vastoihin

Vastoihin is a fictional region created for Nordic-inspired fantasy settings used in tabletop role-playing games and speculative fiction. The name is chosen to evoke Finnic phonology, but it is not tied to any real-world place. In published works and game supplements, Vastoihin functions as a self-contained world with its own landscapes, cultures, and history.

Geography and settlement

Vastoihin encompasses a jagged coastline of inlets and archipelagos, inland hills, and dense pine forests. The coastal areas host bustling ports and shipyards, while the interior supports mining, timber extraction, and farming. Major settlements are coastal towns known for trade and seamanship, as well as inland villages that maintain traditional crafts and agriculture.

History

The region is depicted as having emerged from seafaring clans that formed a loose confederation with inland communities. The Golden Age of Trade brought wealth and cultural exchange, followed by periods of tension with raiding groups and rival regions. Narratives often emphasize resilience, frontier skills, and the balancing act between maritime prosperity and ecological stewardship.

Governance and society

Vastoihin is typically portrayed as a loose confederation of city-states that share a central assembly for interregional matters. Local councils govern within their jurisdictions, while guilds and clans influence commerce and culture. The spiritual life often centers on ancestors, sea spirits, and a reverence for nature, reflected in ritual music, woodcarving, and maritime folklore.

Economy and culture

Fishing, shipbuilding, timber, and mineral extraction drive the economy. Cultural life highlights nautical songs, craft traditions, and markets that connect coastal networks with inland producers. Culinary traditions commonly feature salted fish, barley bread, and root vegetables.

In media

Vastoihin appears as a backdrop for adventures, lore, and regional politics in various novels and games, serving as a versatile setting for exploration and storytelling.