Tarquu
In the distant wilds of the eastern frontier there dwell the Tarquu, children of the bear. They split from the proto-Toqnuu of Korriven far before recorded history, and came south across the Nakurkomaduhuq into the dense conifer woodlands of Tarquungnaahlaqq. Their culture is deeply entwined with the wilderness that surrounds them, and for many years they lived as simple hunter-gatherers who subsisted on foraged food. They developed an ancient tribal structure built around tiny, nomadic bands who paid allegiance to powerful warlords. Property was owned communally, and wastefulness was considered almost criminal (as the Tarquu revered the natural world and it was thought that to take from the wilderness but not use your spoils would bring the wrath of Takarva.) Eventually, the Tarquu became more sedentary, establishing permanent outposts and settlements where large communities could dwell. They constructed permanent homes from logs, and began to cultivate plants such as pumpkins, blueberries, sugar maples, and beans. Soon afterwards, it is believed, they began to domesticate bees. Honey has been a staple of Tarquu cuisine ever since, and is often used as a sweetener or for brewing the renowned Uqvaar mead. At approximately the same time, one of their most astonishing feats was accomplished; they were able to tame the colossal red bears of Tarquungnaahlaqq, and use them as companions, riding animals, and war beasts.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Pimaa, Siilukwat, Jøtara, Galana, Aamala, Sira, Niqqolet, Taanhira, Siuqalat
Masculine names
Taanhar, Tunriq, Oqqu, Ønvuraq, Ønragh, Gaareth, Tolarq, Gøraag, Niqqolaas
Unisex names
Qondromaa, Thuroq, Ruqnor, Døratheq
Family names
Common surnames include Laqqarv, Qavrøtonoqq, Olmaqu, Taqeli, Qīgoraq, Taanguruq, Nguuthor, Torraq, Daraqqor
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The ancestral language of the Tarquu is Tarquungnaah, a Toqnuu language which evolved from Korriv more than 20,000 years ago. This later split into numerous dialects, including the kumaka dialect (Spoken by the Kyanti of Tandolkumaka) and the Uthok dialect (spoken by the Tomar of Uthok Arkav). But in recent years, this native tongue has been somewhat supplanted by Peveniric. Most Tarquu speak both languages fluently, and they speak a pidgin of both among themselves (similar to Korriven). It has also been slightly influenced by Dorivanelle.
Shared customary codes and values
One value which is integral to Tarquu culture is the ability to survive without aid from others like the bears they revere. While they believe that communities should help each other and that Tarquu ought to share resources with other clan members, they should learn to help themselves when it truly matters most- when going out to save others, to fight battles, or face the might of nature.
Art & Architecture
The Tarquu are famed for their exquisite woodcarvings, which are prised throughout the empire for their intricacy. These are often used to depict animal totems, people, or scenes from legend. While often realistic, it can also be highly stylised in the manner of Wa'agawasu art. They also have a long history of painting and drawing, generally accomplished on birch bark or blocks of wood. These are the first known records of Tarquu life, as drawings and pictographs were the first records of history used in Tarquungnaahlaqq (before the development of the Tuu-lak script). Once their writing system had been developed, writing became commonplace and many legends were written down in great detail. Dance is common in their culture, although it is normally highly ritualised and used for purposes of religion, or occasionally as a way of acting out scenes. Due to their long history with the arts, the Tarquu have recently adopted Shravina (who is frequently associated with art) as a popular goddess.
Since time immemorial, wood has predominated in Tarquu architecture. All important buildings are constructed of wood, and most of the common people live in structures similar to the log cabins used in Arkalle. Even Blackheart keep, a substantially large castle, is composed mostly of logs.
Coming of Age Rites
When they reach the age of twelve, young Tarquu are placed in the wilderness of Tarquungnaahlaqq to fend for themselves for a single cycle of the moon. Often this is done in small groups, who must work together for a period of time, generally half of the entire ritual. However, halfway through, the children return and are separated. Then they are sent back into the wild alone, to learn the essential Tarquu value of being able to survive without help. During this period, the child is advised to monitor their dreams for omens and insights into the nature of their spirit.
While in earlier times the children were forced to forage for their own food, in recent times they have generally been supplied with a small supply of sustenance to enlarge their chances of survival.
Funerary and Memorial customs
When a Tarquu dies, their body is left exposed to the wild for an uncertain period of time, checked repeatedly for new signs of decomposition. This is done because the Tarquu believe that, at the moment of death, numerous evil spirits enter the body. Letting it decompose weakens their connection to the corpse. When at last its bones are picked clean, the body is immersed in a concoction of enchanted soils and potions, filled with tiny fragments of the karjanna ("lifegiver") crystal. This is used in an attempt to purge any evil spirits who may have entered its body at the moment of death. Finally, the deceased spirit passes on to Ohur Alok, although it retains a tenuous connection to the skeleton. They are entombed in the massive cave systems beneath the Five Peaks of Tarquungnaahlaqq. In general, the family will craft a wooden statue in their honor, to be kept within Blackheart Keep. If there is no family of the deceased, then a group of skilled craftsmen is employed to create their memorial statues.
Common Taboos
It is seen as grievously sinful to destroy nature without reason, and when trees are cut down or animals hunted and slain, it is done with great ceremony and lamentation. Killing members of one's own family, tribe, clan, or fiefdom was also seen as repugnant except within the mutually accepted parameters of a duel. Not allowing a fellow Tarquu to undergo the decaying ritual and purging after death is seen as both morally wrong and highly dangerous, as they think that evil spirits might possess the body and turn it into a wight. Therefore, all enemies slain by the tarquu must also undergo the ritual, as they might rise again en masse to attack. Keeping a section of the corpse of a sentient creatures is forbidden, as they think that evil spirits might try to draw one's soul into the fragment and trap it there to drain its energy. Keeping animal remains from food is also thought to be hazardous, but not quite as dangerous as the remains of sentient beings.
Common Myths and Legends
One well-known story which has been passed down for centuries is Qaagartaq Vakkaluq. This ancient myth was originally recounted orally, but has since been written down in a poetic fashion by Qondromaa Laqqarv. It detail the story of an elderly man named Qaagartaq, whose advanced age and increasing infirmity have caused him to become isolated and neglected by the clan. However, when the clan is menaced by wights which result from improper burial ceremonies Qaagartaq was the only one capable of defeating them, and he managed to create a strategy which defeated the wights. Various other supernatural terrors such as Kuurthaïm and Wendigos also beset the community, and every time Qaagartaq outwits them. While he is eventually slain, he gains the respect of his community before he dies.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
For the Tarquu, large physical size and height is considered attractive for both genders. This is understandable as the Tarquu live in cold northern areas where large body size is important for survival. Both genders also favour broad shoulders and long, powerful arms, possibly because in Tarquu culture both genders are seen as warriors and protectors. Blond or red hair is seen as extremely attractive by most due to its great rarity, and it is often seen as a blessing. Long hair is also prized.
Gender Ideals
Tarquu of both genders are expected to learn to be warriors and labourers in the service of clan and community. Gender is not as prominent a part of Tarquu society as it is in more westerly regions, and people of both genders are generally seen as equals.
Parent ethnicities
Related Locations
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