Shifter tribes
The Shifter tribes of the northern wastes is a group of peoples shaped by the harsh land and teachings of Saberfang. The majority of the people are the Spirit-Bonded Shifters, however other groups have joined the tribes. A mostly nomadic people, the tribes have been known to settle for extended periods, with some sub-cultures even having winter homes that are stationary.
Naming Traditions
Unisex names
Children are often given a name when they're born representing their characteristics and linked spirit. Once the child comes of age they may choose a new name based off their adult characteristics and feats, often extending their child name. It is not uncommon for a shifter to give their child a name linked to a differnt culture, these names are normally kept through adulthood.
Child names: Fang, Whiskers, Talon, Badger, Lynx, Shadow
Adult names: Longfang, Blood-Eye, Hunter, Silvermane
Child names: Fang, Whiskers, Talon, Badger, Lynx, Shadow
Adult names: Longfang, Blood-Eye, Hunter, Silvermane
Family names
Family names are a representation of where a shifter came from, normally their original clan name. On rare occasions a shifter will carry the name of a great ancestor they are descended from, such as Sepa for Saberfang, these names have to be earned and given by the parent who wields the name themselves. Some shifters have no last name, these are the disowned, a shifter who has dishonered their family and had their last name stripped. It is possible to earn the name back but you cannot earn a new one.
Other names
Suffixes are often added to members who perform significant tasks for the tribes in general, these are also the ones who often get family names passed on.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The bestial languages are the most commonly spoken through the area. With low Sylvan being common.
Shared customary codes and values
Temperance, Diligence, and bravery are the main virtues to shifter culture. They are firm believers in only taking what they need, not spoiling nature by taking too much. They also expect openness and honesty in their dealings, despising illusion magic and intrigue. They will happily deal with both hags and changelings, as long as they are in their true forms.
Common Dress code
Due to the cold of the wastes, many shifter tribes wear a mix of heavy linen, wool and fur. This however is normally dyed and embroidered with colourful designs making camps a very vibrant environment. These are normally plain long sleeved tunics with elaborate waistcoats or shawls over the top and patterned skirts or trousers.
This compares to hunters and warriors rather plain leather, hide, and scale armour, though some do wear heavier if they can get it. This is normally duuring their call of the wild however. Shifters prefer axes and bows, either using two handed weaponry or duel wielding rather then using a shield.
Art & Architecture
While this differs massively between subcultures, a common aspect is colourful geometric patterns that often repeat.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Pride duel - a one-on-one fight in the eyes of Luna for the honor. This is done by a wronged party challenging those who have done them wrong. Magic is strictly forbidden from such fights.
War declaration - A priest will take a spear with the tribe's banner on it and throw it at the other tribes chief's feet. If the chief accepts he will hand the priest a spear with their own banner. When either surrendering or refusing a declaration of war the chieftess returns the spear and flag of the other tribe with tribute. she will then accept her own banner and spear back if the tribute is accepted.
War declaration - A priest will take a spear with the tribe's banner on it and throw it at the other tribes chief's feet. If the chief accepts he will hand the priest a spear with their own banner. When either surrendering or refusing a declaration of war the chieftess returns the spear and flag of the other tribe with tribute. she will then accept her own banner and spear back if the tribute is accepted.
Coming of Age Rites
The call of the wild is when a carnivore shifter turns sixteen and must travel alone and prove their prowess. They then present their trophy to the clan they wish to join and the chief decides if they are worthy.
Funerary and Memorial customs
After death, the body is wrapped in a cloak, while a shaman communes with the spirits, ensuring both the deciesed spirits pass on. The body is then taken to a pre divined spot and buried in a small stone cairn outside the camp. the cairn is then covered in packed snow.
Common Taboos
Killing pregnant women and children is strictly taboo.
Random murder.
The slaying of priests.
Not returning a banner when tribute is given.
Random murder.
The slaying of priests.
Not returning a banner when tribute is given.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
While Shifter culture preaches beauty is in the eye of the beholder, this is only slightly true. While the specifics vary between the subcultures, a commonality is athleticism, whether this muscled bulk or lean. They also seem to find more beauty in natural looks rather then altered appearance.
Gender Ideals
Shifter gender's work differently then in most other cultures, with the species having a male and female split as well as a herbivorous and carnivorous split. The male and female split seems to have no baring in someone's position, and only seems to matter when it comes to marriage and courtship for marriage. In comparison weather your a herbivore or carnivore does seem to matter. It should be noted in times of war, everyone is expected to fight.
In the greater culture herbivores normally manage the tribe and camp, doing jobs within camp such as crafting, preparing food, they are also primarily the diplomats of the shifters, even ruling some tribes. They are considered of age once they turn sixteen.
In comparison carnivores, due to their natural weapons and defences, do many of the out of camp jobs like gathering, hunting, and escorts. While both groups fight, it's always the carnivores on the front line. They are considered of age once they return from their call of the wild.
Courtship Ideals
During the Winter's moon festival, a man will present the woman he wishes to marry with an appropriate gift. Depending on the gift, how he presents it, his reputation, and honour, the woman will either accept, in which case they are now betrothed, or refuse, in which case she casts the gift into the fire and the man must wait at least year before present a new gift to someone.
A man cannot ask anyone with the same family name either him or his parents have ever held.
It should be noted any adult who is not married by thirty is looked down upon as not doing their duty to continue the tribe.
Relationship Ideals
While marriage and family is a big part of shifter culture, it is rarely done for love, but is more considered a duty to the tribe. To the point adultery is a foreign concept to shifters, as is sexuality. While it is expected each family to have at least one child, only the mother is expected to be it's parent. The man is expected help with the up brining of the child, whether it's his or not.
In comparison a shifter may have multiple lovers who they actually love, often having these relationships fully public, so long as they don't interfere with a shifters duty.
Sub-cultures
- The Crystal coast Tribes
- The Plains tribes
- Forest Tribes
- Blood Sea Tribes
- Outcast tribes
Related Organizations
Related Items
Related Myths
Undinia is in the bones of every Shifter, every Gnoll. We might call it by a different, older name, but it is not Undinia that owes Darr anything, as his renown and strength has come from standing as a bulwark against the threats that would consume the world that moulded him from its crude clay.-Shaman of theBloodpearl Tribe, when questioned on the unfairness of Darr's death
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