Nordic States

"'A Cardinal? Bah! I'll keep my High Wolf, you Briton bastard!' - Jerigax insulting an Inquisitor."The Nordic States is a country that is currently in the midst of a massive civil war between two major clans: Clan Vortinga and Clan Igrson. Both, with the support of territorial Jarls and foreign powers, have been fighting for control of the country for around nine years.

Society and Government
Before the divide, the government was centered around regional leaders referred to as Jarls who's supplied and governed their respective settlements. The Jarls would form up a council that would decide matters along with their designated King. After the divide, many Jarls sided with a clan they favored, while others were coerced or forced. Currently four Jarls are supporting Clan Vortinga and six are supporting Clan Igrson.

Clans take on the role of political parties within the Nordic government and have their own separate ideals and views. Currently, there are only two Clans left. A Jarl is usually from a Clan.

Nordic law is heavily based on their defined rules of honor. Dishonorable acts can discredit a citizen and ruin his reputation, and if dishonorable enough, can lead to imprisonment or execution. An example would be intervening in challenged combat.

Nordic citizens are free to purchase land from a Jarl and distribute goods if they wish to. Should a citizen come to develop his own settlement and wish to apply for Jarl-ship he must challenge the Jarl from which he has bought land from. Education in the Nordic States is at a low, as most citizens turn to farming or a warriors life. Nordic citizens wishing to trade overseas must purchase a maritime trade license from their Jarl.

Due to the Nordic Civil War, there is currently no official King on the disputed throne.

Military
The average Nordic citizen is expected to serve a term of four years in military service to their Jarl. Most Jarls require that in order to buy or receive land, they must serve. In fact, the Nordic States are heavily centered around warfare, as it has shaped the country for years since it has come to the New World. All Jarls own an army, and the King has his own personal army as well.

History
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Clans
Due to infighting and civil war, not many clans or Jarls remain. Before the beginning of the Nordic Civil War, there were five Clans and twenty Jarls. Now, there are only two Clans and ten Jarls.

Clan Vortinga - Residing in the northern territories of the Nordic States, Clan Vortinga values their independence and democratic values.

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