Valskyr
Valskyr is the collective common name for the varied lizard-like, amphibian-esque humanoid races that hail from the mainland and island nations of Valskhjem, particualrly in the great semi-aquatic port city of Valsk.
Growing between 1-2 heads taller than the average human male, the Valskyr are as at home in the water as out- and their architecture usually reflects this: Valskyr homes are typically large and sturdy dwellings crafted of wood, bone and hide built on stilted platforms overlapping the edges of bodies of water, with rooms both above and below the water level. Depending upon the use of the building, and the preference of it's occupants, some Valskyr dwellings are almost entirely submerged for the comfort of those who live there. Although somewhat of a novelty, it is safe to say that Valskyr hotels see little in the way of human tourism.
Despite common misconceptions of Valskyr being "fish people", the Valskyr share more common similarities with reptilian and amphibian species than with fish. Although it is true that Valskyr spend a significant portion of their lives in water, it is worthy of note that Valskyr are not a fully aquatic species and do, in fact, require air to breathe- granted, they are capable of holding their breath for significant periods of time.
The Valskyr are a people proud of their ancient traditions and, although their culture has developed and evolved a great deal over time, they continue to observe a number of their historic rituals and festivals, even if more so in modern times out of a sense of duty to their ancestors than out of real faith.
Historically, a number of these rituals and celebrations called for Valskyr sacrifice and cannibalisation- although these ancient ritualistic requirements have long since been eased in favour of less violent means of celebration such as the sacrifice of livestock and great feasts of fruit and fish. Despite such modernisations, many of the Alhjem's more pretentious cultures continue to view the rituals of the Valskyr as archaic, barbaric and savage- mostly out of ignorance.
Famous for their Leviathan Chasers- great dreadnoughts of wood, iron and bone designed for the purpose of hunting the myriad massive leviathans of the Crimson Sea- the sea captains and ocean hunters of Valsk are considered among the most skilled (and terrifying) in all of Alhjem.
Despite their seemingly savage nature, the Valskyr are actually an incredibly peaceful and intelligent race, possessing vast knowledge of astronomy and a knack for nautical and navigational technology. Additionally, a number of Valskyr exports, such as the products of their leviathan whaling, are highly sought after all over the known world- to that end, the great port city of Valsk has become one of the largest hubs of nautical trade and astronomic scholarship in all of the known world.
Growing between 1-2 heads taller than the average human male, the Valskyr are as at home in the water as out- and their architecture usually reflects this: Valskyr homes are typically large and sturdy dwellings crafted of wood, bone and hide built on stilted platforms overlapping the edges of bodies of water, with rooms both above and below the water level. Depending upon the use of the building, and the preference of it's occupants, some Valskyr dwellings are almost entirely submerged for the comfort of those who live there. Although somewhat of a novelty, it is safe to say that Valskyr hotels see little in the way of human tourism.
Despite common misconceptions of Valskyr being "fish people", the Valskyr share more common similarities with reptilian and amphibian species than with fish. Although it is true that Valskyr spend a significant portion of their lives in water, it is worthy of note that Valskyr are not a fully aquatic species and do, in fact, require air to breathe- granted, they are capable of holding their breath for significant periods of time.
The Valskyr are a people proud of their ancient traditions and, although their culture has developed and evolved a great deal over time, they continue to observe a number of their historic rituals and festivals, even if more so in modern times out of a sense of duty to their ancestors than out of real faith.
Historically, a number of these rituals and celebrations called for Valskyr sacrifice and cannibalisation- although these ancient ritualistic requirements have long since been eased in favour of less violent means of celebration such as the sacrifice of livestock and great feasts of fruit and fish. Despite such modernisations, many of the Alhjem's more pretentious cultures continue to view the rituals of the Valskyr as archaic, barbaric and savage- mostly out of ignorance.
Famous for their Leviathan Chasers- great dreadnoughts of wood, iron and bone designed for the purpose of hunting the myriad massive leviathans of the Crimson Sea- the sea captains and ocean hunters of Valsk are considered among the most skilled (and terrifying) in all of Alhjem.
Despite their seemingly savage nature, the Valskyr are actually an incredibly peaceful and intelligent race, possessing vast knowledge of astronomy and a knack for nautical and navigational technology. Additionally, a number of Valskyr exports, such as the products of their leviathan whaling, are highly sought after all over the known world- to that end, the great port city of Valsk has become one of the largest hubs of nautical trade and astronomic scholarship in all of the known world.
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