As we announced in the previous post, today we’d like to introduce the first faction that will be available during the Eladrea alpha test.
We will tell you about the origins of the Nordres, harsh and ruthless warriors from beyond the Great Sea, and their culture, religion, and society basics. Later on, you will learn more about their gods, heroes, combat units, and the details of the mysterious prophecy that forced all of these people to abandon their land and head off into the unknown.
Arriving in the lands of Eladrea
The Nordres originated in a distant frozen land lying so far beyond the Great Sea that the native inhabitants of Eladrea had not even suspected of their existence until their colossal fleet appeared near the northern coast of the mainland.
“After five years of hard and exhausting work, Nordres built a multitude of ships, each for hundreds of people. Glinting metal on coarse wood, fearsome vessels towered by the shores of every city, ready to sail. Nordres were determined to cross the Great Sea in spite of everything.
The great fleet stretched to the horizon, led by the Chosen One himself. But even his patron — the supreme god — could not ease their way. The raging sea washed enormous waves over the ships; before long food and water supplies were depleted. The journey turned out much longer than expected.
At first, their arrival went unnoticed. The northern lands of Eladrea welcomed aliens into their frosty embraces and sheltered them in the snowy villages.
But the hour is coming when their foes will ambush them in the northern mountains of Eladrea..”
Nordres household
— Those northmen? Savages, — chuckled Tom, a stocky well-drunk fellow with flushed cheeks.
— Ordinary folk, — snorted the redheaded maiden with a bow behind her back.
— Oooh, girl! Go back ter yer hut an’ nurse yer ki’ens! Nordres are savages, I say! — he clattered his mug on the table. — ‘ey devour men on the battlefield, an’ tear ’em apart with ‘eir bare hands in battle! Claws, fangs! I swear it, the creatures.
The girl gave Tom a long hard look, either of pity or disgust.
— Their homes are warm, not like your shacks. And women decide for themselves what they want to be. Archer or mother.
— Ha! Tom put on a nasty grin. — A woman is a woman ev’rywhere. She sits at home wipin’ ‘er children’s arses and washin’ ‘eir panties.
— And scum like that, — she nodded at the man, — they kick them out of the cities.
— What?
Tom raised a huge fist and got a swift punch in the nose from the redhead. In a flash, she popped out of the tavern door and waved, smiling, “Come on, I’ll tell you about Nordres”.
The northmen’s social hierarchy is as early as their life beyond the sea. It made life easier and defined clear roles within their society. Nordres are exemplary family men. Upon return from long raids, warriors always show respect to their partners, male or female, who kept their home clean and warm.
They have a special attitude toward the craftsmen. The point is that, despite their outward savagery and barbarism, the Nordres are people who possess the secret of steel smelting, which gives them a strong advantage in battles with the rest of the inhabitants of Eladrea. That is why northerners honor artisans, especially blacksmiths, who choose their calling in childhood and work at it all their lives, constantly perfecting their skills.
Nordres are raised to worship their gods and ancestors. The figure of Nifea — a goddess of family and abundance — adorns almost every hut, and every workshop features an elaborate altar to Cogardor, the god of smithing. In the near future, we expect to share more details on the pantheon of the Nordres gods and the impact they have on the lives and motivations of these people.
The people of the eternal battle
The long winter, short summer, and proximity to the northern mountains have made Nordres a people of strong convictions, unwavering faith, and fiery hearts. Raised in a basically warlike environment, the Nordres pursue an invasive way of life. They infuse the hearts of the inhabitants of Eladrea with primal terror: the Nordres are ruthless and fearless in battle. Their tamed beasts’ fangs and claws inflict almost as much death and destruction as the warriors themselves.
Tremble before the Nordres warriors! Humble servants of Norrador, they are the scourge of the northern lands. Their ice-cold blades and horned helmets instill dread in every living.
Each warrior begins his journey with a rite of initiation at the age of twelve. What difficulties they will face during this trial only the gods know, for each one has their own challenge, which tests his faith and resilience, and by pressing on weaknesses, reveals his strongest traits. Not everyone comes out of the woods victorious, but everyone from that day is changed forever.
The young northerners who successfully pass the initiation begin to master the martial arts they have affinity for. Future archers, living in harmony with the forest and their goddess, are taken by Wargs to the temples of Meskira. Swordsmen are chosen by seasoned warriors. The mages are raised by the followers of Esper.
These children are not children anymore. They abandon their families, and a new stage full of challenges begins in their lives.
It is obvious from the above that these people will only follow the strongest.
The current chieftain of the Nordres is Einarr. A young and ambitious warrior led by Norrador, the Norse god of war.
A long time ago, after a lengthy journey to the northern lands, Einarr proved his courage and perseverance — together with his friends, they recovered long-lost artifacts.
It was then that the young man took the place of the leader, Riksjar, overthrowing his predecessor. He has led his people in pursuit of greater power and conquest, and, following the omens, has brought the Nordres to the lands of Eladrea.
We hope you enjoyed reading this piece. In the near future, detailed stories about the Nordres battle units, their combat tactics, and the tale of Einarr and his rise to power will be published.
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