Donis

Government

The government of the Aierholt tribe in Donis is a unique blend of monarchy and council-based governance. At its core is a hereditary monarchy, where the ruling position is passed down within the royal bloodline. The current monarchs, known as the Jarls, holds the highest authority and is responsible for making significant decisions and maintaining order. However, the power of the Jarl is balanced by a council composed of influential leaders from different sectors of society. This council, known as the Assembly of Elders, advises the Jarl, represents the interests of various factions, and participates in the decision-making process. Together, the monarchy and council ensure a system of checks and balances, allowing for collective wisdom, consensus, and representation in the governance of the Aierholt tribe.

Infrastructure

Donis stands as a testament to their unwavering spirit and resilience. Its infrastructure bears the marks of a rugged yet functional design, reflecting the tribe's determination to thrive in their harsh northern surroundings. Solid stone structures, weathered by time and battle, dot the landscape, their rough-hewn façades telling stories of endurance and strength. The streets, though not pristine, are well-worn and well-trodden, carrying the footsteps of generations past and present.
Bridges, crafted with the tribe's expert craftsmanship, span the icy rivers that snake through the city, their timeworn planks and sturdy supports symbolizing the tribe's indomitable spirit. The infrastructure of Donis is not polished and pristine but bears the scars of battles fought and challenges overcome. Yet, amidst the roughness, there is a raw beauty—a testament to the unyielding determination and resourcefulness of the Aierholt tribe. Donis' infrastructure stands as a testament to their will to survive, thrive, and create a home in their formidable northern realm.

Districts

Skjaldur's Plaza

At the heart of Donis, Skjaldur's Plaza is the central district and the epicenter of the city's social and cultural life. Here, important gatherings, festivals, and public events take place, and the grand Hall of Ancestors and the Temple of the Four Winds are situated nearby, symbolizing the city's reverence for tradition and spirituality.

Market Square District

Vibrant and bustling, the Market Square District is a hub of commerce and trade. Merchants from various regions gather here to sell their goods, ranging from local produce and crafts to exotic imports. The Great Mead Hall and several lively taverns can be found in this district, fostering a sense of camaraderie and celebration.

Timberhill District

Named after the dense forests that surround it, the Timberhill District is known for its skilled craftsmen and artisans. It is home to workshops and smithies, where skilled metalworkers, carpenters, and craftsmen ply their trade. The district's proximity to the river provides easy access to resources and facilitates trade.

Valkyrie's Watch

This district is perched on a strategic hill overlooking the city, and it houses the fortified citadel, which serves as the military headquarters. It also holds the Arena, where the best fighters in the tribe fight for sport. Death Matches are rare unless a duel has been made official. Training grounds, armories, and barracks are found here, attesting to the tribe's warrior heritage and commitment to defending their homeland.

Whispering Gardens

A peaceful and serene district, the Whispering Gardens offer respite from the bustle of the city. Lush greenery, meandering pathways, and calming water features create an oasis of tranquility, making it a favored spot for meditation and contemplation.

Guilds and Factions

• The Sons of Fury: The Sons of Fury is a faction aligned with the North Aierholt overseer, a leader known for his militant nature and preference for raiding and fighting. This faction consists of fierce warriors, battle-hardened veterans, and those who share the belief in the tribe's martial strength. They prioritize military prowess, valor, and expanding the tribe's influence through conquest. The Sons of Fury embody the fierce, unyielding spirit of the North, and their members are often seen donning war paint, wielding formidable weapons, and proudly displaying their battle scars.

• The Keepers of Harmony: The Keepers of Harmony is a faction associated with the South Aierholt overseer, who values peaceful coexistence, farming, and tranquility. This faction attracts farmers, artisans, and those who prioritize stability, diplomacy, and cultural development. The Keepers of Harmony focus on nurturing the land, fostering trade and prosperity, and maintaining peaceful relationships with neighboring tribes and settlements. They advocate for the preservation of the tribe's cultural heritage, the arts, and communal well-being. Members of this faction are often identified by their symbol of unity and balance, a stylized representation of intertwined roots and a peaceful river.

History

Deep within the heart of the Aierholt tribe, the capital city of Donis weaves a tapestry of history, where the North and South factions converge in a delicate balance of power and culture. Serving as the pulsating center of activity for both halves of the tribe, Donis embodies the complex interplay of their shared ancestry, constant tension, and the enduring desire for unity. Donis traces its roots to a pivotal moment in Aierholt's past when the animosity between the North and South factions reached a boiling point. Recognizing the need to prevent the escalation of conflicts and preserve the cohesion of their people, the Aierholt leaders made a bold decision: to establish a neutral capital that would become the melting pot of their collective aspirations.
The city's founding was no small feat, as it required bridging the vast geographical expanse that separated the North and South. Skilled craftsmen and laborers from both factions joined forces, driven by a shared vision of creating a symbol of unity amidst the stark differences. Together, they laid the foundation stones of Donis, where the paths of the two halves would converge and intertwine.
In its early years, Donis faced the daunting challenge of reconciling the contrasting ideologies and way of life between the North and the South. The North, fiercely militant and driven by a thirst for raiding and conquest, clashed with the South, which embraced a more peaceful and agrarian existence. However, the leaders recognized that by fostering cooperation and mutual understanding, they could harness the strength of their differences and build a thriving capital.
As the years unfolded, Donis blossomed into a vibrant metropolis that encapsulated the essence of both factions. The city's architecture reflected this duality, with the Northern district boasting formidable structures fortified with sturdy walls, watchtowers, and training grounds. Here, the echoes of blacksmiths hammering steel and the sounds of warriors honing their skills reverberated through the streets.
On the other side of the city, the Southern district radiated tranquility and abundance. Verdant fields stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with farmhouses, orchards, and communal gardens. The Southern quarter hummed with the bustling activity of farmers tending to their crops and artisans crafting intricate wares, fostering a sense of harmony with the natural world.
At the heart of Donis stood the magnificent Great Hall, an architectural marvel that embodied the tribe's unity and aspirations. Its grandeur matched the dreams of its founders, with soaring timber beams intricately adorned with carvings depicting mythical sagas, ancestral heroes, and the intertwining tales of the North and South. Within the Great Hall, Jarls and chieftains from both factions convened, engaging in discussions, negotiations, and ceremonial events that sought to bridge the gap and forge a common path forward.
Donis served as a crucible of cultural exchange, where the North and South found common ground through trade, festivals, and the celebration of shared traditions. The city's bustling marketplaces, filled with exotic goods, treasures from distant lands, and the lively banter of traders, became a vibrant crossroads of diverse cultures and ideas. A spirit of mutual respect and cooperation permeated the air, fostering an environment where both factions could appreciate the strengths and contributions of the other.

The Convergence Accord

Yet, the history of Donis has not been without its challenges. Periods of tension and conflict have tested the resolve of the Aierholt tribe, threatening to tear the delicate fabric of unity woven within the city's walls. However, time and time again, the leaders and the people of Donis have risen above their differences, drawn together by a shared destiny and a collective yearning for peace and prosperity. 
As the construction of Donis reached its zenith, tensions between the North and South factions erupted into violent clashes over the city's design and purpose. The disagreements escalated, leading to a fateful showdown that would test the tribe's resolve and threaten the very existence of their shared vision. On a fateful day, warriors from the North and South factions gathered within the nascent city, their blades drawn and passions ignited. The streets of Donis became a battleground, as the factions clashed with a ferocity that shook the foundations of the city itself. Blood spilled upon the soil as warriors fought desperately for their ideals, their dreams stained by the bitter taste of conflict.
Amidst the chaos, wise Elder Skaldur, revered for his wisdom and peacemaking skills, stepped forward. Recognizing the dire consequences of further bloodshed and the need for reconciliation, he called for an immediate ceasefire. With the clash momentarily silenced, Elder Skaldur rallied the leaders of both factions and urged them to seek a solution that would bring an end to the violence and pave the way for unity.
Moved by his impassioned words and witnessing the devastating toll the battle had already exacted, the leaders from the North and South factions agreed to convene in a momentous assembly—a convergence that would determine the fate of Donis and the Aierholt tribe.
The Convergence of Blades and Accord commenced with a solemn gathering in the heart of Donis. Jarls, chieftains, warriors, and elders from both factions stood before an expectant audience, their wounds a stark reminder of the cost of division. Elder Skaldur, standing at the center, delivered a stirring address that emphasized the shared ancestry, shared dreams, and the imperative of finding common ground.
In an atmosphere charged with emotion, representatives from the North and South factions voiced their grievances, dreams, and desires for the future of Donis. The air was thick with tension as passionate arguments clashed, but beneath the surface, a growing realization took hold—that the survival and prosperity of their tribe depended on their ability to unite their strengths and set aside their differences.
After intense deliberation and heartfelt negotiations, a breakthrough occurred. Leaders from both factions rose, their arms raised in a symbolic gesture of reconciliation and determination. They forged the Convergence Accord, a comprehensive agreement that incorporated elements of compromise, shared governance, and respect for each faction's unique contributions.
The Convergence Accord established a blueprint for the future of Donis—a city where the martial spirit of the North and the agricultural abundance of the South would harmoniously coexist. It laid the groundwork for a society that celebrated diversity, embraced unity, and honored the collective heritage of the Aierholt tribe.
The Convergence of Blades and Accord became a pivotal chapter in the history of Donis, representing both the darkest moments of division and the transformative power of reconciliation. It served as a potent reminder for generations to come that even in the midst of conflict, the path to unity could be forged through empathy, dialogue, and the willingness to find common ground.
Today, as Donis stands as a testament to the triumph over adversity, the scars of the Battle of the Foundations and the spirit of the Harmony Accord coexist within its walls. The city's architecture reflects the resilience of its people, embodying a blending of styles that represents the fusion of Northern strength and Southern harmony.
The Convergence of Blades and Accord is commemorated annually in Donis, a solemn occasion where the Aierholt tribe gathers to honor the sacrifices made, celebrate their shared history, and reaffirm their commitment to the ongoing pursuit of unity, prosperity, and peace.
Donis stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Aierholt tribe, a reminder that despite their differences, they are bound by a shared heritage and a mutual desire for a better future. It is a place where the North and South factions converge, not merely in physical proximity, but in a deep understanding that they are stronger together, drawing strength from their unique contributions and finding harmony within the vibrant tapestry of their capital city.

Points of interest

• Skjaldur's Plaza: Named after the revered Elder Skaldur, this bustling central square serves as the heart of Donis. It is a gathering place for festivals, public speeches, and important announcements. Adorned with ornate statues and fountains, the plaza is a symbol of unity and a focal point of community life.
• Hall of Ancestors: A grand hall dedicated to honoring the revered ancestors of the Aierholt tribe. It houses elaborate tapestries, ancestral artifacts, and statues depicting legendary heroes and influential figures from the tribe's history. The Hall of Ancestors serves as a reminder of the tribe's heritage and the values that have shaped their identity.
• Great Mead Hall: the Great Mead Hall is a magnificent structure where feasts, celebrations, and gatherings take place. With its large timber beams, intricate carvings, and long banquet tables, it is a testament to the tribe's love for communal revelry and camaraderie.
• Whispering Gardens: A serene oasis within the city, the Whispering Gardens offer respite from the bustling streets. Lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and meandering paths create a tranquil environment where residents and visitors can find solace. It is a popular spot for meditation, reflection, and connecting with nature.
• Valkyrie's Watch: Perched atop a strategic hill, the Valkyrie's Watch is a formidable fortification that overlooks the city. It serves as a reminder of the Aierholt tribe's martial strength and provides a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The fortification also houses a small museum that showcases the tribe's military history.
• Market Square: A bustling hub of commerce and trade, the Market Square is a vibrant amalgamation of stalls, shops, and merchants from all walks of life. Here, one can find a myriad of goods, from local produce and artisan crafts to exotic imports. It is a lively and colorful space that reflects the diversity of Donis.
• Temple of the Four Winds: A sacred place of worship dedicated to the pantheon of deities. The Temple of the Four Winds features magnificent architecture, intricate stone carvings, and sacred artifacts. It serves as a spiritual sanctuary, where ceremonies, rituals, and prayers are conducted to seek blessings and guidance from the divine.
• Museum of Aierholt History: A treasure trove of knowledge and artifacts, the Museum of Aierholt History chronicles the tribe's past, from its origins to the present day. Exhibits showcase ancient relics, historical documents, and interactive displays that offer insight into the Aierholt tribe's culture, traditions, and achievements.

Climate

The climate in Donis is cold-temperate. Winters are long, harsh, and cold with heavy snowfall, while summers are relatively short and mild. The region experiences unpredictable weather changes and occasional storms throughout the year.

Natural Resources

• Timber
• Minerals
• Fish
• Wildlife
• Stones
• Agriculture

Alternative Name(s)

Northrealm, Stormhold, The Saga's Hearth

Type

Capital

Population

35,000

Location under

Vlaikune Not Started

Owner/Ruler

Jarl Brin Not Started

Additional Rulers/Owners

• Jarl Ezon Not Started

Owning Organization

Aierholt