Nor'Vagu
When humans migrated northwards, they found an inhabited and dangerous land full of giants and giant folk. In this cold tundra, battered by cold storms from the Thayr Ocean and winter blizzards from the Eastern Chain, the only thing worthy of respect was strength. For the humans to survive, they had to prove themselves worthy of that respect. Many wars were fought between the humans and the giants, and between the humans and the Goliaths before they would gain that respect.
The humans absorbed the Goliaths and their culture into their own, adopting their ideals of strength above all others, and they grew up strong and courageous. They called this new kingdom Nor'Vagu, roughly translated as "Northern Vanguard." They established their capital of Helmgard on the shores of the Levei River and declared themselves rulers of this cold, northern land.
To outsiders, Nor'Vagu has always seemed foreign or even barbaric. The northern frontier can be unforgiving, with natural dangers every winter and monsters year round. They never developed an academic culture of magic outside of village sages and occasional wise men. Nor'Vagans believe in strength above all else. Young children are brought up to believe that they must be able and willing to overcome every challenge. But Nor'Vagu developed into a proud and resilient culture that eventually grew into a foremost military power, pushing the bounds of technological advancement, and even standing toe-to-toe with the great powers of Aurelia on the battlefield.
Structure
Nor'Vagu is an empire with an emperor at the top. Below the emperor, regions of the country are entrusted to lower rulers called Thanes. These thanes can rule as strictly or as relaxed as they decide, so long as the resources and service rendered is pleasing to their emperor.
Assets
The northern lands are rich in raw resources. The forests are full of good timber, oak, pine, and cedar. The mountains have long veins of iron, copper, tin, gold, and silver. Much of the mountain slopes has reserves of coal that are close to the surface and easy to mine.
The people who live in this remote country have acclimated to its weather and persistent storms sweeping from the mountains or from the ocean. From an early age, children are trained to be strong, even if it not military service in their future.
Territories
Despite the territory lost after the Tenfold War, Nor'Vagu still retains most of its original land and is still the largest nation in the world. From the northern shores of Lake Norvum, the lands of Nor'Vagu stretch north as far as the land will go before it hits the northern sea. The Eastern Chain forms the western border of the land, and the Thayr Ocean bands the territory along the eastern shores.
Military
Nor'Vagu boasts the most technologically advanced military in the world. This military is composed of three distinct branches.
- The Nor'Vagan Army: With a regular standing army of over ten million trained soldiers, and many more waiting in the reserves, the Nor'Vagan military is forged for the modern era. Each soldier marches to battle with thick coats, the occasional half-plate piece of armor, and a modern rifle. The army is supported by gunnery crews with cannon and artillery to support them on the battlefield.
- The Nor'Vagan Navy: With vast coal and iron reserves, the Nor'Vagan navy was able to quickly modernize with large steel clad vessels that patrol the sea on coal (later oil) powered propellers. These ships are equipped with large guns that can bombard the coastline from miles away.
- The Nor'Vagan Air Force: Unlike the nations to the south, where magic propelled the first airship, the Nor'Vagans relied on technology, using blimps that float in the sky and are the basis for the Air Force. From these large blimps bound in steel, Nor'Vagan's can engage in ship-to-ship combat, fire down on enemies, or drop bombs.
Agriculture & Industry
In the far north, less than 20% of land is arable enough for crops. Hardy crops such as wheat, sugar beets, potatoes, and cereal crops are Nor'Vagu's primary agricultural products. There are also large orchards primarily focused in the south of the country where apples and pears are primarily grown.
Nor'Vagu's primary exports are the results of its industry, which is heavily focused around the major cities. The high extraction of ore and coal has allowed Nor'Vagu to advance into a heavily industrialized society. Steel for buildings, ships, trains, and civilian products is produced at a breakneck pace, and there are electrical generators run by coal-fire plants throughout the country. Nor'Vagu has also produced the most rail lines, pipelines, dams, and cables of any modern nation.
The cities of Nor'Vagu enjoy most of the modern comforts. Citizens enjoy clean drinking water, capable of being heated and cooled. The streets and houses are lit with electricity, skyscrapers rise into the sky on frames of steel, and trains connect the entire nation. On every street, people drive around on rudimentary vehicles and buses.
Trade & Transport
Nor'Vagans enjoy modern highways connecting their numerous cities. For those who cannot afford cars, there is also the network of steam trains. Along the rivers, steam boats transport goods and people from the central cities to the coastlines. A canal also connects the cities of Helmgard and Eyre.
"Forward we march, by whatever road, through whatever challenge, with Helm as our guide and our strength to decide."
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Demonym
Nor'Vagans
Leader
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Autonomous area
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
Nor'Vagu moved to a banknote system of currency, backed by gold and silver.
- 1 Nor'Vagan mark = 1 copper coin
- 1 Nor'Vagan shield = 1 silver coin
- 1 Nor'Vagan crown = 1 gold coin
Location
Neighboring Nations
Comments