Kalbaek
Kalbaek
Four major powers reside in Kalbaek. Algård, seen as the capital, has the strongest military and has arguably the most influence. It is considered the current high king of the Kalbi.
An Aisling in the north is is said to have the most tradition. They keep the old ways of the clans, record histories, and has teh favour of the Yaché.
Airge is the smallest of the kingdoms by number of clans, but they control the whole of the eastern coastline of Kalbaek, with ties to the Tylwyth on Kethraelm. Their craftmanship is the best in the realm and they hold the most Raid Ships of all the kingdoms - though often requires reinforcements from the other kingdoms to fill them.
Lastly, is Spiora in the south. Their longhouses are constructed at the shores of lake Saol, which gives them the ability to to control trade with the outside world. They are the second most powerful city with many citizens starting to move away from the most esoteric traditions of the Kalbi.
Culture
Section titled “Culture”The realm of Kalbaek is a harsh land that requires strength from its denizens. As such the cultural climate leans heavily towards the values of strength and resilience. From the outside the clans of the Kalbi, as they are known, are though of as a savage and uncivilized people. But that assumption would be a mistake.
The culture of the clans are shaped by a rich history and social stratification. Their traditional society is profoundly hierarchical, centered around a powerful monarchy (The Ingaz - translated as “kings”) and a sophisticated military system. Family and kinship ties form the bedrock of the Kalbi clans. They are fiercely territorial and will come together every Shilok (season), to “hunt” - which involves using ancient, magical raiding ships to pillage the lands of their enemies.
Central to the Kalbi tradition is how history and stories are expressed through poetry, song and dance. Athletesism is seen as a virtue and being able to perform more elaborate dances than your rivals is seen as a sign of prowess.
Kalbi clothing is a mix of traditional and modern styles. With limited trade, anything that is foreign is seen as a sign of wealth and status, but only if it was attained in raids.
Ecology
Section titled “Ecology”Kalbaek, known as the Frostfell, is dominated by high, snow-covered mountains. Across the plateau, frozen lakes dot the landscape; the south gives way to boreal shrublands, while the lower regions hold plentiful water and thick forests. The realm is mostly untamed wilds, with towns few and scattered.
Yetis roam the highlands, keeping to the peaks and plateaus and away from settled areas. Fantastical megafauna are abundant throughout the Frostfell—the wilds support creatures of scale and strangeness that make travel beyond the towns a venture for the bold or the well-armed.
Settlements
Section titled “Settlements”| Settlement | Description | Size | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
Algård | The capital, most influential of the Kalbi thrones - the Támha clan. Situated on a high platau in the Solas Mountain range. | Large City | Allac Támha (Ingaz) |
An Aisling | The northernmost monarchy in Kalbaek. Rich in tradition and history. Visiting its temples is seen as a pilgrimage, as well as a rite of passage for all prospective leaders of the Kalbi. | Large City | Manath Lanreann (Ingaz) |
Airge | A scattered kingdom of clans gather here, from across the whole of the eastern coasts of Kalbaek. They are the only port that can trade with Kethraelm across the Sea of crystal rain and have the best ship builders in the realm. | Medium City | Luthren Fergus (Ingaz) |
Spiora | Situated on the shores of lake Saol, Spiora are the wealthiest tradesmen in the realm. The second most powerful city with many citizens starting to move away from the most esoteric traditions of the Kalbi. | Large City | Talorc Uoreth (Ingaz) |