The Skáldri
The Skáldri are a nomadic cultural group that pillages the settlements along the edges of the Frozen Wastes, before retreating to their temporary setlements deeper within. They are regarded by many as fearsome barbarians, and though they seem savage, they are skilled in the art of guerilla warfare.
Rulers:
The Skáldri are broken down into a number of clans. One of the more powerful ones, the Skáldri-Thorføst, is led by Matriarch Uthavauld.
Location:
The northern border of the Frozen Wastes.
Alignment:
Overall chaotic neutral.
Inhabitants:
The Skáldri are a race of human, but consider themselves separate and above. Any sapient, non-Skáld being is called stidja. Occasionally they tolerate the presence of an outsider--either a stidja or a Skáld from another clan.
Skáldri are usually around 2 meters tall and built broadly, with both sexes of similar stature. They usually have grey-tan skin from the glare of snow and almost always have black hair. Their eyes range from blue to brown.
One thing specific to the Skáldri are the Đymnruldi, or storm-husbands, though they can be of any gender. (The Skáldri consider the weather to be a distinctly feminine force, and therefore those that court it are known as husbands.) The Đymnruldi use their magic to call upon the weather, creating storms they use to cover their attacks and cause chaos and confusion. They can also will away these storms. When tribes of Skáldri fight each other, they may either forgo use of storms, or attempt to outdo one another. Each Đymnruld has their own signature storm style, though Đymnruldi from the same clan will have similar styles. In general, a Đymnruld will focus on one particular type of weather to master: differing types of rain and snow, hail, thunder or lightning, etc.
Language:
Known as Skáltænge, or Skaul-tongue.
Religious Beliefs:
Cultural Beliefs:
Government:
Skáldri clans are tribal in structure. Though similar, they all have slight variations in culture. Each clan is led by a chieftain with several advisors. All Skáldri leadership is handled strictly by people older than fifty, which is when they stop raiding.
Family Structure:
Men and women enjoy equal footing in Skáldri households. As with governmental leadership, the households are generally run by the elderly.
Dwellings:
Skáldri are partially nomadic. They will set up settlements for several months at a time before moving on. They don't have any agriculture of their own, but raise herds of vaemmiski and mammoths, which graze on lichens and frozen grasses. When an area has been fully defoliated, the Skáldri move on.
The Skáldri are a nomadic cultural group that pillages the settlements along the edges of the Frozen Wastes, before retreating to their temporary setlements deeper within. They are regarded by many as fearsome barbarians, and though they seem savage, they are skilled in the art of guerilla warfare.
Rulers:
The Skáldri are broken down into a number of clans. One of the more powerful ones, the Skáldri-Thorføst, is led by Matriarch Uthavauld.
Location:
The northern border of the Frozen Wastes.
Alignment:
Overall chaotic neutral.
Inhabitants:
The Skáldri are a race of human, but consider themselves separate and above. Any sapient, non-Skáld being is called stidja. Occasionally they tolerate the presence of an outsider--either a stidja or a Skáld from another clan.
Skáldri are usually around 2 meters tall and built broadly, with both sexes of similar stature. They usually have grey-tan skin from the glare of snow and almost always have black hair. Their eyes range from blue to brown.
One thing specific to the Skáldri are the Đymnruldi, or storm-husbands, though they can be of any gender. (The Skáldri consider the weather to be a distinctly feminine force, and therefore those that court it are known as husbands.) The Đymnruldi use their magic to call upon the weather, creating storms they use to cover their attacks and cause chaos and confusion. They can also will away these storms. When tribes of Skáldri fight each other, they may either forgo use of storms, or attempt to outdo one another. Each Đymnruld has their own signature storm style, though Đymnruldi from the same clan will have similar styles. In general, a Đymnruld will focus on one particular type of weather to master: differing types of rain and snow, hail, thunder or lightning, etc.
Language:
Known as Skáltænge, or Skaul-tongue.
Religious Beliefs:
Cultural Beliefs:
Government:
Skáldri clans are tribal in structure. Though similar, they all have slight variations in culture. Each clan is led by a chieftain with several advisors. All Skáldri leadership is handled strictly by people older than fifty, which is when they stop raiding.
Family Structure:
Men and women enjoy equal footing in Skáldri households. As with governmental leadership, the households are generally run by the elderly.
Dwellings:
Skáldri are partially nomadic. They will set up settlements for several months at a time before moving on. They don't have any agriculture of their own, but raise herds of vaemmiski and mammoths, which graze on lichens and frozen grasses. When an area has been fully defoliated, the Skáldri move on.
Vaemmiski
Vaemmiski (known to stidja as woolly rhinoceri, woolly einhorns, or Skaul-beasts) are a crucial part of Skáldri culture, much like horses are to Mongolians. They are used for labor, food, and companionship. Vast herds of them are maintained, with the strongest, fastest, most ferocious individuals getting picked for life as a vaemmisk-ur, one of the beasts to carry Skáldri warriors into battle.
Most of the Skáldri diet comes from vaemmiski, supplemented by whatever can be scavenged or taken from stidja settlements.
Vaemmiski (known to stidja as woolly rhinoceri, woolly einhorns, or Skaul-beasts) are a crucial part of Skáldri culture, much like horses are to Mongolians. They are used for labor, food, and companionship. Vast herds of them are maintained, with the strongest, fastest, most ferocious individuals getting picked for life as a vaemmisk-ur, one of the beasts to carry Skáldri warriors into battle.
Most of the Skáldri diet comes from vaemmiski, supplemented by whatever can be scavenged or taken from stidja settlements.