Galt

The Galts are a human ethnic group from the continent of Bruna. They inhabit most regions in the continent south of the Iron Mountains. Galtic society is mostly tribal, with chiefs or kings appointing their successors.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

The Galts are a warrior culture, and collectively value honor, strength, valor, and selflessness. A druidic society, they also strongly value nature (the galtic afterlife, The Wild, is said to be a physical place within the Brunan forests), and believe in the inherent power in the land.

Art & Architecture

Since Places of Power play such a huge part in Galtic mythology, the galts often erect stone circles or other similar structures to mark holy or powerful sites.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Galtic society is divided into tribes, and each tribe is divided into clans, which function as family units. A clan may hold a certain piece of land, which is worked by commoners and protected by warriors. A clan has a core family (whose surname is used as a clan name) surrounding the chief or king and his/her warlords, but everyone who lives within the land belongs to the clan, and therefore uses the same surname.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

At the birth of a new child, a druidic midwife will be present to assist the mother. After birth, the midwife will place the newborn on a tub and bathe him with water from a stream, while reciting protective incantations. The newborn will be then offered to his father, who will smear the blood of an animal on the child's forehead (the meaning of which will vary according to the animal used). Finally, the baby will be given to its mother, who will then speak words of power onto it.

Coming of Age Rites

Galtic children are prohibited from hunting, as they do not yet understand the flow of life and death in nature. Therefore, a galtic youth's ritual of First Hunt is a very important one. The young galt is sent off to hunt alone, and they must come back with a large animal (usually a deer) before nightfall. If the youth fails, it means the gods are not convinced of their maturity, and another year must pass before they attempt the ritual again. If they succeed, however, a feast is held, wherein the game is cooked and served. Around midnight, the youth is taken to a Place of Power along with a procession of close friends, family members, and druids. Within the sacred circle, a druid will write runes on the youth's forehead with blue dyes, and invite the spirits of the forest to commune with them.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Funerary rites may vary among tribes, but the most common involves cremation. The body is covered in the fat of slain sheep or oxen, and placed on a pyre, where a druid will whisper it instructions and perform a ceremony. Any beloved pets will then be sacrificed and placed with the body. The entire pyre will be lit on fire, and those present will chant or wail the name of the deceased, so that their soul may be welcomed by name into The Wild. After cremation, the remains of the deceased will be poured into an urn, which is then placed into a small stone tomb, along with food, coins, and personal belongings.