Khlynov

The County of Khlynov is a northern province within the Grand Duchy of Moscovy and a fiefdom of Tatarstan, consisting of largely uninhabited mixed forestland. It is bounded on the north by Bjarmaland, on the east by Bulgrastan, on the south by Tatarstan and Cheremissa, and on the west by Nizhne-Novgorod, Kostroma and Vologda. It serves as a source for natural resources, especially timber, though its remoteness ensures that much of its wealth remains untapped. Trappers, hunters, and small logging parties operate within its borders, sending goods downriver to markets in more settled areas. Additionally, the land serves as the furthest reach of Moscovy's influence, though this is little more than a district surrounding the county's centre, around the small city of Khlynov. The county covers approximately 125 hexes, with a population of 93,485.

The province consists of rolling lowlands covered in dense mixed forests, with occasional hills and ridges breaking the landscape. The terrain is shaped by numerous rivers and streams, among which the Vyatka is the most important, serving as the primary waterway. This and other rivers meander through broad valleys, creating marshlands and boggy areas, especially in the spring and autumn. The land remains heavily forested, with a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees, including spruce, pine, birch and aspen, forming a thick canopy that limits visibility and travel.

The climate is harsh, with long, cold winters that see deep snow cover and frozen waterways, making movement difficult outside established paths. Summers are short but mild, bringing heavy rainfall that saturates the soil and feeds the many rivers and lakes dotting the region. Frost lingers well into spring, and the first snows often fall early in autumn, ensuring that the growing season remains brief. The damp, cool conditions foster thick undergrowth, moss-covered ground, and deep peat bogs, making much of the land difficult to cultivate or traverse for those unfamiliar with its terrain.

Culture

The people, largely Russian, are deeply tied to the land; they are wary of outsiders and slow to trust, valuing resilience, self-reliance, and loyalty to kin and community above all else. Oral tradition is strong, with old songs, folktales, and superstitions passed down through generations, often blending Orthodox Christian beliefs with older animist customs. Sacred groves and river spirits hold quiet reverence, even among those who attend church, and many still whisper about creatures that walk unseen through the woods.

Respect for elders is paramount, as wisdom and experience are prized in a place where mistakes can mean death. Disputes are settled through council meetings of village heads, with arbitration by respected elders or Orthodox priests. Hospitality is a valued virtue, but it comes with an expectation of reciprocity—those who take advantage of kindness find themselves shunned. Hardship is endured without complaint, as suffering is seen as a natural part of life, met with grim humour and stoic endurance.

Storytelling, music, and simple festivities help break the long stretches of isolation. Epic tales of past warriors, trickster spirits, and the deeds of ancestors are recited in the evenings, while rough-hewn instruments provide a rhythmic backdrop to communal gatherings. Dance is slow and deliberate, a reflection of the people’s temperament.

History

Khlynov was founded in 1374 by settlers from Novgorod, establishing a foothold in the Vyatka basin, though for a century it remained no more than an outpost attracting freebooters, traders, and those fleeing civilisation. Its distance from major centers of power allowed it to develop a strong tradition of self-rule, resisting outside authority even as it grew into a regional hub.

In the late 15th century, Moscovy expanded its reach and brought Khlynov under its control, incorporating it into the Grand Duchy. This marked the end of its independence, though local resistance continued for decades. By the 16th century, the city served as an administrative center, overseeing the surrounding lands and ensuring Moscovy’s influence in the region. Despite this, the province remained on the empire’s fringe, with vast stretches of wilderness beyond its settlements.

Throughout the early 17th century, Khlynov's role has remained minor compared to more southern regions. It remains a place of exile for those out of favour, and a base of expeditions into the forest. Little contact is had with the gnolls to the far north or the denizens of Bulgrastan, as the land itself is too vast and empty to encourage competition over its considerable resources. Thus the land remains largely unexploited, with Moscovy maintaining it as part of its northern frontier rather than a focus of development.