gdalarn

Gdalarn is a fictional region and cultural concept used in speculative fiction and role-playing games. In most portrayals, it occupies a rugged highland plateau in the northern portion of the continent of Novera. The term is applied to both the land and its inhabitants, who are collectively referred to as the Gdalarni.

Etymology in the in-world lore presents Gdalarn as a compound of ancient roots, often interpreted as "stone" and "light" or "sun over stone." Different texts offer varying origins, reflecting the region's long oral tradition and prestige for hilltop temples.

Geography and climate describe basalt plateaus, conifer forests, braided rivers, and chalk-white cliffs. The climate is cool and maritime-influenced at low elevations, with cold, snowy winters and short, mild summers. Agriculture centers on barley, pulse crops, and goat herding; mining and quarrying provide key resources.

History and notable events in the backstory indicate that Gdalarn saw early bronze use, developed a cartographic tradition, and maintained a set of rival clans. A turning point is the so-called Accord of North Gate, a peace treaty that shaped regional trading routes and cultural exchange.

Culture and society emphasize craft guilds, terrace agriculture, and oral archives. Architecture favors stonework and timber-framed houses. The Gdalarni language family includes several dialects used by communities across the plateau.

In media and reception, Gdalarn has appeared in several novels and games, where it is depicted as a multicultural frontier with independent city-states and a tradition of seasonal migrations.