Rothurland - Revision history

Gronk at 18:44, 18 January 2026

2026-01-18T18:44:49Z

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	Trolls, especially of the ice and scrag varieties, are widespread across Rothurland. Other types of trolls, such as jotund trolls, are significantly less common.		Trolls, especially of the ice and scrag varieties, are widespread across Rothurland. Other types of trolls, such as jotund trolls, are significantly less common.

	Due at least in part to the cultural acceptance of lycanthropy in Rothurland, werecreatures are comparatively common in the region.		Due at least in part to the cultural acceptance of [[Lycanthropy\|lycanthropy]] in Rothurland, werecreatures are comparatively common in the region.

	== Culture ==		== Culture ==

Gronk at 03:19, 10 February 2025

2025-02-10T03:19:33Z

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	== Demographics ==		== Demographics ==
	Despite the relative remoteness of Rothurland from other significantly populated parts of the world, the region is demographically quite diverse. Most Rothurlanders are [[human\|humans]], [[Orc\|orcs]], or half-orcs, joined by significant numbers of kobolds, [[tengu]], and others. [[Dwarf\|Dwarves]] are somewhat common in the region, especially near the communities of [[Anvil Rock]] and [[Grimfell]].		Despite the relative remoteness of Rothurland from other significantly populated parts of the world, the region is demographically quite diverse. Most Rothurlanders are [[human\|humans]], [[Orc\|orcs]], or half-orcs, joined by significant numbers of [[kobold\|kobolds]], [[tengu]], and others. [[Dwarf\|Dwarves]] are somewhat common in the region, especially near the communities of [[Anvil Rock]] and [[Grimfell]].

	Multiple kinds of giants can be found across Rothurland, especially frost, stone, and taiga giants. While most giants in the region live in the eastern hills, mountains, and woodlands, they can be found as far afield as the northern fjords and western islands as well. A very small number of rune giants are present in Rothurland as well, though they tend to be highly reclusive, almost never leaving their hidden mountain abodes.		Multiple kinds of giants can be found across Rothurland, especially frost, stone, and taiga giants. While most giants in the region live in the eastern hills, mountains, and woodlands, they can be found as far afield as the northern fjords and western islands as well. A very small number of rune giants are present in Rothurland as well, though they tend to be highly reclusive, almost never leaving their hidden mountain abodes.

Gronk: /* Fashion */

2024-08-13T01:14:31Z

Fashion

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	Amongst Rothurlandic adventurers and warriors, wearing clothing or armor made out of the creatures one has defeated is seen as a status symbol. Pelts, horns, and other parts are used to make cloaks, helmets, weapons, and so on.		Amongst Rothurlandic adventurers and warriors, wearing clothing or armor made out of the creatures one has defeated is seen as a status symbol. Pelts, horns, and other parts are used to make cloaks, helmets, weapons, and so on.

	Although the practice is largely limited to the inhabitants of the western island and the northern fjords, some in Rothurland blacken their teeth. Tattooing is a common practice in Rothurland as well, ~~though~~ generally as a form of ritual acupuncture rather than for aesthetic purposes.		Although the practice is largely limited to the inhabitants of the western island and the northern fjords, some in Rothurland blacken their teeth. Tattooing is a common practice in Rothurland as well, but generally as a form of ritual acupuncture rather than for aesthetic purposes.

	=== Sports ===		=== Sports ===

Gronk at 16:48, 11 August 2024

2024-08-11T16:48:17Z

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	=== Names ===		=== Names ===
	Rather than use family names, most Rothurlanders identify themselves through bynames, acquired through their accomplishments, feats, roles, or lack thereof. Rothurlandic culture emphasizes that an individual should become known due to one's own actions, and the use of surnames is widely seen as relying on the deeds of others to be recognizable.		Rather than use family names, most Rothurlanders identify themselves through bynames or epithets, acquired through their accomplishments, feats, roles, or lack thereof. Rothurlandic culture emphasizes that an individual should become known due to one's own actions, and the use of surnames is widely seen as relying on the deeds of others to be recognizable. Not all Rothurlanders follow this tradition. The dwarves of the region, for example, use more typical clan names, and most Rothurlandic giants prefer mononyms.

	Not all Rothurlanders follow this tradition. The dwarves of the region, for example, use more typical clan names, and most Rothurlandic giants prefer mononyms. Individuals of any ancestry who have become notable through their deeds frequently choose their own last name, usually from a word or phrase that reflects their experiences or personality. Particularly famous rulers, heroes, and villains usually drop the last name entirely in favor of an epithet.

	=== Food and cuisine ===		=== Food and cuisine ===
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	Amongst Rothurlandic adventurers and warriors, wearing clothing or armor made out of the creatures one has defeated is seen as a status symbol. Pelts, horns, and other parts are used to make cloaks, helmets, weapons, and so on.		Amongst Rothurlandic adventurers and warriors, wearing clothing or armor made out of the creatures one has defeated is seen as a status symbol. Pelts, horns, and other parts are used to make cloaks, helmets, weapons, and so on.

			Although the practice is largely limited to the inhabitants of the western island and the northern fjords, some in Rothurland blacken their teeth. Tattooing is a common practice in Rothurland as well, though generally as a form of ritual acupuncture rather than for aesthetic purposes.

	=== Sports ===		=== Sports ===

Gronk: /* Traditions */

2024-08-11T15:07:40Z

Traditions

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	Runestones, large raised stones with runic inscriptions, are widely used in Rothurland to mark great deeds, important events, or the passing of a noteworthy individual. This tradition has been performed for millennia, and ancient runestones can be found across Rothurland, many with their inscriptions almost erased by time and the elements. Runestones are used both for personal matters, usually created by a single individual or family to mark something of significance to them, and for communal concerns.		Runestones, large raised stones with runic inscriptions, are widely used in Rothurland to mark great deeds, important events, or the passing of a noteworthy individual. This tradition has been performed for millennia, and ancient runestones can be found across Rothurland, many with their inscriptions almost erased by time and the elements. Runestones are used both for personal matters, usually created by a single individual or family to mark something of significance to them, and for communal concerns.

	Hunts and feasts are popular events in Rothurland, almost always in connection with each other. Hunts are often organized to mark special occasions in a community and are seen almost as sporting events, an opportunity to prove one's individual skills. If successful~~, and they usually are~~, the results of the hunt are then used to provide for a large communal feast. Full of merrymaking and alcohol, these vary in duration from a single meal to multiple days long, depending on the reason for celebration.		Hunts and feasts are popular events in Rothurland, almost always in connection with each other. Hunts are often organized to mark special occasions in a community and are seen almost as sporting events, an opportunity to prove one's individual skills. If successful, the results of the hunt are then used to provide for a large communal feast. Full of merrymaking and alcohol, these vary in duration from a single meal to multiple days long, depending on the reason for celebration.

	Instead of clan daggers, Rothurlandic dwarves usually give their children hammers. These are designed and crafted to be intentionally slightly too heavy to be wielded effectively, either as tools or as weapons, in order to encourage the young dwarf to develop personal strength and as a reminder that nothing comes without struggle.		Instead of clan daggers, Rothurlandic dwarves usually give their children hammers. These are designed and crafted to be intentionally slightly too heavy to be wielded effectively, either as tools or as weapons, in order to encourage the young dwarf to develop personal strength and as a reminder that nothing comes without struggle.

Gronk: /* Lycanthropy */

2024-08-11T14:23:38Z

Lycanthropy

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	The Rothurlandic people are far more accepting of lycanthropes than is typical in the rest of the world. Though werecreatures elsewhere commonly find themselves persecuted and hunted, even if they commit no crimes, in Rothurland the curse of lycanthropy is not only accepted but sometimes celebrated. A large number of jarls have been werecreatures, as have many heroes of legend. Rather than being feared, in Rothurland lycanthropy is seen as a personal struggle that can be harnessed for either good or evil. Of course, werecreatures who use their powers to hurt the innocent quickly find themselves on the run, but there is no presumption of guilt.		The Rothurlandic people are far more accepting of lycanthropes than is typical in the rest of the world. Though werecreatures elsewhere commonly find themselves persecuted and hunted, even if they commit no crimes, in Rothurland the curse of lycanthropy is not only accepted but sometimes celebrated. A large number of jarls have been werecreatures, as have many heroes of legend. Rather than being feared, in Rothurland lycanthropy is seen as a personal struggle that can be harnessed for either good or evil. Of course, werecreatures who use their powers to hurt the innocent quickly find themselves on the run, but there is no presumption of guilt.

	For werecreatures who cannot control their transformation, many Rothurlandic communities maintain special houses for them to remain during full moons. The thick walls of these structures are often ~~reinforced~~ with silver, and stocked with food or live animals to further discourage any escape. There is no stigma associated with this - the houses are kept as a communal good, available to any who require them.		For werecreatures who cannot control their transformation, many Rothurlandic communities maintain special houses for them to remain during full moons. The thick walls of these structures are often lined with silver wire, and stocked with food or live animals to further discourage any escape. There is no stigma associated with this - the houses are kept as a communal good, available to any who require them.

	Hereditary lycanthropy is disproportionately common in Rothurland.		Hereditary lycanthropy is disproportionately common in Rothurland.

Gronk: /* Food and cuisine */

2024-08-11T14:21:50Z

Food and cuisine

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	=== Food and cuisine ===		=== Food and cuisine ===
	Rothurlandic cuisine relies on a variety of ingredients. Along with plants and animals natively found in the region, Rothurlandic food adopts influences from their long history of contact with [[Hellea]], [[Meklaw]], and the communities around the Chaska Sea. Animals like cattle, chickens, geese, and sheep are kept for meat and dairy products, supplemented by significant amounts of hunted meat. Seafood is equally important, with whales, seals, and fish all large parts of an average Rothurlandic diet. Staple crops include rye and wheat. Fruits and nuts are commonly harvested from orchards or from wild plants. Flax is grown both for oil and to create linen.		Rothurlandic cuisine relies on a variety of ingredients. Along with plants and animals natively found in the region, Rothurlandic food adopts influences from their long history of contact with [[Hellea]], [[Meklaw]], and the communities around the Chaska Sea. Animals like cattle, chickens, geese, and sheep are kept for meat and dairy products, supplemented by significant amounts of hunted meat. These animals are important not only food food but also as a means of determining social status, for those with the largest herds and flocks are commonly believed to be the most successful.

			Seafood is equally important, with whales, seals, and fish all large parts of an average Rothurlandic diet. Staple crops include rye and wheat. Fruits and nuts are commonly harvested from orchards or from wild plants. Flax is grown both for oil and to create linen.

	Meals are often eaten communally, either in central meeting halls if in a settlement or around a campfire if in the wilds.		Meals are often eaten communally, either in central meeting halls if in a settlement or around a campfire if in the wilds.

Gronk: /* Food and cuisine */

2024-08-11T14:19:57Z

Food and cuisine

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:19, 11 August 2024
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	Rothurlandic cuisine relies on a variety of ingredients. Along with plants and animals natively found in the region, Rothurlandic food adopts influences from their long history of contact with [[Hellea]], [[Meklaw]], and the communities around the Chaska Sea. Animals like cattle, chickens, geese, and sheep are kept for meat and dairy products, supplemented by significant amounts of hunted meat. Seafood is equally important, with whales, seals, and fish all large parts of an average Rothurlandic diet. Staple crops include rye and wheat. Fruits and nuts are commonly harvested from orchards or from wild plants. Flax is grown both for oil and to create linen.		Rothurlandic cuisine relies on a variety of ingredients. Along with plants and animals natively found in the region, Rothurlandic food adopts influences from their long history of contact with [[Hellea]], [[Meklaw]], and the communities around the Chaska Sea. Animals like cattle, chickens, geese, and sheep are kept for meat and dairy products, supplemented by significant amounts of hunted meat. Seafood is equally important, with whales, seals, and fish all large parts of an average Rothurlandic diet. Staple crops include rye and wheat. Fruits and nuts are commonly harvested from orchards or from wild plants. Flax is grown both for oil and to create linen.

	Apiaries are kept across Rothurland, producing honey that is used to create mead, a popular drink in the region.		Meals are often eaten communally, either in central meeting halls if in a settlement or around a campfire if in the wilds.

			Apiaries are kept across Rothurland, producing honey that is used to create mead, a popular drink in the region.

	=== Architecture and urbanization ===		=== Architecture and urbanization ===

Gronk at 14:03, 11 August 2024

2024-08-11T14:03:52Z

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	== Demographics ==		== Demographics ==
	Despite the relative remoteness of Rothurland from other significantly populated parts of the world, the region is demographically quite diverse. Most Rothurlanders are humans, [[Orc\|orcs]], or half-orcs, joined by significant numbers of kobolds, [[tengu]], and others. [[Dwarf\|Dwarves]] are somewhat common in the region, especially near the communities of [[Anvil Rock]] and [[Grimfell]].		Despite the relative remoteness of Rothurland from other significantly populated parts of the world, the region is demographically quite diverse. Most Rothurlanders are [[human\|humans]], [[Orc\|orcs]], or half-orcs, joined by significant numbers of kobolds, [[tengu]], and others. [[Dwarf\|Dwarves]] are somewhat common in the region, especially near the communities of [[Anvil Rock]] and [[Grimfell]].

	Multiple kinds of giants can be found across Rothurland, especially frost, stone, and taiga giants. While most giants in the region live in the eastern hills, mountains, and woodlands, they can be found as far afield as the northern fjords and western islands as well. A very small number of rune giants are present in Rothurland as well, though they tend to be highly reclusive, almost never leaving their hidden mountain abodes.		Multiple kinds of giants can be found across Rothurland, especially frost, stone, and taiga giants. While most giants in the region live in the eastern hills, mountains, and woodlands, they can be found as far afield as the northern fjords and western islands as well. A very small number of rune giants are present in Rothurland as well, though they tend to be highly reclusive, almost never leaving their hidden mountain abodes.
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	The practices of having large physical temples and organized churches are not particularly prevalent in Rothurland. Most worship is much more personal - if a location to pray or give offerings is required, small shrines or secluded places are usually used instead.		The practices of having large physical temples and organized churches are not particularly prevalent in Rothurland. Most worship is much more personal - if a location to pray or give offerings is required, small shrines or secluded places are usually used instead.

			Constellations, called sky-stories, are given great spiritual significance by many Rothurlanders. They are not seen as deities, or as shaped by the gods, but they remain important aspects of Rothurlandic religion nonetheless. In their permanence they are believed to connect the modern day to the ancient past, and therefore provide a way of communicating with distant ancestors.

	=== Traditions ===		=== Traditions ===
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	=== Travel ===		=== Travel ===
	Travel across Rothurland can be dangerous and slow. Ships and boats are used wherever possible; as most major settlements are on the coast or along a river, this is very practical most of the time. Roads in Rothurland are rarely more than occasionally charted routes through the wilderness, maintained only by the footsteps of those that travel them.		Travel across Rothurland can be dangerous and slow. Ships and boats are used wherever possible; as most major settlements are on the coast or along a river, this is very practical most of the time. Roads in Rothurland are rarely more than occasionally charted routes through the wilderness, maintained only by the footsteps of those that travel them.

	~~=== Magic ===~~
	Primal casters like druids and rangers are particularly common in Rothurland, though mages of other types can of course be found as well. The region also has a disproportionate amount of oracles compared to elsewhere in the world - for some Rothurlandic families, the dual boons and curses of oracles seem to be hereditary.

	=== Fashion ===		=== Fashion ===

Gronk at 13:53, 11 August 2024

2024-08-11T13:53:44Z

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	== History ==		== History ==
	It can be difficult at times to separate the legends of Rothurland from the actual history of the people and region. Tales of great heroes and villans are widely told, many ~~of which~~ are doubtless ~~completely~~ factual. The history of Rothurland is inextricably tied to its legendary seafarers, explorers, and warriors, ~~many of whom~~ have become cultural heroes to Rothurlanders.		It can be difficult at times to separate the legends of Rothurland from the actual history of the people and region. Tales of great heroes and villans are widely told - while many are doubtless factual, others straddle the line of truth and myth. The history of Rothurland is inextricably tied to its legendary seafarers, explorers, and warriors, who have become cultural heroes to Rothurlanders.

	Over past centuries, people from Rothurland have established settlements far outside their homelands. From the icy islands and coasts of the northern reaches of the Invelaust Ocean, to the [[Coldwind Islands]], the coasts south of the Sentinel Peaks, and even farther afield, Rothurlanders have founded communities across a large expanse of the world. Wherever they go, their traditions and practices eventually fuse with those of local peoples to something new - while they usually recognize their history, after a few generations many in these far-flung settlements eventually begin to consider themselves less Rothurlandic and more something else entirely.		Over past centuries, people from Rothurland have established settlements far outside their homelands. From the icy islands and coasts of the northern reaches of the Invelaust Ocean, to the [[Coldwind Islands]], the coasts south of the Sentinel Peaks, and even farther afield, Rothurlanders have founded communities across a large expanse of the world. Wherever they go, their traditions and practices eventually fuse with those of local peoples to something new - while they usually recognize their history, after a few generations many in these far-flung settlements eventually begin to consider themselves less Rothurlandic and more something else entirely.
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	=== Art ===		=== Art ===
	Sagas, long stories and histories of heroes, villains, and those in between, are a well-established form of art in Rothurland. While most sagas have been written down, for much of the region's history it was more common for bards and skalds to memorize entire sagas and pass them along entirely as oral stories. Sagas are usually prose, though some incorporate more poetic elements in their text. Common subjects of these sagas include the deeds of past jarls, vikings, and creatures of the wilds. Their stories are often intentionally embellished and altered for dramatic purpose, though never to the point where it becomes clear that a saga is not faithful to the history it recounts.		Sagas, long stories and histories of heroes, villains, and those in between, are a well-established form of art in Rothurland. While most sagas have been written down, for much of the region's history it was more common for bards and skalds to memorize entire sagas and pass them along entirely as oral stories. Sagas are usually prose, though some incorporate more poetic elements in their text. Common subjects of these sagas include the deeds of past jarls, vikings, and creatures of the wilds. Their stories are often intentionally embellished and altered for dramatic purpose, though never to the point where it becomes clear that a saga is not faithful to the history it recounts. Many of these sagas take place in the frontier regions of eastern Rothurland, a wild land that provides fertile ground for the rise of heroes and villains.

	=== Names ===		=== Names ===
	Rather than use family names, most Rothurlanders identify themselves ~~by patronymic or matronymic names. Depending on with which parent they more closely associate~~, ~~last names follow the pattern of a parent's given name suffixed with either "son"~~ or ~~"daughter"~~. Rothurlandic culture emphasizes that an individual should become known due to one's own actions, and the use of surnames is widely seen as relying on the deeds of others to be recognizable~~. Patronymic or matronymic names, however, are considered to be a way of honoring one's parents~~.		Rather than use family names, most Rothurlanders identify themselves through bynames, acquired through their accomplishments, feats, roles, or lack thereof. Rothurlandic culture emphasizes that an individual should become known due to one's own actions, and the use of surnames is widely seen as relying on the deeds of others to be recognizable.

	Not all Rothurlanders follow this tradition. The dwarves of the region, for example, use more typical clan names, and most Rothurlandic giants prefer mononyms. Individuals of any ancestry who have become notable through their deeds frequently choose their own last name, usually from a word or phrase that reflects their experiences or personality. Particularly famous rulers, heroes, and villains usually drop the last name entirely in favor of an epithet.		Not all Rothurlanders follow this tradition. The dwarves of the region, for example, use more typical clan names, and most Rothurlandic giants prefer mononyms. Individuals of any ancestry who have become notable through their deeds frequently choose their own last name, usually from a word or phrase that reflects their experiences or personality. Particularly famous rulers, heroes, and villains usually drop the last name entirely in favor of an epithet.
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	There are few large cities in Rothurland, and even major population centers in the area tend to be small. Rather than centralize and develop into large metropolises, regionally important settlements tend to be places where people from the surrounding towns and villages congregate for important occasions. The vast majority of Rothurlanders live in small communities, though frequent trade and travel keeps them connected.		There are few large cities in Rothurland, and even major population centers in the area tend to be small. Rather than centralize and develop into large metropolises, regionally important settlements tend to be places where people from the surrounding towns and villages congregate for important occasions. The vast majority of Rothurlanders live in small communities, though frequent trade and travel keeps them connected.

	Architecture across Rothurland varies depending on ~~the~~ purpose ~~of the structure~~. Generally wood and stone are favored materials - oak is commonly used in most of Rothurland, but the timber of the giant redwoods is sometimes used in the eastern interior. Most dwellings, stores, and storage areas are relatively simple in design, built to be warm, resilient, and easily reparable if necessary~~. Though there are not a great many large temples in Rothurland~~, ~~those that do exist are~~ often ~~built in [[wikipedia:Stave_church\|"stave" designs]]~~. In some of the outer islands, where wood is less easy to come by and the winter can be particularly harsh, [[wikipedia:Icelandic_turf_house\|turf houses]] are built. Jarls usually build large [[wikipedia:Longhouse\|longhouses]] that serve as living space, throne rooms, and feast halls.		Architecture across Rothurland varies widely depending on purpose, location, and social status. Generally wood and stone are favored materials - oak is commonly used in most of Rothurland, but the timber of the giant redwoods is sometimes used in the eastern interior. Most dwellings, stores, and storage areas are relatively simple in design, built to be warm, resilient, and easily reparable if necessary, often constructed partially underground. In some of the outer islands, where wood is less easy to come by and the winter can be particularly harsh, [[wikipedia:Icelandic_turf_house\|turf houses]] are built. Jarls usually build large [[wikipedia:Longhouse\|longhouses]] that serve as living space, throne rooms, and feast halls.

	=== Travel ===		=== Travel ===
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	=== Burial practices ===		=== Burial practices ===
	Rothurlandic burials usually include grave goods, both valuable items and more mundane objects connected with the individual's life. Jewelry, coinage, and tools connected with the profession of the deceased are all common to include when interring a respected individual. Looting such a grave is seen as a terrible offense - calling someone a graverobber is one of the worst insults a Rothurlander can give another~~. Some particularly fearsome vikings have been laid to rest by placing them in their ships, setting it ablaze, and letting it float out to sea, but this has never been a widely performed practice~~.		Rothurlandic burials usually include significant grave goods, both valuable items and more mundane objects connected with the individual's life. Jewelry, coinage, and tools connected with the profession of the deceased are all common to include when interring a respected individual. Any possessions they acquired in life are seen as part of their accomplishments, and theirs alone, and only in dire situations will the deceased not be allowed to rest with the fruits of their labors. Looting such a grave is seen as a terrible offense - calling someone a graverobber is one of the worst insults a Rothurlander can give another.

	=== Sword-bending ===		=== Sword-bending ===
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	== Economy==		== Economy==
	While it has grown increasingly integrated into global trade, Rothurland remains largely self-sufficient economically. Most settlements produce much of what they need themselves, and trade with nearby ~~communities~~ for other goods. Farming, hunting, fishing, and other food production is central to the Rothurlandic economy. The furs gathered by Rothurlandic hunters are valued in the broader world and are widely traded.		While it has grown increasingly integrated into global trade, Rothurland remains largely self-sufficient economically. Most settlements produce much of what they need themselves and trade with communities relatively close nearby for other goods. Farming, hunting, fishing, and other food production is central to the Rothurlandic economy. The furs gathered by Rothurlandic hunters are valued in the broader world and are widely traded.

	In the past, the vikings of Rothurland were very important to the region's economy, bringing back as spoils valuable goods and resources that could not be found in the area. With the decline of the raiding tradition this has become far less significant, and most goods that arrive in Rothurland are now brought by merchants under their own volition.{{CitiesRothurland}}		In the past, the vikings of Rothurland were very important to the region's economy, bringing back as spoils valuable goods and resources that could not be found in the area. With the decline of the raiding tradition this has become far less significant, and most goods that arrive in Rothurland are now brought by merchants under their own volition.{{CitiesRothurland}}