Drenhaven is a small collection of islands situated in the frigid, windswept seas of northwestern Aeltharis. The Drenhavari pride themselves on their resilience and strength. Qualities forged and reflected by the unforgiving land climate. Sparse resources and unrelenting winters define life here. Survival is a shared responsibility as selfishness has no place in a world that will swallow the unprepared. Respect for religion and ancient traditions is instilled at an early age with the belief that every hardship is merely a challenge from the gods. These values run deep within the Drenhavari culture forming the backbone of a society where unity is essential and perseverance is a way of life.
Geography & Climate
Isolated in the frigid northwestern seas of Aeltharis, this small rocky group of islands is a testament to the will of its inhabitants. Jagged coastlines, small hills and rugged mountain ranges defined this land. Here, the Drenhavari have developed a culture shaped by its terrain.
The long, grim winters and sharp winds support only sparse vegetation. Battling the elements, trees grow short and squat yielding to a vast, exposed tundra. Thin, frozen soil supports only modest agriculture which is limited to the fleeting summer seasons. As winter’s snow melts, grassy plains are flooded with life-giving waters ushering in a burst of life and prosperity essential to survival. Villages relying on small plots of root vegetables, hardy grains and simple livestock must fill their larders during this boon. As the summer sun gives way to winter again, resources again become a luxury forcing communities to band together in order to defy the odds.
Culture & Society
The hardships of the land and environment have moulded the Drenhavari into sturdy and resilient folk. Resourcefulness has also become an important trait in their daily lives. With the harsh land offering little, the Drenhavari turned to the sea for resources. They became adept at fishing, sailing, and boat building. As they stretched their influence further into the vastness of the oceans, they mastered vital skills of cartography and navigation.
This strong spirit of adventure bore them far from their shores to explore the great world of Aeltharis. As their voyages became longer and more dangerous, the Drenhavari looked to their gods for guidance and safety. Prayers, sacrifices, and offerings to these gods are deep rooted traditions that hold to this day. Many outsiders of Aeltharis however, will look upon these rites as archaic and even barbaric at times. While some view their rites as barbaric, others admire the Drenhavari’s deep faith and fierce independence, though they rarely voice it aloud.
History & Government
The population in Drenhaven is often segregated by clan, each tied to their ancestral traditions. Some clans maintain a nomadic existence, adhering to the traditions of their ancestors despite the challenges posed by the harsh environment. Others have united and formed small towns or strongholds. Despite their differences, all clans share a common resilience, shaped by the challenges of their environment.
With such a diverse and scattered population, central rule is near impossible. Instead the clans rely on a council of elders to create and enforce laws tailored to their needs. Disputes over resources, hunting grounds, or past grievances are common, but the harsh realities of survival often compel clans to set aside their differences during times of crisis.
Sacred oaths are sealed through rituals and offerings to the gods. These ceremonies often feature sacrifices, shared feasts, or marriages to signify their commitments. Some of these alliances are fragile with old rivalries and mistrust resurfacing, threatening to undo even the most solemn pacts.
Economy & Trade
As their mastery of the sea grew, so did their interactions with other civilized people of Aeltharis. Over time, trade began to replace their once-feared supply raids marking a cultural shift. Shipbuilding, fishing, and whaling all became profitable endeavours that drove a desire for these exotic resources across Aeltharis.
The whaling industry has now become the backbone of the Drenhavari economy. Whale oil, used as an ingredient in cosmetics and perfumes, became a prized commodity among the rich as well as an excellent fuel for lamps. Whale meat has grown in popularity as a delicacy and craftsmen have learned to use the bones to create elegant ornaments and jewellery. In return they receive metals, textiles, grains and livestock which have all helped to fend off the brutal winters.
Despite these advances, many in Drenhaven remain cautious of the changes and stay true to their ancestral traditions. This divide echoes across Drenhaven, where the clash of old and new defines not only their economy but the very fabric of their culture.
Conflicts & Intrigue
Although supply raids have become less common in modern Drenhavari society, they remain a fallback when diplomacy fails or resources are scarce. Tensions are particularly frequent with the Solmarathi, whose unfavorable trade practices often provoke conflicts. The Solmarathi’s reliance on Drenhavari goods, coupled with their unwillingness to offer fair terms, has led to a strained and volatile relationship, where raids are sometimes seen as a necessary means of securing vital supplies.
Internally, the Drenhavari clans navigate a delicate balance of cooperation and rivalry. Disputes over favorable lands or rich fishing waters occasionally escalate into violence, yet such conflicts rarely last long. All clans understand the harsh realities of their environment and the necessity of unity for survival. Sacred oaths, shared rituals, and mutual agreements ensure that resources are distributed fairly enough to endure the brutal winters and safeguard the society’s future.
To outsiders, the Drenhavari’s rugged traditions and blunt mannerisms paint them as uncouth and barbaric, ill-suited for the finer points of diplomacy. Their disdain for deception and intrigue often leads to them being perceived as tough negotiators, unyielding in their demands. This reputation, while fostering respect for their strength, also isolates them from the more politically nuanced societies of Aeltharis. The Drenhavari, however, remain indifferent to these judgments, valuing their straightforward nature as a strength rather than a weakness.
In the face of harsh winters, treacherous seas, and the ever-shifting tides of diplomacy, the Drenhavari have carved out a unique place in the world of Aeltharis. Their resilience, ingenuity, and unshakable traditions stand as a testament to their enduring spirit. While their bluntness and rugged way of life may seem alien to more refined societies, the Drenhavari remain steadfast in their identity, forging alliances when necessary but staying true to their ancestral roots. As they continue to balance their maritime mastery with the pressures of a modernizing world, the Drenhavari prove that even in a land of unyielding challenges, strength and unity can weather any storm.