Regarding The Wolar, Vol 2

by Carolyn McBride

In Volume 1, we discussed the legend of the creation of the Wolar. In this volume, we'll discuss their culture.
Over the years that Uclandia has developed as a continent, the Wolar also developed and evolved. Although they had been initially created for a single purpose through dark magic, the fact that their creator (Danteerius) had also given them the power of speech and intelligence, enabled the Wolar to develop in ways he could not have foreseen.
Although their initial numbers were small, Danteerius had taken care to ensure that no inbreeding occurred through his dark experiments. (See Volume 1 for a more in-depth explanation). Because of this, the first Wolar individuals were strong. One of the first Wolar, Balkin, had studied from and assisted Danteerius a great deal. From these studies, he learned about the Wolar's origins. When Balkin killed Danteerius, he and his fellow Wolar had already begun forming their own culture's foundations. What follows is a close examination of the "modern" Wolar culture, centuries after the Wolar were first created.
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Youngsters

Wolar young are well cared for. Even their early ancestors knew that the species' strength depended on healthy young. While suckling, the young and their mothers are given the best meat. (After that, the hunters are given preferred status) As youngsters age, they are taught in an age-relatable way about the basic tenants of their species. At five summers old (the Wolar measure their ages by the presence of the twin moon in Uclandia's sky, but more on that later), Wolar young of both genders are taught how to help their Elders forage, fish and hunt, so that they can begin to contribute to their society. But Wolar in general do not distinguish gender-specific roles and teach their young that, apart from birth, either gender can do anything the other can. _______________________________________________________________________________

Elders

Elder Wolar are typically respected and cared for if they are no longer able to hunt or forage for themselves. It is expected of the Elders that they will keep the old stories alive, and if they are Crafters, they will also pass their knowledge down to an apprentice. They are encouraged to do as much as they can for their communities so that they might retain a sense of dignity. Often this will present as a change in how they contribute to the community. An Elder Hunter, no longer able to roam the countryside, may decide to help care for the youngsters, or assist in keeping the communal fire burning, or some other task. No matter how they contribute to their community as they can, they are respected, even while others ensure they have food. ______________________________________________________________________________

Clothing

The early Wolar were taught by Danteerius to wear clothes. He did this so that he could tell one individual from another. But through Balkin's education, the Wolar learned as a group that clothing had the potential to keep them warm and protected, and therefore help them survive. They continued to use clothing as an identifying tool as well.
Both genders wear trousers for warmth, despite their fur. Although they are covered in fur, throughout the years of their evolution, it has gotten shorter. But a combination of their fur and warm, protective clothing allows the Wolar to live comfortably in the Northern regions of Banern Province. This advantage also enables them to travel throughout Uclandia. Because of this adaptability, they often take up trades such as Traders or Hunters for Hire. 
Through experience, they have learned that leather trousers often prove to be more durable than the cloth trousers most Humans seem to prefer. The Wolar have become skilled Tanners through the years. The leather they produce is known for being both durable and soft, and their finished leatherwork has a reputation for being well-crafted.
Both male and female Wolar wear tunics and vests and cloaks if the region's weather demands it. Boots are usually no shorter than the tops of their calves and are sometimes seen reaching a Wolar's knees. The boots are coated with a water-repellent oil extracted from boiling fish bones. Well-cared-for boots have been known to last many years.

As the Wolar culture evolved, they formed Guilds centered around specific crafts such as leatherworking, exploration, cartography, healing, and hunting. Each Guild recognizes others, and their own, by a specific amulet worn on a leather thong around their neck.