Themes and Atmosphere

Mannaheim is a land of last resort. All peoples fight the elements as well as monsters for survival. This place is dominated by the Astari, a human race of seafaring traders, settlers and raiders known for their warlike nature and devotion to the Æsir gods.
Under their dominion, kingdoms may rise, but they remain a people that are always at the edge of a massacre by a beast or a horde of their own kind. The cycle keeps repeating itself as the new replaces the old, and those who settle land, be it newly discovered or newly conquered, are never relieved of their survival instinct. Unlike many other Dungeons and Dragons games, the Mannaheim campaign setting has an atmosphere that is ruthless, dark and unforgiving. Heroes here become so with bloody challenges of mortala and monsters alike. The pantheon of Óðinn the Allfather does not provide protection and power lightly or out of love. The gods of the Astari desire bloody sacrifices and weave vicious challenges for mortals to test their worth. Power is not inherited, it is earned, often through deadly means.
The cultures of Mannaheim reflect this cosmology. Kings and Jarls of the Astari need to be strong and worthy of war if they wish to still be ruling come next Yuletide. As even the oldest of their ruling dynasties only get to be a few generations old before they are overthrown, kingdoms are only loosely established gatherings of warlords. Political struggle and raids on townships and villages are a common part of an Astari's way of life.
Consequently, adventurers in Mannaheim are not well-greeted everywhere. Because of the mistrust between different races, or even different clans, commoners in a town don't often greet strangers with a warm welcome. Still, storytelling is very much the art of the land. As an adventurer, your accomplishments may quickly find their way to the tongues of people. Reputation is hard to earn and it is easy to damage, but if yours is good, it will keep you warm on cold nights.
As many places are in constant threat by hostile clans, Jarls, or monsters in the wilderness, there is always a fight that can prove you worthy of Valhöll. You should not lose your vigilance when traveling. Keep an eye on the horizon and set up patrols among your party. Those who are arrogant enough to underestimate their prey may become the ones being hunted quite fast.