¶ Jarl Freymund
¶ Description
The Jarldom of Amberhelm is peculiar group, containing peoples with ancestry from Scandinavian Vikings and local Finnish populations. The culture of Vikings is dominant, however, as they are led by the family of Freymund who, generations prior, came to these lands to establish their own authority.
The current Jarl Freymund is an adherant to Freyja and, to a lesser degree, Freyr. Though all of the Pantheon is known, respected, and praised there remains a special place for Freyja herself.
The tribe is particularly blessed in their agriculture, and it has become a cornerstone of their growing culture, be it in their speech, their method of living, their preparation for glorious battle, or their trade deals.
¶ History
The Jarldom hails from, what is today, Southwestern Finland. It has been carved out there a century prior by exiled Vikings. Some say the exile was due to a failed coup, some say it was a war they lost, and others a famine. Whatever the reason was, it has long been forgotten. Their arrival was marked by conflict with the neighboring peoples, until significant military victories established the Jarldom of Freymund as a permanent fixture.
The lands they inhabit were the most fertile in the region. However, this was still not much, with only small patches of land arable for grains such as wheat, barley, and flax. It is said that due to their dedication to Freyja, however, their crops grow lush and bountiful in their small farms, allowing the people to be fed and healthy; enjoying longevity in life and strength in their frequent raids on neighbors, or defense from counter raids.
Due to the conflict in the past and currently, the Jarldom is wary of anyone not of their own tribe, though with the current Jarl they are open to noninvasive treaties and trade agreements.
Jarl Freymund has begun preparations to raid and conquer a land across the Bothnian Gulf, in the heartland of many Viking nations. The Uppland. It is known for its prime location for launching coastal raids and dominating the local waters of both the gulf and the Baltic Sea. The Uppland also features the most fertile land in all of the regions.
¶ Village Makeup and Defense
The Jarldom of Amberhelm is characterized by their cultural norms.
Their lands are made up of various individuals and clan families, all with their own independent styles and beliefs. However, they are united under the banner of Amberhelm.
Villages are typically less organized, with many homes featuring their own garden or prioritizing spacing for farm work. This causes the villages to be sprawling and expansive, with few physical defenses outside of the occasional watchtower.
Due to this lack of solid defense, the idea that every Home is a Castle is more ingrained.
Everyone is expected that, should the need arise, they would be strong enough to defend their home. It has even been considered 'improper' and 'bad luck' if an axe and shield is not mounted beside the main door of one's house.
¶ Cultural Norms and Taboos
Just as not having an axe and shield by one's door is considered a cultural taboo, it is also considered disagreeable to consume horse meat. This belief comes about for practical reasons (do not slaughter your work horse or war horse) but also due to religious reasons; Freyr, twin of the esteemed Freyja, is Lord of the Horses, and it was believed he blessed the original founders in their war by blessing their steeds with immortal endurance! Whether this is true or not many people in the Jarldom continue to revere the horse.
Another revered creature is the honey bee. Its honey so prominent to the diet of the tribe that it has become seen as good luck to place a plate of honey outside one's door or nailing it to the wall, greeting visitors and showing the wealth of the home. In recent years, as trade deals have increased, the Jarldom has seen people replace the practice of putting honey by the door with gold coins and amber instead.
Lastly; in times of festivities it is considered a true feast if the meal contains succulent boar meat from the greatest hunt, This boar meat is paired typically with Jam and Honey, especially Honey Mead.
¶ Religion
As previously said, the Jarldom of Amberhelm is reverent to the whole Norse pantheon, but main worship is given to Freyja and her bounty. Priests are known to have particular duties, such as blessing farming plots and warrior's vessels before they set off for a raid. They also have been, as of late, blessing trade deals just as they do farm plots. A 'farming of gold, be it wheat, honey, or coin' ideology has begun to circulate to explain their blessings on the business dealings.
Worship and Praise is almost always topped off by a celebratory drinking. Usually to such degrees as blackouts have been known to happen.
In times where no priest is available, villagers seek out the most esteemed and bountiful farmer to act as a stand-in, believing them closest to Freyja due to their success.
