Arstiegian (Ascend)

Arstiegian

(ahr-STIJ-ee-in) Language: Arstieg (ahr-STEEG) (Meaning: Rise, Ascend. Origin: Germanic (Anstieg))
Colors: White (Cold, Moon, Travel, Protection), Blue (Water, Sky, Freedom), Brown (Wood, Nature, Industry)
A people of mountains and snow, the Arstiegians are craftsmen and smiths, harnessing nature and bending its power to their will to provide for and protect their people while still living as a part of it. They believe in hard work and achievements, and they will fight for what they believe is theirs or that they believe they need.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Arstieg (ahr-STEEG) (Icelandic, Norweigan, German)

Average technological level

Detailed carving, engraving and embossing work, Fine leatherwork, Woodcraft, Fine Smithing, Living roofs, Mead and Ale, Soap, Windmills (bladeless after 500AP), Hydro turbines (after 500AP)

Common Etiquette rules

They don’t hesitate to reach around the dinner table it's considered rude to interrupt people to ask for a hand over when things are within your own reach, even if you have to reach a bit over your table partners.
It is customary to take one’s shoes off after entering a private home.
A firm handshake with eye contact is standard. Using the person’s first name, even if you don’t know them, is typically appropriate for etiquette.

Common Dress code

Warm clothing of wool or fur, often with a scarf, shawl or short cape woven in their family's colors and pattern. Boots, some leather or metal armor pieces.

Art & Architecture

Art: Tapestries, leatherwork, and metalwork. Lots of engraving and tooling. Architecture: Carved wood and stone buildings, windmills, living roofs.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

A charm is crafted for a necklace, either something representing their parent's hopes for the person they'll become or something representing their family name/history. The necklace will be added to as they grow older and hangs above their crib/bed until they're old enough to wear it.

Coming of Age Rites

A charm is crafted to represent the person they've become, and beads are added to indicate their chosen profession or skillset.

Funerary and Memorial customs

The life necklaces are kept in memory, either in the family tomb or in a family home depending upon chosen burial. The deceased are either placed in a wooden ship and set out to sea, with flaming arrows shot at the boat to burn it, or they are entombed in ice caves in the mountains, with small keepsakes to mark their graves. Typically, they are laid to rest with a solemn dirge sung by their family and friends.

Common Taboos

Disabilities and amputations are not discussed. To lose the use of one's limbs in anything other than battle is considered shameful. (There is much controversy over this of late among the younger generation, particularly because of mining incidents.)

Common Myths and Legends

(Time: Tijdh, Dusk: Kvölder, Winter: Vetur, Travel: Reisa)

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Long hair, elaborate braids (including beards if applicable), Natural look (no makeup or hair dyes)

Gender Ideals

A heavily matriarchal society, most women are expected to serve in positions of power, and most men to be smiths and miners. All are expected to serve in the military and as craftsmen.

Courtship Ideals

The one courting is expected to shower their intended in gifts and deeds of service until they are officially accepted or rejected. These gifts are often well-crafted weapons or armor.

Major organizations

Frostwield Mining Company (287- ), Winds of Change (Eshana, 562-)