Felvithar of Norrim

"The gods may have vanished but by following the Ways of the Ancients may we be worthy of their glorious return"

Structure

Norrim is divided into several administrative regions that all fall under the central government. The regions have little political power on their own and mainly work to enforce the power of the central government. The heads of these regions form the Nuvian Council, with each member an individual of the Nuvua caste. These members elect the Nuva, the king/queen of the Felvithar. Alongside each member of the Council is a high ranking member of the Tolek and Masteira caste; with the Nuva accompanied by the highest ranking members of each caste. Under these noble families are various castes that primarily operate within the “restrictions” of said caste and do not participate directly in political action.

Culture

Cultural Appearance Clothing: Given the colder climate of the Felvithar’s home their attire is characterized by bulkier fur/pelt coats. Lighter wear is typically worn beneath the fur coats. Women typically wear long, kimono-like tunics that extend to the knees or ankles, often with split sides for leg movement. Men's tunics are similarly fashioned but bulkier and more or less form-fitting. They are also shorter, usually extending only to the waist and rarely to the knees. These tunics can consist of multiple layers and may be long-sleeved, short-sleeved, or have no sleeves at all depending on one's current environment. Fur-trimmed leggings or breeches, which can be close-fitting or baggy in style, are worn by both men and women. The most common colors are shades of blue, white, maroon, grey, brown, and on occasion black. Adornment: Stone-based adornments are quite common among Snow Elves. Bracelets and necklaces are the most common. The type and quality of the stones used are good indications of social standing and wealth. These general adornments are known as Avata. Some weave small stone beads, called Taruta beads, through their hair. This is usually worn by the mid to lower castes demonstrating their need to restrain their hair during work. Taruta beads are worn regularly throughout the day. The rarest adornments reserved for the Telok caste and above are the Lunala. Lunala is a general term for various adornments that are created with Absolute Ice. The most common is a circlet with protruding “horns” with shards of Absolute Ice hanging from them. Tattoos/Scarification: Felvithar rarely receive any alterations to their skin, though it is more common to find tattoos on Snow Elves who have lived near or among Sareni for extended periods. Makeup: During large social gatherings, milestones in one’s life, or Council meetings Felvithar do wear white makeup which is painted on their face and hands in simple, yet elegant, designs. Hair: Felvithar hair is naturally long, straight, and/or slightly wavy. It is common for all castes to maintain long hair though higher castes tend to have the longest given their work doesn’t demand them to regularly cut it. Their hair is usually shades of black, brown, white, or grey. Subcultures/ Schools of Thought The Tusalan: The Tusalan are a group of Felvithar that seek to break the rather strict caste system that has dictated much of their society. Because most members are young they are not taken seriously by most and are normally disregarded. Because of these there are frequent meetings between members but they are infrequent so as to not draw more attention. The Runavir: Like the Tusalan, the Runavir seek to change the status quo. However, unlike the Tusalan, this group is seen as an active threat among the higher castes. The Runavir pursue an alliance with the Vidithari Dominion far to the south. They believe that a unified elven force could usher in a new age for the Snow Elves and make them a new world power. Through this alliance they seek aid against the Avar and Nekovans. Cultural Creations Architecture: Felvithar architecture frequently makes use of wood for general constructs, stone for more elaborate and culturally important buildings such as temples, and ice which tends to be built into or used to accompany both wood/stone. It is often described as elegant, regal, and comforting despite the colder climate. For the more affluent buildings intricate patterns would be carved into the stone and ice. Furs are quite common both inside and outside for insulation, decoration, comfort, etc. Art: A common form of art across all castes is bone carving. Bones acquired from hunting or trading are cleaned, stained, carved, and occasionally painted. This practice is more common for lower castes and is primarily used to record major events in one’s life. A similar art is also practiced with stone but this tends to be for communal events. A more exclusive art for the higher castes is carving Absolute Ice, whether it be large statues or small trinkets. Symbolism: In Felvithar culture many animals hold symbolistic importance. Some examples include but are certainly not limited to: Wolves, represent community, strength, and hunting; Owls, represent grace, precision, and nobility; Bears, represent ferocity and constitution. Music: Mainly using animal parts to craft their instruments, the Snow Elves are fond of string, drum, and flute instruments. Learning and playing instruments is fairly common and thus hasn’t been restricted to any caste, however those that perform extraordinarily well often do so for higher castes. Weapons and Armor Their armor is sharp, elegant, and devout. Some of the more high-end armor is enchanted and combined with rare arcane ice that forms in Norrim and Amdor. Most armor is either made from metals, leather, or a combination of the two. Underneath most armors are several layers of materials to combat the colder temperatures. Few warriors make use of heavy set armors, instead, most Felvithar soldiers prefer light to medium sets to allow for more mobility. The styling of their armor is described as sharp in their curvature, almost regal, and mobile. Weapons are usually crafted by metals and enchanted so they can withstand the colder climate and much like their armor, some of the weapons are made from this arcane ice. The style of these weapons are described as refined, sharp in curvatures, with motifs of their deities, owls, wolves, and bears. The Felvithar often craft Absolute Ice on the edges of weapons and armor to inflict massive damage and ensnare the attacks from their opponents, cracking their defenses and leaving them open to a counter.

Public Agenda

The Felvithar's primary goals are to halt the Avar's advancement and rid them from their ancestral homelands. They also seek their Patron deities, Felwin and Artio, to usher in a new Divine Age.

History

During most of Felvithar history they lived in numerous autonomous states but the Incursion and the violent arrival of the Avar threatened this. During the Incursion the Felvithar were fortunate enough to avoid the bulk of the void invasion but the Avar would more than make up for this. The Avar carved a bloody path through Felvithar territory. These invaders forced the Snow Elves to form a more centralized power to ensure their survival but doing so wasn’t peaceful. During the turbulent period of unification many internal conflicts would be fought as powerful Felvithar fought for control. This necessity for a unified nation and the numerous conflicts also spawned the caste system that has become so ingrained in Snow Elf society. Due to the gods' disappearances after the Incursion the power of religious figures and mages diminished giving way to a new noble class.

Military

The Felvithar do have a professionally organized military force which answers to the Nuvian Council and highest ranking members of the Renek caste. Given the lower population of the Snow Elves, their harsh natural environment, and proficiency for ice magics this military is quite effective. Their training is extensive and pushes their physical and mental limits. Most of the soldiers are garrisoned along the eastern border where skirmishes with the Avar are far too common. Some are garrisoned along the south and north coast and the rest are stationed throughout Norrim. Throughout the province settlements form militia bands to protect their communities when the national military can’t.

Foreign Relations

The Felvithar generally welcome all foreigners but the Avar and Nekovans have soured this outlook over decades. The Felvithar get along well with the Sareni of Valaren, the numerous nations and city-states of the Nysarian League, and the Madurans. They are more standoffish with other elven peoples, given their differences in faith and their arrogance. The Sylvihtar are more of an exception to this rule, though their consumption of mortal flesh is an area of discomfort for most. They are also hesitant to deal with Nekovans, including the Arikiri, given their propensity of imperialist expansion. Most Avar are treated with immediate distrust and passive-aggressiveness and those met along the eastern border are assumed to be hostile. Norrim mainly trades and has cultural exchanges with Valaren, the Maduran federation, and the Nysarian League. Their relationship with Nekova is rather murky currently. There are those that deal with them in secret, those that actively oppose them, and others who simply wish to focus their attention east. And the Avar are actively threatening the Felvithar as they attempt to expand west and while not “officially” at war skirmishes and massive conflicts are growing ever more common.

Agriculture & Industry

The southern regions of Norrim are far more suited for agriculture than the rest of the province. Thus these regions are of vital importance to the Felvithar. Wheats, root vegetables, and berries are the primary crops grown. Sheep, goats, and Arudo are primary herd animals used for food, clothing, textiles, and some tools and weapons from bone. Some wolves have been domesticated and bred to aid in hunting, while Dire Wolves are a symbol of wealth, nobility, and prowess. The greatest source of food for the Felvithar is meats, as such hunting is a crucial part of their culture as is respecting their harsh conditions. Seals, walruses, fish and whales are their primary source from the sea, while bears, ox, deer, and yaks are their primary source from land. When not hunting berries, roots, seaweeds, and other vegetables are gathered. In the southern regions both practices are typically year-long with hunting being more sporadic as to not disrupt reasonable population sizes. Much of what is gathered is sent north to be stored as used during the fall and winter. In the north during the spring and summer, hunting, fishing, and gathering parties are sent out to collect the necessary stocks. The main industries of the Felvithar include but are not limited to furs, Absolute Ice mining and crafting, stone-based jewelries, and textiles. The Felvithar fur trade is their most profitable foreign and domestic industry. As a predominantly domestic market most furs harvested are traded within the province and most circulate in the northern regions. Absolute Ice is a naturally occurring magically enchanted form of ice that only forms in Northern Teldara and across Amdor. Felvithar are among the very few that can wield this magic ice without fatal consequences. As such this ice is primarily domestic, though there is a small black market that mostly sells to Nekova. It is mined and used to craft weapons, armor, tools, jewelries, more affluent clothing, and it is sometimes used in their architecture. Given their more frigid environment metal jewelry isn’t as valued as it is across other provinces. So the Felvithar craft most jewelry from fine stones such as opal. These crafts are traded within and around Iskara. Low end textiles are made from sheep's wool and are traded on a local and foreign basis. High end textiles are made from Arudo Wool. The most luxurious textiles have small shards of Absolute Ice interwoven within. They follow traditional Snow Elf styles but are made to be thinner than wool clothing. These textiles are considered a luxury and are sold across much of Iskara.

Education

Most Felvithar are educated by their parents and learn at a rather young age what will be expected of them as they age. Once a Felvithar pursues more advanced levels within said caste they primarily learn the ins and outs of their position. As such most of the mid to lower caste members know more of their respective position and basic mathematics, language, etc. Tolek and higher castes are afforded far better education. The Nuvua especially, the noble caste primarily explore foreign relations and policies, higher level academic thoughts, philosophy, etc. Masteria, as one might expect, study Arcana in far more depth than other castes.

Mythology & Lore

Felvithar believe that together Artio and Felwin discovered Iskara, alone in a vast void. The planet raged in violent fire. It screamed in pain to the bondmates and so they soothed it with their icy touch. But the world was not as tameable as they believed. Much of the world rejected the boreal vision they had in store for it so the pair carved out a holy place of harsh winters and soothing snows. But the pair grew lonely, longing for something more to give them purpose. They waited and watched as mortal kind began to spring from the energies of the world. They guarded and hid the land they had called holy and would allow only those worthy of their guidance and love to find it. As the ancient Elves fled their homeland a group stumbled upon the fabled lands. They had endured many hardships but persisted and gained the attention of Felwin and Artio. In time the pair would grow fond of these hardy Elves and you make their presence known. The Elves welcomed their new divines and from then on became the Snow Elves.

Divine Origins

The primary faith of the Felvithar is Ikuma. Little is known of the faith prior to the Age of Strife, but from what records have survived it is known that Felwin and Artio stood at the apex of their pantheon and they guided the early Snow Elves. The faith made a massive resurgence after the Age of Ruin, when the mortals of Iskara were just truly beginning to rebuild. Given the state of the world many flocked to the prophet of Felwin and Artio, Kora Sinnota. Many would seek the voice of the divine but many rejected her, believing the gods had abandoned them. As Kora’s following, the Ikumani, continued to grow so too did the Aratak, those that have forsaken the old gods. Tensions began to rise between these two groups which erupted into a religious civil war. For decades these forces would clash, with city-states and warlords joining either side or attempting to stay neutral. Decades would pass before the war ended with the Battle of Timek, the center of Aratak power. And whether out of fear of persecution, the threat of the Avar, or general indifference many of the Aratak converted to Ikuma. Those that stuck with the ideals of the Aratak migrated south. After the war many saw Kora as chosen by the divine, that through her guidance the Felvithar could earn their gods’ favor once more. Following this war most, if not all, Felvithar within Norrim were considered Ikumani. In the coming centuries the influence of Ikuma would wax and wane but it would nevertheless become synonymous with Felvithar society and culture. These events were also pivotal in shaping the caste system.

Cosmological Views

The Felvithar are aware of the three primary realms, Illyium, Aetherius, and The Void. Illyium, or the Realm Materium is the realm of mortals, Aetherius is the realm of the Divines, and The Void, its true name lost to time, contains the Ventara. They are also somewhat familiar with The Veil, the barrier between the realms. The Felvithar believe if the world is to end it will end in frost. A great unending winter will consume Illyium and breach The Veil consuming all realms. This apocalypse is known as Akarvinter and is said to begin when a three-year long winter strangles the north of Teldara.

Tenets of Faith

The tenets of Ikuma generally demand adherence to the Rime Law (the general laws of Felvithar society) and the worship/belief in the Divines. It also asks its followers to aid one's community when it is in need, protect the sacred homeland of the Snow Elves, to remain humble in one's position regardless of authority, and to seek peace if possible are some examples. To reject their patron deities or commune with the Void are among the most heinous acts one can commit against the faith and is met with harsh punishments.

Worship

On the first day of the week the Felvithar will meet in their local temple to pray, this lasts roughly an hour. Many also say a small prayer to seek guidance in their work/caste. At birth a Felvithar undergoes a simple ritual blessing. A Telok will gather snow and a drop of blood from each parent, they will mix all three and lightly brush it across the newborn’s forehead with one finger. This is believed to welcome the newborn, bind its soul to its mortal body, and connect it with the world and their divines. Pantheon: Artio (One of the patron deities/Goddess of hunting, frost, wildlife, and change) Felwin (One of the patron deities/God of winters, stasis, endurance, and wind) Sareth (God of battle, honor, sacrifice, justice, and order/Combination of Saren and Torr) Shira (Goddess of wisdom, dreams, community, and life/Interpretation of Shiri and Onium) Saiun (Goddess of light, celestial bodies, constellations, and magic/Combination of Solaria, Iune, Callista, and Magni) Varakeen (Goddess of war, relentlessness, persistence, and strength/Interpretation of Vara) Takna (God of death, transitions, and change/Interpretation of Taruk) The patron deities of this faith are Artio and Felwin, the Divine Bondmates of Winter. Throughout the early Felvithar history Felwin and Artio guided the Snow Elves and taught them how to survive their new home and how to wield both Absolute Ice and ice magics. The other deities in their pantheon are their interpretations of the gods of other cultures that they have adapted to their beliefs, stemming from the Age of Divinity. They are not as significant as their patrons but are still worshiped.

Priesthood

Religious officials all belong to the Tolek caste,except Ikumani, and are divided into several rankings of authority. Grand Sinno The highest ranking Tolek, the Grand Sinno holds the most power. They serve to guide the Felvithar in all things faithful and as the religious advisor to the Nuva. While the Nuva has final saw in their authority, the Grand Sinno can hold great sway and is deeply respected. Arch Sinno The Arch Sinno are high-ranking Telok that serve as advisors to the members of the Nuvian Council. As such they lead the religious aspects of the Kota assigned to their respective Nuvian Councilor. Sinno The Sinno are the elders of the Telok and primarily serve to guide Felvithar faith as a whole. They also have the responsibility of selecting both the Arch Sinno and Grand Sinno. Kiva Kiva organize and lead collections of Iqalu; they serve a more administrative role. When they do perform more mundane tasks those that partake are honored. Iqalu Iqalu are the heads of local temples and lead their communities in prayers, rituals, and oversee ceremonies in which they are required. Akiva Akiva are also considered monks but with much more responsibility. Usually they serve as teachers, mentors, and respectable members of the faith. Ammi The Ammi are the monks and novices of the Telok and are usually young Felvithar of the Telok caste who are beginning to transition into adulthood. Ikumani Followers of the Way of the Ancient are general worshippers and hold very little power. Most Felvithar fall within this rank.

Granted Divine Powers

During the Age of Divinity, the Ascendants protected and guided their peoples using divine abilities granted to them from their patron deities. However, after the Incursion, a worldwide demonic invasion, the Ascendants would slowly fade away and one has not emerged in centuries. What records have survived suggest that the Ascendants of Felwin could manipulate ice magics to an unbelievable degree, far surpassing the capabilities of any other mage. Ascendants of Artio could shapeshift into powerful avatars of Felwin and Artio, such as a ursine, wolf, or owl with unique and enhanced arcane abilities.

Political Influence & Intrigue

Centuries ago when the gods guided the mortals of Iskara, the Telok caste held the most power but as the god’s influence waned so too did the influence of the Telok caste. After the gods vanished the power of the Telok fluctuated but currently they hold a relatively respectable position within the castes. They hold authority over most things religious but the ultimate say in legal action lies upon the Nuva.

Type

Geopolitical, Province

Capital

Marulu

Training Level

Professional

Demonym

Felvithar

Leader Title

Nuva

Government System

Monarchy, Elective

Power Structure

Unitary state

Economic System

Mixed economy

Currency

Small, round pieces of soapstone called Kitik. This currency comes in four variants, soapstone on its own worth one Kitik, soapstone with silver lining the outside is worth five, soapstone lined with gold is worth fifteen, and the rarest is soapstone lined with Absolute Ice worth one-hundred and usually traded with great care.

Major Imports

The Felvithar primarily import foods, metals, and other minerals that are hard to find in Norrim.

Legislative Body

The Nuvian Council and the Nuva work, mostly, in tandem to formulate and ratify laws for Norrim. The Nuvian Council consists of powerful members of the Nuvua caste, who propose new laws to the Nuva, the equivalent of a king/queen. They Nuva then ratifies or denies the proposed law. The Council can overrule the Nuva but to do so they require a unanimous vote.

Judicial Body

Most minor offenses are handled by community elders, but offenses such as murder, treason, and the like are handled by the Renek caste, which consists of guards, military personal, etc. If the punishment is to be casteless the offender will be sent to the appropriate Nuvua, who will brand them casteless and banish them.

Executive Body

The Renek caste is, in part, responsible for enforcing the law, apprehending criminals, and ensuring the protection of Norrim's citizens.

Official State Religion

Ikuma

Subsidiary Organizations