DARKTIMES: The Three Fjords
Fardan, Stotir and Kalak. These are the three fjords around which this entire society is based. This is a land of snowy peaks, rocky slopes and deep, blue water. In truth, there are many more hospitable areas to live but the inhabitants consider themselves blessed. As far as they are concerned, they share this starkly beautiful realm with the gods themselves. This is why they refer to themselves as the Nuraka or ‘chosen’.
At least two-thirds of the realm is taken up by high, impassable mountain ranges. There are, however, two passes: one to the north, one to the east, that allow communication with the other realms. Of the rest, there is minimal arable land, though it is sufficient to support the populace. They are also sustained by the well-established deep sea fishing fleet based in Fardan. The eighty-foot sailing boats of the fleet each take three years to build and are manned by a crew of more than a hundred. The Nuraka are the only people with the courage and equipment to venture deep into the Western Ocean. This enables them to hunt not only nir-whale but the much larger grey whale, which can grow to the same size as their ships. Just one of these creatures can provide tons of valuable oil, meat and bone.
Though there are several ports within the fjords, the bulk of Nurakan settlement is centred around two lakes. Those are Lake Stotir and Lake Kalak, which feed the fjords of the same name. Stotir is the larger of the two and upon its east bank lies the city of Svarhelm, home to many thousands. The people live in solid houses of stone and there are numerous mills and workshops as well as the ‘cutting halls,’ where grey whale meat is butchered and processed. The Nurakans are not inventors in the league of those from the Salmark but they make very innovative use of the whale oil, using it for powerful lanterns that illuminate their settlements.
Svarhelm is also home to several factories where iron ore is processed. Despite the difficult landscape, the Nurakans have been able to establish several productive mines. The largest of these uses an elaborate system of cranes and hoists to transport containers of ore down to ground level. Forges and workshops then mould the ore into tools, mechanical components and weapons.
Forgard is the second city of Three Fjords, found on the west bank of Lake Kalak. Smaller — and quieter — than Svarhelm, is not only the base of the Nurakan military but also the seat of its political leadership. Following an early revolution that wiped out the royal family, the Nurakans operate a unique system of leadership involving three elected consuls, who govern their society and make all key decisions. This powerful trio are supported by a number of ministers and advisors who accompany them in the First Lodge, which is said to be built on the site of the earliest Nurakan settlement. There are several other organisations who can influence governance, particularly the League of Whalers and the Guild of Iron-Workers.
Opposite the First Lodge is Koli’s Citadel, base of the Nurakan Guard and named after its first general. The Guard was formed some five hundred years ago, primarily to defend The Three Fjords from the raiding warriors to the north. Fortunately, there are only limited methods of entry from the north and, over time, the Guard was able to fortify these routes. They also operate several naval vessels, all of which have been converted from the fishing fleet. Though there is still the occasional skirmish with the Kylings of the Coast of Bones, hostilities are few and far between.
The most well-known weapon of the Guard is the ‘whale-sticker’, a weighted harpoon or lance that will go through a wooden shield and do tremendous damage to an enemy. These are a short-range weapon but generate so much power that the mere sight of them causes great fear. These are carried on straps over the shoulder and all soldiers carry a short sword for close work. Some members of the Guard also use iroki — short stabbing weapons made from the spine of the grey-whale: a remarkably strong and durable material.
Ironically, General Koli was not known as a particularly skilful or brave soldier. However, he was a great organiser and builder; and the majority of the defensive forts and outposts were initially constructed during his term. The most famous soldier of the Nurakan Guard was a female captain by the name of Kuldur. She lived some three centuries ago and was the highest-ranked female by the age of just twenty-eight. Kuldur was in charge of a fort guarding the eastern passes when a rogue tribe from the Golden Plain attacked. Their plan was to seize and occupy the fort and hold the soldiers to ransom. Unfortunately for the desert warriors, they hadn’t counted on Captain Kuldur. Having already killed a dozen enemies assaulting the walls, she leaped onto a ladder and decapitated the leader before falling to her death. Her example and sacrifice galvanised the outnumbered defenders, who resisted for two more days and nights before reinforcements arrived. She is one of a dozen heroes immortalised as statues outside Koli’s Citadel.
As ‘the chosen’, the Nurakans are careful to honour their deities. These number in the hundreds, though most confine their worship to four key figures: Olstrom, God of the Deep; Vybir, God of Love; Kintarg, Goddess of Fortune; and Leipild, Goddess of Death. Faith and worship are considered matters for the individual in the Three Fjords. Youngsters are encouraged to commune with nature and establish their own relationship with the gods through adventure and experience. There are very few holy sites, other than some high peaks. Some make pilgrimages to these sites but this is as much about personal challenge as reaching for the divine.
When word of the Red Order eventually reaches the Three Fjords, opinions are mixed. Most within the Nurakan Guard consider their role defensive and are not overly concerned about affairs in a land so far away. However, this is a race of tough, proud people and there are sure to be a few contenders for the fighting competition. This is also a comparatively free society so, if those few do wish to participate, no one will stop them.
