Rókuri
The northern people of Drauheim as well as the native peoples of the peninsula and cultural rivals of their southern neighbors the Iolans.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Kirsi
Ruta
Meeri
Ruta
Meeri
Masculine names
Uljas
Miklas
Esko
Miklas
Esko
Family names
Mikkonen
Junilen
Saarela
Junilen
Saarela
Other names
Eliemna- Land of Dreams, Rókuri name for their current lands
Kolmerma- Rókuri name for the peninsula of Iola
Kolmerma- Rókuri name for the peninsula of Iola
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The Rókuri speak a language with distinct differences to that of the southern Iolans. While the Iolans speak similarly to that of the further south Herodi dialects, the Rókuri speak a language much more unique and shares more in common with the tongue of the old Jotnar.
Culture and cultural heritage
The Rókuri see their land as sacred and the last vestiges of the proper children of the giants. In Drauheim, the wandering tongue of the Jotnar rests and is carried on by the Rókuri who speak it.
Shared customary codes and values
The Rókuri are an ancient people, even more so than the Iolans who seem to have migrated to the peninsula from down south long ago. The Rókuri seem to be the native inhabitants of the land of Iola which they refer to as Kolmerma or "The land of three seas" taken from the Winter Sea which stretches all the way west to Hvítrland, the small Iolan sea which reaches the mainland off the coast of northern Great Salia, and the Oselian sea which leads into the riverways of the lands of the Prus and beyond. To the Rókuri, the land they call home is known as Eliemna which means "Land of Dreams" where the Iolan name for the land comes from.
The Rókuri survive mainly off of the bountiful fishing and trapping they are skilled at. From and early age, boys and girls are taught how to fish, hunt and track as prerequisites to survive in the harsh wilderness that they live in. Traders are known to venture south in their boats or Knarrs and establish trade routes and links with the wider world.
The Rókuri survive mainly off of the bountiful fishing and trapping they are skilled at. From and early age, boys and girls are taught how to fish, hunt and track as prerequisites to survive in the harsh wilderness that they live in. Traders are known to venture south in their boats or Knarrs and establish trade routes and links with the wider world.
Common Etiquette rules
The Rókuri are typically a deathly serious people, words are taken at the surface and honesty is among the highest of their virtues. A common proverb among the Rókuri is "Take a man by his word and a reindeer by the antlers". This has led to a very stereotypical view of Rókuri as a shy or quiet people as they often do not speak unless spoken to.
Common Dress code
Fur and animal skins play a significant role in Rókuri clothing. They use the pelts of reindeer, wolves, foxes, and other animals to create warm and durable outer layers. Fur-lined hoods, collars, and cuffs help protect against the biting cold winds. Hooded cloaks, known as kálgas, are common and often feature intricate embroidery, beadwork, and fur trim. These cloaks are often made from thick wool or fur and are worn as an outer layer to provide extra warmth and protection from snow and wind.
Art & Architecture
The primary building material for the Rókuri is wood, sourced from the abundant forests of their frigid forests. They often use timber from pine and spruce trees to construct their buildings. These woods are not only readily available but also well-suited to withstand the extreme cold temperatures of the region. Given the central role of reindeer in Rókuri culture, their architecture often incorporates reindeer motifs and carvings. Reindeer antlers, hooves, and other elements are depicted in carvings on door frames, gables, and interior beams. These carvings pay homage to the patron animal and symbolize their connection to nature.
Foods & Cuisine
A heavy emphasis is placed on fish and seafood as the Rókuri fish both the wider seas that surround their lands and the hundreds of lakes and ponds that dot their landscape. For meat, Rókuri are famous for their hunting of reindeer, moose, elk, and smaller game like hares and squirrels. Given the necessity of storing food for the long winters, preservation techniques are vital. Smoking, drying, fermenting, and pickling are commonly used methods to extend the shelf life of perishable foods.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Worship of the singular deity of Wuna marks the Rókuri as holding deep respect and admiration for the history of their lands. The Iolans are thought to have once worshipped the mother of the world during their initial migration to the peninsula but abandoned her, instead, they worship their numerous gods and goddesses. Wuna's gift of life came when she slaughtered the first reindeer, Karvakuono and brought life to the world. Rókuri shrines to their earth mother dot the landscape and are typically thrown into bogs and lakes as offerings, or placed on the high cliffs and summits of their mountains.
Friction tends to exist on the surface level during social gatherings between Rókuri and Iolans, while the Iolans are known as brash, jovial, and very extroverted in general, this contrasts with the stoic and quiet nature of most Rókuri who again, do not speak unless given a reason to. In conversation, they are quick and to the point, leaving little to the imagination in how they address their concerns or pleasures.
One thing shared among the often at odds people is a love of alcohol, typically this is how the ice is broken between Iolans and Rókuri as it is something often appreciated by both of them. While the Iolans prefer wines and mead, the Rókuri are known for their love of spirits such as vodka and schnapps which has led to a cultural hierarchy among the peninsulars with Rókuri just above Iolans in alcohol tolerance.
Friction tends to exist on the surface level during social gatherings between Rókuri and Iolans, while the Iolans are known as brash, jovial, and very extroverted in general, this contrasts with the stoic and quiet nature of most Rókuri who again, do not speak unless given a reason to. In conversation, they are quick and to the point, leaving little to the imagination in how they address their concerns or pleasures.
One thing shared among the often at odds people is a love of alcohol, typically this is how the ice is broken between Iolans and Rókuri as it is something often appreciated by both of them. While the Iolans prefer wines and mead, the Rókuri are known for their love of spirits such as vodka and schnapps which has led to a cultural hierarchy among the peninsulars with Rókuri just above Iolans in alcohol tolerance.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
The birth of a son or daughter heralds a day and night of celebration among the extended family. Both the father and the mother, if she is capable, raise their newborn above their heads in glee and celebration of the addition to their households. Songs are sung and praises and blessings are bestowed upon the newborn with siblings if they are available to lead the acclamations.
Coming of Age Rites
Rókuri teenagers are given a simple pendant and often are taken on a trip by their fathers or mothers to a lake or to the countryside to fish or hunt. This practice applies to both boys and girls.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Rókuri funerary tradition is predicated on the ancestral worship of the deceased but also on warding off their spirit from returning to the land of the living. In doing this, Rókuri burn their dead on elaborate bonfires and prayer over the fire in order usher the dead to the next life and keep them from returning. The Elevelut is considered a person who has returned from death but exists in continual pain and agony as their true place is where they are buried.
Common Myths and Legends
Illmarien- The smithing god and creator of the Vauraus, the Vihastavaterä, and splitter of the primordial moon Iarga
Haren- folk hero similar to the Iolan Hagen, who is pursued by three witch sisters and plagued with terrible visions for the just murder of his mother who killed his father
Haren- folk hero similar to the Iolan Hagen, who is pursued by three witch sisters and plagued with terrible visions for the just murder of his mother who killed his father
Historical figures
King Markinen- Most famous Rókuri figure, son of Illmarien and wielder of the cursed blade Vihastavaterä
Uliyas "Rautavarsi"- Uliyas Iron Arm, the first attested Jarl of Rǫðula and unifier of much of Eliemna
Uliyas "Rautavarsi"- Uliyas Iron Arm, the first attested Jarl of Rǫðula and unifier of much of Eliemna
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Similar to their southern neighbors, the Rókuri are well known as well-groomed and exceptionally tidy people. Bathing is often not only a means of hygiene but also an easy way to keep warm. Performing long hair, brushed and braided mostly, the Rókuri are again similar to their southern neighbors in what pleases their eye in these respects.
Gender Ideals
Sharing is a cornerstone of Rókuri culture and as such, both men and women share the load for maintaining the household and raising children. Gender roles were highly flexible and more egalitarian compared to the Iolans who maintained a more rigid system of hierarchies among the sexes. Women are especially well known for their ski hunting and trapping as well as the men of the frigid north. Notable is the presence of women among tribal gatherings as they are allowed to speak without the supervision of men, again in contrast to the southern Iolans who prohibit this.
Courtship Ideals
Generally, courtship is a very loose affair as it's an expected idea to pursue love. Courtly love is especially well thought of to the Rókuri, an import from contact with the Salians and Halsats. Professions of love are especially popular and on the grisly side, so are duels between two potential suitors.
Relationship Ideals
Owing to the general egalitarian ideals of Rókuri couples, both men and women are hypothetically in the same position according to standard Rókuri law and customs. Divorce is available to both partners and inheritance is given to both men and women without much dispute.
Major organizations
Jarldom of Rǫðula
(Rókuri are exceptional skiers which they often use to get around in the deep snows up north)
Related Myths
(Depiction of a typical Rókuri cremation and funerary blessing)
(Encounters between Rókuri and their giant neighbors are quite common the more north ones goes)
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