_edited.png)
The Norj'halla are a powerful faction of Norse warriors specializing in melee combat and stacking buffs to increase their battlefield prowess. Their units grow stronger over time as they stack buffs from various abilities, making them particularly lethal in extended engagements. The Norj'halla’s heavy focus on melee strength allows them to dominate close-quarters combat, especially with versatile units like the Berserker and Valkyrie, who offer utility and damage in equal measure. However, they struggle with limited ranged options, and their effectiveness drops when caught unprepared. By relying on prolonged preparation and careful unit placement, the Norj’halla can steamroll enemies once fully empowered, but opponents who can exploit their weakness to ranged attacks or hit them early before their buffs build up can turn the tide against them.
The mighty bears of Norheim, larger than any grizzly, roam the ancient forests and rugged highlands of the North. Fierce and revered, they are as much a symbol of Norj’halla strength as they are a powerful ally in battle. Among the Norj’halla clans, the Greatmaw hold these creatures in the highest regard, donning bear pelts and riding them into combat. For the Greatmaw, bonding with a bear is a sacred rite, believed to forge a spiritual connection with Mavedne, the Earthmother. Bears are more than beasts—they are spiritual guardians, representing the resilience and courage of Norheim itself. While other clans use bears for hunting, protection, and companionship, the Greatmaw's connection with these creatures is legendary, symbolizing unity with nature and a fierce commitment to defending their land.
Norheim is a harsh, majestic land where towering mountains meet sprawling pine forests, and freezing rivers carve through ancient valleys. To the west lies Bloodhallow, a dark marshland with a secret past and the home of the infamous Jorskir clan. The frigid Valkyr Peaks lie at the heart of the region, where legends say Hrulnar of Vahlnor, watches over his people. On the eastern Howling Fray, fierce winds batter coastal cliffs, and Greatmaw warriors hunt beneath frosted canopies. The southern peninsula of Norheim, Gildhale, is a rugged tundra expanse dotted with forests and villages, home to Norhold, the capital of the Norj’halla. In this land of stark beauty, bravery is demanded for survival, and the people share an unbreakable bond with the untamed wilderness, defending it fiercely against all intruders.
Norhold, the heart of Norheim, sits proudly on the Gildhale coast, where countless ships dock to trade goods, tales, and treasures from distant lands. Crafted from sturdy stone, timber, and hay, the city’s architecture reflects the resilient spirit of the Norj’halla. Monumental carvings and towering shrines dedicated to Hrulnar, Eyra, and other revered gods dot the city, reminding its people of their divine heritage. Norhold serves as a hub for clan gatherings, where leaders debate, settle disputes, and celebrate. Under the watchful eye of High King Varl Stormguard, the city boasts formidable defenses—tall walls, vigilant watchtowers, and a seasoned Stormguard military presence. Festivals here are legendary, filling the air with music, feasting, and the clash of swords in grand contests of valor, uniting the clans in fierce kinship.
Jordnon Greatmaw, the formidable leader of the Greatmaw Clan, is renowned across Norheim for his legendary hunts and beast-slaying prowess. With the solemnity of a man carrying the weight of countless battles, Jordnon seldom speaks, letting his actions echo his relentless pursuit of glory. He once rode a colossal polar bear, twice the size of any grizzly in Norheim, but after losing her on a fateful hunt, he now wears her mane and wields her claws as symbols of remembrance. Though respected by his kin for his valor, Jordnon’s single-minded drive for personal achievement blinds him to the importance of family, leaving him isolated. He carries a quiet struggle, feeling he has yet to prove himself worthy of Vahlnor, despite the admiration he commands. His life’s journey is one of self-acceptance and reconciliation with the values he’s neglected.
- The Norj'halla grow stronger over time, stacking buffs that significantly increase their damage and combat efficiency.
- The Norj'halla excel in close-quarters combat, with powerful melee units that dominate prolonged engagements.
- The Norj'halla feature versatile units like the Valkyrie and Berserker, offering battlefield control and utility.
- The Norj'halla's Bear Riders and Huscarls provide heavy tanking potential, enabling them to absorb damage and lead assaults.
- The Norj'halla struggle with limited ranged options, leaving them vulnerable to enemies with superior firepower.
- The Norj'halla require time to stack buffs, making them susceptible to early-game rush tactics.
- The Norj'halla rely heavily on melee engagements, making them weak against crowd control or zoning abilities.
- The Norj'halla's sustainability falters in prolonged battles without proper unit synergy or buff management.
The Norj’halla, or “North Men” are a proud, resilient people who fled the High Elven Empire millennia ago to carve out a life of freedom in Norheim. Descended from human clans who rejected slavery, they now inhabit a rugged land of snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and icy shores. Their fierce independence is matched only by their devotion to a rich pantheon of gods, including Hrulnar of the Heavens, Eyra of the Sea, and Skorra of the dark, a deity of sacrifice and survival. This divine influence shapes every aspect of Norj’hallan life, from blood feuds to honorable duels, and their ultimate pursuit: a place in Vahlnor, the afterlife where fallen heroes gather to feast and fight eternally. Over the centuries, legendary figures such as Hrald the Freeborn, who first led their people, and Asgrim Bloodfall, the High Elf butcher, have secured their place in Norj’halla folklore. Their culture thrives on exploration, bravery, and glory, yet they remain vigilant against the chilling fate awaiting oathbreakers in Bahzruud, the Dark Ice, where the dishonored find eternal torment.
