Kotimaa Road (ˈkotiˌmɑː ˈroːd)

"I am the road, and the singer, and the song. Travel with me."

— Tietolaulu, the Haltija of the Kotimaa Road

One of the largest and most impressive structures in the world is the Kotimaa Road, a series of bridges, causeways, and roads connecting the major islands of the Kotimaa archipelago. This densely packed archipelago is difficult to sail through due to the many islets and skerries, and the road allows for easy travel between all the archipelago's major settlements. It extends for over four hundred and fifty miles, forming a great loop that begins and ends in the city of Aabo on Saari.

The Kotimaa Road was not the product of a single sustained effort. For centuries, the people of Kotimaa built bridges and causeways to connect the smaller islands, and roads across the larger ones. Over time, communities linked the individual sections, with each settlement along its length taking responsibility for maintaining their segment. Well-maintained bridges and roads became a symbol of pride, and settlements would try to outdo one another. In 3832, the ting of Aabo decided to connect the last pieces of the Road together, and spearheaded the final push to complete the Kotimaa Road.

The Roadsong

Among the Saarelainen of Kotimaa, there is a form of Folk Magic known as riimulauluja, or rune songs. These songs create magical effects, whose power scales with the number of singers. When the Kotimaa Road was completed, the runesingers composed a new song, designed to celebrate the accomplishment and to bind the Road together into a single metaphysical entity. What they created was named Tietolaulu, the Roadsong.

Hundreds of runesingers from across the islands joined together to sing the Tietolaulu. They walked as they sang. Some walked only a few miles, others walked hundreds. A few walked the entire circuit of the Road, singing all the way. At each settlement, more people would join in the song, carrying it forward and lending it strength. It was sung day and night for over a week across every inch of the Road. The Tietolaulu bound the disparate segments together, strengthening and joining them. And when the singers finally stopped, the song hung in the air a moment before sinking into the Road itself. It can still be heard echoing in the stones to this day.

A God of the Road

In the years since the Kotimaa Road was completed, it has taken on a mystical aspect all its own. The song sank into the stones, and the Road slowly awakened and became aware of itself. No one is quite sure when the song manifested as a Haltija, but reports of a strange figure who walked the road emerged within the first few decades after the Tietolaulu was sung. At first, they always walked alone, and when the figure was in sight the Tietolaulu could be heard more clearly. Their appearance varied between sightings, from an old peddler to a child, or even a mule - any figure one might encounter on a long journey. Those who approached found the figure a pleasant companion, though they never stopped walking. When asked their name, the figure would always reply:

“I am Tietolaulu. I am the Road."

Shrines to Tietolaulu have been constructed along the Road, especially in the inns and roadhouses that have been built alongside it. Travelers will often encounter the god, and those who realize it has happened consider themselves blessed. Sometimes, Tietolaulu will ask a favor of them - a small repair, or help clearing away snow and ice. Those who help Tietolaulu maintain the road receive its blessing, and will find that they reach their destinations quickly and safely. Those who refuse are not harmed - but they are not aided, either. As for any who would damage the road, or harm those upon it - well, there are no bandits to be found along the Kotimaa Road, not even in its most remote and lonely stretches. The Road cares for the travelers, and will not tolerate any who prey upon them.