Ruunvaan

Natives to the isle of Ruunvald, the Ruunvan are proud people who thrive in harsh conditions and seek to challenge themselves always. A mixed people of Humans, Dragonborn, Dwarves, and Goliaths, they share in a deep tradition of raiding and war and have terrorized the mainland of Caloth and the Korvallan Empire for centuries.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Estrid, Gyda, Agrestra, Kosaadia, Aqwen, Cirra, Athre, Braggala, Kagridd, Dalla, Maria, Thora

Masculine names

Asvard, Thorod, Hallad, Thevoud, Yonmar, Mokhus, Vauman, Gauroth, Thorhan, Caerthash, Morbor, Faerdor

Family names

Vornssen, Haukthule, Alaskthil, Krerrgraad, Embrassen, Vlakunxod, Arbjornlane, Reimeadotta, Kalukadotta, Foldakfane, Tolaalkaash, Axegaeda

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Ruunvali- a combination of common, draconic, dwarvish, and giant

Culture and cultural heritage

The Ruunvaan have a long tradition of conflict and warfare between themselves and other nations. Raids and invasions have led to the development of a strong warrior culture and emphasis of earning one's keep and providing for oneself among the Ruunvaan.

Shared customary codes and values

The Code of Thoden- a set of guidelines for warriors of Ruunvald. Includes tenants about how to behave during peacetime and during wartime.
"Earn your name"
"Honor your family"

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

The Hjardenjaal Festival- Festival at the time of the Winter Solstice, where the dead are honored with a great feast at the local lord's estate and the burning of a statue of a great king.

Coming of Age Rites

Frosenwalf "The Walk in Frost"- A trial where the young must prove themselves worthy of being called an adult. The day after the Hjardenjaal, they must travel to the Hero's Hearth, placed atop a nearby mountain, light the fire and eat a special meal. This must be done with little protection from the cold.

Common Taboos

Necromancy is forbidden among the Ruunvaan. The raising of the dead, even by the hands of a cleric, is seen as a denial of the final rest every person deserves.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Physical attractiveness is based on how capable one appears. If you appear strong and able to provide for a family through hard work or battle, then you are considered more attractive. Alternatively, if you appear capable of providing children, such as a full-figured woman, you are also considered attractive.
A major physical trait of attractiveness are the eyes. The eyes are considered the most attractive part of the body because they "speak for the soul." Brightly colored eyes like blue and green are very attractive. A striking or fierce look in the eyes is also very attractive.

Gender Ideals

Men and women share the burden of life together. All must work together for the betterment of all.

Courtship Ideals

When a man or woman is interested in someone, they often attempt to catch their attention through an achievement. It may be as small as retrieving their intended's favorite flowers from the wild or as grand as slaying a great beast and offering them the first choice of its meat. Warriors, accomplished merchants, and strong workers are ideal choices for relationships.
It is also important that one show they are capable of providing a life for their intended partner. A great warrior but terrible husband is not likely to keep a wife. You must show you are able to work hard in war and in peace, often by farming, fishing, or any profession that requires discipline and work ethic.

Relationship Ideals

In a relationship, both parties share the load of building a life together. Each must provide for the other and their children, should they have any. There are no set "roles" in a relationship. The best one suited for a particular aspect of housekeeping will tend to it and often will teach the other to do the same in case they are unable to. They will also share in teaching any children, making sure they have the skills and knowledge to survive and thrive.
In times of war, there must be at least one parent at home providing for any children they have. If there are no children, one shall usually stay behind to keep the house. However, there are times where both lovers leave for war together and fight side by side to defeat their enemies and bring glory to their families. This is considered an ideal relationship, though it is not very common.