Many great clans used to make up the great Norwegian Jarldom of Hviskingensland better known as Viskland but after the previous Jarl Halfthor died without an heir, and a long and brutal war of succession, only one house remained with the strength to claim the crown.
Jarl Halfthor was a mountain of a man, and had appetites that well matched his stature. He was more fond of fighting, drinking, and whoring than he was of administering his Jarldom, but managed to keep it together through charisma and sheer force of will. However after he failed to sire an heir his death started a brutal war of succession
Clan Kolbeck with its wealth and ties to merchants attempted to take the crown though their connections and mercenaries, but failed to capture the loyalty of its younger generation who joined Hallveig and witnessed the deaths of their treasonous elders.
Clan Drekir and its military might also joined the war for the crown. Under the banner of Sigvard Drekir they armed their proudest warriors and set to march on the other noble families, but in their haste fell victim to an ambush. With their headsman dead, the warriors scattered into the unknown.
Clan Visendakyn The house of magics and seers at first attempted to stay out of the war, but upon loosing their heir Arnsteinn to Clan Drekir in a savage night raid, they were forced to join. Now led by the Seidr Hallveig she used her cunning and wit to outsmart her stronger foes and eventually found herself as the last surviving noble. But the great war had taken a toll, and without any family left, Hallveig found herself alone and isolated.
Hallveig herself was only 18 years old when the war started,
at 22 she was the only survivor and takes the crown
now at 24 she leads her people to the Valley of the Jarls
at 25 the mighty seer has her final vision and defends her people while her Thanes Gitte and Svaanir lead her people to safety to Valheim
The old culture of the last Jarl Halfthor seems to be shifting, with only a few still following the old ways, under the new rule Magics and its associations are held with higher regard then more physical traits. but a distrust of outsiders and general isolation seems to keep the community very insular. There is still a strong warrior class within Viskland proud to defend their tribal honor and uphold Viskland values.
The Gods held in highest regard in Viskland are Freyja, Odin, and Loki
The people of Viskland belive the mists hold power, and when a member of the Jarldom dies they have a ritual where the family carry them into the Mist. And some more spiritly attuned tell tales of hearing the voices of the dead carried on the wind deep in the mists.
Viskland has two spiritual leaders, the Mist-Dreamer and the Boarwright.
Both are equaly important to the culture and religion of the Jarldom.
The Valkyr’s hollow
The sacred burial ground and ritual site of the old kingdom, one of which will be remade in the valley. Only the foolish enter without the blessing of the wisps or in a funeral precession. It is here the fallen are laid to rest beneath the cairn. With the hopes that their souls will be found worthy of Freya and Odin 's afterlife. It is thought by some to be a concealed pathway to the legendary Valhalla's / Folkvinger gates, where fallen warriors are said to find eternal glory.
The Norns crossing
It is a rite of passage for any who wish to try. In their homelands, it was a path or trail. There is an effort to bring the spirits to the valley as the jarldom under Hallveig strives to earn Odin’s favor.
The Norns crossing starts at the bridge and ends at a small temple somewhere in the mists. Do the wisps or ancestors speak to you? Many legends surround the original bridge. One tale claims it can connect the living and spirit worlds. Where the lost souls in the mist may whisper their fate to those who try. It is not without risk - if one listens too closely to the spirits, they may join the lost, unable to escape the whispers of the dead.
Viskland is rather insular and doesn't interact with other Jarldoms often, they would rather not take the risk of inviting outsiders into their closed communities.
Jarl Freymund
Despite the closed off nature of Viskland they have communications with Jarl Freymund and an open trade agreement. If outsiders wish to learn more about the closed off Jarldom, this is the easiest way
Jarl Frostulf
After making failed attempts of diplomacy with Jarl Hallveig, he defiled Hallveig's longhall and stole her staff. He was henceforth referred to as the "Houndmaster of the Mutts" (Mjut)
Jarl Frode
Tentative relations began between the tribes after Jarl Forde betrothed his adopted son Askeladd to Hallveig. A political match not a love match.
They are wary of these people, and while not hostile, are not friendly.
Writ of Passage: Jarl Hallveig introduced the concept of writs for outsiders to carry upon their person to prove they have permission to travel in Viskland. Anyone without a writ is met with eviction or arrest.
Trade: Trade with Outsiders incur trade tarrifs..
Jarl: The ultimate authority within the tribe.
Thane: Serve as the voice of the Jarl in their absence. Jarl Hallveig named two thanes--Svaanir and Gitte
Headsmen: Honor Guard of the Viskland council. The Jarl and the Thanes. May also be called upon to guard any others when they conduct official business.
Lorekeeper: The Wardens are charged with maintaining our histories and traditions. The Lorespeaker is responsible for being their voice and counsel the Jarl. A highly respected position.
Mistspeaker: A spiritual guide, connects with the Mists and provides council to the tribe and to the Jarl. Coordinates between those magically inclined to better understand the Norn's warnings.
Boarwright: Keeper of the Sacred Boar, provides council to the tribe and to the Jarl on matters of spiritual connection to Freyja. Responsible for all rites involving the sacred creature. Communes with the spirit guides to better understand the will of the gods.
Steward of War: In charge of the training of the people, the organization of raiding parties and advising the Jarl in all matters of war.
Steward of Logistics: Helps to carry the instructions between titled positions to who they are meant to receive. Gives orders to couriers, communicates needs between people, supports the leadership.
Steward of Arms: In charge of the Jarldom's workshop and forge. Responsible for the distribution of armor and weapons.
Steward of Healing: In charge of medical needs. Bandages, taking care of the sick and injured.
Steward of Coin: In charge of the Jarldom's coffers. Trade and commerce. Responsible for collecting fines. Keeping track of monies needed
Steward of Festivities: Responsible for coordinating events and scheduling. Bringing the fun and the business