Kalevala

To the north-west of Dominus is the most southerly point of the sub-arctic region known as Kalevala.

The name comes from a set of epic poems about the hero “Vainamoinen” and translates into “this land”. The humans of Kalevala are a tall, muscular and (generally) blonde people, called the “Ymirkin”.

Politically, Kalevala is considered to be an 'allied' nation to the Merebian Empire but not strictly a member of it (yet).

Geography

Kalevala is a semi-mountainous region with vast forests of coniferous trees. Due to its proximity to the northern pole of Oberon it has short days in winter and very long days in summer.

Notable Places

Kalevala has no "capital" as such as the Ymirkin tribes don't settle in one place for more than a generation. However it does have a number of large towns that have been built by the Empire to facilitate trade. Examples of such towns are Castellan, Garnet, Palanthus and Solace.

The region has a number of mountain ranges, the largest of which are the Jotun Mountains, home of the Giants.

Politics

After years of Ymirkin pirates raiding Academia and Chundria, the navy of Merebian Empire was called in to protect the sea lanes. As the Empire had already made attempts to claim the iron resources of the region it readily agreed. Numerous conflicts ensued and although the forces were evenly matched in skill, the Empire was able to beat the Ymirkin through sheer force of numbers. The Ymirkin sued for peace and Kalevala formally became an "allied" member of the Empire in 188 IC. Kalevala's agreement with the Empire allows for the Ymirkin to retain political autonomy in exchange to nearly unrestricted access to the region's mineral wealth. Unlike Bal-Morath the Empire is not required to defend the Ymirkin lands against external threats but also won't make any claims to Ymirkin lands.

Economy

Ymirkin are naturally resourceful people and have built trade-links with both Gryphos and Mortrach. Imodii warriors sometimes even travel as far south as Dominus to find fame and fortune.The main exports of Kalevala are iron and quartz.

Flora and Fauna

As previously mentioned, other than Ymirkin, Frost Giants, Hill giants and Fomorians all make their home in this land. In the coldest regions of the land reside purple worms and, rumour has it, white coloured Dragons.