Nauticans
Isolated from much of the rest of Hyarmenor by great mountain ranges there is a culture of orcs, goblins, and gnolls that lives off the great sea beasts, particularly whales of the Serpent's Road. Some pay homage to the Godhunter Confederacy, but most remain independent settlements or members of loose trade leagues. They build the largest and greatest ships in the known world for the purpose of hunting sea creatures and extracting materials worth more than gold from their carcasses. From the whales ambergris, blubber, clean burning oil, enchanting songs, and insightful eyes. From sea serpents burning venom, steel strong scales, and razor sharp fangs.
Culture
Shared customary codes and values
The Whole Sea a Treasure Trove- Despite their rustic lifestyle most Nauticans are remarkably wealthy compared to their continental kin. Even working as a deck hand on board a whaling ship pays quite well due to the extreme value of their catch. Most Nauticans can count on a comfortable retirement should they reach sixty years of age.
Give it Your All- The demanding nature of sea life primes Nauticans to give all possible effort when in a job or vocation, but exerting only the minimal effort in all leisure activities. Demanding sports and hobbies are unheard of, after all that just seems like more work on your off time.
Art & Architecture
Most Nautican buildings, tools, and finished good are made from the bones and bodies of great whales and sea serpents. Huge ribs forming the structural beams of houses, stretched skin forms the walls and insulation, and armor is made of scales and small bones.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
The Nauticans worship the Sky and Sea as two great primordial deities, having adopted the goblin custom of Genii worship. They gather in great assembly halls wherein the retired elders recite lessons both ancient and more modern moral tales built out of the weather each god grants. Each hurricane season is interpreted by these old men as either a sign of the gods' favor or scorn.
Ideals
Gender Ideals
Nauticans have a sharp gender divide. Men spend most of their time at sea. Whalers spend three years at sea with two month shore leave, while the fishers will spend six days at sea with a one day break between trips. Women are expected to manage households and guide around their husbands and male relatives during the infrequent shore visits. Women who become sailors are considered to be men.
Related Locations
Yankee Sailors
Nantucket
Media Inspiration
The Lighthouse (Film) - not a perfect fit but specifically Defoe's character
Heart of the Sea (non fiction book)
Moby Dick (50s film or book)
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