Sea

Hval Maluk

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 16, 2026.

***

Not Hval. (I would not have survived to share the picture.)

“If you listen carefully to the wind, you can hear his voice behind it. His voice says the weak shall rest upon the ocean floor.”

– Old Mackie One Eye, Bosun’s Mate.

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Legends tell of a great Walrus in the North seas. Sailors credit this lord of the icy waters with producing great winds and terrible storms. Hval Maluk regards arctic waters as a home to the strong and the brave, and he is offended at the mere thought of a weak-willed soul in this, his own domain. He regards all humans and their kindred with great suspicion, and He sends his storms to drive away the weakest from among these creatures. Hval detests weakness of all kinds, and hH will not hesitate to kill those proving too frail to thrive in the harsh world which is his home.

It is possible that Hval Maluk may, on occasion, send a welcome wind blowing in just the right direction, but most would tell you not to count on it. Many would deny that such aid ever occurs, even if they sometimes toss an offering into the sea in the hopes that they might be wrong about the matter.

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Religion: There is no organized religion worshipping Hval Maluk, though wise people will honor His name whenever entering His domain. Individuals finding themselves in arctic waters would do well to pay him heed of some kind. Whether Vikings in their longboats or Inuit out on the ice, travelers on the outermost seas will often make a sacrifice to this god. This commonly takes the form of leaving a small bit of food behind in camp or tossing some overboard at the beginning of a meal. Only a fool would pray that Hval Maluk show mercy, but a strong sailor might hope that respects would be repaid in kind to those deemed worthy of the aid. Those with sense ask only that they should themselves have the strength and courage to weather any challenges sent their way.

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Domains: Cold Waters, Winter Weather

Symbol: Two long tusks under a bunch of whiskers.

Favored Offerings: Hval Maluk is most pleased with offerings of Meat and Fish.

Sea Elves

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 16, 2026.

***

Sea Elves are a special variation of Elves who generally live their entire lives aboard great ships. Sea Elves refer to themselves as “Kiamsti.” Kiamsti spend virtually their entire lives aboard ships, forming a maritime society in the remote waters far from major shipping lanes used by the land-bound kindreds. Kiamsti get most of their needs from the sea, and from merchant trade with select trading partners. They usually refrain from visiting the major port cities of the land-bound nations, preferring instead to trade with other ships out at sea.

Few representatives from the land-bound kindreds have actually met Kiamsti up close, though many sailors have reportedly seen their ships which are notable both for their speed and for their use of reflective surfaces to blind opponents in naval combat. Kiamsti rarely encounter anyone they do not want to at sea, and when they do, it is almost always on their own terms. Few have seen such ships up close in any event, and those who do so in conflict have often found themselves blinded by the sight of a Kiamsti ship.

Those fortunate enough to meet Kiamsti on friendly terms have relayed stories of beautiful bronze-hued warriors clad in seashell armor (equivalent to banded). Favored weapons among this kind include crossbows, long spears, and scimitars. Both men and women serve in Sea Elven fleets. Often generous to reliable trading partners, Kiamsti nevertheless choose when and where they will conduct business with great care. They seem to know a great deal about who is travelling the seas and what is on board.

Rumors hold that in remote waters, Sea Elves have actually created entire cities which float on the deep waters of the ocean. This, it is said, is where their children reside, and where their arts and sciences have flourished. If any human or land-bound elf has even been to such a place, though, none can confirm it. Certainly no-one hostile to these Elves or indiscreet enough to talk about it much has ever visited one and returned alive.

Additional rumors that some Kiamsti engage in piracy unfortunately appear to be quite true. That few first-hand accounts of such activities are available is most likely due to the effectiveness (and ruthlessness) with which these pirates conduct their business. Nobody really knows just how many reported lost at sea were actually lost to the sea elven pirates.

Sea Giants

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 16, 2026.

***

Sea Giants could easily be confused with normal humans were it not for their great size and strength. They average about 9’ tall, and weigh around 800 pounds. Their features are much like those of a normal human.

Living along the seashores of remote northern lands, Sea Giants are known both for their magical lore and for their great seamanship. Both of these characteristics are combined in the creation of the great ships in which these giants travel. No-one outside their own circles is quite certain whether ships manned by Sea Giants are made of stone which has been treated to add buoyancy or wood which has been treated to add hardness. Either way, these great vessels are widely regarded as great wonders among the seafaring peoples of the world. By most accounts, it takes magical powers to man a Sea Giant vessel.

Sea Giants generally hold themselves aloof to mankind, preferring to keep to themselves. They will occasionally help others in need, but rarely will Sea Giants make any commitments or take sides in the great conflicts of their days. Few friends could elicit more than a little advice and perhaps a helpful spell from Sea Giants; still fewer enemies would be foolish enough to provoke them into more direct involvement.