The Religion of the Western Salamander

Overview

The closely-constructed longhouses seem to provoke an air of friendship for those not familiar with life in the Western Salamander, or "Jörmungandrë" to the people who live there. But those that live there know that this closeness has nothing to with friendship; everything is about kinship in battle. They share no love for their neighbors, only respect. The strong survive while the weak perish; that is what was foretold, and that is how it will be. Religion has the largest impact on the culture of the Jörmungandrë, next to war, agriculture, and magical prowess. They hardly value commerce, a stark contrast to their neighbors in the east. Their religion is based in solidarity and autonomy. Very few put faith in the gods or the primordial titans to solve their problems. The denizens of Jörmungandrë put their faith in people, trusting that the gods will gift people with the powers needed to govern, rule, and dole out justice when necessary. All other challenges, the people are capable of handling on their own.

Culture & History

There are two distinct cultures that exist in the Jörmungandrë, the Aesir to the North and the Vanir to the South. Long ago, two brothers ruled the lands peacefully, Asiri and Vanri. All was well until Asiri decided he wanted more than his fair share. He killed Vanri, his brother, and try to rule the land as Jarl of all. However, his coup left a foul taste in the mouths of many. While some saw a display of power and conquest, others saw a irreverent, foul-spirited disregard for honor. Thus, the people split into Aesir, followers of the teachings of Asiri, and Vanir, followers of the teachings of Vanri.

Asiri

Vanri

The Western Salamander also has their own take on The Myth of the Old Blood Throughout Illica and The Tree of Life Throughout Illica.

Leaders of the People

To the south, in the Council of Yggdrasil, the people are lead by Queen Agnith, much more commonly known as the Lady of the Mountian. She is a direct descent of Vanri. She has an ability with Vanir Magic unparalleled to anyone else. The people have taken to calling her "Freya Old Jormgandi," or the Druid of All.

Queen Agnith

Character | Feb 16, 2021

To the north, leadership is much more scattered. In the only large city, Fjardilelth, there is a man who claims to have a direct line to the Asiri and the magic he used. No one knows his name; they know him only as the Crow Lord. Those who try to usurp him from the small amount of power he has in Fjardileth end up locked in a gibbet being devoured by crows. Other than the Crow Lord, power is fractioned into dozens of factions, many of whom have completely strayed from the original teachings of Asiri and Vanri.