Virkestad

Orrian Capital of Lumber

Virkestad is the capital city of Skapa Clan's territory in the country-continent of Orri. It is the second-most northernly situated capital, second only to Fånga Clan's capital Fæstning. The two work together to maintain defensive measures from the dangerous predators north of the Nordvæg, or North Wall.
Virkestad, and the Skapa territory that surrounds it, is responsible for supplying the whole country with the better part of their lumber. Forests of enormous fir trees cover this area of the continent, and the Skapa woodcutters have developed efficient systems of harvesting, processing and shipping the lumber to ports all over Orri.

The Nordvæg

The Nordvæg.

The Nordvæg, or the North Wall in the Orrian, is a defensive barrier made by Skapa builders and patrolled by Fånga warriors. Dangerous creatures from beyond the Nordvæg pose a constant threat to the country of Orri, and if the original Orrian settlers hadn't built it as soon as they did, it's possible that the northern clans may have been killed off within mere decades by the wildlife on the other side.
For Virkestad's part, a steady stream of lumber is sent to Skogsvapen and Spidskjold, the two northern-most villages that serve as outposts for the Nordvæg, so that Skapa builders can quickly make repairs to the wall when it is attacked and damaged.

Demographics

• Humans, Orrian: 90%
• Half-Orcs: 9%
• Other: 1%

Government

As the capital of Skapa Clan's territory, Virkestad hosts the jarl's seat of power. The jarl rules over the clan as a whole, delegating leadership of smaller towns and villages to lendmenn.
A jarl rules until they die, or until they abdicate their throne voluntarily. The latter scenario typically occurs if a jarl grows too old to lead, or if the the masses deem a jarl unfit to rule, resulting in riots, threats of violence, and in some cases, assassination.
When a new jarl must be chosen, any Orrian may put their name forward as a candidate, but they must be able to amass supporters to back them. The candidate who can convince the greatest number of people to support them wins the throne, by what was traditionally a threat of force. Candidates can plead their worth in any number of fields; in Skapa Clan, jarls tend to win favour by demonstrating skills in construction, delegation and combat.

Defences

Virkestad's northern location opens it up to frequent attacks from ferocious predators and orc raiders. As such, Virkestad is surrounded by several methods of repelling danger, such as wooden battlements, hidden traps, and watchtowers wherever the forest's density lessens. Nearly all Orrians are competent fighters, but Skapa Clan tends to put more emphasis on their combat prowess than the southern clans in the interest of self-defence. Furthermore, the cutting and processing of lumber is a physically intensive process, making the average Skapan thicker and stronger than most Orrians, even the Fangs. As such, they are a fearsome militia to behold.
Orcs and fauna aside, Virkestad has never needed to worry about attacks from invading humans. Since they are so far inland, the only logical way to attack Virkestad would be by sailing to it via the Kväva River, and that would mean passing through Fånga territory. Suffice to say, Virkestad has never been successfully invaded.

Industry & Trade

Lumber is always in demand in Orri, and because of this, Skapa Clan is considered one of the most valuable trading partners in the country. They tend not to barter their lumber for valuables or expensive items, though, since the dangers of the North could rip away material possessions at any time. Instead, their wood is given in exchange for important supplies like grains, metals and fish. As a result, Virkestad does not appear a wealthy city, but it is extremely well-stocked in essential goods. In the event of an emergency, Virkestad would be self-sufficient for years—even decades.

Infrastructure

Virkestad

The roads leading to and from Skapa territory are simple dirt paths, despite the fact that they are travelled regularly. Stone-paved streets were considered redundant when the ground was so often covered with snow and forest debris.
Virkestad hosts several sophisticated lumber mills that capitalize on the force of the adjacent Kväva River for their operation. Fallen trees are transported by beast and wagon, and processed lumber is loaded onto ships that then sail to the other regions of Orri for delivery. To accommodate the vessels, Virkestad operates a modest harbour; functional, but meager compared to those of Fiskandel or Åbenhamn.

Assets

Virkestad's greatest asset is its claim over the vast fir forests that surround it. Though lumber is not a scarce resource in Orri, the clans rely on it for so much of their construction that it is always in demand. Furthermore, even though the other clans can harvest their own lumber from their own local forests, no other trees in the country are as tall and strong as the firs in Skapa territory.

Architecture

It is no surprise that Skapan buildings and homes are constructed almost entirely out of wood. Superbly functional, Skapan architecture is also very aesthetically pleasing. Centuries of mastering the manipulation of lumber has granted the Skapa an intimate familiarity with the material, and Skapan crafters are renowned as the most talented woodworkers in the country.

Geography

Virkestad is almost completely surrounded by vast fir forests. The Loch Dal lies just to the north, and from it flows the Kväva River, whitch dissects the forest and separates Virkestad from northern Orri. Just past the river, the terrain quickly escalates to great, rocky mountains. Virkestad is situated just at the base of the incline, and visitors from the southern lands often notice the change in air pressure as they enter Skapa territory.

Natural Resources

Lumber may be the most readily available resource in Virkestad, but by no means is it the only one. The forests present the Skapa with a plethora of wild fauna to hunt and skin, providing them with meats and hides to use and sell, and the fresh water streams running down from the northern mountains give the residences of Virkestad a reliable source of clean drinking water.

Virkestad

Type

City

Population

4,000

Location under

Orri

Owning Organization

Skapa Clan

The Skapa capital Virkestad.

South Orri

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The southern region of Orri, inhabited by the mostly-human Orrians and their Great Clans.

South Orri, before The Impact.