Vestrænum

Vestrænum is a fictional region created for a Nordic-inspired fantasy setting. The name is rooted in Old Norse and local dialects, typically interpreted as "west land."

Vestrænum lies along a western coastline, featuring a jagged shoreline of fjords and archipelagos, a central mountain spine, and broad coastal lowlands. The maritime climate brings long winters and cool summers, with heavy seas in winter and frequent fog.

Settlement began in the early medieval era with fishing communities expanding into timber towns. By the later Middle Ages, coastal towns formed trade confederations that eventually merged into the Vestrænum Confederation to coordinate defense and infrastructure.

Today the region is governed by a Landråd and a Council of Elders, with local delegates from several districts. The economy relies on fishing, timber, and shipbuilding, while tourism and artisanal crafts have grown in recent decades.

The inhabitants maintain a distinctive northern dialect and traditions such as winter markets, ship christenings, and woodcarving. Education is supported by the regional college, the Vestrænum Academy, which focuses on marine sciences and traditional crafts.

Notable sites include the harbor town of Ljosvik, the Iron Bridge of Bronn, and the Glooming Woods. The region also hosts seasonal festivals and serves as a waypoint for coastal navigation routes used by local ferries.