Norn

“We crested the mountain and we finally saw it, the valley that they called home. First Battalion didn't have long to admire it, before they were on them. The Norn cut through the front lines like a reaper in the fields.”

— Recovered War Journal

Sequestered in mountain valleys the name Norn strikes fear into most. Though Norn are seen all over Artera they hail from the mountain valleys of Hyfall on the planet Zythar. Under the ever vigilant watch of their high matriarchs. The Norn are the sister race to the Terrans, but differ in size and weight due to their enhancement from the Ether in their homeland.
Norn are many things to themselves but to most they are seen as unshakeable warriors. Bith familiar and alien and always prepared for a fight.

Maidens of War

Females make up the majority of the Norn population making them a matriarchal society. Males of theior people are sseena s a prized and cherished rescource. Becasue of this they protected in a way. A threat to a Male is a Threat to the future of the Norn. A male Norn on the battlefield is rare they are typically used in Eliete forces or as primary trainers of the main fighting force. Across the world of Artera, Norn are known for the brutality in war and unwavering spirit in the face of death. Though in their homeland, in the lush mountain valley, the Norn are very sociable and a calm race. For a Norn men and women, home is where they appreciate the reasons that they fight: Their Matriarchs, Their Home, and Their Mates. An attack on their family is treated as a personal attack and retaliation is very swift.

Home and Family

In Norn society the small population of males lie at the top of the social latter. Norn women concider their home to be Hyfall but the wedded Norn women concider their home to be their mate. Her home and family is what she fights and dies for. A Norn male is concidered dishonored and rejected for not contributing to the people or Family. Preping, training females and their young is concidered the biggest contribution.

The Link to the Past and Future

To the Norn the Ether is more than the source of their strength and power. It is also what links all the Norn together past and future. A birth, death, victory or defeat they are all connected through the Ether. Some of the Norn view the Ether as a gateway, that they travel through when the Var'jor is complete. If a Norn dies with Honor they are linked with the rest of their people, and their memories, power and strenght is shared with the living.

Tribes

Owl Tribe

This Norn Tribe are the dedicated beast tamers of the Norn. The members of this tribe feel a deep connection to the animals they come in contact with. Seeming to have instant insight into their mood, thoughts and intentions. This allows them to develop deep kinship with their animal companions. Ranging from Small domesticated animals, to larder dangerous predators. Able to to even borrow the senses of some animals to enhance their own. It is rumored that they have the ability to talk to and understand their animals. Owl Tribe also have the duty of being the guards and sentriess for the Norn people, as well as serving as their main for for Arial assault. Temperaments among the tribe vary but they have a tendency to attract very adventurous and daring members of the Norn. They are not ones to sit idle for long, before they are running off to the boarders or the glaciers. They are, restless, daring...but effective.

Wolf Tribe

Elk Tribe

Courtship and Marriage

Norn have specific a specific ‘ritual’ for courtship. Since the females are the heads of families and groups. The females choose their mates at specific times of year. (Typically once every 3 months) The available females gather and with the matriarchs blessing they go about choosing their mates. By law the males can refuse and the women have to move onto other prospects. There is harsh punishment if a female forces herself on a male and it is found out. If two females have both decided on the same male, it can either be decided by peaceful agreement, or in a challenge fight overseen by the matriarch. Intentional killing in the challenge is not allowed though accidental deaths do happen.

Norn marriage ceremonies are not typically big affairs. Most of the time these things are done on mass in sizable groups with multiple couples vowing under the view of the Norn High Matrons. The woman vows to protect the Norn way of life, and their unborn children until the day she goes to the Ether. The male vows to love and cherish his warrior until the day he joins her in the Ether, and should she fall that he will take up her mantle and fight. Weddings for the Norn is a celebration of two forces uniting to form an even stronger force. Together the mates become the sword that will cut their enemies to the bone.

Major Laws

Terrans are not allowed in Hyfall:

Due to Norn troubled and tumultuous history with Terrans they are not allowed into Norn territory. Most are either Repelled or killed on sight. There are VERY rare cases in which Terrans have been allowed into Hyfall.

A Norn male can not leave Hyfall without Permission of the Clan Matriarch:

Norn males have a responsibility among the Norn social structure. If one decides to leave to see the world outside Hyfall he must gain such permission from their clans matriarch. If Norn male leaves without permission that person is dishonored and dead to their people.

Stronger Together

Naming

Norn given names have no set patterns to speak of. Surnames are passed won from the females through marriage. Name changes are very uncommon but do occur after approval from the Clans Matriarch. Because of this most Surnames have exited for centuries.

Common Surnames

Andrais, Orund, Fulcast, Norbund, Norun, Kaldar, Jör, Hysdatter, Vaulkson, Hysen, Aldatter, Ersen, Benbahl

Ceremonies

Death (Var'jor)

A Norns death is a sacred occasion. The dead are places on a flaming pyre along with their weapons and armor (if they had any), and are covered with a sweet smelling accelerant. They are then floated into the lake of Ether. The eldest child(or closest relative) must fire an arrow to ignite the pyre. Then lead the rest of the tribe in a prolonged howl.

The Howl

The Howl is an action performed at the Var'jor. The Howl has 2 interpretations. One is a a recognition of sorrow for the passing of a warrior and the passing of their memories and strength to the rest of the Norn. The other is a howl of warning to their enemies that they fight in the great battle. A warning that another Norn has enter the fight.

Dressing (Ardath)

The Dressing is a practice performed by Norn men for their mates before battle. Norn men assist in preparing the mates weapons an armor. Placing their families sigil onto their shield (if they have one). The adorn the warrior in sweet perfumes paint their skin with war tattoos.

The Dawning (Icöldu)

This is the anniversary of the founding of the Norn society. This falls at the beginning of the winter months. This is a festival that very much brings out the debaucherous nature of the Norn. The holiday is framed as a way to let free. Just as they had free themselves from the Terran's rule.

Special Abilities

Owls Call

When taming an Animal add a Boost Die to roll

Wolfs Bite

When landing a critical with any weapon, attack again suffering 1 strain

Elks Blessing

Gain 1 advantage when casting healing or protection abilities

Physical

Average Lifespan

200 Yrs

Average Height

1.8 - 2.7 Meters

Average Weight

80kg - 136kg

Summary

Norns are the genetic sister race to the Terrans, with a few vast and notable differences. Though the Norn's basic physiology is the same. Their differences come in the form of their size, strength and pure ferocity. This is due to their adaptation to the harsh cold of the mountains and glaciers beyond. An average Norn is worth at least 5 Terrans.
Norn are tight knit, trusting of only themselves, and always ready to fight at a moments notice. One thing is for certain with the Norn. If you seek them out, bring your all because you will not get a second chance.