Denmark & Norway
The Kingdom of Denmark & Norway is a formidable union of two distinct yet interconnected entities in the northern reaches of the European continent. The union has persisted for centuries, creating a unique political and cultural entity that has left a lasting imprint on the region. The monarchy is largely human in habitation. Denmark-Norway has maintained a strong monarchy, now ruled by Frederick III, son of Christian IV, who passed away in 1648. Under Frederick’s reign, the union is presently enjoying a period of relative stability, though tensions and rivalries—both internal and external—continue to shape its political landscape. The vast majority of its ruling class and citizenry are human, but the kingdom is also home to gnomish, halfling, and elvish settlements that long predate the arrival of human dominion.
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Much of the Norwegian land is broken up by small kingdoms, whose gnomish and halflingen residents greatly predate their human brethren. Gnomish Lenglin occupies a small part of the coast between the city of Kristiansand and Oslo; the gnome kingdom of Nanbrun and the halflingen mayoralty of Breen hold much of the coast between Bergen and Trondheim. These regions maintain strong ties to their ancient traditions, governed by councils and elected leaders rather than hereditary monarchs, though they acknowledge Danish overlordship in matters of taxation and trade. The northern coast, beyond Narvik, is controlled by elvish people of the Principality of Ulthua, whose dominion stretches across the fjords and icebound reaches of the north. Elves here are renowned for their maritime skill and mastery of the wild seas, often clashing with human whalers and fishers who encroach on their waters. Other lands surrounding the kingdom include Sweden and the Holy Roman Empire. Including human-held lands of Norway and Denmark, the two kingdoms cover an area of 363.6 hexes and have a population of 1,082,978.
Most settlements are concentrated along the coasts, where fishing, shipbuilding and trade dominate daily life. The interior of Norway, with its harsh mountains and deep forests, remains sparsely populated, often serving as a refuge for outlaws, reclusive gnome enclaves, and wandering mercenaries. To the south, the Danish heartland extends into the Jutland Peninsula and over the Danish Archipelago, adding unique dimensions to the country's identity. One of the most significant islands among them is Zealand, which hosts the capital city of Copenhagen—a bustling maritime hub, boasting a burgeoning trade network and a prominent role in the governance of the realm. With its well-fortified harbor, Copenhagen is the beating heart of the kingdom’s naval power, controlling access to the Baltic Sea and ensuring Denmark’s continued dominance over crucial shipping routes. Danish nobles, merchants, and shipwrights work in tandem to expand the kingdom’s economic and military influence, while the royal court navigates the delicate politics of maintaining unity between Denmark and Norway amid growing pressures from neighboring states and internal disputes.
Geography
Norway is renowned for its spectacular fjords, which are deep, narrow inlets of the sea, often surrounded by towering cliffs that plunge dramatically into the water. These fjords, carved by ancient glaciers, dominate the rugged and deeply indented coastline, forming a maze of waterways that provide natural harbors and serve as vital routes for seafarers. Some fjords stretch far inland, their deep waters sheltered from the rough North Sea, making them ideal for fishing villages and trade hubs. The largest and most famous fjords, such as the Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, extend for miles, with waterfalls cascading from their sheer rock faces, feeding into pristine glacial rivers below. This maritime geography not only defines Norway’s natural beauty but also influences its economy, as fishing, shipbuilding, and seaborne trade thrive along the winding coast.
The interior of Norway is shaped by the towering mountains and expansive plateaus of the Scandinavian Peninsula. These highlands are dominated by jagged peaks, many covered with perpetual glaciers and vast snowfields, feeding the rivers that cut through deep valleys below. The Jotunheimen range, home to some of the highest peaks in the region, serves as a natural barrier between coastal settlements and the harsher interior. Here, ancient trails wind through the mountains, used by traders, travellers, and adventurers seeking passage between Norway’s fjordlands and its inland forests. Between these peaks lie dense coniferous forests, dominated by spruce, pine, and fir, which provide essential timber for shipbuilding and construction. These forests are broken by valleys and lowlands, where settlers have carved out small but fertile patches of farmland, sustaining villages that rely on both agriculture and forestry. In the far north, the land becomes increasingly barren and tundra-like, transitioning into the frozen realms beyond the human-dominated regions, where elvish clans, nomadic hunters, and creatures of the wild make their home.
Denmark, in contrast, consists of a multitude of islands, forming a complex archipelago that stretches across the entrance to the Baltic Sea. The most significant of these is Zealand, the heart of Danish political and economic life, home to Copenhagen and a thriving network of ports, towns, and farmlands. Other key islands, including Fyn, Lolland, Falster, Møn, and Bornholm, contribute to Denmark’s fragmented yet interwoven geography, each possessing its own distinct landscape and settlements. The Danish coastline is varied and dynamic, featuring long sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and marshy wetlands that serve as breeding grounds for migratory birds and sources of peat and salt. The archipelago’s many inlets, barrier islands, lagoons, and estuaries have historically played a crucial role in fishing and trade, allowing Denmark to establish dominance over the seaborne commerce of the Baltic.
The Jutland Peninsula, which connects Denmark to the European mainland, contrasts with the fragmented islands to the east. This landmass is characterized by gently rolling hills and extensive heathlands, which stretch across much of its central and northern regions. The low-lying western coast is marked by wetlands, tidal flats, and lakes, making it vulnerable to flooding but also rich in natural resources. Inland, the soil is highly fertile, supporting widespread agriculture, cattle grazing, and grain production, all of which sustain Denmark’s population and fuel its trade economy. The eastern coast, in contrast, features rocky headlands and deeper waters, where important harbors allow for connections to Norway, Sweden, and beyond. The Danish interior is crisscrossed by rivers and small lakes, creating natural routes for transport and settlement, while ancient oak and beech forests still cling to the remaining wild areas, remnants of the great woodlands that once covered much of the region.
Denmark’s relatively flat and open terrain has made it an ideal place for settlement, expansion, and agriculture, but it has also left it historically vulnerable to invasion. Unlike Norway, with its mountainous defenses and secluded fjords, Denmark’s open plains have long invited conflicts, both from its southern neighbors and from the sea. This reality has shaped Denmark into a fortified nation, relying heavily on naval power, coastal defenses, and well-placed castles to maintain control over its lands. Yet, despite the challenges, the geographical advantages of Denmark and Norway together—with Norway’s natural barriers and rich maritime resources complementing Denmark’s fertile farmlands and strategic positioning—have allowed the kingdom to thrive as a powerful and resilient force in the north.
Culture
The people of Denmark and Norway share a cultural identity shaped by their connection to the land, the sea, and the long winters that dominate the north. Daily life follows the rhythm of the seasons, with harvests, fishing, and preparations for winter forming the natural cycle of work and survival. Homes are built low and sturdy, their wooden beams thick and their roofs thatched or covered with sod to insulate against the cold. Inside, long tables dominate the central space, where meals are shared, stories are told, and the fire remains a constant source of warmth and light. Gatherings around the hearth are an essential part of life, where family and friends drink, sing, and exchange news from nearby settlements.
Food is simple but hearty, consisting of salted fish, rye bread, smoked meats, root vegetables, and dairy, particularly cheese and butter. Beer is brewed in nearly every home, serving as an everyday drink for all, while stronger spirits are consumed at feasts and gatherings. Meals are communal affairs, with the household sitting together to eat, and guests always provided for, as hospitality is a deeply ingrained virtue. Hunting supplements the diet in rural areas, and in the harsh winters, dried and preserved foods sustain families until spring.
Music, poetry, and storytelling hold a special place in the lives of the people, with long, dark evenings giving rise to a tradition of songs and sagas passed down through generations. Ballads recount the deeds of ancestors, warriors, and the supernatural, reinforcing a shared cultural memory that binds communities together. Instruments such as fiddles, lyres, and drums accompany these songs, played at gatherings, feasts, and celebrations. Dance, though often simple in form, is an expression of joy, with group dances forming a central part of seasonal festivals and wedding celebrations.
The Danish and Norwegian people mark the passage of time with festivals that celebrate the changing seasons, the harvest, and the return of the sun after the long winter. Fires are lit on hills and along the shores during midwinter festivals, while summer feasts take place in open fields, filled with games, contests, and challenges of strength and endurance. Weddings are celebrated with days of feasting, drinking, and dancing, binding families together in a way that extends beyond the couple at the center of the ceremony. Death, too, is marked with great ceremony, with the passing of an elder or a respected individual drawing together entire communities to mourn, feast, and honor the memory of the departed.
Personal honor is valued as highly as hard work, and reputation carries great weight in all aspects of life. Insults are rarely forgotten, and debts of gratitude are repaid in kind. Though many disputes are settled peacefully through mediation, there is a deep-rooted belief in defending one’s name and standing, sometimes with words, sometimes with actions. Generosity is expected from those with means, and refusing a guest shelter or aid in hardship is seen as disgraceful.
The long winters foster a spirit of endurance and self-reliance, but also a dependence on the bonds between family and community. There is a quiet resilience in the way people prepare for the harsh months, storing food, repairing homes, and ensuring that no one is left to struggle alone. Neighbors assist one another in times of need, and in the most isolated parts of Norway, where snowfall can cut off villages for weeks at a time, survival often depends on shared effort. Yet even in the most difficult times, there is always laughter, music, and the telling of tales to fill the dark hours, binding the people together in an unspoken understanding that the cold will pass, and life will go on.
History
The history of Denmark and Norway following their union in 1380 is marked by political consolidation, shifting alliances, military conflicts, and the gradual transformation of the realm into a unified kingdom under Danish dominance. Though initially a partnership between two crowns, the relationship between Denmark and Norway evolved over the centuries, with Denmark asserting greater control over Norwegian affairs while navigating its own struggles for power in the broader European stage. In the present, the union has endured for over 270 years, shaping the shared destiny of both nations under a common monarchy.
The Kalmar Union
In 1397, the personal union between Denmark and Norway expanded to include Sweden, forming the Kalmar Union under the rule of Queen Margrete I. Though established as a single monarchy governing all three Scandinavian kingdoms, the union was plagued by internal divisions. The Swedish nobility resisted Danish authority, leading to recurring revolts throughout the 15th century. Norway, though officially a kingdom within the union, gradually became the least influential of the three, increasingly dependent on Denmark for governance and military protection.
The Kalmar Union remained intact for over a century, but by the early 16th century, Swedish opposition to Danish rule had grown fierce. The conflict culminated in the Stockholm Bloodbath of 1520, in which King Christian II of Denmark attempted to crush Swedish resistance through mass executions. Instead, this act inflamed Swedish nationalism, leading to Gustav Vasa’s rebellion and Sweden’s formal departure from the union in 1523. From this point onward, the Kingdom of Denmark and Norway remained united, while Sweden emerged as an independent and often hostile rival.
Danish Rule over Norway
With Sweden’s exit, Norway’s political position within the union declined further. Denmark ruled Norway increasingly as a subject kingdom, governing it through appointed officials rather than allowing significant local autonomy. Norwegian nobility weakened, with many of its landholders either absorbed into the Danish aristocracy or stripped of power entirely. Unlike Denmark, which maintained a structured feudal hierarchy, Norway was largely governed through appointed Danish governors, a system that ensured direct royal control but diminished Norway’s independence.
Despite this, Norway remained strategically vital to Denmark. Its deep fjords and rugged coastline made it a natural fortress against foreign invaders, while its vast resources—particularly timber, fish, and iron—became essential to Danish commerce and shipbuilding. The Norwegian merchant class, centered around cities like Bergen, Trondheim, and Oslo, maintained strong trade networks with the Hanseatic League, though Danish authorities steadily worked to curtail Hanseatic influence in favor of direct royal trade policies.
The Protestant Reformation, spearheaded by Christian III of Denmark, reached Norway in the 1530s, bringing an end to Catholic dominance. Danish Lutheranism became the state religion, and Norwegian monasteries and church lands were seized by the crown. Many rural communities, however, remained deeply tied to folk traditions and pre-Christian customs, maintaining elements of older beliefs alongside official Protestant doctrine.
The Northern Wars and the Rise of Denmark-Norway
During the late 16th and early 17th centuries, Denmark-Norway became increasingly involved in conflicts with Sweden, Poland, and other northern European powers. The rivalry between Denmark and Sweden, ignited after the breakup of the Kalmar Union, defined much of the political and military history of the period. In the Northern Seven Years' War (1563–1570), Denmark and Sweden clashed over dominance in the Baltic, with fighting spreading into both Norway and Denmark itself. Though Denmark ultimately retained its control over key territories, the war drained resources and left neither side with a decisive advantage.
Throughout the late 16th century, Denmark-Norway also expanded its influence into Iceland, Greenland, and the North Atlantic, solidifying control over these territories. Norway’s maritime traditions proved essential in these ventures, with Norwegian merchants, fishermen and sailors playing a crucial role in the expansion of Danish power in the Arctic and North Atlantic trade routes.
The Kalmar War and the Thirty Years' War
Denmark and Sweden clashed once more in the Kalmar War (1611–1613), when Christian IV of Denmark-Norway attempted to reassert dominance over Sweden. Though the war ended with a negotiated peace, it further embittered relations between the two rival kingdoms.
Shortly after, Denmark became embroiled in the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648), one of the most devastating conflicts in European history. Christian IV, an ambitious and militant ruler, led Denmark-Norway into the war on the Protestant side in 1625, hoping to expand Danish influence in northern Germany. However, Denmark suffered a crushing defeat at the Battle of Lutter (1626) against the Holy Roman Empire, forcing Christian IV to withdraw from the war by 1629. This failure weakened Denmark’s prestige, while Sweden, under Gustavus Adolphus, later emerged as the dominant Protestant power in the region.
Despite this setback, Denmark remained one of the most powerful naval nations in northern Europe, continuing to control key trade routes and tolls in the Øresund Strait, where all ships passing between the North Sea and the Baltic were forced to pay Danish tolls. This economic control remained one of Denmark-Norway’s greatest assets throughout the 17th century.
Present Day
Denmark-Norway is recovering from decades of war and political upheaval. The kingdom remains a major power in northern Europe, though its dominance is now challenged by a rising Swedish empire. The new king, Frederick III, has inherited a realm that is militarily exhausted but still economically strong, thanks to its maritime trade, control of the Øresund tolls, and access to Norway’s vast natural resources. Norway remains firmly under Danish rule, governed by Danish-appointed officials and military governors, though its coastal cities, gnome and halfling settlements, and elvish enclaves continue to operate with a degree of autonomy. Norway’s strategic importance is greater than ever, as its mountainous terrain and defensive fjords serve as a natural barrier against any potential Swedish invasion.
The Danish crown, wary of past failures, is now focused on consolidating its power and ensuring its military and naval strength remains intact. However, tensions with Sweden remain high, and many believe that another war between the two northern rivals is inevitable. For now, Denmark-Norway enjoys a fragile peace, but the future remains uncertain as Europe continues to recover from the devastation of the Thirty Years’ War.
Provincial Divisions
| Name | Population | Area (20-mile hexes) | Name | Population | Area (20-mile hexes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aalborg county | 98,774 | 8.9 | Nord-Trøndelag county | 11,963 | 8.4 |
| Agder county | 16,111 | 8.4 | Opland county | 9,493 | 22.5 |
| Akershus county | 93,117 | 6.6 | Østfold county | 5,809 | 3.1 |
| Arhus county | 80,507 | 2.8 | Ripen county | 16,150 | 6.4 |
| Bohus county | 2,149 | 4.1 | Rogaland county | 25,627 | 8.8 |
| Bornholm county | 3,037 | 0.7 | Slesvig duchy | 69,531 | 5.1 |
| Faeroes Is. colony | 6,022 | 1.8 | Sonderborg county | 5,401 | 0.6 |
| Falster & Lolland county | 13,412 | 1.8 | Sor-Trøndelag county | 32,700 | 15.0 |
| Fyn county | 55,421 | 3.0 | Terra Scania duchy | 88,550 | 21.2 |
| Hedmark county | 18,964 | 20.8 | Troms county | 11,314 | 21.3 |
| Hordaland county | 42,014 | 12.8 | Vejle county | 24,205 | 4.0 |
| Iceland colony | 59,294 | 132.1 | Vestfold county | 11,287 | 1.2 |
| Nordland county | 32,049 | 35.9 | Zealand duchy | 250,077 | 5.7 |
Aalborg is situated around the Limfjord, a critical waterway that divides the northernmost part of Denmark from the rest of the peninsula. It is a center for agriculture, fishing, and trade, with its fertile lands supporting grain production and livestock while its access to the fjord and the North Sea facilitates commerce and military movement.
Agder stretches along the Skagerrak Strait, bordered by the rugged interior highlands to the north. Known for its shipbuilding, timber, and fishing industries, it is a key supplier of materials for Denmark-Norway’s naval fleet and maintains active trade routes with the North Sea and Baltic regions.
Akershus extends from the Oslofjord inland toward the dense forests and highlands that separate it from Sweden. It serves as the political and military heart of Danish rule in Norway, housing key fortifications, administrative centers, and one of the most well-defended passages between Norway and its eastern neighbors.
Arhus lies along the eastern coast of Jutland, its fertile fields and proximity to the Kattegat making it a center of agriculture and trade. It supplies grain, cattle, and fish to the rest of Denmark-Norway, while its harbors serve as a key point of departure for ships bound for Copenhagen and the Baltic.
Bohus stretches along the western coast of the Swedish peninsula, guarding the approaches to the Skagerrak. Its fortress, Bohus, is a critical military stronghold, securing the border against Swedish incursions and protecting the northern trade routes between Denmark and Norway.
Bornholm is an island in the Baltic Sea, east of Zealand, serving as both a naval outpost and a vital waypoint for shipping between Denmark, Sweden and the German states. Its rocky terrain and fortified harbors allow it to function as a defensive bastion, ensuring Danish control over trade and movement through the Baltic.
The Faeroes are a scattered archipelago in the North Atlantic, positioned between Norway, Iceland, and Scotland, serving as a critical waypoint for seafarers navigating the northern waters. Its windswept cliffs and rugged coastlines support a hardy population that thrives on fishing, whaling, and sheep herding, while its strategic position ensures Danish oversight of the North Atlantic trade routes.
Falster & Lolland form a contiguous low-lying region south of Zealand, their fertile plains and meadows making them essential to Danish agriculture. They produce grain, livestock, and dairy for the kingdom while their position along the southern Baltic coastline provides a staging ground for naval patrols and merchant vessels travelling between Denmark and the German principalities.
Fyn is an island that sits between Zealand and Jutland, acting as a natural bridge in Denmark’s maritime network and hosting several important ports along its shores. Known for its rolling hills, oak forests, and agricultural estates, it provides a mix of farmland, shipyards, and noble holdings, reinforcing the kingdom’s internal stability and economic strength.
Hedmark stretches across the inland forests and rolling hills of eastern Norway, bordering the Swedish frontier and serving as a natural buffer against incursions from the east. Its vast woodlands and fertile valleys sustain a population of farmers, trappers, and lumberers, while its remote settlements are often the last outposts of Danish-Norwegian influence before the wild and untamed interior.
Hordaland spans the rugged western coast of Norway, centered around the great fjords and maritime settlements that dominate the region’s economy. Known for its seafaring traditions, fishing fleets, and shipbuilding, it is a hub of Norwegian commerce and a key supplier of naval resources for Denmark-Norway’s fleet.
Iceland is an island in the North Atlantic, its volcanic terrain and harsh climate fostering a population that endures through fishing, sheep herding, and trade with Denmark and Norway. Though nominally part of the kingdom, its distant location and strong local identity make it a semi-autonomous province, ruled more through trade monopolies than direct governance.
Nordland reaches along Norway's northern coast, its fjords and mountainous terrain sheltering a scattered population of fishers, whalers, and traders who depend on the sea for survival. Its remoteness and harsh winters make it one of the least governed parts of the kingdom, but its strategic location ensures that Danish-Norwegian authorities maintain a watchful presence over its harbors and trade routes.
Nord-Trøndelag lies in central Norway, its fertile river valleys and coastal inlets making it an important agricultural and trade region despite its northern latitude. It serves as a gateway between southern and northern Norway, with its settlements supplying grain, timber, and livestock to both Bergen and Trondheim while maintaining inland trade routes toward Sweden.
Opland stretches across the forested highlands and valleys of eastern Norway, nestled between Hedmark and the towering peaks of the Scandinavian mountains. It is a land of isolated farms, hunting lodges, and timber camps, where self-reliance is a necessity and Danish authority is weaker due to its rugged and sparsely populated terrain.
Østfold lies along the southeastern coast of Norway, controlling access to the Oslofjord and serving as a critical link between Norway and Denmark. Its farmlands, fishing villages, and defensive positions make it a vital stronghold for ensuring Danish control over Norway’s eastern trade routes and protecting the approaches to Oslo.
Ripen is located on the southwestern coast of Jutland, positioned as one of Denmark’s oldest and most influential settlements. Though its prominence as a trade hub has declined with the rise of Copenhagen, it remains a key administrative and religious center, housing powerful noble estates and a bishopric that continues to exert authority over southern Jutland.
