Irenaught

Iron Will and Cold Winds

(language convention: Scottish)

You're nosin' around Irenaught, eh? Well, buckle up, because those folks are as tough as the ironwood they're famous for.

People and Culture

Descendants of the Gael: Like their Archspire cousins, the people of Irenaught are descended from Gael. Their culture shares some similarities with Archspire, but with distinct regional influences. They are known for their fierce independence, strong work ethic, and rich oral traditions filled with tales of seafaring heroes and legendary battles.

Masters of the Ironwood: Irenaught boasts vast swathes of Ironwood, a strong and valuable wood prized for its durability and beauty. These forests are not only a source of wealth but also a source of pride, shaping Irenaugh culture and influencing their architecture, shipbuilding, and weapon crafting.

Children of the Sea: The unforgiving Sea of Ice to the north has shaped Irenaught into a hardy nation of sailors and fishers. Whaling is a vital industry, providing not only oil and meat but also a sense of adventure and a challenge against the harsh elements.

Society

Fiercely Independent: Irenaught holds a strong sense of independence, valuing self-reliance and a strong work ethic. Their society is organized into clans, each led by a Jarl (chieftain) known for their strength, wisdom, and leadership in battle.

Warriors of the Sea: The harsh environment and the ever-present threat of raids from the north have fostered a strong warrior culture. Irenaugh warriors are skilled in close-quarters combat, wielding axes, swords, and heavy shields forged from their own ironwood. Their ships are sturdy and well-armed, capable of navigating the treacherous Sea of Ice.

Respect for Tradition: Oral traditions and a deep respect for their ancestors are cornerstones of Irenaugh society. Bards weave tales of past heroes, Druids interpret omens and maintain the spiritual connection to the land, and skilled artisans create intricate carvings and metalwork that tell stories of their people.

Geopolitical Landscape

Uneasy Alliance with New Aerith: Irenaught maintains a cautious alliance with the newly formed nation of New Aerith. While they acknowledge the importance of a united Aerith, they view New Aerith with a mix of suspicion and condescension. They see New Aerith as arrogant and self-important, relying on the legacy of the past without having earned its own respect. They believe New Aerith needs to prove itself worthy before true unity can be achieved.

Trusted Allies of Baerdid: In contrast to their relationship with New Aerith, Irenaught enjoys a strong and trusting alliance with the dwarves of Baerdid. Their shared history, respect for tradition, and independent spirit have fostered a bond of friendship. Irenaught even has permission to mine a specific portion of the Iron Mountains, providing the dwarves with skilled woodworkers and shipbuilders in exchange for access to valuable iron and dwarven craftsmanship.

Wardens of the North: Irenaught sees itself as a bulwark against the dangers of the north. They keep a watchful eye on the Sea of Ice, guarding against potential invasions and acting as a first line of defense for the rest of Aerith. Their whaling expeditions also double as scouting missions, venturing deep into the icy waters to ensure no threats approach undetected.

Points of Interest

The Ironwood Hall: Located in the heart of the Ironwood forest, the Ironwood Hall is the seat of power in Irenaught. This massive structure, built from ancient Ironwood trees, serves as a gathering place for Jarls, a venue for important discussions, and a symbol of Irenaught's strength and resilience.

They say the Ironwood's a tangled maze, filled with more than just trees. Whisperings of monstrous beasts with iron hides and razor-sharp claws lurk in the deepest shadows. Some say they're remnants of ancient magic, others say they're the result of strange experiments gone wrong. Either way, if you're headin' into the woods, keep your weapon close and your voice down.

The Howling Fjord: A treacherous inlet along the Sea of Ice, the Howling Fjord is known for its fierce storms and dangerous currents. However, it is also home to a thriving whaling industry, with Irenaugh whalers braving the perils of the fjord to hunt the massive creatures that dwell within.

The Whispering Cairns: Similar to their cousins in Archspire, Irenaught also has ancient stone cairns scattered throughout their lands. These cairns are believed to hold the memories and stories of their ancestors, and Druids often visit them to commune with the past and seek guidance for the future.

Formation: 300 PS
Government Type: Confederacy
Imports: manufactured goods, food staples, textiles
Exports: timber and wood products, minerals and metals, fish and seafood, furs and pelts
Regional Dialect: The Gael accent is a distinct way of speaking the Common Tongue, known for a few key features. Gaels pronounce their "r"s everywhere and have unique vowel sounds that can make them sound quite different from standard Common. They also use some guttural sounds and soften consonants in the middle of words. In addition to these pronunciation features, Gaels have their own vocabulary words. The accent itself can vary depending on region and social background.

They say the Irenaughtian blacksmiths can forge weapons and armor that's unmatched anywhere else. But some whisper there's a price to pay for such quality. A deal struck with a shadowy figure in the dead of night, a sacrifice of blood or sweat or somethin' even worse. Maybe just a fanciful tale to scare apprentices, but have you ever seen a blacksmith with eyes that glow like embers in the forge? Just sayin'.