Vikren Isles

The archipelago known as the Vikren Isles is where the first humans in Ussath Riel made landfall, after fleeing their mythological sunken birthland. As little is known about the origin of humankind, most consider the Vikren Isles the birthplace of the humans, or at least for the humans on Ussath Riel. Allthough the humans quickly moved on to settle the mainland of Ussath Riel, some stayed behind to make the Vikren Isles their home. These original settlers became known as the Vykren and have since settled the largest and most suitable of the islands. The settlements are united under a king that is chosen by the heads of the most powerful families after the death of the previous king. The various settlements enjoy a great deal of independance however, and infighting is not uncommon, although generally limited in scale.   The islands and it's various settlements are united by an overarching Vykren culture in which seafaring, fishing, and raiding play an important part. Physical prowess is highly respected, allthough merit in other manners like trade, magical capabilities, or crafting will still be recognised. Most settlements have their own port filled with the Vykren's typical longboats and a tavern where the locals gather to drink and tell stories. Since the oral tradition is very strong with the Vryken, most Vryken hope to gain enough glory to be immortalised in the stories that are regaled by the Skalds. The most likely route to gain glory is by going on the many raids that are undertaken by the Vryken. Naturally, these have caused no small amount of ire amongst the many targets of these raids, but the other rulers know that the only surefire way to end the raiding would be to subjugate the Vikren isles and its people, which no nation has so far considered worth the cost.
Vykren society is a patriarchal one where, generally, the strongest men rule. Technically every man is able to challenge a Jarl to single combat to take over their position, and every Jarl is allowed to challenge the king in a similar manner. In practice, however, most recognise there's more to leadership than mere physical strength, and so it is not uncommon for a wise or respected leader to maintain his position long after his physical prime.