"The world seems full of good men, even if there are monsters in it."
-Bram Stoker, Dracula
The Grim Countries is the collective name for the landmasses and nations located in Etomesto and Inis Mona respectively. These places were secluded from the rest of the world and until RE 2808 Age of Autumn, a year known as the Year of Invasions, when the Unknown sent a large invasion force of Fomorii to the shores of Inis Mona. For the next year and then some, the forces of the United Inisan Coalition would battle the sea-raiders across most of the country, before finally exiling the Fomorii from their lands. This coaition eventually became the Council of Dòchas Ùr, and the leaders of the coalition, the Council of Teanga Bethir, passed into legend. Now, far more united than before, the nation of Inis Mona stands on a perilous edge; many remain loyal to the ideals of the original coalition which are to unite the nation and keep it safe from foreign aggressors or interests. Yet, others see this as a division of power, wishing to return to the original monarchical system and refuse to admit its because this would largely ensure the Ard Righ remains Daoine.
During that same year heroes from the Fianna Mór saved strange creatures from captivity under the Jotunn of Otherworld. These individuals turned out to be Psoglavi from Etomesto. Together, these nations not only withstood the Fomorii invasion, but have remained staunch allies since. A small contingent even fought in the Siege of Manannan Port along side the Coalition. Throughout their history, the Fianna Mór have excelled in performing improbable feats, so many believe this tale.
The union between Inis Mona and Etomesto was a truly important treatise, as Etomesto is an unforgiving wasteland of ice and devils for the majority of the year. Likewise, Inis Mona is a haunted nation seemingly abandoned by their gods and its population must contend with evil fey and the ravenous dead. It behooves both nations, though separated by wasteland and ocean, to remain not just allies; but friends as well. Now, Monaian Carachs ply the waves to the devil-touched walls of Etomestoan Domagrads to exchange silver for gems cut of the mountains beating heart. For the mountains of Etmomesto rest upon vast hoards, not unlike great dragons.