Kelaquois - Human
Physical Description
The Kelaquois normally boast physiques larger than the average human with men standing no less than six feet on average, and women just a few inches shorter. They have pale skin and their hair is usually either blonde, straw brown, or red, and is often worn in a braid by both men and women, although women's braids tend to be more elaborate. Men also frequently wear beards. Their clothing is tailored for their local environment, with fur being a commonly used material. They decorate their clothes with jewellery shaped like a braid made out of horn, ivory, bronze or silver. Necklaces are also often worn made of whale horn, mammoth ivory, or amber.Society
Kelaquois culture puts a high value on appearance despite the Kelaquois reputation for savagery. They carefully braid their hair, or else have long, flowing locks, and dress themselves in the best furs they can afford (generally ermine, mink, or fox. The Kelaquois of the Province of Artunis are sailors, traders, and occasionally raiders, while those still living in Ellion are raiders. Most have a sense of adventure, as the frozen lands of the south do not generally foster the timid.Gender roles
The role an Kelaquois is expected to fill depends on his or her gender, though the majority of Kelaquois are farmers, trappers, fishermen, or labourers. Male and female Kelaquois are most likely to become rangers or priests of Church of the AllFather. Druids of The Mother are also common.Competition
Kelaquois men love competition, both those of the athletic variety as well as those that involve the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Athletic competitions are most often held at the start of winter or the beginning of spring, and can involve climbing ice walls, throwing pieces of timber, pulling sleds, throwing axes, or running on foot or in snowshoes. Rowing or sailing competitions are also popular, although swimming is not. Drinking competitions generally involve boasting about who can drink the most or the quickest. Visitors who witness these drinking contests have given Kelaquois men the reputation for being boorish louts, which is not altogether undeserved. These drinking contests only happen during special feasts, however, and any men who engage in them outside of these festivals are roundly mocked and ridiculed.Duels and Feuding
Personal honor and sworn oaths are greatly valued by the average Kelaquois, and duels are a popular pastime. These are generally practiced with axe and shield, where the contestants fight in a close circle and attempt to either break the opponent's shield, push them out of the circle or even kill their opponent. While duels often are quickly forgotten, feuds, on the other hand, are much more serious and can arise over matters as trivial as how best to mend nets or fishing rights over a lucrative salmon spawning territory. Feuds generally involve whole families or even clans, and can also involve cattle raiding.Thralls
Kelaquois traditionally keep thralls, slaves who serve them for a set amount of time, after which they are set free. Thralls are generally captured in battle or condemned to their service after committing a crime by a special court known as a thingmar. No Kelaquois, not even chiefs or jarls, are immune from this punishment given a serious-enough crime such as killing a child, betraying fellow warriors, or breaking an oath. Children born to thralls are always free, and thralls may file complaints against cruel or unfair treatment by their masters. This is generally done very cautiously, however, as it brings great shame to the master and often invites retribution.Alignment and Religion
These hardy folk tended to be of the Chaotic if not Neutral alignment (which is the most common), but they are certainly not exclusively so. In the same vein, they worship many gods; the most popular is The Mother.Adventurers
Kelaquois became adventurers for numerous reasons; many are predisposed by their wander lust while others share the passion to explore shared by the blood of their ancestors.Innenotdarian Ethnic Traits
The Kelaquois gain a +1 Racial bonus to Fortitude saves.
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