Sappers
(Northwoods Valoran)
Life is a bit different up in the Northwoods, and the folks from up that way are generally seen as a bit odd, at best.
Humans, Dogfolk, Fauns, and Goblins live and work in closer cooperation here than in most places--whether or not someone is local (or at least Known), good to your dog, and a good neighbor is all more important than what shape they are.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Though the Northwoods accent and slang are not so pronounced as to render them unintelligible to the rest of the country, they are very noticeable. Both the accent and slang tend to be perceived as uncultured and uneducated outside of the Northwoods, especially in the cities.
The Northwoods are known for their independent streak, but this is not so much on the individual level (as is assumed in the south) but at a community level: not "I do fine on my own," but "we do fine on our own."
Culture and cultural heritage
The Northwoods were removed enough from the Raithar Empire's heartland, and little valued enough, that they were not so closely regulated as most of the country. However, that doesn't mean that the occupation left no mark here.
The empire's activity here was centered around the mines--supporting and protecting the mines themselves, and transporting the raw materials to forts for initial processing, then bulk shipment south. Huge swaths of forest were cleared for fuel and timber; though these areas have mostly filled back in, the forests along the north slopes of the mountains are noticeably younger (for those who understand what they are seeing).
Resistance to the empire was never fully quelled or quieted here, though it was never organized or powerful enough to have much effect outside of isolated incidents or areas. This was first among many reasons that the sappers were largely unhappy to be informed that they were now part of the free nation of Valor--without any particular say in the matter. It felt at first like simply a new occupation... but trust was slowly built, as their resources were not exploited, no one was forced to mining (and those who kept mining were able to sell the results of their labor and keep the profits), and they were protected from some early attempts at raiding from Shaodan and D.Elidian. Now, most are fairly content to be left alone and enjoy the illusion of independence.
Shared customary codes and values
The sappers of the Northwoods place a high value on being a "good neighbor," that is, on looking out for and aiding one's community as they are able, to not take more help than they need, and to treat others (whom are part of or at least well known to the community) with compassion and respect. Inversely, there is little importance placed on extending these virtues to outsiders: after all, one never knows what they might be up to.
Common Dress code
Fashion in the Northwoods is similar to the rest of Valor, if about 10 years behind the trends. Wool is much more common, as are fur linings. Additionally, aprons have remained a standard part of every outfit in the Northwoods despite having faded from mainstream Valoran fashion decades ago (though of course practical work aprons remain in use pretty much everywhere).
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
People in the Northwoods mostly do not have House Guardians and the accompanying customs, both because of the practice's Raitharan roots and because they interact so rarely with strangers. People in a community are well known to each other, even if they are miles away from their neighbors, and there are no particular social niceties required for dropping into each others' homes.
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