Tsov

The Tsov are a human ethnic group. In Terra Consortium, they typically live in the occupied city of Jyemasav, but further north lies their own ethnostate, the frigid homeland of the Neo Tsov Imperium. Tsov people range from having dark beige to pale skin, black, brown, or sometimes blond hair, and blue, gray, or brown eyes. Taking residence in a nearly inhospitable region of Terra, the Carcids limited their presence in the far north to only a few research outposts throughout most of history, and made little attempt in integrating the Tsov. As such, the Tsov retain their ancient tradition of ancestral spirit worship. The establishment of their own nation came after the 4th Insurrection, when Terra Consortium artificers occupying the old Carcid research stations discovered a portal connected to the Sethodj nation of Back Wards. Terra Consortium attempted to occupy the region to access the portal and establish trade relations with Back Wards, but attempted to coerce and use the labor of the Tsov natives. Fearsome retaliation from the Tsov routed the Consortium personnel, and so the Tsov occupied the newly built military stronghold and old Carcid outposts to form a rapidly modernizing nation. The Tsov possess the unique identity of a humble, nomadic people that industrialized and innovated their way to a full-fledged nation within only a few decades.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Tørga, Seuno, Ivka, Ankuy, Kyoiv

Masculine names

Østaig, Chongor, Hrakon, Arvoak, Tsønkov

Unisex names

Jraike, Uobya, Koga, Veresyi, Jøri

Other names

The following is a list of courtesy names given by a wise-woman to a child who has come of age. These names are said to be prophetic of personal events later in life. Keen-Voice, Wind-Song, Brittle-Saw, Wither-Root, Young-Soul, Solemn-Drum

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Their main language is Tsovyaig, which comes in several dialects. Within the Neo Tsov Imperium, only a few Tsov people speak Carcidelic. Written Tsovyaig uses a combination of traditional logographs and Carcidelic alphabet.

Culture and cultural heritage

The Tsov are descendants of the Sɑ̃myuy, Yuajkit, and Lyavk tribes who formerly lived in the region.

Shared customary codes and values

Outsiders typically mistrust and stereotype the Tsov as a warlike, ignorant, and superstitious people. To the Tsov, these remarks are all the more reason to preserve their cultural identity against the outsiders who could take it from them. The Tsov value family, community, wisdom, duty, spirituality, respect for one's ancestors, and understanding of the past above all else. The Tsov believe that martial aptitude comes secondary to these values; without virtue and acknowledgement of the past, the Tsov believe one has nothing to fight for beyond selfishness, and that the ways of war are merely tests of character. Outsiders are usually avoided or sometimes even attacked, though if an outsider is alone and vulnerable they usually offer help to the best of their ability.

Average technological level

The Tsov are unique in regards to how quickly they transitioned from an essentially nomadic people to an industrial force to be reckoned with. The military bases and research outposts previously built in their territory are now fully utilized and recreated. The technological secrets within them were deciphered and eventually produced in limited quantities. Thaetrium is used for thunder-arms, artillery cannons, and vehicles. The Tsov have also pioneered the use of geothermal energy for auxiliary functions, such as heating and light sources. Tsov often trade with the Sethodj of Back Wards for rare metals, and even give them limited employment in the Neo Tsov Imperium to produce new technology.

Common Etiquette rules

Hugs and touching of foreheads is common among friends and family. Bowing of the head with arms crossed without making eye contact is a standard salute to higher ranking personnel.

Common Dress code

Tsov clothing tends to be very practical, with outside wear being made up of bulky parkas made from animal fur with some sewn zigzag, triangular, or simple floral patterns for decoration. In the summer, the Tsov casually wear some mix of light furs and decorative textiles. For official uniforms, the Tsov mostly use more modernized textile styles standard to other regions on Terra.

Art & Architecture

Traditional arts include ice-sculpting and the carving of stone and Yaokuj ivory. Tsov paintings usually use only 1-3 different colors in cooler, muted tones, and often depict aspects of nature and folklore. Traditional buildings were often temporary or semi-permanent, being made from blocks of ice or stone, or ivory and animal hides depending on the season and availability. More modern structures have a very rigid, angular, and imposing shape and size, being made almost completely from concrete and metal with some insulated padding between layers to withstand freezing temperatures.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

A prominent ritual is the becoming of a wise-woman, a type of midwife who possesses magical power and extensive insight into the afterlife and the human body. A grown woman of any age may opt to try the dangerous ritual required to be considered a wise-woman. A funeral is given for the participant while they are still living, marking a symbolic death and possible rebirth. During an aurora, cuts are made on the participant's back; then, colonies of ozmyons, symbiotic microbes that enable magical abilities in a host, are rubbed in the wounds by the wise-woman overseeing the ritual. This process has approximately a 50% mortality rate and creates powerful hallucinations, thus being seen as a necessary risk to truly connect with the afterlife and the spirits. If the participant survives, she is given simple tattoos of lines and dots on the face. The wise-woman then trains her in her newfound magical talents for 5 months. Upon completing the training, the new wise-woman returns to society. Auroras are believed to be rifts into the afterlife, and funeral ceremonies are made while they are active. For funerals, the aurora is a gateway for the soul to pass through. Souls that fail to pass due to a botched funeral become malevolent spirits trapped in between the realms of the living and the dead. Sometimes weddings are made during the aurora, where the spirits of one's ancestors may celebrate as well. Every summer solstice, the Tsov spend their day outside, creating works of art as tribute to the sky mother, Agaiyek.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

Children are born in isolation, away from the rest of the mother's family. The only other person who attends the mother and sees the newborn child is a wise-woman, who burns incense and wears an ivory mask to ward off malevolent spirits. The child stays with the mother and the wise-woman for 5-8 days after birth to ensure good health and protection from the supernatural. The isolation is reasoned as being the mother's personal burden, and the child's first experiences should be with a caregiver and one who is spiritually acquainted. After those 5-8 days, the child is introduced to and passed around to the rest of the family. The child is usually named by the mother.

Coming of Age Rites

At around 11 years of age, a child is brought to study under a wise-woman. A wise-woman's lectures include oral histories, first aid, sexual health, and literacy. After studying under the wise-woman for 2 years, the child is given their courtesy name as divined by the wise-woman. In older cultures of the Tsov, marriage signified coming-of-age at around 16 years old, but this is now delayed until after military service is completed. Compulsory military service begins at age 17 and goes on for a minimum of one year. Military training is considered a test of duty, wisdom, and strength of character, as the power and responsibility that comes with it can easily corrupt. Marriages are celebrated by friends and members of both families.

Funerary and Memorial customs

During the winter, the dead are preserved and guarded in small tombs until the early summer. The dead are wrapped in furs and linens and buried whenever the snow is mostly melted and the northern lights are active. The northern lights are considered rifts into the afterlife, where the soul can pass on with ease in its presence. The site of their burial is marked with a gravestone inscribed with the courtesy name of the deceased. Art pieces are often left as tribute. The ceremony is led by a wise-woman, and friends and family members sing requiems, never speaking a single word the whole ceremony. The name of the newly deceased isn't spoken for 6-8 days, so their spirit is no longer shackled to the land of the living. Their name is also not spoken while waiting for the funeral ceremony.

Common Taboos

Naivete, apathy towards family and history, defacing or removing a gravestone, being kicked out of military training, divorcing a long-standing marriage.

Common Myths and Legends

In addition to spirits, the Tsov also believe in a deity, known as Agaiyek, the primordial mother of the sky, space, and light. Agaiyek resides in upper space and sees through the stars above, guarding and opening the aurora gate to the afterlife. According to legend, Terra, which they call Akyeut, is the remains of Agaiyek's stillborn son. The seas were formed from her tears, and all life sprouted from those tears to bring comfort to Agaiyek. Agaiyek still comes to personally visit Akyeut every summer, greeting the land with the sun as her lantern. Offerings and tributes are still made for Agaiyek during the summer solstice.

Historical figures

The first emperor of the Neo Tsov Imperium, Østaig Earth-Maker, is a strategist and innovative industrialist. He was largely responsible for routing the Consortium from the north through his tactical genius, administrated resources between research stations and the military base, and acted as a representative when dealing with outside nations. He also knew Carcidelic and helped many learn it as well. Through sheer merit and cult of personality, he was named emperor of the new nation by most tribes of the region. Even over 80 years old, he still continues to rule. His wife, Kyoiv Long-Path, is considered the empress of the Neo Tsov Imperium, and is known to be a powerful wise-woman who spends most days in deep meditation.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

High cheekbones and rosy complexion is preferred by both sexes. A healthy amount of plumpness is often favored.

Gender Ideals

Men and women are generally treated equal, and are both included in many practices, including compulsory military training for young adults. Women are allowed the exclusive role of being a wise-woman. Transgenderism is completely unheard of in Tsov culture.

Relationship Ideals

Tsov marriage is strictly between a man and a woman, and homosexuality is generally not accepted. Marriages are sometimes arranged between families looking to unite young suitors, but ultimately the choice is up to the couple. Divorce is legal, but is often considered taboo, typically seen as a lack of commitment, patience, and a disregard for one's family who encouraged the marriage.