Lakeman
The Lakemen are a segment of half-giants from the far north, said to reside around a massive lake that dwarfs even the Circle Sea in size. Only occasionally do adventurers from these lands make it south to Emicara, but when they do, it's often as adventurers, bandits, or mercenaries. They are well known for their skill in combat and raiding, and are fond of collections which they bring back to the north. They are best known for the regular belief that others cannot own items, and that ultimately, everything belongs to whoever is strong enough to take it. Their skills as woodsmen, warriors, and sailors is said to be unmatched, with claims that their ships could even sail down the Sypi if they ever attempted to.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Margot, Elisabeth, Lina, Laila, Julie, Astri, Oline, Hilde, Marion, Svanhild
Masculine names
Ove, Bård, Thomas, Glenn, Odin, Vebjørn, Dag, Christopher, Johannes, Hallvar
Family names
Hegland, Fodness, Bjorge, Boger, Dahling, Breeland, Flaa, Jansen, Torkelsen, Johansen
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The primary language of the Lakemen is Giantic, which is expected considering they are predominantly half-giants. Most Lakemen will go their entire lives without ever learning another language, although different clans and tribes of Lakemen may learn various dialects of the language depending on regional usage. Only a handful ever learn Common, although Alsonan is fairly well known among raiders who seek out lands to the further south.
Art & Architecture
The main rule for Lakemen architecture is keep it plain, wood, and warm. The winters along the lake are intensely cold and snowy, and the homes of the Lakemen reflect this in their construction, with tall and steep roofs meant for allowing snow to gently fall off rather than accumulate. Some Lakemen villages even burrow slightly into the ground to provide additional warmth and comfort. In terms of artwork, the Lakemen have little use for visual art, but their skalds are renown musicians and good at both celebratory music and music that strikes fear into the enemies who hear the sounds of the Lakemen's drums.
Ideals
Gender Ideals
For the most part, the Lakemen follow traditional gender roles, with men serving as leaders and warriors, while women work as farmers and laborers. That said, a special place is reserved in Lakeman society for women who eschew their position and take up arms. These feared shield maidens are believed to be the toughest warriors that the Lakemen have to offer. These fearsome women give up any and all home life in exchange for assuming this position, and must spend their entire lives answering the call of battle or adventure. To retire after waging war and raids would be a greater dishonor than if they had stayed home, and it is always expected that a female warrior must ultimately give her life in battle.
Relationship Ideals
Among Lakemen the most important attribute to have in a relationship is respect in the abilities of the other person, whether it's romantic or simply a friendship. They don't much care which ability a person is skilled at, as long as they present a skill in something. They also believe that a relationship must rest on a solid foundation, and those who are poor or lacking in abilities may find themselves shunned by the wider community, as it is believed that their lack of character is what leads to their dire circumstances. Outside of the half-giant race, most other races are deemed as weak and unworthy for any sort of acknowledgement, though if one should present considerable skill, that estimation could change.
Encompassed species
Languages spoken
Comments