Uthgardt
The Uthgardt was a vast group of barbarians of the North, united in their common worship of the chieftain-hero-turned-deity, Uthgar. The eleven tribes each venerated their own distinct totem animal. Each of these beasts had been conquered by Uthgar, but went on to represent an aspect of his nature, and served as a mediator between him and his barbaric tribesmen.
The Uthgardt ranged from the Glimmerwood in the north9 to the Grayvale in the south,10 and from Neverwinter Wood in the west19 through the lands of Luruar in the east.20 Each tribe claimed a swath of the Savage Frontier as its own hunting grounds, regardless of any intersection with lands claimed by other sentient species, including those from other tribes.3 While these overlaps in tribal territory were usually cordial, they did occasionally lead to squabbling.12 As they were nomadic, there were few permeant Uthgardt settlements, however they were sometimes known to erect structures in places to which they returned frequently. These encampments generally consisted of no more than animal hide tents and lean-tos, but occasionally included larger log structures that served as feast halls or gathering spaces.21
A tribe was comprised of several different clans, each of which was led by its own chieftain. A Great Chief was selected from among these leaders, to serve as the ruler of the Uthgardt people.
<TRIBES>
Black Lion
Black Raven
Blue Bear
Elk
Gray Wolf
Great Whale
Great Worm
Griffon
Red Tiger
Sky Pony
Thunderbeast
Tree Ghost
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Culture and cultural heritage
Collectively, the Uthgardt people possessed a truly fierce and bloodthirsty disposition,39 and outsiders saw them as uncultured, crude, and prone to needless violence.10 They held their thousand year-old traditions in high regard,711 and their religious and philosophical pursuits reflected their war-like nature.2 They preferred to live as raiders and pillagers, rather than cooperate with nearby settlements,3 however they did not generally endorse killing purely for the sake of enjoyment or material gain. Tribesmembers might kill each other in contests of honor, but murder was not permitted. Those who violated a tribe's traditions might be sentenced to exile or death.11
The Uthgardt respected not only their own physical strength, but the natural world as well.7 The tribes were nomadic, and travelled along seasonal migration routes to follow the animals which they hunted.12 They embraced their connection to the wilderness and honored those who showed great depth of knowledge about the world.7 Uthgardt society abhorred violations of the natural order and sought to punish those who would engage in such acts.13 Their lifestyles trained them to hone their senses in order to become skilled hunters.
Common Dress code
The tribesmembers dressed rustically.
The Uthgardt, being a tribal and nomadic people, generally dress in a rustic and practical style that suits their lifestyle in the North of Faerûn
Materials: They primarily use natural materials like fringed leather and furs for clothing and warmth. Some tribes might even incorporate materials like orc hide into their armor. Layering: Given the harsh northern climate, layering with cloaks or mantles is common when outdoors. Shamanic attire: Shamans, while generally dressing like other Uthgardt in leather and fur, might wear heavier armor when necessary. They adorn their clothing with accessories such as brightly colored feathers, quills, and intricate geometric patterns. Mystic symbols, depictions of their totem animals, and holy relics also feature prominently in their attire. They also carry a sacred bundle containing spell components and holy objects. Tattoos and body art: Male shamans tattoo their cheeks with simple images of their totem beasts. Female shamans, while not always sporting facial tattoos, frequently decorate their arms with tattooed bracelets and armlets featuring powerful symbols and the image of their beast totem. Simplicity and functionality: Uthgardt clothing is generally simple in form, consisting of items like trousers, tunics, overcoats, and cloaks, prioritizing functionality for their active lives. Distinguishing marks: Individual tribes and individuals within those tribes might have specific details in their dress to reflect their identity and beliefs, such as the use of orc hide armor by a Black Lion Tribe chief. They may also have a totemic token or tattoos marking their loyalty to Uthgar and their tribal totem.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
The Uthgardt were highly superstitious9 and feared or mistrusted arcane magic.27 However, they were more open to primal or divine magic, and in particular they respected the powers of each tribe's shamans.37 No Uthgardt would cut down a living tree5 or build a fire without a shaman's blessing.9 They believed that shamans' otherworldly abilities originated from their deceased ancestors.3
The Uthgardt held their dead brethren in high regard, believing that their spirits lingered among the living to offer advice and assistance.14 They paid homage to their ancestors with their deeds and by interring them in cairns scattered across the North,37 most notably at the ancestral mounds that each tribe maintained.
Each tribe revered their own totemic spirit beast, all of whom had their power taken by their god-creator, Uthgar,16 and some warriors were said to be able to channel the powers of their totem to aid them in battle.14 Uthgar was held in the highest regard, above all other deities or totemic spirits.2 Some of the tribes venerated other gods, albeit to a lesser extent. Among these were the Gods of Fury; Auril, Malar, Talos, and Umberlee;2 Chauntea, mother-in-law to the totem beasts; and Tempus, the "father" of Uthgar.717 More often than not, tribesmembers who worshiped nontraditional gods would keep this a secret from their fellow Uthgardt.
All tribes were typically known to celebrate with a day and night feast for the spring equinox, summer solstice, and winter solstice. These celebrations were known as the "Birthing", "Fullness", and "Darking", respectively. Around this time a tribe's shaman would also seek out guidance regarding the coming months from their respective totem.18 The autumnal equinox, on Eleint 21, was considered the holiest of days. This was when all the tribes would gather together at Beorunna's Well for a celebration they called Runemeet. On this day the tribes would set policies, venerate their gods, perform marriages, mourn deaths, initiate tribesmen as shamans, and perform a rite of passage known as the Runehunt,18 in which youths would hunt down their totem's sworn enemies or opposed beasts to prove themselves worthy of full membership in the tribe.
Coming of Age Rites
Some youths would leave their tribes to prove themselves in the wider world as a rite of passage. They sought to battle the enemies of their people and return with spoils and stories from their exploits.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Burial in mounds and cairns: Uthgardt barbarians typically bury their dead under cairns and earthen mounds scattered throughout the North.
Veneration of ancestors: The Uthgardt hold their dead brethren in high regard, believing their spirits linger among the living to offer guidance and aid. Honoring through deeds: They pay homage to their ancestors through their actions and by burying them in cairns and ancestral mounds.
Common Taboos
Arcane magic: The Uthgardt are highly superstitious and mistrustful of arcane magic, considering it a sign of weakness and a path to ruin. They will often target spellcasters in combat and consider magic that doesn't come from the gods to be "effete and self-indulgent". Cutting down living trees: The Uthgardt have a deep respect for the natural world and consider cutting down a still-living tree to be a forbidden act, unless it's done with a shaman's blessing. Violations of the natural order: Uthgardt society strongly opposes violations of the natural order and actively seeks to punish those who engage in such acts. Murder: While Uthgardt tribesmen might engage in contests of honor that result in death, premeditated murder is not permitted within their society. Disrespecting ancestral mounds: The Uthgardt ancestral mounds, which are sacred burial sites for their heroes and totem spirits, are considered extremely important. Desecrating or showing disrespect towards them would be a serious offense. Betraying their tribe and traditions: Loyalty to one's tribe and adherence to its traditions are central to Uthgardt identity. Violating tribal traditions can lead to severe consequences, including exile or even death
Common Myths and Legends
It was said that after his death, Uthgar was elevated by Tempus to be his exarch and battle companion.
Historical figures
Uthgar
Uthgar Gardolfsson was born to Gardolf Beorunna, famed warrior and Thane of Ruathym. He took on many of his father's better qualities but also grew to be quite cruel and malicious. When he came of age, Uthgar yearned for true battle and glory. He rallied a great number of followers, amassed a fleet of ships and gained the title of Thane. In the Year of the Reluctant Hero (95 DR), Uthgar's forces assaulted the "Great Island" and slew the leaders of the magocracy of Illusk (modern-day Luskan).
Rather than being exalted as a hero and liberator, Uthgar's ships were burned and his "barbarian" horde was driven further inland. He continued his conquest throughout the North and offered protection to the villages and citizens who swore fealty to him. When a horde of orcs swept down from the Spine of the World, in the Year of Greybeards (100 DR), he and his followers faced them in battle.
In the Year of the Icy Axe (123 DR), Uthgar finally engaged in battle with Gurt, the Lord of the Pale Giants (Frost Giant clan). While Uthgar slew the giant leader, he sustained mortal wounds and succumbed to death on the site that would be known as Morgur's Mound.
After his body was interred within the burial mound, he was sponsored by Tempus and granted divinity.
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