The Rusari Peoples

The Chronicles of the Rusari: A Saga of Survival and Resilience   Within the cold and rugged Northlands of Syann, the Rusari people etch their storied history—a legacy that interweaves with the threads of the Terigoth realm. A bloodline that weaves the tapestry of the Vistigari, Rusa, Degaran, Zophorian, and many other peoples, collectively known as the "Folk of the North." Side by side with the Sidhean and Orycallian, they've shaped the course of Terigoth's destiny.   The Rusari's origins are draped in a grim veil, a history birthed amidst the enslavement by the towering giants. This tragedy's roots stretch far back into recorded history, merging with myths and legends that point to a race thrust into the role of chattel, owned and dispersed across the Northlands by their formidable Jotun masters. Herein commences the narrative that bifurcates into the Western and Eastern Rusari, delineating their respective destinies.   Among the Western Rusari, a people of resolute pride persisted under the yoke of giant jarls. In mines and fields, their existence was one of suffering, yet they clung to their cultural identity despite the adversity. Seen by outsiders as savage raiders driven by their giant overseers, the Western Rusari clung to weaponry of bone, stone, and obsidian, rare commodities in their restricted arsenal. They were whispered to commune with wild beast spirits, an exchange for augmented battle prowess. Through history, these Western Rusari were cast as barbaric specters, folk who heralded giants' advance, leaving ruination in their wake.   In contrast, the Eastern Rusari emerged as a liberated people, having eluded the grip of the giant lords. Nurtured by self-sufficiency and resourcefulness, they mastered the art of survival amidst the harshest climates. They mastered the arts of hunting and fishing, becoming attuned to nature's rhythms. Fiercely autonomous, they harbored skepticism toward outsiders. Their chieftains often took the mantle of warrior kings and witch queens, while shadowy figures like dark fey and power-hungry hags conspired within their domains.   Nevertheless, shared amidst their disparities is a profound attachment to their homeland and a resolute warrior spirit. The Rusari people, shaped by adversity, possess an unbreakable resolve that transcends their tribulations. Whether subjugated or free, they remain a steadfast people, steadfastly resilient against the currents of fate.   Ancestor Tribes of the Western Rusari   Vanaghast: Enslaved to fire giants, the Vanaghast kindle a fiery pride even in the face of subjugation. These resilient souls wield fire magic, their potent skills bound to serve their cruel masters. Yet, their identity remains unquenched, fueling a fervent yearning to rise against their oppressors.   Vistahiem: Bound to frost giants, the Vistahiem endure the Land of Fire and Ice's harshness with resourcefulness. They've learned to thrive amidst winter's severity, nurturing a spark of hope despite their suffering. They await the day they can cast off the yoke of their tormentors.   Kryvovor: Once a fiercely independent tribe, the Kryvovor fell under the dominion of Hill Giants, their spirit shattered as they labor in mines and fields. Once vibrant, they're now reduced to mere shells of their former selves.   Drakulvarn: Former architects of grand cities, the Drakulvarn suffered beneath the Stone Giants' rule, forced to shape fortresses for their conquerors. Ravaged and embittered, they burn with a desire for vengeance.   Skraelingar: Bonded with the wilds and spirits of nature, the Skraelingar were devolved into beasts of burden by Formorian Giants. Scarred and resentful, their hatred for their Formorians masters burns hot.   Kharvar: Native to the lofty mountains, the Kharvar, now subjected to Evil Cloud Giants, they use their wind-wielding magic to serve them. Nursing a thirst for freedom and revenge, their resentment festers.   Tribes of the Eastern Rusari   Vodyanaya: A water-loving tribe, the Vodyanaya thrive in rivers, lakes, and marshes. Skilled in water magic and fishing, they maintain a deep connection with the water's spirits.   Zorya: Nomadic wanderers of grassy steppes, the Zorya are adept horsemen and hunters, revering the sun, moon, and stars. Storytelling, music, and dance are integral to their vibrant culture.   Kresnik: Dwellers of the mountains, the Kresnik possess an affinity with wind and clouds. Masters of mining, blacksmithing, and elemental magic, they nurture a bond with the earth's treasures.   The Modern Rusari: Echoes of the Past Shaping the Present   As the tapestry of time unfolds, the Rusari peoples march forward into the modern era, etching a narrative woven with defiance, resilience, and unyielding spirit. These once-oppressed souls have risen from the depths of subjugation, sculpting their fate with the fiery forge of rebellion and unity. The modern Rusari tribes stand as beacons of strength, each with a distinct identity shaped by their history, culture, and aspirations.   Vistaghast: In the crucible of countless failed revolts against the tyrannical rule of the Jotun lords, the Vistahiem and Vanaghast tribes converged, fusing their strengths to overthrow the giants' dominion. Influenced by the cultures of Fire and Frost Giants, dwarves, and elves, the Vistaghast people emerged as fierce warriors and intrepid explorers. Governed by warrior kings and jarls, they uphold a code of brutal warrior honor, a testament to their unrelenting spirit.   Degarian: The Kryvovor tribe's shrewd embrace of iron and steel proved their salvation, toppling their Hill Giant oppressors. Pragmatic and courageous, the Degarian people embody an industrious ethos and a zest for life. Their legacy weaves threads of efficacy, love for meat and ale, and an unwavering devotion to their ideals.   Dravar: Freed by Stone Giants who were comparatively less cruel, the Drakulvarn forged a life in alpine meadows and forests. Post the Land Shatter, they became dispersed akin to the Eslantans, scattered across the terrain they loved. Dravar's spirit endures, carried by these scattered envoys of mountain valleys.   Skrae: The Skraelingar, once scattered after the Formorian Giants' fall, integrated with Caledronians and newly formed Vistaghast peoples. Their legacy lived on within Berserker houses of Vistaghast, and some ventured to the Continent of Kanata as raiders, adopting the mantle of Skrae, perpetuating their heritage in the new land.   Kharvir: Eons of enslavement bound the Kharvar tribe, until a pact with the Zorya granted them freedom. Transitioning from mountains to steppes, they allied with the Zorya, transforming into the fierce horsemen, cossacks, and hunters of Russvaria and Zophor.   Zophorians: With time's passage, Zorya fell under elven rule, eventually gaining freedom and helping the Kharvar in their quest for liberty. They embraced urban living, tempered by nomadic shadows of their past, evolving into the Zophorians whose culture echoes the resonance of the steppes.   Russvarians: A land where Vodyanaya and Kresnik clashed, Russvaria witnessed strife, which gave way to union through marriage and the ascent of a powerful king and queen. In unity, they melded the Vodyanaya and Kresnik cultures into the robust essence of Russvarians. In their shadowed forests and frost-kissed mountains, the Russvarians now united would adapt agriculture, metal work and become a land of Bogtyrs and Czars.