Svart

Basic Information

Anatomy

Svarts are short humanoids. They tend to be quite strong compared to most other races.

Genetics and Reproduction

Svarts reproduce sexually and are viviparous. Their gestation period is seven months.

Ecology and Habitats

Svarts generally do best in cold environments, but are somewhat adaptable.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Svarts are omnivorous and are somewhat adaptable.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Svarts generally have average senses.

Civilization and Culture

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Svarts are well-known for being very good sailors, although sailing is of limited usefulness in Aevorea. Ships are more common in Staerenriki than any other place in Aevorea, mostly made in the style of longships. Because of this, shipwrights are quite well-respected among svarts, whereas most other peoples are indifferent to or disdainful of them.
Svarts are also known for being quite skilled metalworkers and the inventors of mead.
Of all of Aevorea's peoples, svarts are the ones that are the most unhappy under the rule of the Erelicia Imperium. When Staerenriki was independent, it was common for their military to raid the coastal settlements of the other countries, a practice that is obviously no longer permitted. Unfortunately, this was actually quite important to Staerenriki's economy, which has seen a significant downturn since the country was conquered.
Because of their history, svarts tend to hold on to their traditions extremely fiercely.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Funerary Customs

Svarts are typically buried in large crypts built to resemble overturned longships. The entrance is at the "prow" of the crypt. The interior resembles a large hall, intended for facilitating large gatherings. This is where funerals are held. The hall has a set of stairs going downwards, to the underground area where the dead are actually buried, in coffins that are carved into the walls. The dead are typically embalmed and buried with the tools of whatever their professions were in life, as well as at least one weapon, of any type. This is done to prepare them for The Narskulu.

Common Taboos

The use of necromancy to reanimate corpses is completely unacceptable among svarts, because it is believed that if a person is reanimated in such a way, they cannot be part of The Narskulu, even if they are killed again.

History

During The Crusade, svarts were brought to the brink of extinction by the demon king Agrimas. A while later, The Restoration resulted in their population numbers being restored, but much of their history and traditions were still lost.
The svarts were the last people to be conquered by the Erelicia Imperium, and are the most resistant to the Imperium's rule.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Those of other races who dislike svarts sometimes derogatorily refer to them as dwarves. They are also often stereotyped as being greedy, violent, and drunkards.

Lifespan

85-100 years

Average Height

4'

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Svarts tend to be blue, grey, or black.

Related Myths

• The Narskulu