Norfell

Norfell is home to various population groups:

The north has a sizable population of dwarves, originally from Eimrar. Some have moved away from Eimrar to distance themselves from its traditions and culture and built a different life somewhere else, while some see Norfell more as a future region of Eimrar - either through culture or conquest.

The Human population is split between those who have moved here from other regions of Iralas, and those who have lived here for as long as anyone can remember. The second group calls themselves the Norfolk.

Outside of the cities, tribes of nomadic Minotaurs, Goliaths and Frost Elves roam the tundras, valleys, forests, and mountains. These peoples can be found within the cities as well, as each tribe sees some members preferring city life.

Martial Tradition

Due to the inherent nature of Norfell's wildlife, carrying a weapon is not uncommon. In fact, certain weapons are seen as belonging to certain groups or factions, with some proud Norfell warriors refusing to pick up a weapon outside of their preference.

• The axe is traditionally favored by the Norfolk, being a weapon and tool simultaneously.
• The hammer and other blunt weapons are favored by the dwarves, as it shatters stone as easy as it shatters skulls.
• The sword has been favored by explorers and adventurers from Imland, being seen as an 'outsider's tool'.

Plate armor is rare; not for matters of dishonor, but due to practicality. Most warriors focus more on keeping warm in cold conditions, and adding heavy armor to their winter clothes inhibits their movement too much.

Hospitality & Honor

The unwritten social contract between those living in Norfell states that survival is done together. Therefore, one's word is their entire honor and bond, and to betray it, is to be an Oathbreaker, which carries severe social stigma (and punishment). Building upon that, Guest Right is considered one of the most essential social valuesl; when invited under someone's roof, sharing their food, drinking their drinks, the host is not to harm the guest, nor the guest to harm the host, during the duration of the stay.

Looting of the dead is highly frowned upon. While particularly notable foes might be beheaded as a trophy or proof of death, taking anything else, such as their weapon, is seen as defilement. This also extends to the many ancient tombs and crypts found in the various valleys. This does not mean that those are never searched or looted, more that this is done in secrecy.

• Remembrance of the past and memorializing history
• Personal sacrifice for one’s causes or purposes
• Sharing wealth and goods with others
• Faithfulness towards one’s chosen friends

See also: Threehold

Norfell society tends to follow a certain hierarchy.

• The Jarl rules over the settlement, village, town, keep or hold. Their responsibility can almost be compared to that of a parent; they are expected to care for, protect and guide their population.
• Below that are particularly successful or wealthy farmers and fishermen, master craftsmen, renowned warriors, ship captains, and skilled poets.
• Below that are regular farmers, craftsmen, crewmen, and warriors assigned to protect the realm (the huscarls).
• Bandits and outcasts form the lowest rung of the societal ladder.

Many living in Norfell focus mostly on their own survival, focusing on farming in the summer, fishing, chopping down their own firewood, hunting, and gathering.

In small hamlets and villages, all members of the community contribute in whichever way they can. 

In the larger holds, there is more specialization, with dedicated fishermen and farmers. This is also where you'll find more specialist jobs, such as craftsmen, traders and shopkeepers.

There several unique branches to the Norfell economy:

Adventuring

As wild beasts, monsters, and bandits respond to the seasons, settlements are under inconsistent and wandering threat. While the warriors of a settlement tend to keep the houses and farms safe, there is great value in seeking out these threats before they can cause harm. Combined with the belief that the dead should not be looted, this means that adventuring focuses far more on monster hunting, exploring & scouting and bounty hunting, as opposed to the dungeon-delving more prominent in other parts of the world. It is often a custom to bring the head of the most fearsome foe slain, and the various adventure guild halls compete for the most intimidating trophies.