Haelgrim

Life in the mountainous duchy of Haelgrim is a daily struggle. The people that dwell there must face the harshest climate in all of Vintermor, the constant threat of attack from across 'Tulvi's Teeth', and the occasional outbreak of intense Civil war. These dangers have hardened the hearts of the people of Haelgrim, and have forged them into a culture of warriors. It is a well-known fact that although the Duchy is the smallest in terms of population and wealth, it over 70 of the soldiers in the Royal Fyrd are from Haelgrim. The people of the Haelgrim do not often welcome visitors to their lands. In fact, the town of Hearg is the only place where visitors are even allowed to go without written permission from the Eorl or one of his advisors. This xenophobic attitude is illustrated in their largest winter celebration they call 'The Cleaning.' During The Cleaning, people bring items they have brought from other lands and burn them in the middle of their villages. It is rumored that prisoners caught in the Duchy without permission are often tossed into the pyre as well. Of course, no one from Haelgrim will admit to this. Despite their harsh life, the people of Haelgrim enjoy music and art, and are very quick with a song or a story when pressed. This does not, of course, imply that they are a refined or overly civilized group of people. After their song is over, it is not unknown for them to start a fight or storm out if not enough people were listening. The family unit is very important to the people in Haelgrim. They honor their ancestors with undying devotion, and often go to great lengths to memorize not only their forefathers, but also their foreuncles, foreants, and forecousins. An individual who is wins the the friendship of one of these people, can be assured they would stick by their new friend until the bitter end. The people of Haelgrim almost all have blond or red hair, and grow them to great lengths. Men take pride in their beards, and often braid them in the fashion of their Dwarven neighbors. Their clothing is made up of thick furs and soft leathers, often in the light colors of the region. Men and women both adorn their hair and bodies with iron and silver jewelry that is made in the region.