Norden

Nordic Kingdom Nordisk Kongerige (Dalish)
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Frihed, Familie og Fædreland" "Freedom, Family, and Fatherland"
Anthem: "Nordens hvisken" "Whisper of the north"
Location of Norden (dark green) including Snæland in Berea (dark grey)
Capital and largest city	Kristianshavn
Official languages	Dalish
Demonym(s)	Nordic
Government	Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
• King	Karl III
• Chancellor	Magnus Kjærsgaard
Legislature	Rigsdagen
• Upper house	Adelskammer
• Lower house	Folkekammer
Establishment
• Union of the Crowns	4 April 1527
• Declaration of Nordic Unity	8 January 1702
Area
• Total	1,447,515.5 km2 (558,888.9 sq mi)
• Water (%)	4.8%
Population
• 2019 estimate	24,617,000
• 2020 census	24,621,037
• Density	17.0/km2 (44.0/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)	2018 estimate
• Total	$1.100 trillion
• Per capita	$46,674
GDP (nominal)	2018 estimate
• Total	$1.233 trillion
• Per capita	$50,083
Gini (2018)	27.8 low
HDI (2018)	0.912 very high
Currency	Nordic Gylder (NGL, ꬶ)
Date format	DD/MM/YYYY
Driving side	right
Calling code	+45
Internet TLD	.nd

Norden, officially the Nordic Kingdom (Dalish: Nordisk Kongerige) is a sovereign state which is primarily located on the Telmerian Peninsula in northern Berea. Two islands within the White Sea known as Langrey and Svalland also form part of Nordic territory, as well as the dependency of Snaeland located within the North Agric Ocean. The country is bordered to the east by Cuthland along the Dentrian Mountains, whilst also sharing a maritime border with Mascylla within the White Sea. Mainland Norden also has an extensive coastline along the Telmeric Sea which hosts a large number of fjords and lakes. Norden is home to a population of 24.6 million people, making it the third-largest country on the Telmerian Peninsula by population. With the exclusion of its overseas territories, Norden is also the third-largest country in the region by land area at 468,853.1 square kilometres (181,025.2 sq mi). The capital and largest city is Kristianshavn located in the south-west of the country which is the most densely populated and urbanised region within Norden.

Telmerian tribes dominated Nordic territory throughout antiquity. Recorded evidence suggests that complex societies within the south of the country had some form of trading relationship with the Cambran Empire which involved the exchange of precious metals and stone. Nordic tribes (Old Nordic: ættir) were known to frequently raid neighbouring territories, particularly that of the Aldeni tribe, for slaves and riches. In the Eighth century, these various tribes would be united under the rule of Harald the Great who conquered vast swathes of territory across the Telmerian peninsula and led a series of successful raids across Berea. However, his death would see the collapse of the empire, with the realm splitting into various feudal Semitar kingdoms over the following centuries. The region would soon come to be dominated by the Kingdoms of Dalland and Vitmärige which ruled over the north and south respectively. In 1527 following the death of the last King of Dalland, the two realms would be united under the rule of Frederik the Unifier which many historians denote as the origins of the Nordic nation-state. Though the unification of the two realms brought great prosperity to the region and allowed for the establishment of overseas colonies and trading posts, over time the two Kingdom's came under threat from the expansionist Cuthish Empire leading to a period of instability exacerbated by religious upheaval. However, in the late Seventeenth century, under the rule of Kristian IV, the administrations of Dalland and Vitmärige were integrated into a new united Nordic Kingdom, which with a series of other military and administrative reforms, allowed Norden to push back against Cuthish aggression and establish itself as a major power. Almost two centuries of prosperity followed as the new kingdom expanded its influence overseas, however Norden's entry into the Great War brought devastation to much of Dalland as the army proved underprepared for the demands of modern warfare. Instability and economic collapse followed the conclusion of the conflict, though stability would eventually be restored under the leadership of Chancellor Ulrik Graversen, whose political philosophy continues to dominate much of Norden's politics to this day.

As a unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy Norden is ruled over by King Karl III of the House of Lysted, whilst Magnus Kjærsgaard holds the position of Chancellor. Unlike many other democratic states, Norden does not maintain a codified constitution and a defined system of a separation of powers. Instead the country utilises a system of parliamentary sovereignty, meaning that much of Norden's fundamental laws and political procedures are derived from constitutional conventions as well as parliamentary legislation which can be repealed and amended through a simple majority in the Rigsdagen. Norden is administratively divided into 15 individual counties each of which has limited autonomy over local governmental matters such as infrastructure, housing, and social services.

Today Norden remains a key player within Telmerian and Berean politics. The country maintains a policy of neutrality in global affairs and is seen as a mediator or calming influence within the Cuthish–Mascyllary rivalry which dominates much of Telmerian politics. The country is also an influential member of the Assembly of Nations. Norden has a relatively small professional armed force, though maintains a significant navy and reservist army, with 1-year of military service mandatory for all 18-year-old males. Norden's economy is dominated by the export of crude oil and natural gas with vast deposits located off the country's western coast in the Telmeric Sea. Norden ranks highly on the Human Development Index and is renowned for its universal healthcare system as well as its strong education system and labour laws. The country also has a rich cultural heritage maintaining a world-renowned film and television industry, as well as a number of prestigious heritage sites, museums, and art galleries.

Etymology

The name Norden is derived from the Dalish term for "North", or "Northern lands", this being a simplification of the country's official title, the Nordic Kingdom (Dalish language: Nordisk Kongerige). The term Nordic is derived from the country's geographic location within the north of Berea, however it is also used to refer to "the Nordic people". This usage of the term is in reference to the country being a political union of the Nordic peoples of Telmeria, these being: Dales, Vitmars, Hamarlanders, and Eyjlanders. Prior to the Declaration of Nordic Unity in 1702, the inhabitants of the Dentrian Peninsula and Snaeland were divided between the Kingdom's of Dalland and Vitmärige, with the new Nordic Kingdom declared as a nation state for the Nordic peoples.

History

Prehistory

Boat and sun religious rock painting from Bergum, Dalland

Evidence for pre-human habitation of Norden is sparse, with researchers suggesting that ice coverage during the last glacial period is likely to have destroyed any traces of habitation within the Dentrian Peninsula. However, some theorists suggest that species such as Neanderthals or Homo geisahlensis, both of which have evidence for their existence in southern Telmeria, may have also inhabited southern Dalland.

The earliest known modern human habitation of Norden was believed to have begun around 30,000 BP during the Upper Paleolithic. The extent of this habitation is believed to have been limited to southern Dalland due to the continued dominance of glaciers in northern Telmeria. These early inhabitants, known as the Haversand culture due to the discovery of evidence relating to their existence near the town of the same name, were believed to have been a hunter-gatherer society who settled in the coastal plains and wetlands of Dalland. Pockets of evidence such as tools, arrow shafts, and cave drawings were found in areas between the Melje and Sydvask rivers. By 25,000 BP due to glacial retreat evidence of human habitation becomes more abundant, with the extent of human settlement believed to have extended across much of the Dentrian Peninsula. It would not be until 15,000 BP following the end of the glacial period, that human habitation also extended to the islands of Langrey and Svalland.

Evidence of agriculture in Norden emerges around 5,000 BP, though hunter gatherer communities continued to persist throughout the more northerly regions, owing to the colder climate within these areas. Evidence of religious worship is also present throughout Dalland during the Bronze age, with widespread reference to a sun god within paintings, artefacts, as well as through votive offerings. Some scholars speculate that the Nordic sun pantheon may be the progenitor of pre-Semitar Nordic pagan belief known as the Aldinntrú which contains references to the sun as the origin of creation within writings and oral tradition.

Antiquity

18th century depiction of a Eyjlander althing

The first modern Telmerian peoples were believed to have inhabited the Dentrian peninsula during classical antiquity, around the Sixth Century BCE, though Nordic peoples would not be identified as a distinct ethnolinguistic group until the First Century CE. It is also believed that Celtic groups inhabited parts of the Dentrian Peninsula during this period until they were eventually driven out during the migration period due to Nordic and Germanic incursions upon their lands.

The Nordic sagas provide considerable information regarding ancient Norden, though the authenticity and accuracy of most information is regarded as questionable by historians of the period, leading much of the information to be assigned the status of myth or legend. What is known is that Nordic society was divided along tribal or clan lines, known as the ættir. Each ættir would be organised around a group of farmsteads, the largest of which was usually controlled by a clan chief containing a hof or hörgr where local assemblies known as a thing would take place. Through the things clan laws would be established, new chieftains elected, and justice dispensed. Such assemblies could even involve multiple clans and tribes, with such larger meetings known as an althing or lagting depending on their location. There is also evidence of a literary culture within ancient Norden, with writings utilising runic script usually to record events or stories on runestones. The oldest evidence of runic inscriptions dates back to the Fourth Century and was discovered near Stenkilde in the County of Hammark.

Other than the Nordic sagas, most information on ancient Nordic history is derived from Cambran sources, with the Cambran Empire known to have been in contact with various Nordic tribes in Dalland. Cambran sources such as the writings of the historian Cluilius make reference to "Tall, bearded men from the north" who were known to be "fierce warriors of an ill temperament". Cluilius regularly made distinctions between the inhabitants of Dentria and the rest of Telmeria in his writings, marking the first identification of the Nordic peoples as a distinct Telmeric group. Evidence such as the presence of Cambran coinage, burial urns, and linens at archaeological sites also suggests numerous Cambran merchants maintained informal trading relationships with independent tribes and their leaders throughout this period. Cambran sources on the topic regularly mention the trade of horses, precious metals such as silver and gold, as well as amber.

With the collapse of the Cambran Empire and the trading links to the south-west, evidence of Nordic raiders emerges along former trade routes by land and sea. Reference to "Northmen" raiders also occasionally appears in early Welbarian and Aldenian sources suggesting that the collapse of the Cambran Empire tentatively gave way to Nordic raiding culture which would be fully realised several centuries later with the dawn of the Viking age.

Viking Age

Nordic runestones are prominent throughout much of northern Berea, providing clear evidence of a former Viking presence

Between the Eighth and Eleventh Centuries Nordic warriors and seafarers were renowned throughout Berea as feared raiders who were frequently active throughout the Telemeric, White and North seas. These "Vikings" or "Eidrekkrinn" (Old Nordic: Eiðrekkrinn) were particularly known for their seafaring, utilising longships to traverse Berea's seas and vast network of rivers. Despite the widespread use of waterways however, inland raids were not unheard of with evidence of Viking presence as far south as Dulebia. However, it was primarily through these waterways that Nordic Vikings were capable of extending their influence throughout Telmeria and northern Berea. Though much of their activity involved raiding for the acquisition of material resources and slaves known as thralls, Vikings were also known to engage in trade and colonial settlement, with colonies established as far west as Snaeland following its discovery by Ornulf Askelsson in the Tenth Century. Outside of Norden, evidence of Viking presence is most common in Cuthland, Falland, Mascylla, and Valimia where a significant number of Viking settlements were established, such as Hereby, Haxholm, and Nebligen.

The term Eidrekkr (Old Nordic: Eiðrekkr) translating as oathsworn warrior, is derived from a particular oath Viking warriors were forced to swear towards their clans (Old Nordic: ættir) upon adulthood. Though contemporary sources from the likes of Cuthland and Mascylla suggested that such an oath was a pledge to raid and empower the clan, in actuality the oath was a pledge to provide for the clan by whatever means an individual possessed. This would include trading, fishing, or any other occupation which brought with it the possibility of providing sustenance and necessary resources for the clan. Naturally, raiding was only one such outlet, though the widespread influence of Vikings throughout northern Berea led to this misunderstanding.

By the Ninth centuries, the various ættir were united under the banner of Harald the Great who crowned himself as High King of the Nords (Old Nordic: Hárskati). It was under Harald's rule that the Viking age reached its apex, with Harald's empire stretching across much of Telmeria, and with widespread raids conducted throughout Berea. It was under Harald's rule that Nordic influence in Valimia was solidified with the creation of the Jarldom of Haxland, whilst local lords in Cuthland and Mascylla were forced to pay tribute to the Hárskati. However, with the death of Harald in 869 his empire became fragmented, splitting along the lines of clan loyalties as his numerous sons feuded over the crown.

Though the Viking age continued for over a century and a half, the reach and influence of the Vikings went into decline following Harald's death as neighbouring realms looked to centralise and establish greater defences against future raids. Furthermore, the rising influence of the Semitar Church in Norden led to the widespread abandonment of pagan beliefs known as the Aldinntrú, as well as turn away from the practices of clan raiding to a more agrarian, feudal form of societal organisation.

Middle Ages

Depiction of Cnut III banishing the Semitar priests from Hamarland

Guild Halls in the Laugskvarter of Rødby

By the Eleventh Century, political authority in Norden had become centred on three Kingdoms, these being Dalland which ruled the south, Hamarland in the west, and Vitmärige which ruled the north including the islands of Langrey and Svalland. Though clan culture and loyalties remained ingrained within Vitmar and Hamarlander society, the influence of the ættir had declined considerably within Dalland, replaced instead by feudal bonds and loyalties. Additionally, the Semitar Church had firmly established itself within Nordic society, though pockets of Aldinntrú holdouts remained prominent in Hamarland. In 1057 however, the King of Hamarland Cnut III renounced his Semitar faith, declaring his allegiance to the Old Gods. This series of events culminated in the Nordic Crusade which saw the Kingdom of Hamarland divided between Dalland and Vitmärige. Over the following centuries, the two remaining realms would feud over the territory, with the region constantly changing hands between the two kingdoms.

It was also during this time that the Nordic realms moved away from their traditional systems of elective monarchy towards a hereditary system based around Dalish law. Under the terms of Dalish law, the Nordic realms utilised a system of agnatic succession, wherein females were explicitly excluded from inheritance, with the reigning monarch's eldest son, or closest living male relative designated as heir-to-the-throne. Nevertheless, in any instance where a suitable male heir could not be identified, then the nobles of the realm would reserve the right to revert to the ancient elective system to select the new monarch. It is this system of inheritance that would continue to form the basis of the laws of succession utilised within the unified Nordic Kingdom. Though Dalish Law was implemented in Dalland as early as 1104 in the aftermath of the Dentrian War, a war which also saw the creation of the Dalish legend and symbol of the Gulldýr, it wasn't until 1177 that the system was also implemented in Vitmärige under the rule of the House of Svensson.

The Middle Ages also saw the rise of the Dalish Guild system which greatly empowered the region's economic influence and prosperity. The most powerful of these guilds was the merchant's guild known as the Købmandslaug which wielded a great deal of influence across numerous settlements and guilds located on the Karsk and Telmeric Sea coasts. By the Thirteenth Century, the Købmandslaug would even extend its influence into the White and North Seas. Though initially a guild of Dalish merchants and an alliance of trading cities, the Købmandslaug soon expanded beyond Dalland's borders, effectively operating as a confederation of merchants, shippers and markets within western Berea, dominating maritime trade and enforcing strict standards of pricing, quality, and qualifications amongst its membership. At its peak the Købmandslaug included towns and guilds from modern-day Norden, Cuthland, Dulebia, Erjarvia, Falland, Lavaria, Mascylla, Sarrac, Sileria, Temaria, and Valimia. In the following centuries, the Købmandslaug would even expand its influence into Alvinia where it controlled numerous trading posts and even held sovereignty over several islands.

However, where other Berean monarchs sought to exert greater influence on the guilds and eventually take control of them as a form of revenue generation, the guild system of Dalland and later Norden retained its independence, aided by their significant economic and political influence, particularly overseas, which ensured that any attempt at a takeover would have significant consequences for Dalland's economy and status. Additionally, the decline of other Berean guilds following the intervention of the crown would sway the Dalish monarchy to temper their influence. Though the crown would win the right to solve disputes in political or economic matters, for all intents and purposes the guilds maintained their operational independence, though their overall control of economic regulation would decline in the following centuries. The medieval guild system of Dalland would survive long into the Nineteenth Century where it took on a new guise in the form of trade unions and regulatory agencies.

Early Modern Period

Numerous sugar plantation were established by the Købmandslaug in Alvinia during the 16th century

The nobility of both Vitmärige and Dalland united under Frederik of Lysted to oust the House of Loxstedt-Hoeveden

By the Sixteenth Century Norden's reach extended to Alvinia as the Købmandslaug claimed sovereignty over numerous islands and trading posts across the North Agric Ocean. Though some of these islands would eventually be absorbed into the Cuthish Empire, the Købmandslaug's possessions provided Norden with a host of new trading goods and foodstuffs such as cocoa, coffee, tobacco, and sugar. Nevertheless, the Nordic presence within the area was not without controversy as the Købmandslaug utilised questionable trade and sovereignty treaties as a means of acquiring land from the native populations of Alvinia. This is not to mention the practices of slavery and indentured servitude which were widespread throughout the plantations, with much of the native community on these islands forced into bondage and servitude. This slave plantation economy of Nordic Alvinia proved to be a considerable economic boon for the Købmandslaug and the Kingdom of Dalland, leading to the sponsoring of new colonial ventures which sought to establish trading posts in Caphtora, Pamira, and Melasia. Despite these successes, the overextension of the Købmandslaug, in addition to the increasing cost of new ventures, and corruption within the organisation forced it into bankruptcy. Though the guild would eventually be reformed, albeit on a smaller scale, the Dalish crown would take control of the Købmandslaug's overseas possessions, forming the Dalish Occidental and Oriental Charter in the process.

However, in 1527 the King of Dalland, Erik IV died without a direct male heir, with his closest living male relative being Frederik II of Vitmärige. Despite much opposition from the Dalish nobility, Frederik II Svensson was crowned as Frederik I of Dalland in April of the same year, marking the union of the two realms under one monarch. Ostensibly, both kingdoms remained administratively independent, maintaining separate militaries, bureaucracies and economies, though they shared one monarch under a personal union. Though originally a monarch of Vitmärige, Frederik I would soon relocate to Dalland, spending much of his remaining rule there, owing to Dalland's considerably more prosperous and powerful status compared with its northern neighbour. There was widespread debate as to whether the two realms would separate upon Frederik's death given that he had sired two sons. However, both realms maintained laws of agnatic primogeniture, meaning both would go to the monarch's eldest son. However, this would not prevent the rise of a number of separatist movements in both kingdoms. To further quell the debate King Frederik I issued a royal edict which came to be known as the Act of Inseparability, which effectively combined the succession laws of both realms, ensuring that provided a male heir existed, Dalland and Vitmärige would both be inherited by the same heir.

Yet, the union of the two crowns would again be tested in 1632 as the House of Svensson would be wiped out following the death of its last ruler, the childless Magnus VII in battle. Given that no male heir existed, both crowns reverted to a system of elective succession to select the next monarch. Though both realms were free to elect their own rulers, political and economic pressures on both sides of the divide led the nobility to seek a compromise candidate to maintain the union. Whilst Vitmar nobles and burghers sought to preserve the union to maintain access to the Dalish trading empire, the Dalish nobility sought to preserve their access to Vitmar's natural resources and manpower reserves in warfare. Despite the pressure to preserve the union, no suitable candidate could be found, plunging the realm into a four year interregnum. The situation was further exacerbated as the influence of the reformist Semitar movement, under the leadership of preacher Hans of Kyringe, began to explode, starting a wave of religious uprisings against the Semitar church. The influence of the reformist Nordic sect even spread into the nobility, with several prominent houses converting to the new protestant faith.

The siege of Rødby in 1647, one of the final battles of the War of the Dalish Succession

With the realm on the verge of civil war, a monarch by the name of August I was finally elected in 1636 from a branch of the House of Loxstedt-Hoeveden. The means by which August gained the crown were questionable, with widespread accusations of bribery and political meddling, though many saw August's ties to the Cuthish Empire as a means of providing stability in a difficult moment for the two realms. However, August's election had the opposite effect than intended, with the Nordic Semitar faction at court denouncing his accession. The situation was further exacerbated as August looked to suppress the reformist movement, leading Vitmar nobles to break away from Dalland, electing Harald Bjornsson as their new independent King. In response August declared war against the rebellious north. Following a two-year campaign little progress was made, however in the winter of 1640 an assassin struck and killed Bjornsson, with August widely blamed. The assassination only further entrenched the King's opposition, and led much of the Dalish nobility to turn against their former lord. The rebellious Dalish lords rallied around Frederik of Lysted as an alternative candidate to the throne, with Vitmärige soon electing him as their new King, marking the beginning of the War of the Dalish Succession. The bitter seven-year conflict left almost no part of Dalland and Vitmärige unscathed, however the House of Lysted and its supporters ultimately emerged victorious, banishing August I from both realms. Nevertheless, the lands that emerged from the conflict proved divided and in dire need of reform to regain their status as prominent players in Berean politics.

United Kingdom

Kristian IV at the Battle of Arider during the War of the Cuthish Succession

The 19th Century saw an industrial and urban boom take place throughout south-west Norden

With both Dalland and Vitmärige reeling from the succession war and incapable of combating the influence of neighbouring realms, notably the Cuthish Empire, the ruling House of Lysted looked to implement a series of reforms aimed at centralising both kingdoms via a new administration, as well as building a new state-of-the-art army and navy capable of combating significantly larger and better-resourced foes. Under the rule of King Hakon III, these reforms gathered pace, allowing for the establishment of a powerful navy, whilst progress was also made in overhauling Dalish military doctrines and improving army discipline and morale. Nevertheless, attempts at centralisation continued to be thwarted in Vitmärige by the landholding clans or ættir. These disputes culminated in the Northern Campaigns in which King Hakon looked to crush clan resistance, resulting in many families being displaced from their traditional homelands in the Vitmar highlands. Hakon's reforms would be further intensified by his successor Kristian IV who finally succeeded in overhauling the administrations of both realms, dissolving the two independent crowns and forming the united Nordic Kingdom in 1702 through the declaration of Nordic Unity.

With the formation of the new kingdom, Kristian looked to establish a new capital to signify a move away from the 'medieval' union of two crowns. A new site was chosen in the wetlands of southern Dalland near a small fishing town and trading post by the name of Lengerby. The new city was to be named Nyhavn and would serve as Norden's primary political, economic, and military hub. The city would eventually be renamed Kristianshavn in 1762 in honour of its patron monarch. In addition to the new capital city, Kristian further intensified his military reforms in preparation for a planned war against the Cuthish. Military reforms such as the introduction of the iron ramrod and goose step were aimed at improving the army's combat capabilities and discipline. Kristian's reforms would be tested upon the outbreak of the War of the Cuthish Succession in 1715, with the Nordic army performing exceedingly well, despite its smaller size relative to the Cuthish forces. In the aftermath of the war, Norden gained Snaeland and Vesturey, along with much of the Arider Valley whilst also expanding Kutmark east of the Dentrian mountains. The signing of the peace treaty in the city of Kristianshavn, which marked the First Partition of Cuthland also garnered Norden significant global prestige, with the end of the conflict marking the country's emergence as a major global power.

Through this newfound global status Norden was able to better exert its influence across the globe, allowing for the establishment of new trading posts and colonies in Pamira and Melasia. Norden also participated in the Third Partition of Cuthland, taking further territories along the Dentrian mountains. Nevertheless, many of these gains would be reversed with the onset of the Alhsted Wars during the early Nineteenth century. The war resulted in Norden losing many of its overseas trading posts along with the eastern Arider Valley. Furthermore, an indemnity of $10.2 million (approximately $ 303 million in 2021) was imposed for the earlier transfer of Snaeland and Vesturey to Norden during the First Partition, with Cuthish authorities viewing the territory as largely useless and uninhabitable.

Despite defeat in the Ahlested Wars, Norden looked to pursue a policy of cooperation with Cuthland throughout the remainder of the Nineteenth Century. With the country largely uninvolved in continental affairs, its focus shifted overseas to the building of the Nordic Empire through the conquest of New Eyland and Nokonda. The period between 1843 and 1904 is referred to by many historians as the Nordic Golden Age with the country overseeing widespread industrialisation, improvements in incomes and living standards, as well as a flourishing of the Nordic arts, particularly in music and literature. This period also saw considerable democratisation with the introduction of free elections for all males over the age of 21 in 1887. Nevertheless, the monarchy retained a key role in political operation, particularly in foreign affairs. The exact end date of the Nordic Golden Age is an object of considerable debate amongst historians of the period, with many identifying the death of Frederick VI in 1904 as its conclusion, whilst others suggest Norden's entry into the Great War in 1912 marks its definitive end.

Great War

King Albert II (left) surveys the front with General Robert Fisker

Nordic trenches along the Dentrian mountains in 1914

Graversen draws up a new military strategy with General Olav Bakkar

Following the death of Frederik VI in 1904 it was the 18-year-old Albert II who inherited the Nordic throne. Initially an outsider candidate for the throne, Albert was thrust into the position of heir with the death of his father and grandfather. Married to the Mascyllary princess Augustina of Morleck and Eustria, Albert maintained strong ties to the Mascylla and its ruling monarchy, thus when war broke out between Mascylla and Cuthland in 1911 Albert was a major proponent for intervention in favour of Mascylla. However, political pressure from the Rigsdagen and Chancellor Rasmus Heggen forced the King to back down and declare Norden neutral in the ongoing conflict. Concerns regarding the preparedness of the army led many governmental figures to delay intervention, however as the war progressed a growing movement emerged which called for the reclamation of the Arider Valley which was lost during the Alhsted Wars. This movement, with Jesper Lauridsen MP as its figurehead, believed that Norden's intervention could decisively swing the conflict in favour of Mascylla, surrounding Cuthland and bringing about swift victory. With the Heggen government refusing to change its stance of neutrality, Albert II dissolved the Rigsdagen and appointed Lauridsen Chancellor with the task of forming a new government. In September of 1912 the Lauridsen administration took charge, enacting general mobilisation and issuing an official declaration of war against Cuthland and the Central Alliance.

Norden's initial strategy devised by Chief-of-Staff Oliver Andersen looked to quickly seize the Arider valley before focusing the brunt of the Nordic offensive on north-western Cuthland with the aim of a rapid offensive towards Kingsham. Whilst much of the Arider Valley was soon overwhelmed by Nordic troops, continuing delays related to supply lines and equipment shortages prevented further advances into Cuthland. Nevertheless, the Nordic Navy scored a series of early successes against the Cuthish and Dulebians, enacting a blockade of the White Sea with the aid of Mascyllary forces. With delays continuing to hamper the strategy, Albert II pressured Andersen to begin the north-western offensive by the end of the year. By mid-December Nordic troops had crossed the Normå river and begun their advance towards Fenmuth. Though a string of early victories were won, supply issues soon emerged, whilst Cuthish resistance was greater than anticipated. Despite this, Andersen continued to pressure for continued advancement to prevent the front from stabilising into attrition-based trench warfare. However, at the decisive battle of Fenmuth only 5 miles from the city, the 3rd and 5th Højlander Brigades became surrounded by Cuthish forces. This allowed Cuthish forces to spearhead behind Nordic lines, threatening the entire 2nd Army. In response, Chief-of-Staff Andersen ordered a general retreat, first to the Normå river and then to the Dentrian mountains once it became clear the front would not hold. Reinforcements from the 1st Army in Dalland were soon transferred in an attempt to protect the northern front.

However, the transfer of reinforcements left the southern front along the Sydvask dangerously exposed. Supplies and fresh troops had been prioritised for the 2nd Army, and as such once the Cuthish and Dulebians launched a surprise offensive into Dalland in February 1913, the 1st Army found itself overwhelmed and forced to retreat. With Cuthish victory at the Battle of Reval, central Dalland was exposed forcing the 1st army to first retreat to the Melje river, then even farther west behind the Pentå. Though the capital of Kristianshavn remained secure for the time being through a front stretching from Haversand to Dragebro, the cities of Arider, Tårnborg, Fyrborg, and Ræverby had all fallen to the enemy. The situation was disastrous for the Nordic army and the war effort. With the possibility of swift victory quashed, the army dug in to switch to a strategy of attritional warfare. With the capital under threat, the Lauridsen government considered reaching an open city settlement to prevent damage to Kristianshavn. Yet, recognising the political damage such a statement would cause, Albert II refused, instead, dismissing Lauridsen from office, whilst attempting to convince Rasmus Heggen to return to the post of Chancellor. After weeks of negotiation Heggen reluctantly agreed on the condition that Oliver Andersen be replaced as Chief-of-Staff. In his stead, Andersen was replaced by Ulrik Graversen who began to draw up a new strategy of defence in depth which sought to defend and repel Cuthish advances through carefully planned and strategically located fortified fighting positions. Additionally, the Nordic Navy was tasked with gaining supremacy in the Telmeric Sea to blockade the Cuthish and Dulebian Empires.

It took several months for Nordic positions to become secure, however throughout the remainder of 1913 and 1914 the new strategy allowed the Nordic army to score a series of successes, retaking Dragebro and Brusenvand in the southern half of the Melje river. However, by this point in the war Dulebian forces had withered due to the outbreak of the Dulebian Revolution and Civil War. By 1915, recognising their isolated position, the Cuthish army began to withdraw to the more defensible Sydvask river, allowing Nordic forces to retake much of Dalland. Recognising Cuthish weakness, Ulriksen drew up plans for another offensive towards Fenmuth to be launched in January of 1916. A breakthrough during the Battle of Thresk allowed Nordic forces to once again advance on Fenmuth, though the Cuthish army continued to put up stiff resistance. The city would eventually fall in late April, but not without heavy losses on both sides. With Mascyllary forces nearing Kingsham and the way to the capital open to Nordic forces, Cuthland capitulated on May 29th 1916.

In the ensuing peace treaty, Norden regained much of the Arider valley, with the country's border with Cuthland now resting on the southern Dentrian mountains. Additionally, a small wedge of territory south of the Normå river was also awarded to Norden including the cities of Thresk and Hamdun. Furthermore, Norden would also receive a portion of the reparations payments enforced upon the defeated powers. Though victorious, the post-war mood in Norden was sombre, primarily due to the country's disastrous entry into the conflict and the physical and economic damage Norden and its citizenry had endured.

Modern Era

Portrait of Chancellor Ulrik Graversen in 1931

In the aftermath of the Great War Norden was rocked by instability. Despite being amongst the victorious powers, Norden faced considerable economic difficulties as a result of the occupation of much of the country's industrialised south-west. These issues inevitably led to the collapse of the country's traditional industries and an economic depression. For his part in Norden's unprepared entry into the conflict, King Albert II abdicated the throne in favour of his uncle who was crowned Erik V. Social upheaval followed as the Rigsdagen looked to assert greater influence over the country's governance as the populace called for greater democratisation and even the abolition of the monarchy. In 1919 these issues culminated in riots breaking out within the capital of Kristianshavn which later spread across the country. It took several months for the rioting to die down, however, difficulties persisted within the counties where local government had lost control and elements of the military had defected.

Following the riots of 1919, Erik V appointed former Chief-of-Staff Ulrik Graversen to the position of Chancellor, tasking him with forming a new government aimed at restoring order to the kingdom and bringing about an economic recovery. This was in addition to a number of concessions the King made promising to reform the state into a constitutional monarchy, holding free and fair elections with universal suffrage once the situation had stabilised. Graversen's military background and leadership role in the latter stages of the Great War won him the loyalty of the Royal Army, ensuring that organised opposition against the crown, primarily in the form of the Communist Party was quickly crushed. Secondly, Graversen founded the new National Party around which much of the country's conservative politicians and political elite coalesced. The formation of this new party was partly aimed at creating a new big-tent conservative party that had the capacity to form a majority government, but it was also to divide far-right opposition in the form of the Revivalist Party whose members now found themselves either politically isolated or forced to join the National Party to gain political relevancy.

In the 1922 elections, Graversen's new party won an overwhelming majority of seats within the Folkekammer allowing it to form a majority government for the first time in the country's modern political history. The policies implemented under the Graversen administration proved deeply influential in shaping the political, economic, and social landscape of modern Norden and continue to inform mainstream conservative political thinking within Norden to this day. Under Graversen the government took a leading role in economic affairs, nationalising key industries such as coal, steel, and energy. A system of health insurance was introduced for the first time, along with reforms to the national education system and military. Additionally, the government took a hard line in social affairs, restricting immigration, civil rights, and implementing a strict new criminal code. Graversen remained as Chancellor until 1937 when he stepped down from the position owing to ill-health making him the longest-serving Chancellor in the country's history. He would die only one year later. In the aftermath of Graversen's death, the National Party's platform shifted, relaxing many of the more hard-line social policies and pursuing a more laissez-faire economic model. In the 1960s the Labour Party came to power for the first time in the country's history, instituting a number of new reforms including liberalising many of the country's social policies, expanding the welfare state, as well as reforming the insurance-based healthcare system into a nationalised one.

Despite the reforms of the Graversen government and its successors allowing for economic recovery, Norden's economy took a downturn in the mid-1960s owing to the increasingly uncompetitive nature of the country's manufacturing industry in comparison with much of the developing world. However, the discovery of oil in the Telmeric Sea during the early 1970s led to an economic boom within the country. Oil and gas soon became the country's leading export, with Nordic oil fuelling much of Telmeria and Berea. Nevertheless, in 1997 the National Party took the step of establishing the Nordic Investment Authority in an effort to diversify the country's wealth and economy away from the extraction of finite oil and gas.

Politics

Karl III, Monarch since 1971

Magnus Kjærsgaard, Chancellor since 2014

Norden is a unitary state under a constitutional monarchy. King Karl III is the head of state, though wields little real political power owing to constitutional conventions dating back to the aftermath of the Great War. Executive power within the country is vested within the head of the government, known as the Chancellor (Dalish: Rigskansler). The current Chancellor of Norden is Magnus Kjærsgaard of the National Party who has held the position since 2014. Unlike most democracies within Aurorum, Norden does not have a codified constitution, instead operating on a system of parliamentary sovereignty wherein the Rigsdagen, or parliament is the supreme legislative body, capable of drafting and repealing legislation through the act of a simple majority within both houses. As a result, much of the country's fundamental law is derived from simple legislative acts or conventions, some dating as far back as the medieval age.

Government

Parliament House in Kristianshavn has been the seat of the Nordic Parliament since 1907

The current political makeup of the Folkekammer

  National Party (142)

  Labour Party (98)

  Liberal Party (6)

Norden maintains a bicameral legislature known as the Rigsdagen which traces its origins to the mid-Sixteenth Century. The two houses of the Rigsdagen are the upper-house known as the Adelskammer, and the lower-house named the Folkekammer. The Adelskammer, or Chamber of Nobility, is comprised of 152 hereditary and appointed peers, primarily composed of the country's aristocracy as well as religious officials from the Semitar church. Though officially non-partisan and neutral appointees, political observers have noted that the members of the Adelskammer generally vote on conservative lines, having strongly opposed the political reforms of the Labour Party (Dalish: Arbejderpartiet) during the 1920s and 1960s. The Folkekammer, or Chamber of the people, meanwhile is comprised of 246 elected representatives each of which serves an individual local constituency throughout the country. In order for an act of parliament to become law, it must pass both houses of the Rigsdagen by a simple majority. All bills are first introduced and passed by the Folkekammer before they are introduced to the Adelskammer and sent to the monarch for royal approval. By convention the Adelskammer does not submit any official amendments to any act of legislation, instead voting down any bill they disprove of before it can be debated again and amended within the lower-house. By convention, the monarch also approves any act of parliament which is passed by both houses.

Norden is a democratic state, with universal suffrage where any citizen over the age of 20, regardless of gender, wealth, or status, is entitled to vote within elections. General elections within Norden take place every four years and utilise the first-past-the-post system. Following an election, the monarch invites the leader of the single largest party within the Folkekammer to form a government. Should no party have an outright majority, then a coalition may be formed between two or more parties. Currently, there have only ever been three coalition governments in the country's history. The current sitting parties within the Folkekammer include the National Party, Labour Party, and Liberal Party. The electorate is also empowered to remove their own local MP from office through what is known as the Power of Recall. Should 40,000 voting citizens within a given constituency sign a petition to recall an elected member of parliament, then a recall election will be held. By-elections may also be held should a sitting member of the Folkekammer resign or die before the conclusion of their full term.

The executive of the country, also known as the Cabinet, is appointed from members of Rigsdagen, though since the 1960s no member of the Adelskammer has sat on the Cabinet. The leader of the executive known as the Chancellor is by convention the leader of the largest party within the Folkekammer. They are empowered to appoint officials to the various ministerial posts within the government from other members of the legislature, provided such candidates receive royal approval, though by convention the monarch will always approve all appointees.

Currently, the government of Norden is controlled by the National Party who have traditionally dominated elections within the country. Out of the 26 elections that have taken place since 1918, the National Party have been the largest party in all but 5 elections. Currently, the National Party is the single largest party within the Folkekammer with 142 seats, this is followed by the Labour Party with 98 seats and the Liberal Party who hold 6 seats.

Due to the National Party's historical dominance of Norden's politics, outside political observers have occasionally labelled the country as a dominant-party state, identifying a considerable democratic deficit within the country's political procedures and election systems. The National Party, in particular, has in the past been accused of gerrymandering as well as interfering with state media to promote positive coverage during elections. Additionally, the unelected nature of the Adelskammer has come under sustained criticism from observers as well as the opposition Liberal and Labour Parties who have called for its abolition or reform into an elected house.

Administrative divisions

Norden is divided into fifteen regions, which are sometimes referred to as Administrative Duchies. Created in 1924 in an attempt to modernise the administration of the country, each of these regions roughly corresponds with the boundaries of the Nordic Kingdom's feudal duchies, which are now referred to as Historic duchies. Though the historic divisions continue to exist, with holders of each title serving within the Adelskammer, in reality they serve only symbolic, cultural, and historic significance. The exact area and population of each region varies significantly, with some regions such as Kristianshavn home to as many as 2.8 million people, whilst Svalland maintains a population barely over 150,000. Below the Administrative regions Norden is further subdivided into Administrative Counties which are divided between Urban and Rural counties. Each Administrative County elects an County council through local elections which take place every two years. County Councils wield significant autonomy within their localities on matters of housing, infrastructure, leisure, social services, transport, as well as waste collection and disposal. Given the disparity in the size of each administrative unit, the regions of Norden receive varying degrees of funding from the national government.

The Dependency of Snaeland is treated separately from Norden's main Administrative regions, with its devolved powers governed via the Dependency Act of 1904. Under the terms of this legislation Nordic citizens in the territory may elect a devolved council which wields autonomy on a number of matters in excess of those granted to the County councils. The Snaelandic Council maintains a number of powers in relation to education, holidays, health, justice, transport, and taxation. However, the powers granted to Snaeland remain limited compared to many other devolved administrations within Aurorum. Additionally, the Governor of Snaeland remains an appointed position from the government in Kristianshavn. Nevertheless, there has been a push amongst Snaelandic residents to reform the position into an elected regional official.

Svalland

Langrey

Højland

Vitland

Hammark

Kutmark

Fiskland

Hamarland

Kronlandet

Grænseland

Aridal

Sletterdal

Horland

Triranar

Kr.

Regions Capital Population (2020) Aridal Arider Fiskland Hvitrheim Grænseland Nordhavn Hamarland Skjergard Hammark Lysted Horland Karlsborg Højland Eriksfjord Kristianshavn Kristianshavn Kronlandet Rødby Kutmark Thresk Langrey Vidurfell Sletterdal Ræverby Svalland Torsbær Trirarnar Faløse Vitland Skepstad

Foreign relations

Norden maintains foreign relations with almost all sovereign states in Aurorum and is a member of a number of international organisations, most notably the Assembly of Nations. Since 1925 Norden has defined itself as a neutral nation, pursuing a policy of non-alignment during peacetime. Under this policy Norden has avoided foreign commitments through political or military alliances, though the country maintains a significant armed force which does play a role in overseas peacekeeping missions and national defence. Historically, Norden has also served as an intermediary between Cuthland and Mascylla who have long shared a rivalry which has defined modern Telmerian politics. In recent times Norden has also attempted to play a more active role in international relations, promoting international peace efforts as well as supporting cultural and economic initiatives.

Norden maintains bilateral trading agreements with a number of nations and economic blocs across Aurorum. International trade is vital to the country, with the export of crude oil and natural gas integral to Norden's economic and global status. The vast oil and gas reserves of the Telmeric Sea have allowed the country to maintain significant sway in global politics despite its neutrality and relatively small size. The importance oil and gas exports to Nordic foreign policy has led some political commentators to label the country's foreign policy strategy as Oliepolitik.

Military

Army reservists performing a training exercise on the island of Langrey

Norden maintains a small standing military of around 32,000 active personnel. As a neutral nation, the primary task of the military is to secure the independence of the nation, though the military is also tasked with dealing with national security threats, as well as aiding in disaster relief efforts. Additionally, Nordic military personnel are also involved overseas in peacekeeping missions through the Assembly of Nations. The country spends 2.2% of its GDP ($27.1 billion) on national defence. The military is divided between the Army (Hæren), Air Force (Luftvåben), and Navy (Søværnet). As a signatory of the Birchau Treaty of Nuclear Non-Proliferation, Norden does not maintain any nuclear weapons. Ultimate authority of the Nordic Armed Forces is vested in the Commander-in-chief who is the ruling monarch, however in reality effective control of the military is exercised by the Minister of Defence with the coordination of the Cabinet. Despite the small size of the active military, the country maintains a considerable reservist force, bolstered by compulsory military service which is mandatory for all 18-year-old males. For those unable to perform their military service, suitable alternatives are provided, primarily in support or non-combat roles. As of 2017 women may also opt-in to perform one year of military service within non-combat roles. As of 2018, there were around 116,000 performing their compulsory military service, this is in addition to 60,000 volunteer reservists who form the Reserve Army (Reservehær).

As of the National Militia and Arms Act of 1929, the Chancellor is empowered to enact general conscription for all 18-40-year-old males during "periods of national crisis" without the consent of the Rigsdagen. The exact definition of a "national crisis" remains ambiguous, though the terms of the act have only been enacted once, during the Melasian Crisis between 1941 and 1943. The National Militia and Arms Act also legislates for the right of Nordic citizens to bear arms. There are very few restrictions of the types of weapons civilians may own, though any weapons must be small-arms and may only be purchased from registered manufacturers or distributors and may not be personally modified without prior approval. Additionally, all civilian-owned weapons must be registered with the Ministry of Defence, with restrictions for individuals suffering from certain health-related or psychiatric issues. As of 2018, there were 7.6 million guns registered in the hands of Nordic citizens, the largest concentration being on the island territories of Langrey and Svalland, as well as the Dependency of Snaeland.

Culture

Clans

Modern recreation of a Nordic clan homestead in Vindersand

Nordic culture, particularly outside of the south-west has long been associated with the ancient clan system known as the ætt. Historically these clans operated as kinship groups whose members usually but not always shared a common ancestor. Each ætt would usually be tied to a specific territory ruled over by a clan chief. Within these territories, clans would be free to devise their own laws and systems of governance. For much of antiquity, the Dentrian Peninsula was divided amongst the various ættir until each was united under the banner of Harald the Great in the Eighth Century. In the aftermath of Harald's death the ættir persisted, albeit now subservient to various petty kings and lords who were elected by the clans. Whilst clan culture remained strong throughout the following centuries, particularly within the Kingdom of Vitmärige, it underwent considerable decline within the Kingdom of Dalland. Numerous Dalish kings viewed the ættir as obstacles to greater centralisation and stability leading to land confiscations and numerous conflicts between the crown and clans. Following the Union of the Crowns in 1527 the status of Vitmar clans came under threat as attempts at reform were introduced to the northern kingdom, though resistance proved strong. Eventually, under the rule of Hakon III, clan resistance was crushed during the Northern campaigns, leading their numbers to decline considerably. A minority of clans were allowed to retain their status in return for pledges of loyalty and military service. Some of these clans would even go on to play a major role in the industrial revolution in the north of the country owing to their historical social status and wealth, which allowed them to form profitable enterprises and invest in industry and mechanisation.

Despite the significant decline of traditional Noric clan culture, the ættir continue to retain a key place in Nordic romanticist literature and art, though many of these popular depictions are based on historical inaccuracies and cultural misunderstandings. Nordic clans are traditionally depicted within popular culture as noble aristocrats or warriors untainted by the vices of urban life. As a result of this depiction, the modern era has seen an attempted revival of clan culture as a form of escapism from the pressures of modern, urbanised, capitalist society. Nordic clans have also long been associate with their colourful patterned tunics with their unique designs seen as signifiers of clan loyalties within ancient Nordic society.

Architecture

The Baroque Nyhavn Church in Kristianshavn

Morgensolens Palace is a clear example of Nordic Historicist architecture

Prior to the Middle Ages, the vast majority of structures within Norden, particularly outside of the south-west were almost entirely constructed out of wood. Notable exceptions to this rule were Semitar Churches which were predominantly stone structures built in the Cambranesque style. This architectural tradition also found its way into an increasing number of structures such as fortifications and Medieval Guildhalls. Over time, this architectural style evolved into Gothic architecture used predominantly in churches and cathedrals with perhaps the most notable example being the Hvitrheim Cathedral.

By the Sixteenth Century, a new architectural tradition had emerged influenced by the overseas trading network of the Købmandslaug which brought with it new influences from Falland, Lavaria, and Sarrac. These new influences coalesced into a style known as the Northern Renaissance which influenced the design of buildings such as Rødby Palace, and Skjergard Castle, which are amongst the largest castles in Telmaria. However, by the Eighteenth Century, Baroque architecture came to the forefront, bringing with it some of the most recognisable buildings in Norden. The Baroque and its close relative, the Rococo became emblems of the so-called Nordic Revival, with many buildings and designs receiving personal patronage from monarchs such as Kristian IV. Notable Baroque buildings within Norden include Hyhavn Church, the Kristianshavn Stock Exchange, as well as much of the Rødby Harbour.

With the onset of the Nineteenth Century, Mascyllary influence began to slowly creep into Nordic architecture, with Neoclassical and Historicist buildings breaking the monopoly of the Baroque. Many of these designs gained prominence through the construction of state or infrastructural buildings such as Customs Houses or Railway Stations. A number of palaces were also constructed in the Historicist style, the most notable being Morgensolens Palace which was constructed between 1842 and 1872 as the Royal family's summer retreat. Neoclassical and Historicist constructions persisted into the early Twentieth Century and also played a key role in reconstruction efforts following the Great War.

In the aftermath of the Great War considerable reconstruction was required throughout much of southern Norden, particularly in cities such as Arider, Tårnborg, and Ræverby which had bared the brunt of the Cuthish occupation. In 1921 architects from around the country gathered at the Rødby exhibition to share ideas and discuss potential designs for new constructions in the territories affected by the war. Their ideas were codified in their manifesto known as acceptera which advocated the usage of functionalism in new constructions to meet the needs of modern consumer society. Nevertheless, with the rise of Ulrik Graversen to the position of Chancellor, such ideas were suppressed in favour of the neoclassical, embodying Graversen's historicist and conservative vision for modern Norden.

However, with the fall of the Graversen administration in 1938, building codes were liberalised to allow for the usage of different architectural styles in design and construction. This liberalisation led to a significant decline in neoclassical constructions, with functionalism re-emerging as greater consideration was given to transitioning Norden's cities into the Twentieth Century. Functionalism focused on minimalist, rational designs geared towards improving quality of life and social needs within cities, with apartment blocks and high-rise flats amongst the most common functionalist buildings within the country. Eventually, Nordic functionalism came under the influence of more modernist architecture from Mascylla and elsewhere. This trend continued into the contemporary era with the rise of postmodern architecture as well as the International Style with the emergence of large steel and glass constructions, particularly within the cities of Kristianshavn and Rødby. Notable examples of contemporary Nordic architecture include the National Theatre, along with the Nordic Investment Authority Tower both of which are located in the capital of Kristianshavn.

Visual art

Winter landscape by 16th century Dalish artist Henrik Hviid

Visual art in Norden is predominantly associated with the Sixteenth and Nineteenth Centuries which saw a widespread flourishing of artistic movements. These periods also saw considerable patronage of famous Nordic artists and their work by ruling houses or nobility. This patronage was not only limited to Norden itself, but Nordic artists also gained prominence in overseas courts, particularly within Cuthland, Mascylla, and Dulebia. Some notable Nordic artists from this period include Henrik Hviid, Vilhelm Nordlund, and Mathias Steen the Younger. Paintings from this period usually involved some form of iconography with widespread reference or allusion to religious or mythological stories. Many of these paintings were influenced by artistic movements taking place in southern Berea in the likes of Lavaria and Sarrac, with their influences making their way to Norden through the trade routes of the Købmandslaug. Landscape painting was particularly prominent in this era, predominantly featuring country scenes or scenes from mythological stories or fables. By the mid-Sixteenth Century genre painting had emerged in Dalland which focused upon scenes depicting everyday life such as paintings of families, workplaces, or social gatherings. This proved to be a significant departure from the religious iconography which had dominated Berean painting up until this point.

Bridal Procession on the Salvisfjord by Harald Ulven

By the Nineteenth Century and the onset of the Nordic Golden Age Nordic visual art had become firmly entrenched with more neoclassical and romanticist tones with influences from across Telmeria. Notable Nordic artists from this period such as Harald Ulven or Anton and Julian Sommer were world-renowned for their romanticist and neoclassical paintings, with each receiving royal and state patronage for their work through membership of the Nordic Artistic Exhibition. As the century developed though new artistic movements began to emerge which rejected the romanticist hegemony, leading to the development of realist art which focused on an avoidance of the supernatural and depicting life "in its true form". Notable Nordic realist artists include Iris Sand, who was amongst the first female artists to gain recognition through the Artistic Exhibition. Nevertheless, realism too would oversee a backlash of sorts with the emergence of impressionism and expressionism which would come to the forefront during the late-Nineteenth to early-Twentieth Centuries.

The most famous Nordic art galleries are located within the south of the country, predominantly in the cities of Kristianshavn and Rødby. The most prestigious gallery in the country is the National Gallery in Kristianshavn which features some of the most famous Nordic paintings such as Bridal Procession on the Salvisfjord by Harald Ulven, or The Lonely Wanderer by Julian Sommer. The gallery also features a number of pieces which were donated to the museum by the Nordic royal family. Outside of Dalland the most famous Nordic art gallery is the Ulven Gallery in Hvitrheim which features most of the work of Harald Ulven not displayed within the capital. The city also plays host to annual the Hvitrheim exhibition which sees the work of young up-and-coming artists from around the world placed on public display.

Performing arts

The Royal Opera House in Kristianshavn

Herrup festival Main stage in 2016

Norden is renowned for its ballet and opera scene which form of the core of the country's highbrow performing arts. The Nineteenth Century was known in Norden as the Golden Age of Ballet and Opera, with composers such as Albert Mørch and Ludvig Abrahamsen gaining international notoriety, and exposing the world to Nordic music and performing arts. Nordic ballets such as Lille Svane and Det Gyldne Præg remain popular around the world to this day. Opera in particular was widely patronised by the royal family who oversaw the construction of a number of opera houses throughout the country. The city of Kristianshavn is known to have the largest number of opera houses and theatres per capita of any city within Aurorum.

Additionally, Norden also boasts a significant theatre, movie, and television scene with Nordic dramas and noir films popular across Aurorum. Nordic theatre receives significant royal patronage and is well regarded for its traditional Yuletide shows and pantomimes. The district of Nyhavn within the city of Kristianshavn is seen as the home of the Nordic television industry with most of the country's media production companies based there. The detective fiction and nordic noir TV show Mand which ran from 2006 until 2012 was one of the most popular Nordic television series, with the show being dubbed into over 10 different languages and aired in over 30 different countries throughout Aurorum. The show gained widespread acclaim for its presentation of mature and taboo themes such as sexual violence, parental abuse, masculinity, and mental illness, winning numerous awards in the process. The success of the show also led to the development of a feature film and spin-off sequel.

Norden also has a large scene of bands and musicians. folk and indie rock are some of the most popular genres of music within the country. However, such music is seen by many within Norden as lowbrow, enjoyed by much of the lower classes and younger generation. This snobbery toward popular music, along with other cultural and political divisions between the country's more conservative older generation and the more liberal left-leaning youth, has also led to the development of a powerful grunge and punk rock scene which embodies the backlash against the conservative social policies of modern Norden as well as the younger generation's general anti-authority outlook. Norden also hosts a number of acclaimed music festivals, most notably the Herrup festival which takes place every year in July involving world famous musicians from across Aurorum.

Literature

Title page of a Prose Edda manuscript depicting numerous figures of Nordic mythology

Norden has maintained a strong literary tradition throughout its history, dating as far back as the Fourth Century AD where stories and myths were carved and painted into runestones. The most notable early Nordic literature are the Nordic sagas. Though primarily distributed and passed down through generations via oral tradition, evidence of written sagas is commonplace with manuscripts dating as early as the Seventh Century to as late as the Thirteenth. It is believed that written accounts of sagas were primarily a means of preserving key details of recollections, with the Old Nordic scholar Edgar Thorvaldsson, notable as the author of the written Saga of Harald Eriksson prefacing his account be detailing his desire to maintain the "accuracy of account, which can only be preserved with the [written] hand". Nordic sagas cover a range of stories and topics, the most notable being tales of Viking voyages known as eiðrekkrinnsǫgur, or accounts of Old Nordic Kings named konungasǫgur. Additionally, Old Nordic literature also heavily focused on mythological stories and works of religious writings, such as that contained within the Prose Edda from which modern scholars gained significant insight into early Nordic religious belief known as the Aldinntrú. Poetry was also commonplace in early Norden, with the poetic tradition lasting long into the early modern period and contemporary Norden. Most surviving early Nordic poetry is contained in either the so-called Codex Regius or "King's Book", as well as the Poetic Edda.

The literary firebrand Eva Degn was one of the earliest feminist writers and philosophers in Norden

The Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries in Dalland were also renowned for the flourishing of the arts, notably including literature, poetry, playwriting, and philosophy. Encapsulated within the spirit of the northern Renaissance, saw an explosion of humanist writings as well as plays, books, and poetry investing and discussing the human condition as well as the natural world. Early modern Dalish literature is perhaps best expressed through the work of Kasper Henriksen, a notably playwright and poet whose works continued to be celebrated to this day. Henriksen's various plays included stories of ancient Cambran Emperors, far-off mystical lands, as well as feuding kings and nobles. Henriksen's work primarily focused on the impact of human emotions, notably love, jealousy, and fear. His plays and poetry continue to be reproduced around the world and form a major part of the Nordic school curriculum in the study of Dalish literature.

However, perhaps no era is more associated with literature than the Nordic Golden Age during the Nineteenth Century. Numerous works of writing covering a vast range of topics were produced during this period, with a number of prestigious authors even gaining royal patronage for their work. Notable Nordic authors during this period included Sigmund Lybeck, Anton Hansen, and Alfreð Íansson. Nordic literature in this period also focused on political themes, advocating social, political, and economic change. Eva Degn was one of the most influential writers in early Nineteenth Century Norden, and an ardent advocate for women's rights. Though initially publishing fictional novels under the pen name "Robert Boysen", Degn soon moved into the political sphere through her publication of the "Women's Manifesto" which became a rallying point around which the Nordic feminist movement coalesced.

The literary legacy of Nineteenth-Century Norden continued over into the Twentieth Century, though a marked shift took place in the aftermath of the Great War. Stories and plays began to focus on darker themes, investigating moral complexities, more taboo aspects of the human condition, as well as openly critiquing aspects of societal and governmental organisation. Such themes would coalesce around the genre of noir fiction which Norden became heavily associated with. Such literature would inevitably influence emerging artforms such as film and television which continue to maintain a strong presence within Nordic culture. The mid-Twentieth Century also saw the emergence of Bruno Brink, perhaps the most famous of all Nordic writers. Brink was most notable for his popular children's books which focused on fantastical stories based in real-world settings. Notable stories such as Farmer Fred's Magic Cow (Dalish: Landmand Freds Magisk Ko) and The Green Meanie (Den Grønne Skurk) are some of the most popular children's books in all of Aurorum with numerous translations and regular re-releases. Many of Brink's tales have also been turned into feature films many of which have received critical acclaim.

Cuisine

A traditional Nordic smörgåsbord

Traditional Kaffebar in Kristianshavn

Nordic cuisine, like much of Telmeria is primarily composed of dishes involving meat, fish, and potatoes. The usage of herbs and spices within Nordic cuisine is relatively rare, especially in dishes originating from outside of Dalland. This is primarily due to the climate of these regions which involve long, cold winters, necessitating restricted and seasonal diets. Nevertheless, improved trading links in the Nineteenth Century, as well as technological and production advances, have diminished these issues somewhat.

Fish is the most prominent foodstuff throughout Nordic cooking with cod, salmon, haddock and herring popular across the country. Fish is usually served alongside cheese, potatoes, and salad or as part of a smörgåsbord. Fish is also one of the country's main exports with Nordic cod popular in Falland and Sarrac. However, this reliance on fish as a staple part of the Nordic diet has led to a decline in fish stocks within the Telmeric and White Seas leading to the implementation of restrictions on fish farming as well as a move towards more sustainable methods of fishing and the promotion of dietary alternatives. Mascyllary influence is also strong within Nordic cuisine, with there being numerous national or regional variations on boiled or smoked sausages such as medister or rød pølse. Hot-dog stands, or pølsevogn are commonplace in southern Norden, particularly within the capital of Kristianshavn where over 1,000 Pølsevogn licenses are issued each year to vendors. Bacon is another popular meat dish within Norden which is often served salted or smoked. Bacon is also the country's primary form of non-fish meat export, with various brands of Nordic bacon commonplace across Telmeria and Berea.

Norden enjoys one of the lowest levels of lactose intolerance within Aurorum, and as such dairy forms a major part of Nordic cuisine. The usage of butter, milk, and cream is commonplace within Nordic recipes. Skyr, is a staple of the Nordic diet, with its origins dating back to the Viking age. Though skyr appears to resemble a strained yoghurt, it is more accurately a fresh sour milk cheese. Skyr is commonly consumed as either a high-protein and low-fat snack or as part of a breakfast with berries and cereals.

Norden is known to have the highest per-capita consumption of coffee within Aurorum at around 10kg per person per annum. Coffee in Norden is regularly consumed with milk or cream, with meals, or on a daily commute. Espresso bars are widespread throughout the country, with a number of Nordic chains such as Kaftorsk and Ohlsson having branches throughout Aurorum. Given that coffee is so widely consumed within Norden, more formal coffeehouses or kaffebarer are a staple of the Nordic high street and form a major part of Nordic history, culture, and social life; providing spaces for social gatherings, work, or a place to eat a light meal. Legend suggests that Nordic scientist Hannes Lundström discovered the concept of gravity whilst sitting in a kaffebar in Haversand. Traditionally, kaffebarer were also common sites for social smoking, however, indoor smoking in undesignated establishments was outlawed in 2003, though not without significant opposition.

Norden also has a strong beer and alcohol culture dating back to the Iron age. Beer, vodka, and mead are the most commonly consumed alcoholic beverages within the country. Pale lager is the most commonly consumed beer with brands such as Dahls and Taahus popular worldwide. Stout, porter, and brown ale are also popular throughout the country, though particularly within the more northerly regions. Despite the modern popularity of alcohol, during the Graversen administration between 1925 and 1940 alcohol was prohibited due to its role in causing "social discord and disharmony". Nevertheless, underground bars or smuglerhuse gained prominence, supplied by various criminal organisations and gangs. The inability of authorities to clamp down on illegal alcohol ultimately led to the repeal of prohibition shortly after the death of Chancellor Ulrik Graversen.

Sports

Cyclist Tue Hammer at the 2016 Auroran Games

By far the two most popular sports in Norden are association football and ice hockey. Norden boasts a strong national football team with a history of elite footballing talents such as Christoffer Thrane and Sone Sandberg. The Nordic team of the 1990s was widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time, going on to win the Auroran Cup in 1997, to date Norden's only national footballing honour. Additionally, the country is home to a strong domestic footballing scene, with three professional divisions. The highest division, named the Rigsliga is amongst the top-5 ranked leagues in Berea based on league coefficient and regularly sees teams qualify for the Berean Championships. The most successful domestic team in Norden is Rødby FK who hold 14 league titles.

Ice hockey is a close second in terms of the country's most popular sport with a strong domestic scene through the Ishockeyliga. The country boasts over 1,000 recognised amateur and professional ice hockey teams and the sport plays a key role within the national sporting curriculum for schools. Norden maintains a national rivalry with Cuthland in ice hockey with both teams seen as two of the strongest in Aurorum. Norden has won the International Ice Hockey Championships (IIHC) seven times with four gold medals at the Auroran Games.

Other ice skating disciplines such as speed skating and figure skating are also popular within Norden, with the country having won several gold medals at the Auroran Games. The country also performs strongly at the Auroran Winter Games, particularly in disciplines such as snowboarding, Alpine skiing, and ski jump.

Other popular sports within Norden include cycling and handball with the country having enjoyed considerable success in the two disciplines on the international stage. Norden is particularly notable for its track cycling which is amongst the most successful disciplines in the country's athletic history. Track cyclist Tue Hammer is the most decorated Nordic athlete with five gold medals and two silver in individual pursuit, team pursuit, and sprint events. Norden also has a strong road racing scene with the Nordisk Rundt one of the most prestigious Auroran cycling tours. The Rundt is particularly notable for its gruelling mountain stages which are amongst the toughest in professional cycling. In terms of handball Norden has a professional handball league known as the Håndbold Mesterskab and has won three gold medals in the sport at the Auroran Games.

National holidays and festivals

Traditional Yule market in Rødby

Numerous holidays and festivals of religious, cultural, and historical significance are celebrated throughout the calendar year within Norden, many of which also have corresponding status as a public holiday. One of the most popular festivals in Norden is that of Yule (Dalish: Jule) which forms a key part of the Nordic Semitar calendar and runs from the 24th December until the 5th January. Traditional Yule markets are common throughout the country at this time, along with theatre and light shows, making Yule a particularly busy season for foreign tourism within Norden. Juledag on the 25th of December is a national holiday, along with Juleaften on the 24th with family gatherings, gift-giving and feasts common practice.

Other religious observances such as Påske, Pinesdag, and Store Bededag are also given official status as a public holiday along with other secular holidays such as New Years Day, Ornulf Askelsson Day, and Nordic National Day.

Other holidays such as Armistice day, which is a day of remembrance for those killed during the Great War are not regarded as public holidays, however, they receive official state recognition and involve the organisation of official state ceremonies. Several other holidays or festivals specific to localities or regions throughout Norden also have official recognition from county-level or devolved governments such as that within Snaeland. Whilst these observances are not public holidays they usually involve some form of festivity or ceremony organised by local government bodies.