5101-Ivinia, The Viking Lands/introduction

Introduction
is a group of several hundred islands lying off the northwest coast of, across the from. The largest islands are, , , , , , , , , and. The region is mountainous and heavily forested, with -indented coasts and numerous offshore islands and s. The term Ivínia is sometimes also applied to areas with predominantly Ivínian populations, including parts of the Lýthian mainland such as and.

The people of Ivínia are seen as fierce warriors, slavers, and barbaric marauders. They have conquered many kingdoms, including Hârbáal and, and demand tribute from the subjugated populations. They are coastal raiders who carry off treasure, livestock, and slaves. At home, they are skilled hunters and fishermen and are able to cultivate low-quality arable lands profitably. The Ivínians are masters of certain crafts, including bone carving, weaving, and ship building. Through their accomplishments as traders, explorers, and mercenaries, they have spread their influence throughout Lýthia and beyond.

Vegetation and Topography
The moist climate in southern and western promotes rich mixed and needleleaf forests; the latter tend to be boggy. There are s along some windward coasts and alpine vegetation is common in the mountains. Cold woodland, arctic, and similar vegetation may be found in the north and east. Glaciers have left their mark on the terrain — s abound and there are thousands of lakes. Ivínian rivers tend to be short and swift, especially in the west. The longest is the, which rises near and, including lakes  and , is more than 95 league in length.

There are 103 mountains taller than 6000 ft on itself. The greatest is at 12720 ft. Four mountain ranges run generally from northeast to southwest; the  are the greatest. The, located on either side of the , is a region scoured clean by s. It is a hilly and swampy forest with thousands of lakes and relatively accessible mineral deposits, many of which are still undiscovered.

Geologically, Ivínia varies greatly in age. The Ivínian Shield has the oldest rocks. Although most of the mountains are old-fold ranges, is also common in the west, particularly on. Ivínia is subject to periodic mild earth tremors and the occasional severe earthquake.

Weather and Climate
The n climate ranges from cool (like ) along the southern and southwestern coasts to cold subarctic in the north and at high elevations. There is ample precipitation all year round in most regions; it is somewhat less inland and at high elevations and falls mostly as snow in the winter months.

Communications
Most traffic in is waterborne. Ships and boats ply the offshore and inland waterways but mostly avoid the high wind and waves of the open sea. Thousands of offshore islands offer sheltered routes to those who know the numerous s and s but sudden storms can still drive vessels aground. While the Ivínian s are seaworthy, Ivínian s are terrible. Huge tracts of inland wilderness are uncrossed even by s. In winter, when the seas are too risky even for the Ivínians, most people stay in their lodges rather than try their luck in the treacherous wilderness.



= =