SIGVILL (sig-vill)
The Sigvill Tribes, also known as the Sigvills, are an collection of different barbarian tribes that have lived in Lavantia since ancient times. They in the northern lands that are close to the borders of Gershon, Kerrosano,Lotus Kingdom, and the Sarton Kingdom. The adjective form of the tribal name is Sigvill, occasionally Sigvillian. Sigvill tribes are a combination of Human, Lerith, Gallian, Cairteail, some Saurids, Pantaras, and Ursidians.
Basics
| Homeland | Hierarchy | Political system | Religious system | Social system |
| Varies among tribes. Origin stems from northern Lavantia | Mostly patriarchal | Tribal-based system | Varies among tribes | Tribal-based |
| Locomotion | Special abilities | Average lifespan | Average Height | Average Weight |
| Bipedal | Holds reputation as being adept at fighting and tracking. | 100-8,000 years | 5’11 | 180 lbs |
| Technological level | Level of intelligence | Unusual Features | ||
| Advanced enough to create their own paratek | Similar to other people groups | Different markings that identify individual tribe |
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Sigvills are capable of speaking Human, Alfar, Gallian, and Beast languages.
Culture and cultural heritage
Among the Sigvills, few things remain the same throughout the years. Their settlements are mostly temporary, with only the long-lasting settlements lasting past at least two generations. This was due to their nomadic lifestyle being primary for many years.This attitude is changing among later generations of Sigvills as some tribe have begun to become more settled, opting to become less of a nomadic people. Literacy is only common among Sigvill tribesmen who favor trade with the other nations. The ability to read & write is expected among the leadership & other notable high members of Sigvill society.
One important thing among the Sigvill is the honoring of one’s oath, as the keeping of an oath affects the reputation & honor of a person. The final authority on oaths rests with the Chieftain. A clever chieftain can find loopholes in any oath. If an oath has been broken among Sigvill holds, the offending party can pay the price of the transgression according to the terms given in the oath. The most stringent of Sigvill oaths tend to be ones that are spiritual in nature.
Sigvill usually hate capture by a powerful enemy, and would rather end their own life by suicide or dying in battle. They despise being the prisoners to an foreign enemy.
One important thing among the Sigvill is the honoring of one’s oath, as the keeping of an oath affects the reputation & honor of a person. The final authority on oaths rests with the Chieftain. A clever chieftain can find loopholes in any oath. If an oath has been broken among Sigvill holds, the offending party can pay the price of the transgression according to the terms given in the oath. The most stringent of Sigvill oaths tend to be ones that are spiritual in nature.
Sigvill usually hate capture by a powerful enemy, and would rather end their own life by suicide or dying in battle. They despise being the prisoners to an foreign enemy.
Shared customary codes and values
Although Sigvill tribes are aware of each other, they do not view themselves as one united nation. Each member gives their loyalty to the tribe of their birth first, then to anything else second. It is not uncommon for sigvill tribes to be at peace with some and at war with others. Most prefer to keep cordial relations with the other sigvills for the purposes of peaceful co-existence, trade, and social relations. Some sigvills will forego cordial relations in favor of conquest and seeking glory, often being them at odds with other sigvills and other nations.
Ideals
Relationship Ideals
Romantic and sexual relationships among sigvills are generally polyamorous, with members of each tribe freely engaging and ceasing relations with new partners accordingly to the desires of both parties. Individuals who develop feelings of jealousy and possessiveness are viewed as targets for mockery or teasing. This is quite apparently among sigvill tribes who are further away from the other Lavantia nations, who prefer to keep the old traditions of their forefathers alive.
Some sigvill tribes have abandoned this practice for the most part, mainly the ones who are closer to the other Lavantia nations. They refrain from such behavior as they have begun to value more longer-lasting relationship. Marriages among these branches of sigvills can last for life, but only if the male & female agree to be committed for that long.
As a result of these two different views on love, other ethnicities view relationships with sigvills not apart of the more civilized branches are destined to fail from the start.
Some sigvill tribes have abandoned this practice for the most part, mainly the ones who are closer to the other Lavantia nations. They refrain from such behavior as they have begun to value more longer-lasting relationship. Marriages among these branches of sigvills can last for life, but only if the male & female agree to be committed for that long.
As a result of these two different views on love, other ethnicities view relationships with sigvills not apart of the more civilized branches are destined to fail from the start.
Diverged ethnicities
Related Locations
Each tribe of the Sigvill has a local government that directs Sigvill life according to their roles. The roles include Chieftain, Augur, Master of the Hunt, Skald, and Combat Master. Chieftain
Chieftain is the title of the each tribe’s leader. Chieftains, or simply Chiefs, are responsible for settling internal and external disputes. They make final decisions for the tribe, especially those involving alliances. They receive their counsel from Augurs. Augurs
Augurs are the spiritual leaders of the Sigvill, who are trained in the ways of the Sigvill magics & rituals. They commune with beings from beyond the Veil, seeking advice that they later share with the Chieftain. Augurs are commonly found among Sigvills who are farther away from the other nations of Lavantia. Hunt Masters
Masters of the Hunt, or Hunt Masters, are the leaders of the hunters in a Sigvill hold. They lead the hunts, train tribesman in the Sigvill hunting methods, and ensure that the tribe gathers enough food. Hunt Masters are also responsible for handling the initial preparation of ritualistic offerings. Skald
Sigvill Skalds are responsible for keeping and cultivating the history of each Sigvill tribe, due to the Sigvill relying mostly on oral tradition. Skalds learn old Sigvill songs that are sung in festivals, and sagas of Sigvill figures shared with the rest of the tribe. They are also tasked with preserving important decisions & events of the tribe.
Sigvill Demographics
The Sigvill tribes are not made up of one particular people but instead consist of different kinds who have banded together in the ancient past. This led to the sigvill tribes being who they are currently. The sigvills consist of Humans, Leriths, Cairteails, Gallians, some Fiorhins, and Beasts. The customs shared among these peoples is based on cultural norms that are unique to each tribe, and they see each other as kinsmen of that tribe.
Some sigvill tribes have more of one particular people group than others, with one example being a tribe with more Leriths than Humans. Despite this, all members see one another as apart of the same tribe.
It's always one spark that sets off the powder keg - that disrupts the already chaotic status quo. Oof on the side of the Sigvills. Interesting bit though and I like the add on for their culture and heritage, like an after-thought of how they'd turned out once it was all said and done. <3 Lovely article.
This one was interesting to write as I had to consider how they fell into their current status, plus develop the cause of the downfall. Glad that you enjoyed the article.