Northlanders

The Northlanders originated in the lands north of the Moonshaes. They came to the Isles first as raiders, then as settlers. Over the centuries, they wrested much of the northern Moonshaes from the Ffolk.

Appearance

The Northlanders are predominantly Illuskan. They’re generally tall, fair of skin, and pale of hair, but this is by no means the rule. They put great value in appearance and grooming. They like long hair on all genders with beards for those who can grow them.

Worship of War and Waves

The Northlanders aren’t particularly reverent and save their devotion for a few deities who offer them success in their efforts.

     Earthmother. A few Northlanders who primarily live on land worship the Earthmother. This is most common in Gnarhelm.
     Tempus. The traditional deity of the Northlanders, who value his strength and courage. His priests have tremendous influence over the warriors and jarls.
     Umberlee. The Queen of the Depths is a deity to be placated or invoked as a curse on another. Her priests are feared and avoided.
     Valkur. The Captain of the Waves is a cherished patron of the Northlanders. His clergy is loosely knit with little political influence.         

Society Structure

     Clannish Gatherings. Northlanders divide themselves into great clans. These clans come together in times of crisis and war.
     Life in the Longhouse. Northlander clans live together in large wooden lodges. Different family groups claim different sections of the longhouse.
     Prove Yourself. Political power isn’t hereditary amongst the Northlanders. All leaders must first prove themselves worthy of the role.
     Warrior Society. The Northlanders live in a warrior society. Movement between classes is possible, depending upon fighting prowess or naval skill. Each clan is ruled by a jarl, who are served by the elite huscarls. The thanes are the minor lords, and below them are the hersirs, the warriors of clan. The karls are commoners and make up the bulk of the population.

Cultural Traits

     Cheerful Courage. Northlanders honor courage and scorn cowards. This includes the courage to face hardship and misfortune and remain cheerful even when in pain or privation.
     Dislike of Deceit. Northlanders despise deceit. It masks weakness and rewards cowardice. Lies are especially despised if they create discord and stir up strife within the clan.
     Love of the Sea. Northlanders have a deep love for the sea. The challenge, and the opportunity it presents, call to them in equal measure, and they answer in their sleek longships.
     Sharing the Wealth. Regardless of the means by which it’s gained, Northlanders share their wealth readily among kin and clan. Freely giving away treasure is a sign of prosperity and status, attracting acclaim and followers.
     Passion for Action. Northlanders prefer robust action to any challenge, and violence is always an option. Nothing gets done by just thinking about it.
     Suspicious of Magic. Arcane magic is feared by the Northlanders who are convinced that it upsets the spirits and the natural balance. They blame magic for natural disasters, curses, and the creation of monsters.

Art and Entertainment

     Always Competing. Northlanders thrive on competition in all activities: sailing, running, caber tossing, and even belching. Bets makes it more interesting but tend to be small. Northlanders will enter a competition for the joy of it and the prospect of boasting afterward.
     Boasting. Boasting is an art form among the Northlanders. A good boast is over-the-top, vivid, and sensational. Since boasts are not meant to be taken seriously, they’re an exception to the social taboo on lying.
     Epic Tragedy. The greatest folktales of the Northlanders are all epic tragedies. The grim acceptance of inevitable death permeates throughout their art.