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Grivrod

The Grivrods or Grywrody (Ur. maned prowlers), also known as the Saberfolk are the sabertooth tiger animalus native to western and central Zvenaria, specifically the Kingdom of Urenburg. They are known to be incredibly agile and strong, making them some of Urenburg's greatest hunters and close-combat warriors. They are very rarely known to be mages.
  They are most commonly settled in southern and western parts of Urenburg, specifically forested areas. This is due to their origins, lifestyle, and religious beliefs. An overwhelming majority of grivrods are of Zvenarok belief, especially fixating on Toborelyud - one of the Gods of Zvenarok who happens to be presented as a sabertooth tiger figure.
  Outsiders stereotype grivrods as overly primal and aggressive. However, in character, grivrods are known to be loyal, energetic, and courageous. Their territorial and brave nature is known to result in many individuals becoming hunters or apart of the army - it's even true that majority of soldiers in the Urenburg army are grivrods.
a male grivrod, warrior.
 

Basic Information

Anatomy

Grivrods posses the most robust and muscular builds out of all feline animalus. Their most distinct feature is their massive upper canines, which pierce out of their mouths, capable of dealing fatal wounds.
  The color of their pelt is influenced by genetics; it can range from browns, whites, grays, oranges, yellows, to blacks. The most common pelt color is ash brown, while the rarest is ebony. White pelts are more common in Serebla and the Starogradsk peninsula.

Civilization and Culture

Beauty Ideals

Grivrods are known to take unique care of their fangs, like no other part of their bodies. Fang maintenance holds special significance amongst them; "Even if you don't speak, don't laugh, don't roar - your fangs; they still show". Grivrods often use a special paste to clean their fangs - fangpolish, or "klypoliv". It's a thick mixture made out of crushed sea salt, ghostmint oil, honey, and water (sometimes with an addition of natron to strengthen the tooth enamel). The paste is applied to the fangs with a soft bristle brush, polished in circular motions, and rinsed with water.
  Large and shiny fangs are seen as the most attractive trait a grivrod can posses, no matter the gender. It signifies power and genetic superiority, and are a point of pride of a grivrod. Cracked or lost fangs are seen as repulsive. While not popular amongst the common grivrod, some clans are known to adorn their fangs with intricate carvings.
  Wealthier grivrods may adorn their fangs with precious metals, although metallic fangs can also be used as a dental implant.
 
A thick, voluminous mane is considered a symbol of vitality and strength. Both men and women take great pride in their manes, often grooming and adorning them with decorative beads, feathers, and braids. During the yutyrannus feather fashion trend, grivrods would often adorn their manes with yutyrannus feathers. Clan Zor'kal is known for their breathtakingly colorful manestyles.
  Green eyes are seen as the most beautiful eye color amongst the grivrods.
a Zor'kal woman and her manestyle.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

While many modern-day grivrods are integrated into the general society of Urenburg, grivrods who stick to their traditional roots are known to live in tight-knit clans. These clans are known to have generally similar customs to one another, with some notable differences, which make every clan unique in their own way. They hunt for game, forage mushrooms and herbs, practice the Bloodbond ritual, and worship Toborelyud. Many clans have perished or seperated over time.
Zor'kal
Clan Zor'kal resides close to the Muejasan-Urenburg border, west from suvlag. These grivrods are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and artistry. Their manestyles are uniquely intricate, with colorful beads and jewelry adorning their long manes. The clan is known to rely on bows and spears.
Nory'vek
Clan Nory'vek resides in the far south-west, close to the Black gulf. This clan is renowed for their agility, and they value loyality. They are known to organize racing competitions during spring, their finish line sometimes even stretching to the suvlag. Citizens of Bozulsk always anticipate the clan members to run past the town during their racing competitions, cheering on them. Nory'vek clan members aren't fond of sharing their customs, so the purpose of these races is unknown. Some suggest that the winner of the race will get to spend a night with all of the women in the clan.
Gora'tur
Clan Gora'tur longhouse is located in the mountains inbetween Mersishevsk and Rybivets. They are known for their exceptional blacksmiths. Their weapon style has been very popular in Urenburg for centuries, characterized by their gray palette, with the handles shaped like bones. Unlike many other clans, Gora'tur does not mind visitors, and they are willing to sell their wares in large settlements. They are also known for their special recipe for a high-protein energy bar made for their miners and warriors, "enerboh". It's made out of grinded up walnuts, hornberries, dried daeodon meat, and dried bies barbs for a strong kick.

History

The emergence of the first grivrods can be dated back to around 3rd - 4th century NA. In the earliest days, the grivrods lived in tight-knit clans, scattered across the forests of western and central Zvenaria. They relied on hunting and foraging to survive, and they built wooden longhouses to blend in with the dense lush. Due to the grivords' territorial nature, these clans often came to conflict with one another, especially during times when food was scarce. However, some would form alliances and intermarry, creating a complex web of relationships that defined their early society. During this period, the grivrods developed many of their unique customs and traditions. Archeological evidence suggests that they worshiped sabertooth-shaped deities, though their names were lost with time.
  As the Zvenarok religion spread throughout Zvenaria, the grivrods began to integrate aspects of this belief system into their own practices. They were especially fixated on Toborelyud, this God becoming their primary patron, and remaining so to majority of grivrods to this very day. During this time, certain grivrod clans began to form a larger colony, which is known in the modern day as Bozulsk.
  The division of the Zvenarian Kingdom into Urenburg and Bavüra had a significant impact on the grivrods. Many grivrods found themselves engaged in the conflict, as tensions between the two Kingdoms rose. They either chose to side with Urenburg against the attacking Drachenmensch, or to remain independent in their clans, continuing to live by their own laws and customs.
  In the modern era, the Saberteeth have largely integrated into the broader society of Urenburg, while still maintaining their distinct cultural identity. They are respected as fearsome warriors and hunters, often serving in the military or as elite scouts, playing a crucial role in Urenburg's military. Many Urenevsk generals have been known to be grivrods. As of 2053 BA, the current general of Urenburg, Kryzimir Choldrik, is a grivrod.
  The grivrods are known to always be at the forefront of the resistance against Bavüran authorities. Their protests are characterized by their flaming passion and unwillingness to compromise. While many Urenevsk citizens appreciate the grivrods' courage and dedication to protecting the motherland, these protests often turn violent due to their primal and aggressive nature, which usually only taunt Bavüran authorities to use force.
Origin/Ancestry
Sabertooth tiger
Lifespan
70 - 90 years
Average Height
5'3 / 160cm
Average Weight
200lbs / 90kg

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