Human (Ulfen)
The Ulfen (pronounced OOL-fen) are a human ethnicity once feared along Avistan's coastlines for the fierce and merciless raiding they conducted in their longboats. They are sometimes referred to as Vikings, though this may more specifically be applied to Ulfen fighters and warriors. The days of raiding have passed, but the Ulfen are still renowned for their height, blonde hair, and their prowess as warriors. Ulfen bodyguards are highly desired throughout the courts of the Inner Sea region.
Ulfen are the founding fathers of the realms of Iobaria, and to this day, the vast majority of humans in the country are of Ulfen descent. These broad and tall humans usually sport very pale skin tones, even after long hours in the winter sun. Their hair is also pale (usually blonde or red) although, over time, darker tones have become more common. Their hair and beards are usually elaborately braided and sometimes decorated with simple jewelry such as bone, stone, or silver trinkets.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Feminine names are usually longer than masculine names, having several sounds of "i," "o," and "n."
Examples: Bergunn, Elsubet, Fonnogh, Halldora, Ingunnr, Liss, Ronnok
Masculine names
Masculine names are generally shorter than feminine names, although they can still be longer. They're usually heavy with sounds of "a," and "r."
Examples: Aksel, Arnsvein, Broddur, Hallmar, Ingmar, Orman, Svein, Unnar
Unisex names
Most names can be given to men and women alike.
Family names
If Ulfen generally bear surnames, they are not privy to sharing them to the world. Their surnames are usually chosen by their father while they are still babes, but that surname is not lightly given. They often choose to be called by nicknames rather than by their surnames, to protect what remains sacred of their family.
Examples: Andenm, Berg, Dahl, Fjelde, Heim, Mykingen, Syverby, Valstad
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Most Ulfen of Iobaria speak Iobarian as well as their own language, Skald, a lilting tongue full of long, complex words.
Culture and cultural heritage
Ulfen are not shy people, they are loud and boisterous, they love to drink and fight. Competition, in all its form, runs deep in the veins of Ulfen across the world, and they rarely shy away from a challenge. It's to be noted that, mostly in Iobaria, lycanthropy is seen as a blessing offered to those willing to lay their lives down to defend nature and its spirits.
Shared customary codes and values
Personal honor and sworn oaths are greatly valued by the average Ulfen, and duels are a popular pastime. These are generally practiced with axe and shield, and end at first blood and are quickly forgotten. Feuds, on the other hand, are much more serious and can arise over matters as trivial as how best to mend nets or fishing rights over a lucrative salmon spawning territory. Feuds generally involve whole families or even clans, and can also involve cattle raiding.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Ulfen funerals are a grand affair of joy, when there departed are sent off to the gods in a bang, with a loud party so that their family and friends recall the good days rather than the bad.
Historical figures
In Iobaria, several Ulfen historical figures are of major importance.
- Iobar, son of Kjell, was the first king of a united Iobaria, as well as the nation's namesake. The heir to the throne of Orlov, he tricked the nine koffars of Njalgard into trial by combat, and besting them, usurped their rule and proclaimed a new nation that reached from the Icewall north of Mendev to the Castrovin Sea.
- Choral Rogarvia, or as he became to be known, Choral the Conqueror, invaded the area that would become modern-day Brevoy in 4499 AR. Before he conquered the northern kingdom of Issia, he worked out an agreement with Lord Nikos Surtova at the edge of the Lake of Mists and Veils in 4499 AR.
- King Irral I won the Restoration War in 3304 AR (although peace was not declared until 3309 AR) with the help of draconian allies.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Ulfen are strong believer in self-care and in a proper appearance, as such, one is expected to be well-kept and care for their appearance. Long, well-braided and decorated, quality furs, and a clean appearance is considered beautiful, both for men and women.
Gender Ideals
The role an Ulfen is expected to fill depends on his or her gender, though the majority of Ulfen are farmers, trappers, fishermen, or labourers. Male Ulfen are most likely to become rangers or priests of deities like Torag, Erastil, or Gorum. Druids of Desna are also common. Women are often priestesses of Desna or Torag.
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