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Galladan, The Southern Clans
🕑 Added 2025-02-03 08:00:03 +0000 UTCHey everyone! Let me present to you Galladan, the Land of the Southern Clans, the first map for the Viking Kingdoms theme.
Galladan makes up the southernmost region of the Kingdom of Knurden . The land has long been home to several clans, including the Clan of Berren, as well as the clans of Skinge, Ammellal, and Scodden. For centuries, these clans fought among themselves, often in bloody conflict. That was until they were conquered by Fjurmann Ojntund, the self-proclaimed King of the Knurds. Now, the land is part of his kingdom, and the once-independent clans are now loyal subjects to him.
Galladan was once made up of six clans: the Clans of Ammellan, Berren, Eckelen, Scodden, Skinge, and Grinne. These clans were always in conflict, whether through wars, feuds, competition, or at times even temporary alliances. The extent of their power shifted over the centuries, but they all shared a common homeland and culture. To the east, beyond the rivers, lay the Upper-Knurd clans and the Carric merchants. These outsiders called the people of Galladan the Lower-Knurds, but they were wrong. They were the Gallad, the people of Galladan. Despite the many disagreements and conflicts, there was a shared respect among them, even if it was often hidden beneath hatred and contempt.
When Fjurmann Ojntund united the Upper-Knurd clans under one banner, it didn’t take long for his armies to march south. By the time the people of Galladan could gather their forces, it was already too late. Galladan was absorbed into the Kingdom of Knurden, and the clan leaders became loyal subjects of Fjurmann Ojntund.
In the center of Galladan, the Hills of Grinne rise sharply, covered in mist and shadow, plagued by werewolves that prowl the night and ancient spirits that haunt the barrows scattered across the hills. Travelers report strange sights; glowing eyes in the darkness, whispers on the wind, and the feeling of being watched. The northern coast, known as the Coast of Skinge, is a barren stretch of land. Here, herds of wild animals graze on sparse grasslands, and the horse lords rule with an iron fist, their mounted warriors feared across the region. The Syn River marks the border between South Knurden and Galladan. It is heavily guarded by towering castles, watchtowers, and a network of spies. To the west are the Scodish Thickets. It is home to druids who continue their ancient rituals, invoking the old gods in secret. Few outsiders venture in, knowing that the druids and the land itself hold secrets better left undisturbed.
The people of Galladan, however, find themselves divided. They are now part of a kingdom that looks down on them, treated as lesser by those who hold power in the north. Yet, despite their subjugation, they feel no real connection to the surrounding lands or people. To the west, the merchant cities bustle with trade and wealth, but the people there are far too concerned with coin and comfort. To the south lies Burbry, a land ruled by emperors in grand castles that seem to be made of nothing but gold and marble. To the east is Olorlay, a land where the people are the closest thing to kin that Galladan has, but even they oppose Fjurmann and his rule. The people of Galladan find themselves caught in the middle, neither fully accepted by the kingdom they are now part of nor truly embraced by those who share their blood and heritage. Their struggle is one of survival—trying to hold on to their identity, culture, and traditions in a world that is increasingly being shaped by the rule of a distant king.
Released under CC BY-NC 4.0 license.
