Alright, so this is an alternate history, in which Greenland and Vinland were settled about 150 years early (they didn't exist in 800 AD otherwise).
Grœnland & Vínland
(In teal)
Government DescriptionGrœnland & Vinland are governed by two Jarls, appointed by King Gøtrik Haraldsson of Greater Hålogaland. Although contact with 'The Homeland' is so rare, that these two essentially act as de facto co-rulers. They are, respectively, Jarl Ragnarr of Grœnland, and Jarl Sigurðr of Vinland. Both rule as dictators, but are advised by their councils of nobles and seers.
History In the late 700's, the young King Gøtrik Haraldsson, having recently unified all neighbouring kingdoms under the banner of Greater Halogaland, decided it was better to expand his empire westward, rather than facing the great armies of D
anmark, Sweden, and Novgorod. Using Halogaland's Northern Britannia colonies as a springboard, he launched a series of expeditions into the Atlantic Ocean. First they settled the island of Iceland, and built a stalwart harbour there. From Iceland, they sprung further west, eventually reaching the massive frozen territory of Greenland. The occasional traders and messengers from these new colonies traveled back to Halogaland, bringing tales of rolling fields of green, and of a land to the south filled with grapes and berries. This was enough to convince many struggling farmers and fishermen to leave their homes and bring their families to the New World. Eventually, by the year 798, a formal government was established in the two New World colonies. Confident that his trusted Jarls could govern his new territories by themselves, he began to cut off his shipments of supplies to the colonies, in order to stockpile more resources at home. When war broke out between Halogaland and Danmark, communications stopped completely, and the colonies of Greenland, Vinland, and Iceland were left isolated. By the year 800, even Iceland had ceased nearly all communication.
Now Greenland and Vinland hope to expand their ownership of the New World, in order to sustain their growing, but hungry, populations.
Military The colonies of Vinland and Greenland maintain only a small standing force of professionally trained soldiers, who act specifically as a personal guard for the Jarls. They are known as the Huskarlar (literally "house-men"). In times of war, the Jarls look to their peasants and slaves to be the majority of their military force. As such, a standard Vinland/Greenland army is mostly unarmoured, and often armed with only spears and axes. Swords, ring-mail tunics, and proper shields are reserved for the Huskarlar only.
Horses are viewed superstitiously, as the only horses in 'The Homeland' were small Nordlandshest ponies. The massive horse-creatures of the New World are frightening to many Vinlanders and Greenlanders. Only a select few Huskarlar ride horses, and only the smallest ones.
Economy The Greenlandic and Vinlandic economy is based on fishing, agriculture, and hunting. Citizens live off of their own production, with a small amount being collected for the Jarls and Huskarlar. Vinland has become a much wealthier colony than Greenland, due to the presence of grapes and excess lumber. Vinlanders trade wine with the local Skrælings ('barbarians'), in exchange for furs, tools, gems, information, and specialized foods (smoked meat for example).
International Relations /Issues / DisputesThe main points of contention are with certain local tribes. Violent conflicts that came when the colonies first formed, are still present in the minds of many locals, and raids are not uncommon on either side. Occasionally, a group of Vinland or Greenland peasants will gather and raid a local tribe, only to have the favour returned a few days later. Fortunately, most Vinlanders have learned to distinguish the Skraelings by their different tribes, so as to not pick a fight with the wrong opponant. Greenlanders aren't yet so nuanced.
ReligionGreenland and Vinland are pagan colonies, paying homage to the Norse pantheon of gods. Odin and Thor are always at the forefront of worship, but different towns are allowed to select a sub-deity to be their chosen protector. Greenland tends to favour Njord, god of the fishermen, while Vinland honours Bragi, god of poetry and wine. The Huskarlar often wear pendants in dedication to Tyr, the god of war, or Forseti, the god of justice.
Member
Marik,
Grizzlybeard
