Jotunar
"They say lightning never strikes the Jotunar, that is unless they want it to"
The Jotunar, or Storm Giants, are but one of several descendants of the ancient Jotunn empire. As their name suggests the Jotunar are extremely adept and attuned to elemental magics pertaining to lighting/electricity.
The Jotunar are a humble and hardy people. It is believed that the Jotunar are the descendants of a sect of Jotunn in Teldara that split from their ancient Giant empire before its collapse. Over the centuries, due to conflict and the encroachment of outside forces, the Jotunar have lost much of their land and now reside among the central and northern mountain ranges of Teldara.
Compared to their Jotunn kin, The Jotunar are the more extroverted and openminded giantkin. The Jotunar have the most professional, mercantile, and social connections to the other races of Iskara and are certainly less hostile towards the Vithar than their Jotunnkin.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Feminine names typically represent characteristics, spirits, or physical characteristics of wisdom, bravery, storms, and compassion.
Common female names include: Wisal, Agatra, Imbra, Folka, Imbra, Besal, Uba, Lalor, and Nasgan.
Masculine names
Masculine names typically represent characteristics, spirits, or physical characteristics of strength, storms, valor, and courage.
Common male names include: Olor, Uver, Karstagg, Vateg, Bavir, Savog, Magthos and Efrus.
Family names
Family names hold great weight within the various Jotunn clans and for the Jotnar family names refer to a characteristic, skill, or behavior that family excels at, values, or represent.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The Storm Jotunn primarily speak Un'gal, the ancient ancestral tongue of all Jotunn. Some Jotunar can speak Common, given their more frequent encounters and proximity with the Sareni.
Over time the mixing of these languages has led to a unique dialect among the Jotunar when compared to the other Jotunn peoples.
Culture and cultural heritage
The Jotunar, much like their Jotunn kin, put the clan and spirits above all. The clan is the most important aspect of the physical world and few Jotunar can be found surviving on their own. To the Jotunar the are the pinnacle of their faith and the center of their mythos.
Shared customary codes and values
For the Jotunar, selflessness, courage, and respect are their virtues. Given their more uninhabitable environment cooperation is paramount for their survival; a clan that does not work together is doomed to fall. It is expected of all members to contribute to ensure the viability of their clan.
Average technological level
When compared to the other races, especially the Osterons, the Jotunn are one of the least advanced peoples but this fact is of little consequence to the Giants. The Jotunar do make use of general tools such as hammers, scythes, anvils, etc.
Common Dress code
The Jotunar make use of pelts, leathers, bone, and on occasion metals in most of their common wear and armor. They make use of whichever materials make their frigid environment more habitable. The Jotunar shamans primarily use animal belts fashioned into cloaks, adorned with bones, charms, and runes to signify their position.
There are some among the Jotunar, typically warriors, that wear little clothing to respect Veterun, a lesser spirit to the Jotunar.
Art & Architecture
Art isn't a major part of Jotunn society, most of their expression stems from scarring and the occasional adornment.
The Storm Jotunn use stone, animal skins, bone, and lumber for their architecture =. They use these varied materials to construct tents, community centers, and long-homes. Their style is very simplistic as function is more important than style. Some structures are adorned with patterns, crafts, and runes to represent the spirits.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
Birth is a momentous occasion for the whole clan and several shamans aid in the birthing process and if they are able the Elder Shaman will also offer their aid. Upon the birth of the child one of the shamans rubs a clay like substance, mixed from various plants and earthly substances, on the child's forehead and says a small prayer asking for the elements to bless and protect them.
Coming of Age Rites
The Storm Jotunn have no recognized, universal rite. Once a Jotunar reaches the age of fifty they are considered a fully-grown adult and a full member of the clan.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Storm Jotunn will wait for a powerful storm and ascend any peak with conductive metal in the hopes of being struck and being claimed by the storm, in the event a Storm Jotunn passes without the opportunity to ascend, they are buried near the peak with conductive metals.
Common Taboos
To the Storm Jotunn harming/consuming a Thunder Strixs is forbidden as the Strixs are seen as messengers of the storms.
The use of Abyssal magics is forbidden and is seen as a perversion of the natural order. If a Jotunn is seen using such magics it is acceptable to whatever it takes to eliminate the threat. If the practitioner is of another race they are apprehended and given to the appropriate authorities if possible.
Common Myths and Legends
A common legend among all Jotunn, more accurately prophecy, is that of the Great Titan or Urtag Jun in Un'gal, a giant of such strength, wisdom, and prowess that would one day strive to unify the Jotunn peoples. The Jotunar have their own twist to this prophecy; they believe, of course, that the Great Titan will be a Storm Jotunn and unify the Giants not through war, but through diplomacy and spirituality.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Unlike most of the Iskaran peoples. the Jotunar, like most of the other Jotunn, value practical skills and talents over physical appearance. Jotunar typically seek partners that excel in a particular skill or field they lack in.
Gender Ideals
The Jotunar care little for concrete or enforceable gender roles and it is expected of every Jotunar, regardless of gender, to aid the clan the best they can.
Courtship Ideals
While anyone can court whomever, it is typically males that do so. Once a proposal is made the proposee is welcomed into their suitors home. For several months the suitor demonstrates their skills and then the proposee decides if they wish to continue the communion. If the proposee accepts the next day is one of great celebration as the entire clan gathers and the clan shamans recognize the union. If the proposee declines they must leave parting gifts for their suitor then the pair part ways, preferably amicably.
Jotunar usually seek such bonding around the age of seventy, there are cases of younger Jotunar seeking bondings but it is fairly uncommon.
Relationship Ideals
It is expected of both partners to support each other, their family, and clan to the best of their capabilities. Qualities such as adaptability, leadership, ingenuity, and empathy are highly sought after. Such characteristics are seen as essential for a successful bonding and thus a successful clan.
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