Ghothar Communal Life

Introduction

In the vast, unforgiving tundra of Ghotharand, a proud and resilient people have managed to carve out a life for themselves. The Ghothars, once eager conquerors hoping to find verdant pasture lands for their horses and cattle, found themselves struggling to adapt to their new home. With its harsh climate, flat terrain, and limited resources, Ghotharand presented numerous challenges. However, the Ghothars rose to the occasion, learning to adapt their lifestyles, traditions, and technologies to make the most of their environment.

Shelter and survival

One of the most significant adaptations the Ghothars made was in their housing. In a land where wood is scarce, and strong winds whip across the barren plains, traditional wood and stone structures were not feasible. Instead, the Ghothars developed a unique form of housing utilizing the readily available materials: earth, sod, and animal hides. These dwellings, often partially dug into the ground, provided insulation against the biting cold and protection from the fierce winds. The structures were often circular, maximizing the interior space while minimizing heat loss.
Clothing was another crucial adaptation for the Ghothars. Using the hides, wool, and furs of animals native to the tundra, they crafted garments that provided warmth, flexibility, and durability. Layering was an essential aspect of their clothing, as it allowed them to adjust their insulation according to the weather. Additionally, the Ghothars became skilled at waterproofing their garments, using oils and fats from animals to ensure their clothing remained effective even in wet conditions.
Food acquisition and preservation was yet another challenge the Ghothars faced in Ghotharand. With the tundra's limited vegetation, farming was difficult, and the Ghothars had to rely on hunting, fishing, and herding to provide sustenance. They developed specialized techniques for hunting large game like elk and reindeer, as well as for catching fish in the frozen waters. The Ghothars also became skilled at preserving food, using techniques such as drying, smoking, and fermenting to ensure they had a stable supply of nutrients throughout the harsh winter months.
Despite the challenges of farming in the tundra, the Ghothars discovered that certain hardy crops and livestock could thrive in the region. Root vegetables, such as potatoes and turnips, became staples in their diet, as they could be grown in the nutrient-rich but shallow soil. Additionally, the Ghothars turned to hardy livestock like reindeer and yaks for milk, meat, and hides. These animals were well-suited to the harsh environment and proved invaluable to the Ghothars' survival.
Cultural practices also evolved in response to the Ghothars' environment. The long, dark winters led to the development of various indoor activities and crafts, such as woodworking, metalworking, and the intricate art of weaving. These crafts not only helped pass the time during the harsh winters but also provided necessary tools, weapons, and clothing for their survival.
The Ghothars' ability to adapt to the challenging landscape of Ghotharand is a testament to their resilience, ingenuity, and perseverance. While the land may be unforgiving, the Ghothars have managed to survive and thrive by embracing their environment and using its resources to their advantage. In the process, they have developed a unique culture, marked by determination and pride, which continues to shape their identity as a people.
Though Ghotharand may not have been the verdant paradise they once hoped for, the Ghothars have learned that true wealth lies not in the land itself, but in the resourcefulness

Governance and autonomy

The environmental challenges of Ghotharand have played a significant role in shaping the family, village, and town structures of the Ghothars. In this harsh tundra, cooperation and communal living are not just traditions, but necessities for survival.
The family unit, as the primary social structure, is often multi-generational in nature. Grandparents, parents, and children all share living quarters, with each member contributing to the family's survival. Elders provide wisdom and guidance, adults engage in hunting, farming, and craftwork, while children assist with chores and learn the skills necessary for their future roles. This tightly-knit family structure is both a product of necessity – ensuring the transmission of survival skills – and a reflection of the Ghothars' deep respect for their elders.
Village and town structures are similarly communal, designed to foster cooperation and mutual support. Homes are typically arranged in circular clusters, forming a central area used for communal activities like feasting, meetings, and celebrations. These central areas serve as the heart of the community, reinforcing social bonds and promoting a sense of shared responsibility. Each village or town is generally self-sufficient, with its inhabitants working together to meet their collective needs.
The influence of the environment is also evident in the Ghothars' system of governance. With vast distances and severe weather conditions limiting travel, central governance from Khozan has often been ineffective. Instead, local governance, similar led by the King's Earls has taken precedence.
Each village or town is typically led by an elder, or Gyðja chosen for their wisdom and leadership skills by the Saathi or village council. The Gyðja is responsible for settling disputes, making decisions for the community, and coordinating communal activities, such as hunts and harvests, more often than not it is a position held by a woman. In times of crisis, it is the Gyðja who guides the community, ensuring that resources are allocated fairly and that everyone's needs are met.
Several villages or towns may form a cluster, overseen by an Earl. The Earls serve as regional leaders, coordinating between the communities under their care and representing them at the King's court in Khozan. However, given the geographical and logistical constraints, the Earls often operate with a significant degree of autonomy.
Despite the nominal rule of the Kings in Khozan, the realities of life in Ghotharand have resulted in a decentralized system of governance. While the King may set broad policies and directives, it is the Earls and Elders who interpret and implement these policies at a local level, adapting them to their communities' specific needs and circumstances.
The Ghothars' governance system is thus a pragmatic response to their environment – a system that prioritizes local needs and realities, while still maintaining a connection to the larger political entity of Ghotharand. It is a testament to the Ghothars' adaptability and resilience, demonstrating their ability to develop social and political structures that work in harmony with their challenging environment.

Taxation

The geographical isolation and harsh environmental conditions of Ghotharand pose significant challenges for the central government, particularly when it comes to raising taxes and forming armies. With the population dispersed across vast tracts of inhospitable terrain, collecting taxes and recruiting soldiers are no easy tasks. Tax collection relies heavily on the Earls, who are responsible for gathering taxes from the communities under their jurisdiction and delivering them to the King's treasury in Khozan. However, the vast distances and harsh weather often lead to delays and inconsistencies in tax collection. Furthermore, the Earls, operating with a high degree of autonomy, may not always be fully compliant with the King's tax directives. They may adjust the taxes based on their communities' capacities or even withhold part of the collection, contributing to a fluctuating and unreliable revenue for the central government.
Raising an army poses similar challenges. The need for every able-bodied Ghothar to contribute to their community's survival leaves little room for a standing army. Instead, the Ghothars have traditionally relied on a system of militia, where each community is responsible for its own defense. When larger threats arise, the Earls coordinate to form a regional force. However, these forces are typically temporary and lack the discipline and training of a professional army. The King's attempts to form a centralized army have met with limited success, hindered by logistical challenges, local resistance, and the Ghothars' strong allegiance to their communities.
Indeed, the sense of nationhood among the Ghothars is weak. They identify more with their local communities and heritage than with the nation of Ghotharand. This sentiment has been further fueled by the perceived deceit of the Kings, who promised verdant pastures but delivered barren tundra. The Ghothars feel that they have been lied to, manipulated, and exploited by their rulers. As a result, they harbor a deep contempt for the Kings, seeing them as distant figures who have little understanding or concern for the struggles of the ordinary Ghothars.
Their loyalty lies with their families, their communities, and the Earls who lead them - those who share their hardships, understand their challenges, and respect their traditions. They take pride in their heritage, in the resilience and resourcefulness that have enabled them to survive in the harsh tundra. The Ghothars' sense of identity is firmly rooted in their local communities and their shared experiences, rather than in a distant and disconnected monarchy.
Thus, the central government faces a constant struggle to exert its authority, raise revenue, and maintain a cohesive nation. The unique environmental, social, and political circumstances of Ghotharand have resulted in a fragmented and decentralized political landscape, with a strong emphasis on local autonomy and community loyalty. Despite the challenges, the Ghothars continue to persevere, holding on to their heritage and values in the face of adversity.

Ghothar Sagas, songs and poems

Vnaras Varden A melancholic song that captures the beauty and loneliness of the tundra, as whispered by the winds.
Hjärtats Hemlighet A deeply moving poem about a young woman's secret love for a warrior, who is oblivious to her feelings.
Uskuggornas Skald A chilling ghost story about a skald who, after losing his voice, communicated with the spirits to sing once more.
Kvävarens Väg A saga that narrates the journey of a master weaver who wove a tapestry so beautiful that it enchanted the northern lights.
Förbannelsen över Prayadine Kanalen A cautionary tale about the curse that fell upon the Ghothars for their role in the construction of the Prayadine Canal.
Kungen och Kråkan A fable about a proud king who learns humility from a wise raven, reminding Ghothars about the importance of respecting all creatures.
Sjöjungfruns Ulsång A heartrending ballad about a sea maiden's unrequited love for a Ghothar fisherman, which also serves as a warning about the dangers of the sea.
Elsaris Eftermäle A mournful elegy for the lost Elsari people, reminding Ghothars of the injustices their ancestors committed.
Riddarens Återkomst A triumphant tale of a Ghothar knight who returns home after many years of exile, inspiring Ghothars with themes of resilience and redemption.

A Fire in the Heart of Knowing

Our debut Arclands novel is available here. Read A Fire In the Heart of Knowing, a story of desperate power struggles and a battle for survival in the dark lands of Mordikhaan. 

Ghothar Horses

the challenging terrain of Ghotharand, horses are not just a mode of transportation but a symbol of status, wealth, and power. Their scarcity and the difficulty in raising and maintaining them in the harsh tundra conditions make them exceedingly valuable. The Ghothars treat their horses with immense respect and care, understanding the significant roles they play in their society. Each horse is often attended by a dedicated caretaker, who ensures its well-being, feeding it with the best fodder available and protecting it from the harsh weather conditions.
The horses of Ghotharand are not the typical large breeds one might expect. Instead, they are small, hardy, and adapted to the cold and difficult terrain, much like the Ghothars themselves. These horses are prized for their endurance, resilience, and sure-footedness.
In Ghothar society, horses are primarily used by the Earls, warriors, and affluent Ghothars. They are used for transportation across the vast and often treacherous tundra, for hunting, and in times of conflict. A Ghothar on horseback is a formidable force, able to move swiftly across the landscape, outpacing any threats or reaching distant locations quickly.
Due to their rarity and value, horses are also a status symbol among the Ghothars. Possessing a horse signifies wealth, power, and prestige. They are often gifted as dowries, as peace offerings between feuding families, or as rewards for exceptional service or bravery. In this way, horses play a crucial role in the social and political dynamics of Ghothar society.
Horses also hold a special place in Ghothar folklore and spirituality.

Ghothar Folklore and Spirituality

The Ghothars, while officially adhering to the teachings of the Aruhvian Church, maintain a spiritual tradition that is deeply rooted in their cultural identity and their unique relationship with their land and their horses. This belief system, often referred to as "The Great Saga," is based on the idea that all existence is part of a grand narrative or song, composed and performed by an unseen voice beyond mortal comprehension.
The Skalds, the keepers of Ghothar memory and lore, act as the interpreters of this grand saga. Through their songs, stories, and poems, they weave together the threads of past, present, and future into a coherent narrative, helping the Ghothars make sense of their place in the world. While the Skalds are not officially recognized as a religious order by the Aruhvian Church, they are revered by the common folk as spiritual guides and wise counsel.
Central to this belief system is the notion of interconnectedness – that all beings, humans, animals, and even the land itself, are intertwined in the grand tapestry of existence. The horses, in particular, hold a special place in the Ghothar spiritual worldview. They are seen not just as valuable assets or status symbols, but also as spiritual companions and guides. The Ghothars believe that horses, with their keen senses and unerring instincts, are able to perceive the grand song in ways that humans cannot.
Many Ghothar folktales and legends feature horses as mystical creatures that guide lost heroes, provide wisdom in confusing times, or serve as the medium through which the grand saga unfolds. The relationship between a Ghothar and his horse is not merely that of a master and servant but of two companions journeying together through the saga of existence.
This unique spiritual connection with horses also influences the Ghothar's practices around horse rearing and care. Horses are treated with reverence, almost like spiritual partners. Rituals exist for the birth, naming, training, and even the death of a horse, imbuing these creatures with a sense of sacredness that elevates them above mere beasts of burden in the eyes of the Ghothars.
This deep-seated spirituality and reverence for horses further reinforces the Ghothar's resilience in the face of the harsh realities of life in Ghotharand. It is a testament to their belief in the power of the saga and the guiding voice of the unseen singer, echoing in the songs of the Skalds and the hoofbeats of their treasured horses.

Far From Home

The economic distress in Ghotharand has forced many young Ghothars to seek their fortunes abroad, often finding work as mercenaries in far-flung corners of Aestis. Many of these youthful exiles find their way to the city-state of Dran, which has formed a mutually beneficial alliance with Ghotharand. The lords of Dran , recognizing the tough and hardy nature of the Ghothars, have even established a distinct Ghothar Legion within their army, paying them handsomely for their services. Life for Ghothar mercenaries in Dran and elsewhere in Aestis is often grueling, but it also offers opportunities and experiences that are unattainable back home. They find themselves in the midst of vibrant cities, bustling ports, and verdant lands, far removed from the bleak tundra of Ghotharand. They are exposed to new cultures, languages, and ideas, which broaden their horizons and challenge their preconceptions.
However, living far from home also presents challenges. The Ghothars often face discrimination and prejudice due to their impoverished background and the negative stereotypes associated with their homeland. They also struggle with homesickness and the longing for their familiar landscapes, customs, and community.
Despite these challenges, the Ghothars strive to retain their culture while living abroad. They form tight-knit communities within their host cities, often living together in the same neighborhoods. They continue to practice their traditions, such as Beyspilungun, the 'weaver's tale', creating tapestries that depict their sagas and experiences in the foreign lands. They also maintain their reverence for Skalds, ensuring that their oral histories and stories continue to be passed down to the younger generations.
In the Ghothar Legion of Dran, their cultural practices are even more pronounced. The legion maintains a hierarchy reminiscent of their homeland, with an Earl-like figure leading the group. They also uphold Ghothar martial traditions, training their new recruits in the same fighting techniques that have been used in Ghotharand for generations.
Despite their harsh circumstances, the Ghothar mercenaries remain fiercely loyal to their homeland. They send a significant portion of their earnings back home, providing crucial financial support to their aging families and communities. They also rally against any perceived slights against Ghotharand, as evidenced by their deep-seated resentment towards the Veskans.
While many Ghothars have settled into their new lives in Aestis, they remain tied to their homeland in profound ways. They carry their culture and traditions with them, serving as ambassadors of Ghotharand in foreign lands. Even as they adapt to their new environments, they hold on to their identity as Ghothars, fiercely proud of their heritage and resilient in the face of adversity.

Nordhånd

The Ghothar fighting style would be a reflection of their harsh environment and their resilient, adaptable nature. This style, known as "Nordhånd", or "Northern Hand", would be centered on improvisation, adaptability, and efficient use of resources.
Nordhånd wouldn't rely on expensive weapons or armor, which would be out of reach for most Ghothars. Instead, it would emphasize the use of readily available tools and natural elements. A farmer's scythe, a fisherman's net, or even a shard of ice could become a deadly weapon in the hands of a Nordhånd practitioner.
The harsh weather and landscape of Ghotharand would also play a significant role in the Nordhånd style. Fighters would learn to use the wind, snow, and ice to their advantage, turning the seemingly inhospitable environment into a weapon. They might, for instance, use the glare of the sun reflecting off the snow to blind their opponents, or lure enemies onto thin ice.
Nordhånd would also emphasize endurance, resilience, and agility. Ghothars would train to withstand the cold, resist fatigue, and move quickly and quietly across the tundra. They would learn to strike swiftly and retreat, wearing down their opponents over time rather than relying on brute strength.
Despite its emphasis on improvisation and adaptability, Nordhånd would have its own traditions and rituals. Training would often take place outdoors, in the same challenging conditions that the fighters would face in real combat. It would also include storytelling and lessons from the Skalds, tying the physical training to the Ghothars' history and culture.
Overall, Nordhånd would be a fighting style deeply rooted in the Ghothars' environment and way of life, a testament to their ability to survive and thrive in the face of adversity.

Nordhånd Master

A Nordhånd Master is a warrior who has perfected the art of the Ghothar fighting style, Nordhånd. These fighters are experts in improvisation and adaptability, making use of their environment and whatever tools they have at hand to overcome their foes.

Nordhånd Training

When you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you gain proficiency with improvised weapons, and your unarmed strike damage becomes 1d4. Your improvised weapons and unarmed strikes count as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical attacks and damage.

Environmental Adaptation

Also at 3rd level, you learn to use your surroundings to your advantage. You have advantage on Stealth checks in snowy environments, and you ignore difficult terrain caused by ice or snow.

Nordhånd Resilience

At 7th level, your rigorous training and exposure to harsh conditions have granted you an impressive resilience. You gain resistance to cold damage, and you suffer no ill effects from extreme cold.

Improvised Superiority

Upon reaching 10th level, when you make an attack with an improvised weapon, you can add your proficiency bonus to the damage roll. In addition, when you hit a creature with an improvised weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to add it to the damage roll, and you can also push the target up to 15 feet away from you if it is Large or smaller.

Tundra's Fury

At 15th level, your connection to your homeland allows you to channel the fury of the northern winds using Skaldic song. As an action, you can unleash a freezing gust of wind in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in the cone must make a Constitution saving throw against a DC equal to 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Strength or Dexterity modifier (your choice). On a failed save, a creature takes 6d8 cold damage and is pushed 10 feet away from you. On a successful save, the creature takes half as much damage and isn't pushed. Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Master of the North

At 18th level, you embody the spirit of the northern wilderness, becoming one with the icy tundra of your homeland. Your movement is unaffected by difficult terrain, and you gain a burrow speed of 30 feet in ice and snow (which in effect is the ability to wade through snow or run across it). In addition, whenever you make an attack with an improvised weapon, you can roll one additional weapon damage die when determining the extra damage for a critical hit with that weapon.

In the snow-cloaked expanse of Ghotharand, where the tundra lay flat and cold under a sky the colour of steel wool, lived Bjarni. Bjarni, with his wild hair the colour of midnight and eyes that held the depth of the icy northern sea, lived a life of monotonous hardship, eking out existence in rhythm with the thrumming pulse of the frozen landscape. His world was one of silence, of howling winds that swept across the white plains, and of the occasional crackle of the ice under his boots. His companions were the frostbitten trees, the stark and unyielding tundra, and a solitary, grizzled horse named Elskan.
As he roamed the tundra, Bjarni often lost himself in dreams of lands unseen. He envisioned verdant meadows where flowers bloomed with a riotous joy that seemed alien to his snow-laden reality. He dreamt of the sun, not just a mere smudge of pallid light against a leaden sky, but a warm, radiant orb that bathed the world in a golden glow. He longed to feel the soft earth under his feet, to taste the sweetness of a fresh-picked fruit, to hear the melody of birdsong.
But these dreams seemed as far away as the stars that flickered feebly in the icy night. They were mere whispers, snuffed out by the harsh wind that was the only constant in his life.
Each morning, Bjarni would wake to the same cold, the same silence, and the same relentless expanse of white. He would rise, feed Elskan, and set off into the endless tundra, his dreams locked away in the quiet corners of his heart.
Yet, in the depth of the harsh winter nights, when the wind would pause for a fleeting moment, Bjarni would lie under the faint glow of the stars, Elskan beside him, and unlock his dreams. He would let them fill his mind, colour his world, and for a moment, he was not a lone figure in a frozen wasteland, but a traveller exploring lush landscapes, a dreamer adrift in realms of warmth and light.
As the sun would rise, a pale, ghostly apparition against the grey sky, Bjarni would pack away his dreams. He would pat Elskan, look out at the tundra that was his home, his prison, his reality, and steel himself for another day. But tucked away in his heart, warming him from within, were his dreams, his precious escape, a reminder of the worlds that lay beyond the icy grasp of Ghotharand.
In the heart of the tundra, where the cold was a relentless companion, Bjarni dreamt of other worlds. But until those dreams could carry him away, he had the tundra, Elskan, and the cold, hard truth of his existence. And so, he endured, a dreamer in the heart of the ice, a spark of warmth in the harsh, unyielding cold of Ghotharand.