Skyala

The savage people of the north, the Skyala have an intense community based culture centered around the family. The Skyala mostly exist as small, sea-faring clans who have loose relationships with the other clans. The Skyala are known as raiders throughout the other nations, but hard times and push back have made them more cautious. Their way of life is dying, but the memories of the old times still remain, but nobody wants to try to reclaim the land they have lost.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

• Agnes

• Aili

• Andrea

• Brigitte

• Ingred

• Johanna

Masculine names

• Ansfrid

• Asbjorn

• Bjorn

• Bori

• Erik

• Klaus

Family names

Timebent, Oakenoar, Strongaxe. Skyala family names come from feats their ancient clan leader performed.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Common is the trade language, but Skyala is its own language by itself. Skyala is older than Common, and thus is tied to some of the ancient magics, specifically many Druidic magics.

Shared customary codes and values

Glory in battle and a strong hearth.

Common Dress code

You are expected to wear the Tartan of your clan, although there is a clanless Tartan.

Coming of Age Rites

At the age of 13 you must kill your first animal, the first large animal you see. Then you must skin it, and return with the skin and the heart, consuming the heart as you pass the entryway to the village.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Funerals of the honored dead are burned on funeral pyres, alongside the pelt of their coming of age animal. The everyday man is buried in a barrow, while the dishonorable dead are simply left to rot.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Large men and slender women. Size play is a large factor of their idea of beauty.

Courtship Ideals

Almost all courtship is performed within the clan, but clan nobles are expected to marry outside of the clan to increase ties between them.

Related Organizations

• The Strongbow Empire