Northmen

Northmen
The Northmen are true descendants from the northern continent of Frostland. Known as Jotunn the ancestors of the Northmen have settled on the northern part of the continent in a primitive fashion. The traditions and theology of Frostland hardly fill the halls and is a dyeing religion. The strict theological ways of the Paladins has seen to it that nearly all of the pagan ways of old are snuffed out. In almost all ways the old traditions and culture are gone. The wild hearts and physical stature as well as white or blond hair dominates the folk and they still seem to have a love for the sea.
Language (Spoken and written)
Linguistics of the Northmen follows Paladine in all ways though some maintain the old language of Frostland in secrete. Written word is as the spoken word is above, they follow the Atlantean alphabet and styles of Paladine yet maintain the old runes of Frostland in secret.
Literature (Fiction, Non-fiction, educational, historical)
Writing styles seem to follow more the old ways of Frostland with epic tales filling many volumes. Heroes slaying monsters and raiding evil doers and seems to appeal to the young of Paladine due to being written from the perspective of the Paladins. Poetry in simple form is another popular form of written word be it old or new world.
Music
Music seems to have followed a melding of the two cultures. While the Paladins love grand orchestras the Northmen have quickly developed a taste for operatic songs and thundering drums and roaring horns. Simple music is often just a trio of drums accompanied by a singer and some form of horn.
Arts (visual, paint, sculpt, carving etc…)
The arts of the Northmen are often dominated by wooden carvings often with dragon or horse motifs. Many Northmen dominate the shipwright trade not only due to the love of the sea and physical stature but superior skill in crafting boats.
Architecture
All modern architecture follows the ways of Paladine with the exception of the village homes and mead halls. Both are a wooden A frame style crafted with large sturdy beams, thatched roofs or sometimes a live grass roof.
Gardens (Agriculture)
Gardens almost always are filled with a variety of “wild” flowers and basic cooking herbs.
Clothing (materials, fashion, colors)
Clothing has many aspects of the traditional ways of Frostland. While adopting the fashion and clothes of Paladine they often add fur trim or animal furs and skins to the outfits. A cloak with a wolf or bear trimmed hood are favored.
Cuisine
The meals of the Northmen are still dominated by the two meal culture of Frostland. Often in the morning a meal of hot porridge, oat meal or the like paired with sweet mead. At night a large meal of meats and vegetables often a continual pot from day to day. Favored meats are stag but has been replaced with beef due to the local availability in Paladine.
Pets and animals
Arctic bearcat, badger as well as the weaselfox and are prized especially among those of Northman tribes. As far as farm animals the humble cow and chicken are dominant. Beef is a favored food and nearly a full third of crops are dedicated to feeding the cattle and horses of the nation. Horses here are a source of pride with breeders tirelessly recording bloodlines and breeding. Often shaggy in the winter due to the cold the Northmen breed larger horses than those who come from the south. Bore and giant ground endry are the next most common farm animals. Small farms with a pair of cows and breeding pair of pigs and several chickens or endry to support the household give a typical look to them.
Religion
Theology follows that of Paladine with the old ways maintained in secret. The Old gods of Frostland are still venerated before battle and in the mead halls.
Festivals
The Northmen follow the traditions of Paladine in all ways except for the following;
Fete’ Triumph (Victory Celebration) while the Paladins celebrate as a day of victory so to do the Northmen however they also include the celebration of joining the Paladins. Good had triumphed over evil and the world continues. Bright colors are often displayed in banners, clothing and for the rich a fireworks display. Northmen often have competitions of axe throwing as well as showing off superior dog, horse and bearcat breads. A special evening opera highlights the day.
Harvest Festival is the celebration of the fall harvest and follows the second planting of the season. This is the fall equinox. This festival is nearly the same as celebrated anywhere. Northmen celebrate little during this holiday and often replace it with celebrating new ships.
Ice Festival celebrates the gift life from God. It gives thanks to all the prosperity given during the past year. During the evening meal it is traditionally a roasted turkey stuffed with a bread dressing. Sleigh rides and hot cocoa are also popular after dinner accompanied with singing to the neighbors for a refill of cocoa. It is Paladonian tradition to help the poor and give gifts during this time. This is a secret celebration the Northmen practice honoring the old gods of Frostland.
Economy (exports, production items etc…)
Not a true economy as the Northmen are part of Paladine they have superior shipwright skills as well as horse and animal breading. They are the backbone of said industries.
Military
The Northmen are part of the Paladine military and serve as all others do however they are almost exclusively segregated into units together mostly due to the wild nature and unpredictability they offer. A few knights do exist but most Northmen prefer to walk among the heavy infantry.