Geography
(You can jump straight to Asmundi people)
Asmundia is composed mostly of fertile flatland and rolling hills, interspersed with forest and wetlands, and with a large highland region in its eastern parts. The fringes of the forests and hills are thinly settled, while the inner parts of each are wild and lawless.
To the east and to the south are other human kingdoms. These kingdoms share a common heritage with the Asmundi, but are not considered friends. The land between the kingdoms is wilderness, teeming with beastmen and tribal humans.
To the west, the land rises up into a massive mountain range. These mountains are infested by vile humanoids and fantastic creatures. Beyond these mountains lie other human kingdoms, but access it difficult.
To the north, beyond the borders of the Asmundi kingdom lies the Northern Wilderness, a sparsely settled and wholly uncontrolled region. It is a haven for bandits and outlaws, as well as intrepid or desperate settlers seeking a new life. Those who seek peace band together in tribes and communities, protecting themselves from the predations of men, beasts, and worse.
Beyond the Northern Wilderness lies the Farligwood ("Dangerous Forest"), a forested region inhabited by monstrous beasts, malicious beastmen, and wicked fey. Desperate men are known to flee here when even the the wilderness becomes too exposed for them, but these outcasts often meet an ignominious end in the maw of some brute. Bold merchants occasionally travel on treacherous trails to reach the Daoine lands beyond, but these expeditions never pass unmolested. Only evil cultists travel the Farligwood without fear, because they are allied with the foul things that dwell here.
Beyond the untamed wilderness, through the treacherous Farligwood, and over the Coursing River lies the land known as the Witching Wood. There are few Asmundi that have seen it, and they tell of a land full of strange men and stranger beasts. The men that live there, the Daoi, are secretive and unpredictable, quick to lay hand on sword or bow. Little else is known about the Witching Wood, for the Daoi guard their lands jealously.
For information about the government and culture of Asmundia, see Asmundi.
Recent History
22 years ago: Hrothgar, third son of Jarl Hrothulf, sets off adventuring, accompanied by his childhood friend, Balgus. Stories abound of what he did during this time, which we will not relate here for want of space.
19 years ago, Seventh month: A massive invasion of Orc hits the northwest of the kingdom. The king calls the whole kingdom to arms, but the orcs are already within the borders. Individual jarls fight back, but the orc horde is overwhelming. Hrothulf and his two older sons are slain while trying to resist the orcs’ advance. Riders are sent to search for Hrothgar and to bring him back.
19 years ago, Ninth month: The orcs overrun the kingdom's forces, and lay siege to the stronghold of the late Jarl Hrothulf. Without a jarl to lead them, command is assumed by a powerful thegn named Northri, who mounts a stiff defense.
19 years ago, Tenth month: Hrothgar arrives from the east, gathering an army of his jarldom’s warriors as he goes, and leading other warriors that had joined him during his adventures. Catching the orcs by surprise, he drives into their rear, causing chaos among the beastmen. As the besiegers turn to face the new threat, the remaining warriors of the town sally forth, striking the orcs as a hammer against the anvil of Hrothgar’s army.
The thegn Northri faces the orc chieftain in single combat, but he is mortally wounded. Hrothgar then engages the chieftain and slays him. The orcs, seeing their leader fall, are routed from the field, and are pursued by the victors.
The thegn’s only surviving family member is his daughter, Wealtheow, a woman of virtue, wisdom, and courage. She had daily ministered to the defenders, even as men fought and died around her. Hrothgar takes her to wife, and thus also inherits the lands of her father, which are extensive. Jarl Hrothgar is hailed by all as a hero.
18 years ago: At the next meeting of the Witenagemot, Hrothgar is unanimously elected King of Asmundia. Hrothgar builds a new mead hall, called Victorhall, and renames his town Kenburgh.
16 to 5 years ago: Hrothgar leads many successful wars and raids against nearby kingdoms and independent tribes, making several of them pay him regular tribute. The wealth and fame of the Asmundi grow.
This year, Eighth month: While hunting with his vassals and friends, Hrothgar is gored by a stag. The wound does not heal as hoped, and the king develops a fever. Within a few weeks, word is sent out that he is expected to pass away soon. The great jarls and Hrothgar’s kinsmen hasten to Kenburgh to be with the Hero of Asmundia during his last days.