Faction: Lutra

Lutra

Courage | Honor | Self-Reliance

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OVERVIEW
The last of the Draconic tribes, Lutrians are stalwart nomadic hunters and gatherers, priding themselves in their adherence to the old ways and their connection to the earth. Recently, however, the land they once roamed has become smaller and smaller and while some suggest moving to new lands, others believe their traditional home should remain open to them. They have made camp in a valley in northern Manthir, claiming it as their own.

The kingdom's colors are teal and brown, and their symbol is a bear. They are inspired by Mongolian/Viking culture and aesthetics. Lutrian people can be of any descent, as the culture welcomes all who share their ideals, though most are of Eurasian descent.

History
One of the original Draconic tribes alongside the cultures that have since become Manthir and Taknier, Lutra refused to swear allegiance to the tribe of Taknier long ago and since then have continued to traverse the northern snowscape, preferring to continue on their own in the nomadic ways of old. Their numbers have increased with exiles from Taknier and generally those who wished to maintain or return to a simpler life.

In the last few generations, however, Taknier and Manthir have been encroaching on the unclaimed lands they traveled. Around 50 years ago, Manthir claimed the land to the north (Ramberaht) for various nobles and their workers. More recently, just over 20 years ago, Taknier pushed in from the east and is continuing to expand to this day. The encroaching nations have changed herd movements and severely limited the land in which the tribe can move freely without being driven away or worse.

Most Lutrians see themselves with two options: move on to lands unknown to pursue their nomadic nature and attempt to find another herd to follow or push their luck with one of the two kingdoms to reclaim lands they call home. Raiding parties frequent the borders of both kingdoms, with more success in Manthir. Those sent to Taknier don't often return with much, if they return at all.

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GOVERNMENT
The tribe as a whole is ruled by a council of nine elders. A simple majority vote is required for most decisions. Tribe members can seek council from or petition the elders solo or as a group to be heard on any issue. The elders help organize hunts, ceremonies and so on. Often at least one elder is a veteran warrior, one is a shaman. Elders are chosen based on age and experience, typically by the current council. They serve for life or until they step down.

At present, there is a schism in the community on whether to move on or stay here. Led by a triumvirate of warrior siblings, the Reiðin faction are those who wish to reclaim their lands by force from Manthir.

Law and order are conducted on a personal level in most cases, with larger disputes brought to the elder council. Often, disagreements are settled in an 'eye for an eye' manner or by trial by combat, sometimes to the death.

There is very little by way of social services. The council does not demand taxes or tribute but does not offer much in return.

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ECONOMICS
Hunters and gatherers by nature, they make what they can't scavenge. More recently, they have turned to raiding to make up for the encroachment of their once larger territory. Within their culture, a simple barter system is employed. Lutrians don't often trade with other cultures, preferring to either live off the land or take what they need by force.

Major Imports: Some luxury items(typically stolen)
Major Exports: Furs, Leather

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SOCIETY
Lutrians are a very rowdy group, enjoying any chance to celebrate life. They are wary of outsiders and any who do not wish to conform to their ways. Those that do express a desire to join are welcomed provided they prove themselves not to be 'soft'. Men and women are generally considered equal, though there is a high respect for female warriors, especially those that are also mothers. There is very little recognition by way of inheritance beyond family connection and what one can earn for themselves. Adoption is common. Sexual relations are heavily traditional between one man and one woman, and those who subvert these rules are either ostracized or forcefully corrected depending on their family. 

There are no official ranks beyond those of the Elders, the rest being commoners or slaves. Respect and power are afforded to those who live by 'survival of the fittest.' Many of the best fighters and leaders are recognized by the honorary title of "Jarl." They often have a "Thane" as a second in command when it comes to leading warriors into battle. Jarls will hand pick their warriors for raids and it is a great honor to battle alongside them.

Slavery
Slavery is commonplace, but most people of Lutra themselves are freefolk. Slaves can be taken from raids to serve as laborers, servants, cooks, craftsmen, or concubines. They are forbidden from owning or even carrying a weapon. Some slaves that prove their worth and loyalty can be granted their freedom. Each slave serves the warrior that captured them, but will generally provide services to the entire clan. A warrior usually has not more than 2 or 3 slaves at a time.

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CULTURE
Their nomadic culture is simple on the surface, but in fact, most of the people are skilled craftsmen as well as warriors. Potters, cobblers, weavers, tailors, leather workers, blacksmiths, and carpenters are all examples.

They rely on basic first aid and herbs to tend to injuries and disease. Those who master such skills are called shaman, but they are very few and far between. Shaman are also spiritual leaders of the old ways, those some more than others.

They are not very skilled at permanent construction, but this is largely by design, preferring more either smaller and more portable tents or easily erected huts. They have begun work on a sturdier structure to serve as a gathering hall and place for meals, largely through the skills of some recently captured slaves.

Clothing
Clothing and weapons are very similar to Viking aesthetics and are handmade, featuring lots of leathers and furs. Tattoos are used to denote accomplishments such as feats in battle, epic hunts, shaman prophecies, or becoming an elder.

Art
Metal working, tattoos,...

Core Values
Courage - bravery in battle, standing up for beliefs, conviction
Truth - honesty is seen as courage, live what you believe
Honor/Respect - living up to personal and social ethics, respecting all life
Self-Reliance - taking care of themself and family, independence
Perseverance - never quit, determination to be better

Language
They speak their own language of Lutrian, a harsh sounding tongue that is difficult to master for outsiders. Most born Lutrians struggle in turn to fluently speak other languages.


Cardinalism
While there are many different beliefs in Fjall, Lutra shares the central religion that focuses on the spirits of the land. Practice in Lutra is very loose and there are many gods, with the four cardinal directions being the most powerful. Most venerate the South Wind the most. It is said these four beings banded together to kill the supreme god, consuming its power between them. West and North formed a partnership in an attempt to control the other two, but West made a secret pack with South and betrayed North, exiling him to wander the world as a harbinger, collecting lost souls and feeding on his power. That is why the world is so cold. East is seen as a mediator that has been spurned.

North Wind | Winter | god of death, time, and karma (order)
South Wind | Summer | god of destruction, nature and freedom (chaos)
West Wind | Autumn | god of protection, knowledge, and law (father figure)
East Wind | Spring | god of fertility, growth, and beauty (mother figure)

Old Gods
It is believed that before the Four Cardinals, there was a single spirit that controlled the realm. Under it, spirits walked the earth alongside man as equals. While not entirely at odds with Cardinalism, less emphasis is placed on the four spirits of the wind, with many spirits and beasts venerated for different reasons.

Shamans
Part spiritualist, part healer, shamans are looked to for guidance in many matters, and yet also looked down on. While seen as essential for taking care of injuries and disease, they have very little power as the role is not seen as 'strong' in the traditional sense. There are very few shaman in Lutra and the only way to become one is to be trained by a previous shaman.