Galumær

Galumær is one of the 8 Nations of the Southlands. The most warlike of the Cold Game's players, Galumær's reputation is preceded by the current shape of its borders. Its citizens are referred to as Galums, and its current leader is known publicly as Baldo Barbu. Galumær is currently at the center of an international scandal with its straight-line invasion of the Crowded Rivers. Typically, people travelling through Galumær will most likely make contact with members of its National Militia, the official army of the Barbu. The most patriotic of the citizenry are called to service in the National Militia, which means that they typically give a suspicious eye towards anyone who is not Galum like themselves.   Major Cities and Landmarks   The capital city of Galumær is King Hwæke, home to the Barbu's Palace and Hwæke University, both legendary for their respective purposes. In the area near Lake Nord, other prominent cities are Hwæme (known for its remarkable fish cuisine), Trufol (the base of operations for all of the nation's military operations), and Peby Reach (the birthplace of the nation). Further to the South are largely open plains and small farm towns, until the outer reaches of Kift and Kiya are discovered, both famous for sea travel and international trade.   In the plains of Galumær are two areas that are considered magical Wildlands, called Westiron Hills and Windward Canyon. It is believed that these two Wildlands are the place from which all werewolves spawn. In between those landmarks is The Barbu's Gallows, the official place of execution for the nation. When the Barbu decides to bring a major criminal or enemy to The Gallows, it is considered an auspicious event.   History   Galumær's history as a nation starts around 450 years ago, with the founding of the Barbu clan. Once a militaristic group seeking retribution against other groups, the Barbu eventually began conquering cities near to their own homeland area of Peby Reach. Upon annexing nearly all of the land within the confines of the Bear River, the nation of Galumær was officially established, and the Barbu began their campaign south, claiming land until they reached the Southwestern coast. However, as the Cold Game progressed, Galumær lost pieces of its borderlands, its southwerstern gains all but lost, save the sister cities of Kift and Kiya.   Galumær's borders have been in relative flux for a majority of its existence. Its capital, King Hwæke, remains a major hub of international trade and scholarship, and the other major cities within its borders also have large numbers of scholars and artists working to cultivate a war-proof national identity.   Culture   Galums are often stereotyped as being a physically violent people, with a reputation for fighting that permeates the thoughts of other groups. It is also well regarded amongst Nomadic peoples that Galumær is the most distrusting of non-local people, and that the National Militia will be almost guaranteed to find a reason to take almost anything as a "bearpaw tax." The government of Galumær is known for its close following of national traditions, and for its long list of national symbols - a deeply patriotic reputation that it actively cultivates. In spite of all this, Galums are also known for being an unflinchingly honest people, as their legal statutes offer some protection for "an open mouth."   With that said, Galumær is also reputed to be an accepting place: its people are largely egalitarian, with individuals being given much in terms of leeway with lifestyle and language. A common aphorism in Galumær is "The mouth and the fist are best friends with freedom," taken to mean that anyone who could defend themselves, either physically or rhetorically, was able to live their life freely.   Races   Galumær is a diverse nation, but large numbers of its population live in vicinity to each other. King Hwæke is the most metropolitan of any of the cities, with a nearly balanced population of Humans, Dwarves, Elves, and Dragonborn. Peby Reach is Dwarf-dominant, Kift is Human-dominant, and Kiya is Dragonborn-dominant. Elves are most often seen in either the city of Trufol, or living in smaller communities outside of the cities. However, it is worth pointing out that there is no race-specific enclave in any of the major cities.   Other races are much more uncommon, though recent military incursions have brought some changes. The Crowded Rivers, mostly populated by Halflings, are now under occupation.   Religion   The state religion of Galumær is worship of the god Medvekhar, whose domains are War, Balance and Dominion. Medvekhar's holy symbols are a measuring scale and a miniature wooden sword. Medvekhar is seen as the god of Justice and Conquest, though the positivity of these aspects depends on who is being targeted by his worshippers.