The Ice-Walkers of the Norlands
The Ice-Walkers are a proud and resilient nomadic tribe of people who inhabit the frosty and inhospitable lands of the far north. Their clan culture is deeply rooted in ancient traditions and guided by a strong sense of unity and respect for their matriarchal lineage. Living in harmony with the icy wilderness, the Ice-Walkers are skilled in the art of mining the mystical Blue Ice, a precious and rare resource that they trade with the Volk and other neighboring societies.
Brief History:
The history of the Ice-Walker people is a tale of resilience, adaptation, and cultural exchange in the cold and unforgiving lands of the far north. Comprised mainly of Goliaths, whose lineages can be traced back to the ancient giant race known as the Jotun, the Ice-Walkers have a deep connection to their ancestors and the mystical forces of their land.
Long ago, the Ice-Walkers enjoyed a close and prosperous friendship with the Dwarves of the Norlands. Their cooperative spirit fostered thriving trade routes and mutual protection against the harsh elements of their shared homeland. However, over two thousand years ago, a mysterious event occurred, causing the dwarves to vanish without a trace. To this day, the Ice-Walkers ponder what befell their once-close allies.
Despite this loss, the Ice-Walkers persevered, adapting to their surroundings and forming new bonds. Over time, they intermixed with several Volk clans, welcoming humans and rock gnomes into their midst. This blending of cultures enriched their society, creating a diverse people with a deep appreciation for their shared heritage.
Recently, the Ice-Walkers faced a significant challenge as a schism arose within their ranks. Some members of their community chose to forsake their traditional ways, drawn by the allure of piracy and mercenary work. This decision caused tension and division among the Ice-Walkers, but the majority remained committed to their ancient customs and principles.
Throughout their history, the Ice-Walkers have maintained their nomadic lifestyle, traversing the frozen tundra and icy glaciers in search of valuable resources, including the mystical Blue Ice. This rare substance not only holds economic value for trade but also carries spiritual significance, believed to be a gift from the spirits of the cold, protecting and blessing their people.
Despite challenges and internal struggles, the Ice-Walkers have preserved their rich cultural heritage, their respect for nature, and their bonds with one another. Their history is a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and their capacity for embracing diversity. As they continue their journey across the frozen north, the Ice-Walkers hold steadfast to their ancestral traditions and the nomadic spirit that has defined them for generations.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Lalea, Modi, Norridrun, Forhi, Tasil
Masculine names
Narakhan, Neorok, Norrkun, Nadrik, Thaag,
Unisex names
Every Ice-Walker has a suffix added to their name, after the first, which is usually earned during the First Hunt. This is not always seen as flattering, such as Thaag Short-Leg Baruuk, but the names are tied to the spiritual experience so are not to be ignored.
Family names
The family names in the Ice-Walker tribes are bound in a mixture of Jotun and Volk languages, especially since the intermixture between the two language connections.
Some of the most prominent family names:
Skosgrathane, Laufidrunn, Ruthisa, Va'hien, Bruskalista
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The major language group of the Ice-Walkers is Jout, a variation on a giant-based dialect. Over the age, the introduction of Volkish, along with some Southern languages have been shifting and adjusting the language at it's base.
Culture and cultural heritage
Nomadic Lifestyle: The Ice-Walkers are nomads, traversing the frozen tundra and glaciers in search of valuable resources, including the mystical Blue Ice. Their mobility allows them to adapt to the ever-changing conditions of the icy wilderness and to maintain a harmonious balance with nature.
Spiritual Connection to Nature: The Ice-Walkers revere nature and its elemental forces. They believe that the mystical Blue Ice is a gift from the spirits of the cold, and they perform rituals and ceremonies to honor and appease these spirits. Shamans play a vital role in the spiritual life of the Ice-Walkers, serving as intermediaries between the people and the spiritual realm.
Shared customary codes and values
Matrilineal Society: In the Ice-Walker culture, lineage and inheritance are traced through the maternal line. Families are organized into clans, each led by a respected matriarch known as the "Elder Mother." The Elder Mother is not only the head of the clan but also serves as a wise spiritual guide, imparting ancient wisdom and traditions to the younger generations.
Trade with the Volk: The Ice-Walkers engage in trade with the Volk and other neighboring communities, exchanging their prized Blue Ice for essential goods such as food, tools, and fabrics. This trade fosters a spirit of cooperation and cultural exchange, as the Ice-Walkers share their wisdom and stories with the Volk in return.
Common Etiquette rules
Etiquette among the Ice-Walkers revolves around respect for their traditions and the acknowledgment of the Elder Mother, the revered matriarch who holds a central role in their society. Here are some common etiquette practices:
Respect for Elders: Elders hold significant wisdom and experience in Ice-Walker culture. It is customary to show deep respect and deference to older members of the tribe, seeking their advice and guidance in matters of importance.
Acknowledging the Elder Mother: The Elder Mother is the spiritual and political leader of the tribe. When addressing or meeting her, a formal show of respect is essential. This is primarily showed by sharing a piece of food such as meat from a recent hunt, or expressing gratitude for her leadership and wisdom.
Listening and Learning: It is considered polite to actively listen when an elder or the Elder Mother speaks. Their words carry great weight, and attentiveness to their teachings and stories is a sign of respect for their knowledge.
Contributing to the Tribe: Each member is encouraged to contribute to the well-being of the tribe. Whether through hunting, gathering resources, or participating in rituals, active involvement showcases dedication to the community.
Sharing Resources: In the harsh environment they inhabit, sharing resources is vital for survival. Ice-Walkers practice generosity and selflessness, ensuring that all members have access to essentials.
Harmony with Nature: Respect for the natural world is ingrained in Ice-Walker etiquette. This includes minimizing waste, using resources responsibly, and avoiding actions that harm the delicate balance of their environment.
Ceremonial Rituals: Participating in communal ceremonies and rituals is customary. These events strengthen bonds within the tribe and reinforce their spiritual connection to nature and their ancestors.
Inclusivity and Hospitality: The Ice-Walkers are known for their warm hospitality. When encountering outsiders or visitors, they aim to welcome them with open arms and invite them to partake in their customs and traditions.
Conflict Resolution: In disagreements or conflicts, Ice-Walkers prioritize peaceful resolutions. Disputes are often brought before the Elder Mother or a council of respected elders for mediation and wise counsel.
By upholding these etiquette practices, the Ice-Walkers ensure that their society remains cohesive and respectful of their cultural heritage. Acknowledging the Elder Mother fosters a sense of unity and reverence, as her leadership guides the tribe with wisdom and compassion.
Common Dress code
The Ice-Walkers value efficiency over looks, as it comes from living in the far north of the world. A utilization of mammoth and animal furs, water proof leathers, and bone are by an large the common style of dress. In times of celebration, such as weddings or the First Hunt, such trappings are usually abandoned to for more bead work, teeth necklaces, and stylistic leatherwork. For those that have horns, additional necklaces, horn piercings and paint are much more pronounced.
Art & Architecture
Harvesting Blue Ice: The Blue Ice, a rare and magical substance found deep within ancient ice formations, is a coveted resource among the Ice-Walkers. They mine this luminescent ice using specialized techniques passed down through generations. Blue Ice is not only valuable for its beauty but is also believed to possess mystical properties that grant protection and blessings from the spirits of the cold.
Foods & Cuisine
The Ice-Walkers subsist on the game of the Norlands, depending on the season, and also manage several mammoth heards. In the summer months, ice fish, fruits, and Norland Elk are the most common sources of food. During the winter, mammoth, root vegetables, smoked meats, and dry fruits are the means of sustenance. Dairy, such as mammoth milk, cheeses, and creams are considered a delicacy amongst the Ice-Walkers due to how rare and difficult it is to manufacture.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Oral Traditions and Stories: The Ice-Walkers pass down their history, customs, and folklore through captivating oral traditions. They gather around campfires to share stories, songs, and sagas, keeping their cultural heritage alive in the hearts and minds of their people.
Community and Cooperation: Cooperation and mutual support are crucial values within the Ice-Walker society. The clans work together as a closely-knit community, relying on each other's skills and expertise to survive the harsh northern environment.
Coming of Age Rites
The First Hunt is a significant coming-of-age ceremony among the Ice-Walker tribes, symbolizing the transition of young individuals into adulthood and hunters. While the specifics of the First Hunt vary depending on the tribe, its essence remains consistent across all Ice-Walker cultures.
Before the ceremony, the collected youths undergo rigorous training and preparation, learning essential hunting skills and survival techniques from experienced elders and hunters. During this time, they are guided on spiritual journeys to connect with their ancestors and the spirits of the land.
On the day of the First Hunt, each youth embarks on their solitary quest, seeking a creature to hunt and earn their name. The First Hunt differs in game and style among the tribes, with some focusing on hunting land animals, while others venture into the icy waters to pursue marine creatures.
As they journey alone, each youth seeks a sign from the spirits or a meaningful encounter with an animal, which will grant them their name. This name is given in recognition of their courage, skills, and the wisdom they demonstrate during the hunt.
After earning their names, the youths reunite as a group to face the final challenge together. Guided by the spirits and their newfound names, they must collaborate and communicate effectively to successfully hunt a formidable creature. The hunt not only tests their individual abilities but also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and unity in their society.
The triumphant return to the tribe marks the end of the First Hunt ceremony. The young individuals are welcomed with great celebration and respect, having proven themselves as skilled hunters and capable members of the Ice-Walker community. This rite of passage cements their place as adults and showcases their connection to their ancestors, spirits, and the land they call home.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Every Ice-Walker tribe has their own heritage burial site. These sites are often protected by the spirits of their ancestors and tied directly to the birth of their specific tribe. Each tribe also has their own funerary traditions. Some include mummification, funeral wrappings, pyres, or element stands. Regardless, the one thing that binds them all is the inclusion of a Jekra, or spirit token, that they had in life. The token becomes, according to Ice-Walker tradition, the dead's guide to the Ancestors of the past.
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