Skaal Village

Skaal is a village of Nord Barbarians in the northern reaches of the island of Solsthiem. They are highly religious society of pegans and druids, and worship the wolves, bears, and forests of the island.

History
The Skaal people date back beyond the second era, but its exact origins are unknown. The Skaal have upheald their culture for many centuries, until Hrothmund the Red left the tribe and founded the mead hall of Thirsk.

In the third era, the tribe had some contact with the Neravine, but nothing offical has show up in records. After the Red Year, the Skaal villagers took up arms against the newcomers, but their campaign ended in brutal defeat due to a lack of numbers, resources, and tactics. The Battle of Brodir was the only major battle fought, the others were just minor, undocumented skirmishes.

The Nords of Skaal now sit atop their mountain home in bitter defeat. They still launch the occastional raid on Dumner settlements, but are almost always driven back. They have remained sucessful in thrwarting Great House Dres's plans for expansion.

Culture
Clad in traditional Nordic Mail armor, Skaal Honor Guards protect the village from intruders, man and beast alike. At first, the villagers of Skaal are not very friendly to outsiders, but they are more welcoming once they accept you.

The Skaal have a strict code of honor; punishment is often swift and severe. In these hostile surroundings, being able to trust each other is vital for the very survival of the members of the tribe. Still, there are temptations...

The Skaal have a rich and colorful culture with ritualistic hunts and bonds with nature. Mythical beasts like the Spirit Bear and Kaarstag are part of the lore here.

Hunting is the main source of income for most, the Horkers on the northern coast and nearby Lake Fjalding are a relative easy and lucrative prey. More adventurous Skaal hunters go after the elusive Snow Wolf or Snow Bear, whose pelts are valued highly among them.