Archangel

The County of Archangel is a halfling county and colony on the coast of the White Sea bordered by Egreliia to the west and the gnollish kingdom of Bjarmaland to the south and east. Established as a distant outpost of halfling civilisation, the county has developed into a resilient and self-sufficient territory, thriving despite the challenges of its northern climate and the presence of powerful neighbours. Despite its isolation, Archangel maintains steady contact with distant halfling lands, particularly Breen, importing goods that cannot be produced locally and exporting furs, fish and crafted wares.

Relations with neighbouring powers are complex. Elvish tribes in Egreliia provide protective support for the area while acting as a sporadic trading partner, while the gnolls of adjoining Glu'Bak are a constant threat. The rugged environment has shaped a hardy and resourceful population, accustomed to enduring long winters, repelling raids, and navigating the political intrigues of rival factions. Though small in size, Archangel is a vital and determined presence in the region, holding its own against larger and more aggressive forces. The area covers some 25.7 hexes, with a population of 23,853.

Geography

Archangel occupies a stretch of cold, windswept lowlands along the southern shore of the White Sea, with terrain consisting of coastal marshes, taiga forests and rolling hills, with numerous rivers and inlets carving through the landscape. The most prominent geographic feature is Bog Marsh Cape, a large, waterlogged expanse that juts between Dvinsk Bay and Onega Bay, covered in peat bogs, stunted trees and winding waterways. The coastline is jagged and irregular, marked by small bays and rocky outcroppings. Ice floes are a common sight, particularly in early spring and late autumn. The waters teem with fish, but navigation remains hazardous due to shifting ice and sudden storms. Inland, the taiga consists of conifers, birch, and willow, gradually giving way to the frozen tundra beyond the county’s borders.

The county is defined by two major rivers, the Dvinsk and the Onega, which flow northward into the White Sea. Their estuaries create fertile deltas that support settlement, though much of the surrounding land remains rugged and untamed. To the west, the land rises gently toward the border with Egreliia, where the forests become denser, while to the south and east, the terrain grows more uneven as it transitions into the harsher uplands controlled by gnolls.

The climate is subarctic, with long, harsh winters and short, cool summers. Snow covers the ground for much of the year, and the White Sea remains frozen for several months, restricting sea travel. Permafrost lingers beneath much of the landscape, particularly in the inland bogs and northern reaches, limiting deep-rooted vegetation. However, during the brief summer, the lowlands burst into life with wildflowers, mosses, and fast-growing shrubs, while rivers swell with meltwater from the uplands.

Culture

Unlike their more pastoral cousins in warmer lands, the halflings here have developed a strong communal spirit centered around survival in the unforgiving climate. Villages and towns are built low to the ground, often partially dug into hills or embankments to retain warmth, with thick, turf-covered roofs and insulated wooden walls. Hearths serve as the heart of every home, and firewood is meticulously stockpiled year-round.

Despite the isolation, Archangel’s halflings maintain a strong oral tradition, with storytelling, music, and folk festivals marking the passage of the seasons. Food is simple but hearty, focused on preservation and sustainability. Smoked fish, salted meats, hardy root vegetables, and thick black bread form the staples of daily meals, while fermented dairy products and strong herbal teas provide warmth and sustenance. Fermented drinks, particularly a potent honey mead, are a key part of social gatherings. In winter, when travel is difficult and the nights are long, communities gather in great halls or communal lodges to share tales of heroes, tricksters, and legendary creatures that stalk the frozen wilds. Carved wooden masks and effigies play a significant role in these traditions, used in rituals to mark important events such as the first snowfall or the return of the sun after the deep winter.

Dress is practical, with heavy woolens, layered furs, and thick leather boots being standard attire. Beaded embroidery and dyed fabrics, often in deep blues and reds, add a touch of vibrancy to otherwise utilitarian clothing. Many halflings wear bone or wooden charms, believed to bring protection against both the elements and the malevolent spirits said to haunt the tundra. While deeply tied to their homeland, the halflings of Archangel remain curious about the world beyond their borders. Travelers and traders, when they arrive, are treated with wary hospitality, and though outsiders may find the locals reserved at first, they quickly warm to those who prove themselves as friends.