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 and under the rule of Frederick III, son of Christian IV who passed away in 1648. In the present game world, the union is in the midst of a period of relative stability.
Much of the Norwegian land is broken up by small kingdoms, whose gnome and halflingen residents greatly predate their human breathren. Gnomish Lenglin occupies a small part of the coast between the city of Kristiansand and Oslo; the gnome kingdom of Nanbrun and the halflingin mayoralty of Breen hold much of the coast between Bergen and Trondheim. The northern coast, beyond Narvik, is controlled by elvish people of the Principality of Ulthua. Including human-held lands of Norway and Denmark, the two kingdoms cover an area of 229.1 hexes and have a population of 1,024,732.
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.
Norway retained a more decentralized governance system, with distinct regions and local nobility exercising significant autonomy. Many of its territories are occupied by other races, gnomes]], halflingen]] and elves, particular in the far north.
Most divisions were in place by the late 14th century. In 1380, the Kalmar Union was formed, uniting the kingdoms of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden under a single monarch. While this union created a shared monarchy, each kingdom retained a significant degree of autonomy and separate administrative structures.
People
While they have distinct identities, languages, and traditions, there are significant similarities and commonalities that have evolved over centuries between the Danes and Norwegians. Both have a rich history that includes the Viking Age, which has left a lasting impact on its culture and identity. Danish society maintains a hierarchical structure, featuring a noble class, clergy and commoners, with the majority engaged in farming. The Norwegian economy heavily relies on fishing, farming and trade.
Culture during this period is significantly influenced by the Lutheran Reformation, established in the 16th century. The church holds a central role in daily life, and religious customs and traditions are of great significance.
Geography
Norway is renowned for its spectacular fjords, which are deep, narrow inlets of the sea, often surrounded by towering cliffs. The coastline is rugged and indented, with numerous fjords cutting into the land, creating breathtaking natural scenery. The interior of is marked by mountainous terrain, part of the broader Scandinavian Peninsula, with high peaks and plateaus covered with glaciers and snowfields. Between the mountains and along the fjords are dense forests of coniferous trees, including spruce and pine. Valleys and lowlands are often nestled between these forests, providing fertile land for farming and settlement.
Denmark consists of a multitude of islands, with Zealand being the most significant. Others include Fyn, Lolland, Falster, Møn and Bornholm. The archipelago is surrounded by a varied coastline, featuring sandy beaches, dunes and marshy areas. Much of the terrain is flat and low-lying, with fertile plains and meadows that are well-suited for agriculture. The Jutland Peninsula, which connects Denmark to the European mainland, is characterized by gently rolling hills and extensive heathlands. The land is dotted with wetlands, marshes and lakes, particularly in the west. The Danish coastline is marked by various coastal features, including barrier islands, lagoons and estuaries, which have historically been vital for fishing and trade.
History
The union between Denmark and Norway was a result of historical events and political maneuvering. The formal union between Denmark and Norway was established in 1380 with the ascension of Queen Margaret I of Denmark to the throne of Norway. This event marked the beginning of the Kalmar Union, which initially included Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The Kalmar Union aimed to create a single monarchy under a shared monarch, but it was not without its challenges and disputes, particularly with Sweden.
The union with Norway was seen as strategically significant for Denmark due to Norway's valuable resources, including timber and fish, as well as its geographical position. Over time, Denmark consolidated its control over Norway, and the union became more firmly established. By the 17th century, the union between Denmark and Norway was a well-entrenched political entity, with both countries sharing a common monarchy under the Danish crown. This union had endured for several centuries, shaping the history and politics of both nations during this period.
Conflicts
In the early 16th century (1521-1523), Sweden initiated a war of liberation against the Union of Kalmar, seeking independence. This conflict culminated in the Treaty of Malmö in 1524, which recognized Sweden's independence from the union. Small scale wars erupted between Sweden and the union again with the Northern Seven Years War (1563-1570), the Kalmar War (1611-1613) and the Torstenson War (1643-1645). Relations remain strained.
A long struggle, the Livonian War, lasted for 25 years between Sweden, Russia and the Livonian Confederation, into which Denmark-Norway was occasionally drawn, due to it's interests in the Baltic regions. Related to this was the Pomeranian War of 1563 and 1570 with the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, affecting trade throughout the Baltic.
As Denmark-Norway is nominally allied with the Dutch Republic, international conflicts are often influenced by Portuguese colonialism and overseas plundering; this irregular conflict that affects independent trading ships in Atlantic and Indian Ocean waters has been ongoing for nearly 50 years.
Recent History
Speaking of the years leading up to 1650, Denmark-Norway signed the Treaty of Brömsebro on August 13, 1645, ceding several territories to Sweden, including Gotland, Ösel and several provinces in southern Sweden. This loss of territory significantly impacted Denmark-Norway's territorial holdings.
The period has seen a shift in Denmark-Norway towards greater centralization of power and the monarchy. Frederick III, as a new king, seeks to strengthen the monarchy and reduce the influence of the nobility, to establish an absolute monarchy in the two regions.
Divisions
A list of the political divisions are as follows:
| Name | Population | Area (20-mile hexes) |
|---|---|---|
| Aalborg county | 98,774 | 8.9 |
| Agder county | 16,111 | 8.4 |
| Akershus county | 93,117 | 6.6 |
| Arhus county | 80,507 | 2.8 |
| Bohus county | 2,149 | 4.1 |
| Bornholm county | 3,037 | 0.7 |
| Faeroes Is. colony | 6,022 | 1.8 |
| Falster & Lolland county | 13,412 | 1.8 |
| Fyn county | 55,421 | 3.0 |
| Hedmark county | 18,964 | 20.8 |
| Hordaland county | 42,014 | 12.8 |
| Iceland colony | 59,294 | 132.1 |
| Nordland county | 32,049 | 35.9 |
| Nord-Trondelag county | 11,963 | 8.4 |
| Opland county | 9,493 | 22.5 |
| Ostfold county | 5,809 | 3.1 |
| Ripen county | 16,150 | 6.4 |
| Rogaland county | 25,627 | 8.8 |
| Slesvig duchy | 69,531 | 5.1 |
| Sonderborg county | 5,401 | 0.6 |
| Sor-Trondelag county | 32,700 | 15.0 |
| Terra Scania duchy] | 88,550 | 21.2 |
| Troms county | 11,314 | 21.3 |
| Vejle county | 24,205 | 4.0 |
| Vestfold county | 11,287 | 1.2 |
| Zealand duchy | 250,077 | 5.7 |
