Púca (poo-kah)

The púca are a tribe of fae that live in wyldfae territory, deep within the icy wasteland known as the Farrheach mountain range. They are known to be herders and live in small cave and plateau villages surrounding a central city.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Amma, Arsha, Duura, Eira, Halla, Iveshii, Lona, Nuuna, Siri, Tevi

Masculine names

Ansh, Beshan, Eleshi, Haast, Irash, Itri, Kaanu, Miviit, Owesht, Tewan

Family names

Araavish, Banrit, Hevhai, Kitannesh, Tashantii, Uunit-tal, Vitnya, Yara-venii

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

A person or family's herd is considered to be a part of their family. In treating the varaahi (a ram-like creature endemic to the mountains) as family rather than property, this allows for a certain level of respect and reverence to be held for the animals and works to prevent stealing.

Common Dress code

Heavy furs and coats, thick leather boots and gloves

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

When hunting parties go out to hunt for big game, it is customary to include the families of all who participated in the hunt when the meat is prepared. The families of the hunters are also expected to help in the preparation of the kill for eating, and when the meal is finished, it is split evenly among the hunters.

Funerary and Memorial customs

The slaughtering of a varaahi for meal purposes is taken very seriously among the púca. Rites before, during, and after the slaughter are held to show proper reverence for the creature. All of the varaahi is used, from meals to clothing to tools. It is believed that if these rites are not held properly, or all of the animal is not used in some way, the family will face punishment by their deity, the Mother of the Herd, Ahavi.

Common Taboos

Wastage, if serious enough, can be cause to throw an individual or family out of the village. The mountains provide barely enough sustenance to survive off of, so the púca take strong offense to any misuse of animal products or foraged goods.

Common Myths and Legends

Ahavi, also known as the Mother of the Herd, is a solitary deity that is said to protect the tips of the Farrheach mountain range. She is the patron deity of the púca peoples, and much of their rituals and traditions are devoted to her. She defends the mountain from the advances of the sky, ensuring the spirits of the sky do not steal the earth of the mountain in their attempt to build a palace for their king. Ahavi's sacred varaahi help to fend off these greedy sky spirits while she is away doing her other duties, like looking after the animals' young and growing the hardy tubers and roots that feed the púca and the animals of the mountain.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Short, muscular and plump frames, with long, light-colored hair and sun-touched skin. Fae wings are prized; a well-groomed pair of wings shows a put-together and attractive individual.

Courtship Ideals

Courting individuals often offer their intended mate tokens of their crafts and important hunting trophies. Gifts are expected to be reciprocated in equal value and are accepted regardless of whether or not the courting individuals choose to pursue a continuation of the courtship.