Vulgoth

As the product of magical experimentation gone wrong, the early history of the Vulgoths was bitter fight for survival. Even in modern times, many view the Vulgoths as little more than brutish abominations that plagues the hills and mountains of the east. Against all odds, these beastmen have come to thrive amidst the peaks of the Backcountry and Alsham Expanse and have established a peaceful and self-sufficient culture in the wilderness.

Appearance

Anatomy

Vulgoths are large, bestial creatures that bear similarities to both humans and mountain goats. They have muscular legs that terminate at sturdy hooves. Their bodies are covered in short, coarse hair that ranges from brown to gray tones--very few are black or white. Their heads are elongated and extend to a nose. Horns protrude from either side of their head above the temples, and thicker, longer hair grows from the tops of their heads and jawlines.

Clothing

The simplest of Vulgoth attire is little more than animal skins and hides that are sewn together into wearable garments with sinew or plant fibers. Usually, this kind of attire is loose-fitting and allows for a large range of movement. In colder regions or during colder times of the year, animal furs are commonly used as a top layer for extra warmth. Although fabrics are uncommon, some Vulgoth herds may tan hides to instead fashion more durable attire from crude leathers. It's also worth noting that many Vulgoth herds will scavenge from ruins and abandoned settlements or caravans and may use their findings to fashion clothing from different materials.

Armor

Vulgoth skin is particularly tough compared to that of a Human or Orc, but most warrior herds still wear additional hide and leather as added protection. It's common for combatants to use metal from defeated foes or scavenging runs to create a sort of lamellar armor, too. Usually, Vulgoths keep away from helmets and other head protection in favor of using their horns as a supplemental weapon.

Culture

Naming Practices

Vulgoths are given a single name by their mothers upon birth. Usually, this name is a one or two syllable word that carries meaning in the Vulgoth language. If the name has two syllables, an apostrophe is placed in the name to separate the sounds. Vulgoths don't usually have any kind of surname, but may introduce themselves by the name of their herd's elder, such as "Ar'gad of Jol's Herd". Names in the Vulgoth language usually aren't gendered, and usually don't have many long E or I sounds.
Example Vulgoth names: Ar'gad, Dod, Grob, Jol, Mog'da, Nag, Po'ga, Ru'tu, Zul

Family Ideals

Vulgoth children will stay with their mothers until they reach maturity around fourteen years old. Female Vulgoths may mate with the same male multiple times, but they generally don't practice any sort of sexual or romantic exclusivity. The mothers in a Vulgoth herd are usually given special treatment and are the first to receive food and necessary supplies amongst the herd, with older mothers receiving these things before younger mothers do. Males and childless females are tasked with hunting and gathering for the tribe, as well as any other tasks that may be necessary.

Religion

Most Vulgoth herds worship either the mountain goddess Roh'ka or the wind god Kul, and many will worship both to some extent. Although rare, some herds may reject the concept of religion altogether, believing that the gods are the reason for their abominable existence. The faithful generally refer to their deities as "Great Elders", as though their will supercedes that of herd Elders.

Great Elder Roh'ka

The mountain goddess Roh'ka is worshipped by many Vulgoths as a protector of their homeland. Amongst child-rearing females, Roh'ka may be asked for wisdom and patience as a mother. In times of turmoil, the fearful may turn to Roh'ka and ask for the continuity of their herd and the longevity of their kin.
Besides prayer, Vulgoths may erect statues of stone or wood depicting Great Elder Roh'ka as a heavyset Vulgoth woman with peaceful and patient features. Smaller versions of these carvings may be tied around one's neck as a necklace or carried along on long hunting tribes or other outings so that the goddess can be ever-present.

Great Elder Kul

Vulgoths closely associate the wind god Kul with the weather in their homeland, as well as viewing him as an agent of change and a patron of music. In fire-lit ceremonies, Vulgoths dance, drum, and play wind instruments in light-hearted rituals to give thanks to Kul for pleasant weather. In less happy times, Vulgoths may play more somber music in the hopes of summoning Kul's favor back to their herd. Many Vulgoths view thunderstorms and strong winds as a sing of Kul's anger and may stand amidst the storm while dancing and performing in the hopes of bringing back sunshine.

Government

Vulgoths live in large groups called "herds". These herds are led by an "Elder", who is usually amongst the oldest males of the herd. It is up to the current Elder to pass on the mantle to the next, and the reasons for that decision naturally vary. If an Elder should die before making that decision, the adult males of the herd convene to determine a new Elder in a process that sometimes results in bloodshed for a splintering of the herd.
Elders are responsible for making most of the important decisions for the herd, such as where to hunt, what to cultivate, and how the herd should react to the world around them. Most Vulgoths will readily defer to an established Elder, and it's rare for challenges in power to occur outside of when a new Elder must be decided by non-Elder males. Elders are also the ones to lead warriors into battle if necessary, and they usually know well enough to leave a successor behind in case they don't return.

Economy and Industry

In most herds, any produce of artisans is readily shared between members of the herd with mothers and children being prioritized above single females and adult males. Vulgoths have no concept of currency, and most do not seek outsides for bartering. Most Vulgoths are hunters and gatherers, and some may farm if the area permits. Artisans amongst Vulgoths include tailors, leatherworkers, and carpenters.

Military

Many Vulgoth herds have little reason to fight, as they tend to avoid contact with the outside world. However, some herds must fight to defend their homes, and others may raid and pillage local settlements to get supplies for their own survival. In these cases, all able-bodied adult males are expected to follow the herd Elder into battle. For more peaceful herds, they may be armed with tools, crude spears, or wooden bludgeons. For warrior herds, they commonly reuse weapons salvaged off of previous battlefields in conjunction with makeshift weapons that combine scavenged supplies with hunting produce.

Spread and Influence

Geographic Distribution

Vulgoths mostly settle in the hills and mountains of the Backcountry and Alsham Expanse and have little contact with the outside world. Very few settle in the mountains of World's End. Vulgoths are rare to see travelling the roads as they tend to stay off the beaten path, though you may see the occasional lone Vulgoth that left their herd to be employed as a mercenary, performer, or laborer.

Reception

Many people view Vulgoths as bastard abominations that should be culled from the world, but few would dare to challenge a Vulgoth herd to a fight. Instead, most try to avoid established Vulgoth territory and forget the race even exists. There are some who take pity on the Vulgoths at a distance, and even fewer who intentionally try to engage with a Vulgoth to make acquaintances or invite collaboration. Many Vulgoths who are seen outside of a herd were once slaves or prisoners who were eventually released.

Appearance

Average Height

7' (male), 6'7" female)

Hair

Brown, Tan, Gray

Eyes

Brown, Amber, Gray

Culture

Languages

Vulgoth

Homeland

Mountains of The Backcountry and Alsham Expanse

Organization

Herds

Religion

The Patient Earth, The Windsinger