Salkans and Steerians
Originating from precursor tribes, the Salkans are known for their northern clans which raid Severon and Barakon extensively, and founding the state of Steeria. Salkans excel in shipbuilding, sailing, and demonstrating feats of strength.
Origin: Various tribes in and around the Peninsula from 850 BR
Presence: Steadfast
Common Religions: Salkan Pantheon, Steerian Pantheon Real World Influence: Norse 5e Additions:
Magic Proficiency: Water Evocation
Non-Magic Proficiency: Athletics
Steerian Real World Influence: Norman, Norse 5e Additions:
Magic Proficiency: Water Evocation
Non-Magic Proficiency: Acrobatics
History
The Salkans are a collective name for the tribespeople who originated around the Salkan Fjords. These tribes are not well connected, and likely do not all share similar lineages. Since time immemorial, the Salkans have ruled the seas around their coasts and have notoriously ventured out to the rest of Kronis, often stirring trouble where they went.
As of the 1000s AR, the Salkans have yet to properly unite amongst hundreds, if not thousands, of clans and tribes. Some would think they prefer it that way. Throughout the centuries these clans would launch extensive raids along the northern and eastern coasts of Kronis, often upsetting the Rhalans, Kholams, Poscaeans, and Ghiskans who they frequently "paid visits" to.
Steerians
The most noteworthy Salkan expedition resulted in the creation of the Steerian civilization on the island of Tongiu - which became arguably the most united Salkan nation. The Steerians quickly displaced the local Seikans and established themselves on the south of the island. The Steerians also introduced their own beliefs on how the world really worked which served a wakeup call to the self-centered Seikans. For the next age the Steerians would frequently go to war with the Kodrans and Makans for land, loot, and glory.
In the 100s AR, the Steerians actually joined forces with Kodrans and Makans in a war that engulfed all of Tongiu and resulted in the final destruction of the ancient Seikan kingdom. The Steerians, as a united confederacy of clans, were signatories in the resulting Tri-Pact treaty around 175 AR. Following the treaty, Steerians maintained rather peaceful relations with the Kodrans and Makans. During the 200s AR, Steeria transitioned into a state of focused on trade... and raiding the Sinese and Lammetrian coasts instead.
Traditions
Salkans are known first and foremost in their seafaring skills, and secondly as their mining & mineral extraction skills. Some of the best steel is said to be produced by the Salkans, found both in their weaponry and lining the hulls of their ships.
Salkan coming-of-age tradition also dictates that one must either embark on an adventure or complete the "Rite of Sailing" where they navigate fields of ice and rocks in a series of quick and skillful maneuvers. Not all Salkans survive these endeavors, and thus the culture has gained a reputation of producing only the fiercest of warriors.
Mythos
Given their background, Salkans cannot be anything but dwarves. Still, Salkans are an evenly mixed human and dwarf culture, where most dwarves are proportioned as humans, only shorter and with a tendency to build greater muscle mass. There are two prominent types of dwarves - seafaring and mountain. Seafaring dwarves tend to be a little leaner and excel in sailing and ship maintenance. Mountain dwarves have been known to build great mineshafts which reach deep into the Vovik Mountains and Salkan Scape.
Dwarves everywhere also have a tendency towards alcohol of course, but the Salkan dwarves produce some of the best brews of beer and vodka.
Naming Traditions
Salkan names depend on status, with nobility using a proper dynastic last name, (which sometimes just derives from their father) while commoners tend to go by a descriptive of their appearance, character, or life achievement- which can range from negative, neutral, and positive descriptions. Common examples:
Male: Gunnar Vandraskald, Vidar Drekarson, Ragnald the Hollow-Eyed, Torhild the Unlucky, Sigtryg the Wolf’s Shadow,
Female: Inga Ylvirsdottir, Gytha Varangsdottir, Brynhild the Shattered Shield, Thyra the Axe-Singer, Ingrid the Raven-Haired
Comments