Volsung (Country)

The dwarven Kingdom of Volsung is one of the oldest countries in Eingrad. It is the northernmost nation on the supercontinent, comprising the entirety of the land east of the Sea of Iskandar's western rim and north of the massive Tyrfing Mountain Range. Volsung's climate is primarily sub-arctic, with tundra riddling most of its expanse. Many fjords punctuate Volsung's long coastline, which is also where most dwarven settlements are situated. The region's interior, the Bilröst Highlands, is a cold and uninhabitable combination of sand, mountains, and lava fields. Its capital Olrun is located inside of an active volcano, Mount Vollständig, where dwarves take advantage of the abundant geothermal power. Volsung is an old nation, existing well before the establishment of any of the present human countries. For most of dwarven history, their social hierarchy has ruled by complex, interrelated, and rigid castes. The casteless are the lowest rung of dwarven society, essentially slaves for those in higher castes. Above the casteless are servants, artisans, miners, smiths, merchants, warriors, and nobles, respectively. Nobles are organized into ancient esteemed houses, many of which specialize in certain styles or specialties of craftsmanship.

The Kingdom of Volsung is one of Eingrad's three hereditary monarchies, next to Avalon and Aldurend. Volsung is currently ruled by King Aegil Lothbrok, the longest-ruling king in dwarven history, being forced to return to duty after the deposition and execution of his son, King Faenril Lothbrok. Faenril succeeded his father in 2058 AL, after his father fell gravely ill and was eventually bedridden. In his three years as king, Faenril used his power to facilitate a systematic extermination of the other natives of Volsung: the halflings. He drew support from growing pseudo-scientific movements that halflings and gnomes were "faulty creations" by the Stonefather. The genocide, which they called the Tempering, would eventually drive halflings to less than half their previous numbers, while gnomes were killed to the brink of extinction. Eventually, combined Ayahn and Axiphosi forces would put an end to King Faenril's tyranny, and for his crimes he would be burned at the stake. In the time since King Aegil's return, Volsung has enjoyed a new age of peace. However, residual Tempering sympathizers known as the White Hammer have recently begun committing acts of terrorism, including lynching Volsung gnomes in the streets. At the advanced age of 254, King Aegil struggles to cope with the new threat that has returned to his nation.

Game Master's Notes
Volsung is primarily inspired by Germanic and Scandinavian nations, including Germany and Norway.