Garkith
Introduction
The Garkith are one of the oldest sophonts of Solith and one of the original three species of the continent. Preceded only by the Jotunkith and followed by the Dwarves, the Garkith serve as the bridge between the two races. Though not capable of adopting the elements like the Jotunkith, the Garkith were born of the mountain, and they adopted this inhospitable region and called it home. They were incredibly adapted to survive what most would consider unsurvivable, like the Dwarves that followed them, proving themselves kin to the very stone beneath their feet. Their ancient people once populated the entirety of the Throat of the World and its lesser mountain ranges, as a diverse people bound by their kinship to the mountains only they could truly survive.
When the Udirkith rose from the Moorwald and came for the great central mountain range they brought ruin to the Garkith people. The Udrithi Empire demolished their settlements, slew their gods, and enslaved their people, casting the race into an era of darkness from which they would never recover. A culture as old as Solith itself lost to time, and its noble people forced into chains or nomadic life.
Garkith Society
Garkith live in isolated and nomadic clans that travel across the throat in great migrations or tight-knit packs of families. They share a deep kinship with all of their race but show great pride towards those they call their clan. The strong drive for survival in the Throat has promoted a harsh set of values in the Garkith, most notably a sense that only the strongest should survive and that those who prove a detriment to the clan should remove themselves from it. They will not leave their injured, sick, or old to die but will expect them to pull their weight even in their weakened state, and if they cannot manage, they are expected to allow the mountains to take them as pride and honor demand. Because of this theology, the Garkith believe the fittest for the job at hand should be tasked with its burden, whether that be foraging for food or leadership of the entire clan.
Garkith and Other Races
Though not openly hostile towards other folks, they are not silent in their judgment of others, especially when it comes to the subjects of survival, strength, and honor. They harbor a deep respect for those who have proven themselves trustworthy and capable in the harsh world they call home. This respect extends to many Humans, Elves, and the Beastfolk of Haven but never to Dwarves.
Few Garkith born in the clans of the Throat can tolerate the presence of Dwarves, raised from birth to believe the entire race to be a hateful and evil people. The Garkith of the Throat of the World harbor a roiling hatred for Dwarves that stretches back to the Udirkith conquest of the region and collapse of Garkith civilization.
Naming Traditions
Garkith have a strange naming tradition they have proudly practiced since the earliest years of life on Solith. A Garkith's birth name is gifted to them by their parents on their first sunrise and is a treasured thing shared only with those closest to their hearts. The chief of their clan bestows a Garkith's nickname to them on their fifth winter and often changes at the whim of their chief. These names refer to notable deeds performed by a Garkith, whether they be triumphs or defeats. Garkith clan names are often simple and taken from the world around them or their collective identity.
For more information on Garkith clans review my study on Garkith Clans of the Throat written during my expedition into the frozen north.
General Information
Lifespan
Around 80 years.
Average Height
7 to 8 feet tall.
Average Weight
240 to 300 pounds.
Average Physique
Garkith have imposing brawny builds that tower over most others. Their natural athleticism is apparent even from a young age as the harsh survival in the mountains begins conditioning them from the moment they can walk.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Most Garkith follow a tradition of inking their skin similar to the Tuathans and use the intricate tattoos to denote their clan, social status, achievements, and notable history.
Related Myths
Quick Notes
- Garkiths value strength, honor, and truthfulness above all else.
- Many Garkiths have never learned to look past their hatred of Dwarves for what they did to their people.
- Many Garkiths and their clans call the Throat of the World home.
- Many Garkiths still worship their gods, centuries after they were slain by the First Men and Udrithi Empire.
Garkith Gods
- Ourano, the Seer God. From his mountain top temple, Ourano once gazed into the past and future of the Garkiths.
- Nyx, the Constellation Smith. From her perch in the heavens, Nyx forged the stars and heavens to mark the passage of time and chronicle the history of Solith.
- Bemyriq, the Stone Mother. The marble Titan that roamed Solith long before the birth of the Garkith, she represented the strength and power of the earth.
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