Mörkels
The Mörkels1 are Móerkel descendants who migrated to the Plain of Kings after the destruction of Móerkel civilization some 800 years ago. Their culture is quite different from that of the other Elakic peoples, having abandoned the traditional caste system and rule of elders and instead adopted the rule of chiefs and monarchs, which have often fought each other for land and resources. Their religion is also based on polytheism instead of ancestor worship.
Many of the old traditions of the Móerkels and Útels slowly disappeared over the next hundred years, culminating in the founding of the kingdom of Eila'togía, which ditched the old caste system altogether in favor of a ruling warrior aristocracy. Its success and culture became inspiration for many chiefs across the Plain of Kings, and by 200 a.Dr chiefs and monarchs had completely replaced elder councils among the Mörkels.
The next centuries were dominated by the rise and fall of dynasties fighting each other (and invading Þrihaks) for land and resources, all while Mörkels settled further east until reaching Narra'tonei Sea. Despite attacks by the monster, the Mörkels had not only managed to survive, but thrive, forming a new civilization completely isolated from the rest of the world. But that isolation didn't last forever.
To the south, the Þrihaks had established contact with Minotaurs from the Southern Desert, while Ameders reached the coastal Mörkel cities and soon established trade-routes with their long-lost brethren. This created a shift in power on the Plain of Kings, with the coastal and eastern kingdoms becoming wealthy while more warlike and traditional kingdoms have declined. What effects this will have in the long term is yet to be seen.
Ervels, or mages, tend to live in monasteries (usually called academies) outside cities to stay away from conflicts.
Cloth is generally spun from the wool of Hyrnings, large ungulates sporting tusks and a nasal horn, as woolen rabbits brought by the first settlers died out early in Mörkel history.
Bracelets, anklets and earrings are commonly worn throughout Plain of Kings, while kings and queens show their status with a royal headband -chiefs often wear simpler ones- and, to the west, a broad collar made of cloth, with intricate designs woven into it.
Most palaces follow a common layout, where visitors enter a long throne room, adorned with frescoes or tapestries and painted columns on either side of a long hearth in the center, with the monarch furthest from the entrance. Behind the throne-room are bedrooms, storage rooms for tributes and a kitchen arranged around a small courtyard used for weaving, reading and rituals.
Temples vary from one kingdom to another, from small, semi-subterranean shrines housing a statue and altar, to huge complexes like the Great Temple of Nexþei in Outer-Dagtí.
Meat is relatively common, with nobles mostly eating hyrning meat (especially smoked) or from various animals hunted on the plains, while commoners mostly eat rekan birds (large, flightless birds with red and white plumage) or Tirúas (small, glyptodont-like mammals), with the latter considered something of an acquired taste. Fresh fish is mostly eaten in central and eastern Plain of Kings, while dried fish is common elsewhere.
The most common use of hyrning milk is to make a variety of cheeses, and to ferment it into a beverage which Mörkels high and low drink in great quantities. Another popular drink is ale, while the aristocracy of the western kingdoms enjoys a kind of wine made from nilla berries, which are only found in the area around Tasúl Lake.
Most Mörkels eat and drink out of simple clay bowls, although monarchs often use cups made from carved hyrning tusks.
I. Dumplings stuffed with meat and vöm onions. II. Öndal porridge with butter. III. Tírúa stew. IV. Smoked hyrning meat. V. Fermented hyrning milk. VI. Nilla berry wine. VII. Ale.
Spears, axes and clubs are more common than swords and daggers for this reason, as are leather helmets, shields and armour. In the western kingdoms, the latter two are sometimes made of tough tírúa shells instead.
History
The history of the Mörkels begins when Móerkels settled on the lands east of Ett River, in an attempt to escape the monster that doomed their old civilization. In the confusion that reigned after total collapse of their society, the people began following those who proved good leaders, no matter what their status had once been, and soon small, tribal societies appeared. Some tribes adopted semi-nomadic lifestyle based on raising Rekan Birds and hunting, so that they were less likely to encounter the monster, and became the ancestors of the Þrihaks.Many of the old traditions of the Móerkels and Útels slowly disappeared over the next hundred years, culminating in the founding of the kingdom of Eila'togía, which ditched the old caste system altogether in favor of a ruling warrior aristocracy. Its success and culture became inspiration for many chiefs across the Plain of Kings, and by 200 a.Dr chiefs and monarchs had completely replaced elder councils among the Mörkels.
The next centuries were dominated by the rise and fall of dynasties fighting each other (and invading Þrihaks) for land and resources, all while Mörkels settled further east until reaching Narra'tonei Sea. Despite attacks by the monster, the Mörkels had not only managed to survive, but thrive, forming a new civilization completely isolated from the rest of the world. But that isolation didn't last forever.
To the south, the Þrihaks had established contact with Minotaurs from the Southern Desert, while Ameders reached the coastal Mörkel cities and soon established trade-routes with their long-lost brethren. This created a shift in power on the Plain of Kings, with the coastal and eastern kingdoms becoming wealthy while more warlike and traditional kingdoms have declined. What effects this will have in the long term is yet to be seen.
Society
The Plain of Kings is divided into 17 kingdoms, each home to one or (usually) more tribes, some of which are Þrihaks who've adopted Mörkel culture. The power of kings or queens relative to chiefs differs from one kingdom to another; in East-Óltrat, the kings' power over the chiefs is so limited that their function is practically ceremonial, while in some eastern kingdoms the monarch is elected by the elders of prestigious families. In Kóvúrt, where majority of the population is of Þrihak descent, a kind of diarchy is practice between the monarch and high priest of Aþar.Ervels, or mages, tend to live in monasteries (usually called academies) outside cities to stay away from conflicts.
Culture
Apparel
Mörkel clothing is similar to that of the ancient Móerkels, especially male clothing, consisting of wrapped loincloth and cloak, while women wear long, sleeveless dresses. Sandals are common, with leather shoes worn during the winter. Unlike the Útels, Mörkels tend to fasten their cloaks so that both shoulders are covered. Tall, conical hats are popular in the eastern kingdoms, either made of cloth or leather, while fringed cloaks are common along the coast.Cloth is generally spun from the wool of Hyrnings, large ungulates sporting tusks and a nasal horn, as woolen rabbits brought by the first settlers died out early in Mörkel history.
Bracelets, anklets and earrings are commonly worn throughout Plain of Kings, while kings and queens show their status with a royal headband -chiefs often wear simpler ones- and, to the west, a broad collar made of cloth, with intricate designs woven into it.
Art
Architecture
Many buildings are built partly underground to keep the inhabitants warm during the winter, particularly in the western kingdoms where winters are especially harsh. In the east, where the climate is milder and access to good timber (either driftwood or imported timber) is greater, larger buildings such as palaces and temples are often built completely above ground, with thatched roofs are common.Most palaces follow a common layout, where visitors enter a long throne room, adorned with frescoes or tapestries and painted columns on either side of a long hearth in the center, with the monarch furthest from the entrance. Behind the throne-room are bedrooms, storage rooms for tributes and a kitchen arranged around a small courtyard used for weaving, reading and rituals.
Temples vary from one kingdom to another, from small, semi-subterranean shrines housing a statue and altar, to huge complexes like the Great Temple of Nexþei in Outer-Dagtí.
Music
Singing and instrumental music are usually performed separately, especially within the aristocracy. Common instruments include wooden or reed flutes (including double reed flutes similar to aulos), lyres, drums and bells. Each of these are associated with different things; lyres with war and funerals, reed flutes with love songs, bells and drums with religious ceremonies, and flutes are often associated with epic poetry and mythic tales.Painting
Frescoes often decorate rooms in palaces, temples and ervel academies, with subjects ranging from important historical events to mythology to scenes of daily life, especially hunting. The outer walls of buildings above ground are also adorned with simple patterns.Sculpting
Unlike the Útels and ancient Móerkels, Mörkel statues are made using strict formulas and their subject is almost entirely religious, showing deities and heroes either holding out their hands to accept offerings or holding objects associated with them. Gods and goddesses are usually shown with their hair braided or dreadlocked, imitating the Móerkels. Common materials include terracotta, stone or wood.Cuisine
Grains, meat and dairy are the staple of Mörkel diet, along with fish and vegetables. Arpól grain, brought by the early settlers, is mostly used in bread, while the native öndal grain is used in porridge and ale. Common vegetables include Darg Roots, brought to the Plain of Kings from the Minotaurs through the Þrihaks, and vöm onions.Meat is relatively common, with nobles mostly eating hyrning meat (especially smoked) or from various animals hunted on the plains, while commoners mostly eat rekan birds (large, flightless birds with red and white plumage) or Tirúas (small, glyptodont-like mammals), with the latter considered something of an acquired taste. Fresh fish is mostly eaten in central and eastern Plain of Kings, while dried fish is common elsewhere.
The most common use of hyrning milk is to make a variety of cheeses, and to ferment it into a beverage which Mörkels high and low drink in great quantities. Another popular drink is ale, while the aristocracy of the western kingdoms enjoys a kind of wine made from nilla berries, which are only found in the area around Tasúl Lake.
Most Mörkels eat and drink out of simple clay bowls, although monarchs often use cups made from carved hyrning tusks.
by Lappalingur
Language
Main article: Mörkelic.Religion
Main article: Mörkel polytheism Mörkels practice polytheism, with a pantheon of six deities which are worshipped throughout Plain of Kings and myriad smaller cults associated with local deities. Rituals and direct worship are generally in the hands of monarchs, priests and arvels, while the common folk usually throw small offerings into the hearth or give them to the local temple.Warfare
The Mörkels are no strangers to war, whether it's dynasties vying for power and perceived glory, tribes fighting because of old grudges or against Þrihak invasions. Bronze is rather scarce in the region, mostly found in the Fökan Hills or at select places in the east, so its use in battle is mostly limited to monarchs or esteemed warriors in the form of prized heirlooms.Spears, axes and clubs are more common than swords and daggers for this reason, as are leather helmets, shields and armour. In the western kingdoms, the latter two are sometimes made of tough tírúa shells instead.
The Mörkels are partially inspired by the culture of Mongolia, Mycenaean Greece and early modern Iceland
1Original icelandic: Mörkelar, singular: Mörkeli
Parent ethnicities
Diverged ethnicities
- Áhalíans
- Banfirdans
- Beikatrótans
- Beþíkans
- Dassíans
- Eiharans
- Feihens
- Feirans
- Förkans
- Getterans
- Hirílans
- Hýtens
- Katerans
- Meþrókans
- Neskíðans
- Neþrútans
- North-Dagtíans
- North-Eilans
- Núrels
- Núskans
- Onneks
- Póletrótans
- South-Dagtíans
- South-Eilans
- Tenrans
- Tlókonans
- Toslans
- Tysíans
- Úlbeans
- Útlúks
- Yfrigíans
- Yfúkíans
- Yrels
- Yrites
- Ysans
Related Organizations
Related Locations
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