Wintermark

“The storm can never break us.”

1) Things that are true of all of them, worthy foes, battles. Strength of arms.

2) Things about the component parts, kallevesi, steinr, suaq.

3) Things Winterfolk can be, grimnirs, scops, shamed, stormcrows.

4) Things you don't expect about them - riddles, poetry, laws.

Here is Wintermark, where the frozen wind howls down from the eternal storm of Sydanjaa, to face men and women stood shoulder to shoulder, standing steadfast against the cold. The indomitable Winterfolk revel in battle, they stare down every threat with their heads unbowed for they know that death is only the long sleep before the dawn. Always courageous, they commit themselves to every challenge the land throws down, matching weapons and wits against worthy foes, forging victory from adversity on the anvil of the north.

The Winterfolk are three great tribes - the mystic Kallevesi, the bold Steinr and the cunning Suaq - wrought into a single mighty nation. Their banner flies the three rings joined together - three peoples bound with one breath, three voices raised together against the storm. Strength, wisdom, cunning entwined together to form an unbreakable cord.

This is a nation where a warrior faces down an enemy chieftain, knowing she’ll be outflanked in the process, but knowing that her courage will turn the tide of the battle and that the scops will record her deed forever in the songs of the people.  

They are sure of their strength, but they do not rely on it. Wisdom and cunning are prized in equal measure, this is a land of ancient mysteries and obscure riddles.

Threefold strength of body, mind and spirit.

The Winterfolk, are nails hard and cool. They will do you in the face if you look at the funny. They're also mystical and clever, and when you tie these three qualities together they kick arse.

In Wintermark you are judged on every deed.

In Wintermark there's a firm belief that if only the other nations followed their example, the Empire would rule the world.

Five Things about Wintermark

• Scions sired by a storm. Wintermark is a harsh land. Mastering it has made us strong.
• A hero’s tale ends with a good death. We glory in battle; we stand tall and do not skulk from danger.
• Cold cannot compromise. We do not compromise even with ourselves. Not even age or injury turn us from our undertaking.
• A hero has a name. We judge others as we judge ourselves – as individuals.
• Three tears entwined. The three people of the Wintermark are indivisible, they live together and fight as one.

What the Winterfolk are not

• Vikings. There are no longships, raiders or horned helmets here. Although the Steinr have a similar look, they are closer to Saxons. There is no God of Thunder, or anyone else from the Norse pantheon. It therefore follows there are no Thor's hammers either.
• Heavy uniform shieldwalls. Each Winterfolk warrior is an individual hero and tends to fight as such, disdaining the regimented ranks of the Highguard chapters.
• Linguistically redundant. The only word they have for snow is "snow".

The Nation

File:WinterLanterns.jpg

Core Brief

• The People
• Culture and Customs
• Look and Feel

Further Reading

• History
• Political Leadership
• Economic Interests
• Military Concerns
• Religious Beliefs
• Magical Traditions
• Hearth Magic
• Lineage And Species Attitudes
• Territories
• Children
• Music
• Costumes

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