Volg

The Volg are an ancient people, who trace their roots back to the Aserins, though they are prone to forget it. Their influence was known across the known world, for they were once the intercessors between the Elder Races and the new, united together under the dreams of the Age of Myths. Now they are a people who defy the fates, willfully dooming themselves to reclaim the Blasphemous North. Their eternal servitude has been the betterment of humanity as a whole, though there are few left to admit to such a thing. Few would claim the blood-crazed horse-lords to be anything but monsters in human flesh, denouncing the heroic deeds that come from their ranks. It is a slight that the Volg graciously accepts. They need no praise from those ignorant of what they have seen.

Similarly to many Empires, the Kjurvog is comprised of many smaller tribes and ethnicities, which have been absorbed under a common banner. However, they are unique in that they have no dominant cultures, with 'Volg' as a relatively new concept, meaning "Peoples". Those who resided in the northern parts of Trel have had similar views and ideologies throughout history, making their union a mostly pleasant one. They are a people motivated by fear, but also wanderlust and devotion to a higher calling. Their acceptance of Vampires is controversial, a sin they are willing to defend until the end. Many, for this reason, look down on them. Some call them cowards, while others point to the atrocities of their past. Fiends, monsters, heroes, sheep, accursed, and free are all names allocated to them. All are equally true, yet lie within their own volition.

Naming Traditions

Other names

Unlike many others, the Volg do not fear those things that can steal their souls just from their names. The Volg, however, is prudent. Children are given two middle names. The first is of one of the Seven Great Vampires, while the second is one of the many patron martyrs of their allies. The Volg believe that their good deeds to others will compel the gods they serve to look favorably on them.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Dalyr pulled the wolf pelt that draped over his shoulders closer to his neck, eyeing himself in a pool of water. It had been years since he had visited Trel, and, realizing he was getting older, wished nothing more than to settle down.

Contrary to popular belief, the Volg are infatuated with beauty. However, the constant threat in the North doesn't allow much time to maintain personal appearances. The Volg are known to fawn over other cultures and their natural features, often subconsciously comparing themselves to others. To compensate for their perceived flaws, many will use accessories to mask their insecurities in a wreath of wealth and importance. The Volg, who trade in ill-gotten loot, find gaining appropriate apparel easy.

Others imitate the styles of their allies, though this is difficult to maintain with horse-riding and the dangers of their homeland. Those who attempt them have a wild, unkempt take on the civility of the southern lands. During moments of rest and recuperation, many will travel to neighboring lands and hire commoners to aid them with their appearance.

Gender Ideals

There are no official roles among the genders, as they equally fight for survival in a dying world. They see one another as equals, though there are rumors that their women are spellbound by music and song, while the men prefer hearing longer tales, epics spanning entire generations whenever possible.

Courtship Ideals

The Volg people are straightforward, yet reserved in matters of the heart. Among their own, the Volg will watch those they desire from afar, making mental notes of their character for weeks before they confess their feelings. The seeker will hunt an Elk, or a similar beast, to gain recognition from the one they're infatuated with and to confess their feelings. The beast is brought to their family home, where it is left with the person they're trying to court. If the feelings are reciprocated, a large portion of the meat will be returned within the following days, and the two will sup and begin their relationship officially.

The Volg are relatively unnerved by the expressions of interest by their neighbors, none more so than the Trel. It comes as a surprise when the Trel compliments them for their beauty and speaks openly of their feelings for them. More often than not, the Volg are convinced that they're in a relationship after their first chance encounter, believing the remaining four meetings the Trel insist upon to be odd quirks. There's often confusion when the Trel, or others, confess their feelings weeks after the Volg have been convinced of their relationship. They're not ones to mince words, and the flowery analogies often go over their heads. Despite enjoying the attention, they often express resentment towards the poems and songs that they're courted with, calling them the 'words of another's heart'.

Related Organizations

• Kjurvog