Vahtra-Vasta

Pronunciation: \VAH-truh VAHS-tah\ The Vahtra-Vasta are a Goblinoid Forest located on the Rimward edge of the territory of Wildhome. The territories they maintain and exploit are centered several miles inland, Duskward of the coast of Lake Vandria, and are typified by low hide huts in rocky lowland areas. It has long been the case in the Verdant Expanse that Goblinoid Trees have lived and thrived in harmony with nature, but it was only much more recently that the growth of Wildhome brought about a change in the culture of certain Goblinoid tribes. In response to the combat-readiness of the Claw formation, a gradual change has taken place that has seen a fusion of the goblin cultural values of community and responsibility with the Wildhome values of strength and independence. Vahtra-Vasta believe that the correct way to live is to choose two occupations: one useful in combat and the other useful in supporting the community. It is the way of the Forest to train in both, with one the primary focus and the other a secondary, such that mastery in one is gained as the other is developed as a journeyman. Each Vahtra-Vasta thus has two jobs, dictated by necessity. One may be a teacher of natural law, while also ready to man the walls as an archer should they ever need defending. Another may learn magics of war, but also the craft of the blacksmith to arm and support the people. Yet another may sow and tend the fields, and be ready to expertly direct the fire of a ballista at any time. This diversity of purpose has kept the Vahtra-Vasta safe in the face of decades of border dispute with Wildhome. Every member of the Forest is an asset in battle, with the dedication to their community needed to fight for it. The origin of the name "Vahtra-Vasta" comes from the NiTaXuRa words for "the hours before a hunt in which hunters prepare themselves and their tools" and "a bundle of reeds tied together with twine for strength". These terms describe the duality of the culture so effectively that each Vahtra-Vasta takes on an additional pair of names describing the half of the community that they support primarily, and the profession that they perform secondarily. For example, the names of the War Mage blacksmith above might be "Vahtra Rokk'tu", indicating their primary focus on strength, and their secondary occupation of "enveloping allies in a protection so complete that their worries are banished". This word could refer to taking in those whose homes were destroyed, comforting those in moments of loss, or a number of other scenarios, but here it would refer to "the crafting of reliable armor to reinforce the greatest fighters". The farmer above may be given the name "Vasta Oklot", indicating their primary focus on community support, and 'Oklot' referring to their secondary occupation of "the harsh downpour that wipes away the impermanent and leaves unclaimed nature in its wake". Many Vahtra-Vasta strive to embody several of the meanings their names hold, using it as a mantra through which their support for their community continuously develops.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

The shared value for community effort has given rise to a particular practice among craftspeople and their patrons among the Vahtra-Vasta. Even when the commissioner is inexperienced in the craft they request, they are expected to assist the craftsperson in their efforts, and make a meaningful impact on the final product. Whether this be using materials gathered themselves, assisting in the creation process itself, or some other form of involvement, ownership for one's possessions is invested from the moment of its creation.

Average technological level

The Vahtra-Vasta have access to early hand-forged steelwork, including basic machines such as screws, levers, and gears, and uncommon magic.

Common Etiquette rules

When referring to another, it is customary to use both of their additional names if you do not share the primary title (Vahtra or Vasta), or only the secondary if you do. This serves to show respect in the former case, and equality in the latter.

Art & Architecture

Structures are almost exclusively wood and hide based. Stone is in use where necessary for function, such as in heat related applications.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Unlike other Goblinoid Forests, the manner of dress among the Vahtra-Vasta is less tied to animals, the earth, and plants. Vahtra-Vasta clothing is well-tailored to fit and avoid impedance, and hairstyles are controlled and clean. Dreadlocks may be bound into a tight cable behind the head, facial hair is trimmed to a consistent length when present, and exposed tattoos on arms or chests are revealed with tunics purpose-built to display them with no sleeves or vests which frame them while remaining mostly closed.

Courtship Ideals

It is tradition for pairings to be made between Vahtra and Vasta members of the tribe when possible. This is to encourage both the partners and their offspring to grow in diverse knowledge, as they are exposed to new information outside their specialties.

Parent ethnicities