Loiteil

A cold nation to the far north, populated primarily of the early human settlers than came from the south, and wayward dwarves from the neighboring nation of Formarch.

The Loit people are very mild mannered, and especially hard working in the summer months to prepare for the coming winter each year.

History
Most of the people who settled into Loiteil were in attempt to escape war in the south or famine in the east. Each village is self sufficient and is governed by their elders. In the larger towns or cities, the same applies, along with a union of traders who help keep the economy afloat. Overall, Loiteil is idyllic in it's early political and economic life.

Before dwarves and humans came to settle the frigid northern reaches, snow elves thrived off of the local fauna. Travelling via ice from the frozen wastes in the north down to modern day Loiteil, the snow elves migrated to continue hunting. On occaision, a snow elf caravan will travel into the villages to trade, but more often than not, they keep to themselves near the northern shores and the Gleice forest until the weather dictates safe passage back to the north pole.

Geography
Loiteil is considered very secluded from the rest of the world. The heart of the nation sits within a valley, surrounded by mountains in the east and south, and ocean shores in the north and west. On the northern shores, an "ice bridge" forms in the cold months, granting passage from Loiteil to the north pole--often referred to as the "Northern Wastes" as little or no life can survive outside of the well adapted Snow Elves.

Demographics
Though an official census has never been taken, roughly 100,000 people call Loiteil home.

Religion in Loiteil
Most people in Loiteil follow Maya and Palla, with subsequent followings for Ledra, Soloman and even Lias and Mirelle. Given their almost jaded nature, it's rare to find people who give honor to Khyram. Almost out of superstition, several homes will ward their home against Laika--Dwarven especially. Some will go as far as to leave small offerings to appease her appetite if they fear her influence is near.

Cultural Influences
Both human and dwarven idiosyncrasies are very prominent in the Loit. Holidays previously only celebrated in Formarch are embraced here, including "Cold Iron Day", where no dwarf will touch a hammer and taverns fill earlier in the day.

Languages
Almost every Loit speaks common as well as dwarvish. In some of the northern villages that trade with snow elves, many have picked up Soluuk, a broken Elvish dialect.

Education
The pursuit of knowledge isn't nearly as prominent as survival in Loiteil. Most teaching is done within the home, or in small schools. They teach the basics of reading and writing, along with trade skills, and most importantly: survival.