Bri'Oir
The Plains people of Bri Inis are a Tribal people. Taming the wilds of the open plains. Boasting fierce hunters and warriors, as well as powerful Shamans of Nature, these tribes prefer peace over war. But will never hesitate to defend their land and people against any threat. Listening to what they call the great spirit in the mountain for guidance. Fairly removed from the rest of the world, the Bri'Oir value goods of survival for trade, over money. Which has little to no value in their culture.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
- Réalta
- Fia
- Síogaí
- Liath
Masculine names
- Dathúil
- Ceann
- Sciath
- Aguisín
Family names
- Briesh: Tio'crúca (Pro:Teeoh-KrooKa)
- Briesh: Croí'cruach (Pro: Kree-Kroo-ahck)
- Biresh: Ré'lann (Pro: Ray-Lahn)
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The Bri'Oir speak a variety of Briesh, a language rarely studied by the outside world. Some pronunciation can vary from village to village depending on what side of the plains they hail from. The Shamans and Mystics of the Bir'Oir are also said to have their own dialect of Briesh.
Culture and cultural heritage
The Bir'Oir have a very tribal culture, that focuses heavily on the teachings of the Great Spirit of the Mountain, which they call Réatala. They believe those who act honorably and nobly throughout their life, will receive boons and blessings from the great spirit when the offerings of each Season are taken to the Summit of the Mountain. Every Village that takes an offering, will be granted protection from two things that they ask for that season. Be it Darkness and Evil, Famine and Illness, or a bad harvest and weakness in battles. If the requests are not granted, it is believed the offering was not enough. Despite the outcome, the will of Réatala is always accepted. For it is Réatala who keeps the rivers flowing, and the plants growing. He is Protector, Judge, Provider, and Teacher to all who bow to him. Stronger Tribes are seen to be favored by Réatala allowing faltering or struggling villages to be set upon by stronger Tribes. This results in the weaker village being brought under the rule and protection of the stronger village and its leader, in hopes of both helping the weaker village survive, as well and increasing the strength and future success of the stronger village. Leaders are often passed from one to a chosen successor, named on the day of the Previous Leaders claim to the Title.
Shared customary codes and values
Survival, honesty, peace, and following the ways of nature and the Great Spirit of the Mountain seem to unite all the Tribes of Bri'Inis. Despite differences, disputes, or rivalries, the Bir'Oir will work to retain their honor above all else for the good of the balance on the Plains. Much like nature, they believe even in battle, you must respect your enemy and rivals for who they are. They are honest in their dealings and words unless a fellow Bri'Oir is in peril from the truth. While skilled in battle, Bri'Oir prefer peace and negotiating over bloodshed, whenever possible. All villages work to understand the will of the Great Spirit and to not take more than they need from nature around them. All of the Bri'Oir are Civil but cautious to all strangers and outsiders in their lands.
Average technological level
The Bri'Oir have limited knowledge of metallurgy and even fewer places to aquire ores, since the mountain is sacred and to delve within it a great sin. While they have traded over the centuries for metals, most do not have the skills to repair or fabricate it. Many tools and weapons are made of stone or bone as a result.
Common Etiquette rules
The Bri'Oir are very hospitable to any guests in their dwellings. To be granted entrance into a Bri'Oir home is to be put under that families protection. Should this hospitality be abused, they may revoke their invitation and ask their guest to leave, if they are lucky. Most disagreements within the tribes are negotiated to a peaceful solutions, though more serious ones can lead to challenges of combat, the rules decided upon by the Tribal Leader. Leaders found to be failing in taking care of their villagers, can also be challenged and removed.
Common Dress code
Depending on the season, Bri'Oir can be found in thick or soft light leathers and fabrics, ranging from tight fitting trousers and tops. Hot summers on the plains lend to short skirts and not much covering at all while the frozen winters lend to furs and animal pelts for protection and warmth. They prefer earth-toned colors to help blend with their surroundings.
Art & Architecture
From fine sculptures of stone or wood, Soft wood fluted and drumming music, to sketches of the beauty of the plains life, Bri'Oir enjoy art as much as any culture. Seeing it to help future generations remember the past and learn from it the Bri'Oir have a rich oral tradition. Most Villages made of a mix of Wood and stone, with simple Houses for the commoners, and a large main Hall and Home for the Tribal Leader. Though there are some smaller nomadic villages that use well-made tents with larger families connecting several tents together for their homes.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
All customs and traditions of the Bri'Oir are overseen by the High Shaman or Druid of the Village, who is always a Shaman or Druid of Réatala. The most important to the Bri'Oir is the coming of age trial that every Bri'Oir child must go through. Once a child has finished his Rites of Passage, the Shaman will bestow upon them tattoos to symbolize their path in life. Marriages and official Blessings of Leaders are all done by the High Shaman. When a High Shaman passes on, any Mystics of a village may travel together to the Summit of the Mountain, to be Judged and chosen by Réatala. The Bri'Oir have followers of most Spirit Realm deities, but they are less common to followers of Réatala.
Common Myths and Legends
Few travellers come to Bri'Inis, most who do however are always curious of the great mountain. Outsiders are forbidden from this place as it is the resting place of the great spirit Réatala. Many have theorized Réatala is Araneth, lord of Nature. Their High Shamans claim Araneth speaks to them from his resting place in the great Mountain, most believe this to be tribal superstition but none can refute the strange divine power the shamans of Réatala wield.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
To live on the Plains is a hard life. To be seen as fit, strong, and intelligent all factor into an idyllic beauty. A female who is toned, lithe, and swift, or strong and curvy, are both appealing depending on her skill or responsibilities. Idyllic male physiques are strong, well built, and tall. For any attraction however both must be accomplished in their chosen trade. Both men and women tend to vary in hairstyles keep elaborate yet functional braids for the hunters and warriors. Long free and wild can often be found amongst the shamans. Skin is tanned from the sun upon the Plains. To be fair of skin would be seen as not to be trusted, or a fascination. Hair colors range from dark earthy colors to brilliant golden blonds. Amber eyes are considered an attractive rarity.
Gender Ideals
Genders are held equally in stations with both males or females known to lead a Tribe. Both are seen as capable warriors, tradesperson, or mystics. Children are put through several challenges and tests as they learn, to see where their abilities best lay in order to help the tribe most. When they come of age, they are put through a final test which will determine where their education will continue. Though all beginning education teaches everyone the basics of survival, such as hunting and cooking, chores about the Tribal villages.
Courtship Ideals
Most men and women of the Bri'Oir will be found dedicated to one partner. Though it is not surprising to sometimes see partnering of three, but never more. Courtship is both romantic and yet primal. Love is very strong between the chosen partners, but it is more passionate than it is courtly. Once the partners have chosen one another, their protective and territorial nature is very strong toward each other. The Leader or Chief of a Tribe however are known to have several lovers. High Shamans are also said to have this same privilege.
Action
Command AnimalAction
Cover Tracks, TrackApplications Bear: The creature gains a +2 status bonus to Constitution. Bull: The creature gains a +2 status bonus to Strength. Tiger: The creature gains a +2 enhancement bonus to Dexterity. Falcon: The creature gains a +3 status bonus on Perception checks. Stag: The creature gains a 5-foot bonus to its base land speed.