The King of Vandalah, along with his closest confidants would flee before the battle, entering hiding in the far north. With this, the War was swiftly won, and lands were shared as planned. Viewed would take the northern peninsula, Kostarion the eastern plains, and Frostmarch all of the south.

Death of Jarl Flaming
Jarl Flaming was one of three Jarls in Frostmarch. Some time after the Conquest of Vandalah, Flaming had died, last seen cleaning up the Suðerlind castle. The reason for their death is highly disputed, with some claims suggesting that it was natural causes, and others being the Suðerlind disease. While the full story of how they died is unknown, their body was found in one of the corners of the castle. They were swiftly taken to the Vesturperla hospital, and later confirmed to have had heart failure and died. In Erðvald, a funeral was held by Earth and many people attended. Shortly after the funeral, Jarl Host and Earth started working on a mosque next to Flaming's grave because it was his final wish. Nothing has been said/confirmed about a new Jarl by Jarl Host yet to replace Flaming. A fire was lit next to Flaming's grave, and will forever burn as a memorial of Flaming.

The Massacre of The Tomb of The Old Jarls
Earth, in grief of the death of Jarl Flaming, inquired as to the ascension process of Jarl Flaming (as per classic Nostikur beliefs) after hearing about the old tomb of the Jarls. He devised a plan to lure five people into the tomb, where they would be sacrificed to ascend Flaming. The sacrifices were made in the tomb, and the ascension of Jarl Flaming was considered a success.

A United Sørligste
After the conquest of Vandalah, the leaders of the nations in the continent of Sørligste drafted a constitution for a union, a grand union. On May 19, 2021 all the nations in Sørligste, with the exception of Osteria, united under one banner bearing the name of the Grand Union of Sørligste. This unification discouraged the further expansion of large, neighboring empires such as Uldarash and Viodoxa that threatened the region, and also strived to prevent wars like the conquest of Vandalah from ever happening again.

The Mushroom Valley Crisis
While busy dealing with a potential global coalition, agents of The Grand Union of Sørligste discovered a new town called Mushroom Valley had been setup right next to Vesturperla. The leader of Frostmarch, Jarl Host, surveyed the town himself and found that it was claimed by Osteria, and very far from their actual borders. The leadership of Osteria was immediately informed about this, to which they demanded a large swath of Sørligstan land (from Not_Venice to the entirely of Vesturperla and Iceland), and to otherwise expect invasion. This sent the Sørligste government into a panic.

Thankfully, BackToTheHub stepped in, and said they would buy just enough land to reach Mushroom Valley for a large sum of money. The deal was then made and Osteria annexed that land. This still caused fear of invasion by Osteria, especially after The Magisterium was formed between Osteria, Azuria, and the Abyssal Isles.

Annexation by Tortuga
After the Mushroom Valley debacle, Sørligste dealt with multiple internal stability issues including the formation of minor rebel factions. One rebel leader, a man named Ederan, declared independence in West Soumere. Seing the instability in Sørligste after the newly-formed Magisterium gave Sørligste an ultimatum, to join the Magisterium as a province or face war.

Seeing the writing on the wall for Sørligste, the government dissolved their autonomy and allowed themselves to be vassalized by another willing neighbor, Tortuga.

After a war against Ederan, foguht alongside the Tortugans, met little resistance and a 0-1 victory for Sørligste, Swiggan declined Hub's proposal and quickly joined Tortuga. During that time, Not_Venice was raided by agents of the Magisterium. Significant valuables were stolen and carted off, likely never to return to Sørligste. Frostmarch was then annexed as a region of the now Tortugan Empire.

Only three states survived the Grand Union of Sørligste: Frostmarch, Pahonja, and Soumere (however Soumere lost around 90% of their land).

The Third Jarldom
After the Tortugan annexation, the Second Jarl Council of Frostmarch became the sole government of the nation. However, for a multitude of reasons (including the fact that Jarl Flaming was still dead and had not been replaced), many of these Jarls were unable to perform their administrative duties to reasonable extent, and much of Frostmarch fell into disarray. The city of Skjaldreyja was abandoned and entirely destroyed in a violent hurricane. Several settlements appeared in the wastes of Frostmarch (see Novishk and Gooseburgh), and grew to considerable size before being found and inducted into Frostmarch. Considered a dark age for the government of Frostmarch, what few administrative and military activities performed were orchestrated by the noble High Jarl Host.

Seeing Frostmarch struggling to stay alive, Host reformed the Frostmarch government for the second time, forming the Third Jarldom of Frostmarch. Jarl Alcon retained control of the West, but the east and south were entrusted to the new Jarls Frug and Temsyod respectively. This arrangement lasted for several years before the death of Jarl Host, as his sudden death left no heir prepared to usurp the throne.

The title of Grand Jarl was officially decided to Jarl Frug, but both Jarls have held the position since Host's death.

The Grand Sorgliste Federation Merge
After the Great Sorgliste Federation had received threats of war from the small Empire of Leveros, which wasn't considered a threat on it's own but had backing by Uldarash. In fear of annexation, Shark the Head of State merged with Frostmarch then a vassal of Tortuga. This threatened major conflict should Frostmarch be attacked, delegitimizing any major claims made by Leveros.

This merge had the unintended consequence of uniting the majority of Sørligste under a local government. This was the first time a single Sørligstan state controlled this much of Sørligste since the dissolution of the Grand Union of Sørligste many years prior.

Independence Again
In a bout of nationalistic pride following the annexation of The Grand Sørligste Federation, the Grand Jarl of Frostmarch Temsyod reached out to the Pirate Emperor of Tortuga with the intention of purchasing their independence. A deal was eventually reached at $400,000, plus a barrel of fine beer and a single cow in exchange for the independence of Frostmarch.

Leveros Banditry and War
Shortly after the nation of Frostmarch reasserted her independence, several bandit millitants, primariliy citizens of the Empire of Leveros, attacked cities of the former GSF. These cities, Not Venice and Port Leon, saw the slaughter of dozens of citizens over the ensuing months. Enraged by these aggressions, the Jarl Council attempted to contact the leadership of Leveros, however diplomacy failed for a multitude of reasons. Seeing no other solution, the Frostmarch Council of Jarls, led by Grand Jarl Temsyod, declared war on Leveros.

As Frostmarch troops approached the small Empire of Leveros, their leaders quickly realized their situation was bleak and allowed themselves to be vassalized by Uldarash. Diplomacy once again opened up, and the war declaration was retracted.

A period of Peace
As tensions with Leveros calmed down, it seemed as if peace had finally returned to the beleaguered nation.

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%.

Calendars
The times and dates of Frostmarch have stayed the same since the founding of the Valdic Calendar, which starts at the founding of Erðvald, or 0 AEC (before Erðvald is BEC). Each year in Frostmarch is 179 days, or 2.486111 real-life days. The current year in Frostmarch as of 12/28/2021 is 1476.

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, another part due to its neighboring lands being known for imperialism, 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. Some privileges may include a free food supply, cheaper armor or weapons, and free beer.

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

Disease
Throughout the history of the March, disease has always been a problem. Especially in the deep parts of the March, and in almost all of Suðerlind, disease has been a common reason for these places never becoming a large state, and why the East Coast has always been the center of the Valdic people. Until 1100 AEC, when Red Wine first came to the March, most of the March was a rural, unurbanized place. Red Wine has since been used to explore the inner parts of the March and Suðerlind, with more stable and permanent methods being worked on in Erðvald. In recent times, Red Wine has been combined with Golden Rum to travel through Suðerlind.

Nostíkur Faith and Custom
While not solely practiced within the March, this country has the majority of Rathnir's Nostíkur practitioners. The following of this faith involves three main aspects;

Ritual Sacrifice
For the average follower of the Nostíkur faith, this includes routine offerings to the Brotsjónir for good fortunes. The average town/household is likely to have access to an altar to perform these weekly sacrifices. On more important occasions, sacrifice can come to include living beings, and even people.

Runecrafting
Runes are often carved into stone or wood to produce magical effects. For daily uses, runes are carved into small "Runeshards" and placed beneath firepits, hung in doorways or simply disposed of in a river. For more significant projects, boulders are chiselled into "Weystones", used to inscribe many runes to convey a complex idea, such as instructions or a story.

Oral Tradition and Folktales
Stories are told of the ages past, of ancient Valdic heroes and the struggles of the Brotsjónir and Verðinir. These tales are typically told in the evening, around campfires. Due to these stories heavy reliance on music and dance, they are told outdoors. Valdic Bards can be expected to memorise up to 400 tales, along with their many variations, and are also expected to be able to improvise music around tales they may have never heard before.

Geography and Demographics
Within this territory, are three major forests (currently unnamed), two ice spikes biomes (Norðistod and Suðistod) and a record breaking population of polar bears. There are five main sites of activity in Frostmarch.

Erðvald
Erðvald is 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. Among the most famous locations in Erðvald include the Erðvald Public Museum of "Acquired" Items, Erðvald Citadel, the Blood Pit and the Gurgling Donkey

Vindicales
Vindicales is a town made by Nunoto Havardr and Karma that is to promote intellect and knowledge with cultural, religious freedom.

Skjaldreyja
An ancient town built upon the vast ice spike mining trade of the south. The mythical Hlýja, or "Warm Land" gives this town a strong agricultural output rivalling that of the capital, despite weaker infrastructure. Currently, the Frostmarch Space Agency is based within Skjaldreyja.

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. On April 2nd, the final member of Iceland left, and the town was deleted.

Edgeland
A crossroads town established alongside the River Dain, intended to revitalise Frostmarch's road infrastructure and provide protection to its travellers. All rails of the Frostmarch Iceway run through this town.

Vesverga
A 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.

Vesturperla
Vesturperla is town recently founded beyond the Syktar Mountains by Jarl r0duct, in the bold new Farnokan Frontier. In its brief history, it has seen record growth in population and wealth.

Suðerlind
Initially an independent Valdic State, Suðerlind was occupied and integrated into Frostmarch following decades of stagnation. Now the brilliant fortress secures lumber and fish for the March.