Cultural Setting (Xalimfal)

         I've always found the nordic races and history to be some of the most fascinating in our world. They were a powerful people with a very unique set of beliefs and hierarchy. The people of Xalimfal are based on this old pagan juggernaut but I've sort of combined this concept with a mixture of Celtic and Mongolian cultural influence. Thus far, I have little more than a basic idea of these people, but I venture to guess that they will grow into a beautiful and intriguing population in the story.

         Xalimfal is an isolated sovereignty from the main continent of Arlia. It's people live within a rugged steppes of a mountainous region, and are quite accustomed to frigid temeratures.

         The people of Xalimfal are ruled by a king of sorts. Though he leaves the application of his laws in the hands of the many Warlords of the nation, much of his rule goes unnoticed, as his enforcement methods are far too chaotic. Warlords feud with one another over petty things, and because of this, law and moral conduct are of some of the lowest priorities of its people.

         They believe that several gods watch over them from the halls of Valhalla, and that they guide their decisions.

         Xalimfal itself remains isolated, as they have not ventured beyond the misty oceans that seperate them from the great continent to the west. They believe that the many creatures of the deep have claimed venturing ships that dared to go beyond the fog banks. It's people make a life of fishing, and gathering from the local countrysides, as such their seafaring skills are quite adept, but their superstitions keep them far beyond the eyes of the many sovereignties that neighbor them.

         There are several clans among the Xalimfal peoples. Each clan is ruled by a warlord who oversees the laws of his district as well as the laws of their king. Some warlords tend to ignore the king, and rather work for their own purposes, others tend to be more strict in the application of his wishes. Unfortunately, the chaotic society has contibuted to a rather backward advancement in technology. Though they have discovered black powder guns, there are few who understand its principles of combustion, pressure, and ballistics.

         In terms of strength, due to their backward technologies, they have gone overlooked by the rest of the world, however they are themselves, some of the most powerful men and women in the world. Bred from conflict and harsh weather, its citizens are hearty people who do not lack courage of any kind. Their horsemen are skilled riders and warriors, and in battle, they would be a violent horde.