Skogarv
Long ago, the people known as the Skogarv were completely distinct from humanity. They lived across the great eastern forests of Antora and the Jagged Isles and were distinguished by their pointed ears. Then, the Skogarv were abruptly devastated by an event known today as the “Calamity,” virtually annihilating their mainland population.
Details of the Calamity are scarce, and the few surviving first hand accounts tell contradicting accounts of fire and plague. In the absence of any historical consensus, all manner of legends propose explanations ranging from wrathful Wild Gods to a rampaging dragon. Few of these stories hold much merit, and most agree myriad of factors might have contributed to this decline.
Whatever the truth, the Skogarv survived on the Jagged Isles, where they began adopting humans into their diminished population. As the groups interbred over the course of generations, their physical distinctions between began to blur. Today, while many are still born with characteristic pointed ears, the Skogarv identify more by their distinct culture.
The Skogarv are a seafaring people who navigate their native islands, coasts, and rivers alike with their shallow keeled longboats. They have a reputation as raiders and brigands, but most live honest lives of trade and fishing. The Skogarv are a tough people, and hold their traditions and honor in high regard.
The Skogarv have always lived as individual clans led by Jarls. However in the face of increasing encroachment from the Antorans, a number of these clans have banded together under King Wolgruff to defend their territory and traditions as a distinct kingdom, known as “Stormbreak.”
The Skogarv are a people wrestling with questions of identity, whether they should be defined as a culture, a nation, or a race. The emergence of a Skogarv kingdom, while celebrated by many as bastion of strength, is also a matter of concern and controversy. Some see Stormbreak as an emulation of the same western powers the Skogarv had hoped to distinguish themselves from in the first place. These concerns are compounded by Stormbreak’s adoption of the Church of Valra over traditional beliefs.
The Clans:
Clan Ripjaw: Clan Ripjaw was a part of the Kingdom of Stormbreak until the young nation pledged itself to Valra. It broke with the Kingdom shortly after it's formation in observance of primordial tradition. Clan Ripjaw is known for it's ferocity and passion. Clan Ripjaw is militaristic, and perhaps best exemplifies the Skogarv's reputation as raiders. Clan Ripjaw sits on an abundance of iron mines, but does not profit from them much due to poor trade relationships. Clan Ripjaw is led by Jarl Ragnilde Ripjaw, a young but highly respected leader known for his quick temper and deep reverence for the Wild Gods. Ragnilde Ripjaw was blood brother to King Wulgruff, but considers his former patrons conversation a deep and bitter betrayal.
Clan Bryssalga: Perhaps the most traditional of Skogarv clans, Clan Bryssalga is a staunch opponent of the Kingdom of Stormbreak, and has been rallying the independent clans in opposition. Clan Bryssalga is a theocracy led not by a jarl or chief but by a shaman.
Clan Cinderscar: Clan Cinderscar is not a part of the Kingdom of Stormbreak, but has voiced support for it on numerous occasions and many speculate it will soon pledge fealty to King Wulgruff.
Clan Cragrunner: Most agree Clan Cragrunner was the first of the Skogarv to inhabit the Jagged Isles, though they have always kept their claims to the lands conservative and modest. Clan Cragrunner has been most successful establishing agriculture on their barren isles, relying less on fishing and trade then the other clans. Clan Cragrunner is diplomatically agreeable, maintaining good relation with virtually every other Skogarv clan.
Kingdom of Stormbreak: The Kingdom of Stormbreak consists of it's namesake Clan Stormbreak, Clan Magheim, and Clan Frostgrove. It is led by King Wulgruff, formally jarl of Clan Stormbreak. Stormbreak intends to unite the remaining Skogarv clans under it's banner. Born from a coalition of clans, it vastly resourced and influential among the Skogarv.