Trondheim
North of Albion and across Lornar's Pass lie the frigid yet beautiful lands of the Northmen; Trondheim. Marred by Fjords, deep woods and snow-tipped mountains, Trondheim is a region unlike any other found in the South. Were it not for its dangers it would certainly attract populations from all over, if they can stand the death of winter that is. It is said Trondheim has resisted invasions, annexations and downright razing of its settlements through one simple fact: Most southerner armies are only able to fight in the summer months, and even then they complain it is cold. Though it has been a thorn in the side of the kingdoms of Albion for generations, none have dared to launch a permanent crusade into these parts as they have in Ezura.
Initially named after the ancient settlement of Trondheim from which the Northmen launched raids across the Azurian Sea, the name had begun to refer to all lands across Lornar's Pass. The Northerners themselves refer to it as Hålogaland but their lack of written texts makes this name almost entirely unknown. Though each town and village differs greatly from one another, some traits the Northmen all share in common: Great seafarers, fishermen and carpenters are among their kind, deeply connected to the forests of the land and the waves of the sea. Their gods also play a pivotal role in their everyday lives, tales and sagas told and retold to the next generation by old druids and shamans who record them in chiselled stone. Their runes form a sparse common language all village elders are able to read.
Climate
The climate of Trondheim is generally very cold and harsh, with the region consistently seeing freezing temperatures, cold winds, and snowstorms. The further northwards into Trondheim the more extreme the weather conditions become. A phenomenom known as the Midnight Sun can be witnessed in the northern most regions of Trondheim. During the summer months the sun does not set and is visible in the sky during the night. Despite this the temperatures still remain cold and weather hazardous. The opposite is true during the winter months, where the sun stays below the horizon and there is eternal twilight. These seasons of midnight sun and twilight both have many religious beliefs and superstitions attatched to them.
In the southern region of Trondheim the weather is still harsh, but the summer months do see some relief with temperture rises, the settling of storms and a thawing of ice, although winds can still be strong around costal areas.
The Viks who live here are hardy folks that have become extremely adapted to living in these unforgiving conditions.
Natural Resources
The natural primary resources of Trondheim are mineral and animal resources. There are significant mineral, marine life, and fresh water resources throughout the region, with the sourthen areas containing boreal forests.
Trondheim holds large quantities of iron, copper and nikel. Diamonds are also commonly found in the mines throughout the region. Two large mines located in Trondheim are the Red Wolf Mine, known for its copper, and the Vidak Diamond Mine.
There are a large number of freshwater and saltwater fisheries which supply the majority of food to the region. Within the forested regions game such as reindeer, hares, and foxes are hunted. Along the coastlines seals are hunted for their furs and fats, with the heart and being used in traditional cooking. Within the woods the webs of the Firebelly Spiders are carefully gathered for their properties of effectively bandaging and reducing wounds. If one should have to fight these large spiders then the venom sacs are usually harvested after death, making for good firestarters and are often used for burning lanterns.
The southern region of Trondheim sees much forest with species such as spruce, pine and birch growing. The spruce trees are harvested and the wood used in shipbuilding. Birch wood is used to fuel fires in the towns and homes of Trondheim during the crisp nights, while the use of pine wood is often applied in general construction. The soil in the region is nutritionally poor for most agriculture, however herbs and berries tend to grow well.
Tourism
Visitors to Trondheim are fairly uncommon. The land is unforgiving and unprepared travellers will quickly succumb to a frigid fate.
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