Ice Hunters

"Ice Hunters" or "Ancient Men of the North" were the names given to a sub-ethnicity of Ulutiuns who resided in the northwestern-most regions of Faerûn.

History

Scholars believed that the Ice Hunters immigrated to the far northwest from Kara-Tur over the polar icecap before the coming of either the Illuskans or the Netherese. When the Illuskans arrived, many Ice Hunters were displaced from their native lands.

Naming Traditions

Family names

In Ice Hunter culture, ones real name was kept private and personal. Instead, they gave outsiders nicknames to use, such as "Red Seal Man" or "Reindeer Girl".

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Speakers of Uluik, the Ice Hunters began using the Thorass alphabet by the 14th century DR.

Culture and cultural heritage

The Ice Hunters are a nomadic tribe that travels across the frozen tundras of the north in search of food and resources. As such, their culture is centered around survival in harsh environments and their traditions are passed down from generation to generation.
One of the most important aspects of their culture is their connection to nature. They believe in living in harmony with the natural world and respecting the spirits of the land and animals. They have a deep understanding of the ecosystems of the north and the habits of the creatures that inhabit it, which is crucial for their survival.
Another important aspect of Ice Hunter culture is their oral storytelling tradition. The elders of the tribe are responsible for passing down the history and traditions of their people through stories, songs, and poetry. These stories often center around their mythology and the spirits that they believe inhabit the world around them.
In terms of cultural heritage, the Ice Hunters have a rich tradition of crafting tools, clothing, and other items from the resources they find in the tundra. They are skilled at working with bone, antler, and hide to create everything from sleds to knives to intricate decorative pieces.
Overall, the culture of the Ice Hunters is one that values resourcefulness, community, and a deep connection to the natural world.

Shared customary codes and values

Respecting the natural world: The Ice Hunters have a deep respect for the natural world and believe that it must be protected and preserved. They believe that the land and sea have spirits that must be appeased and respected, and they perform rituals and offerings to ensure good fortune and safe travels.
Sharing resources: The Ice Hunters believe in sharing resources and have a strong sense of community. They often hold feasts and celebrations after successful hunts, and share their spoils with the rest of the village. This helps to ensure that everyone has enough to survive in the harsh environment of the frozen north.
Survival skills: The Ice Hunters are skilled at surviving in the harsh, cold environment of the north. They are adept at using traps and snares to catch prey, as well as more traditional hunting weapons like spears and bows. They also have a deep knowledge of the local wildlife and use this knowledge to track and hunt their prey.
Oral traditions: The Ice Hunters have a rich oral tradition and pass down stories and legends from generation to generation. These stories often involve encounters with magical creatures and spirits and serve to reinforce the importance of respecting the natural world.
Self-sufficiency: The Ice Hunters value self-sufficiency and independence. They are able to make use of the resources available to them, including animals and plants, and are skilled at preserving meat and hides for later use.
Adornment: The Ice Hunters often wear fur and leather clothing and use decorative elements like bone and ivory to embellish their garments. They also often adorn themselves with talismans and amulets for protection and good luck.

Average technological level

The Ice Hunters are typically a semi-nomadic people who live in harsh, frozen environments. As such, their technological level may be limited compared to more settled societies. However, they have developed technologies and techniques that allow them to thrive in their environment.
Some examples of Ice Hunter technology include:
Ice Fishing Equipment: The Ice Hunters have developed specialized tools and techniques for fishing in frozen lakes and rivers. These may include tools for breaking through ice, nets and traps, and specialized boats.
Winter Clothing: The Ice Hunters have developed specialized clothing to protect themselves from the harsh winter climate. This may include furs, leather, and other materials that provide warmth and insulation.
Snowshoes: Snowshoes are a common tool among the Ice Hunters, allowing them to travel over snow without sinking in. They may also use sleds and other methods of transportation for long-distance travel.
Igloos and Other Shelter: The Ice Hunters have developed techniques for building shelters out of snow and ice. These structures can be surprisingly warm and comfortable, despite the cold temperatures outside.
Overall, the Ice Hunters may have a lower technological level compared to other societies, but they have developed specialized techniques and tools that allow them to thrive in their unique environment.

Common Etiquette rules

Respect for nature: The Ice Hunters have a deep respect for the natural world and believe that all living things are interconnected. They take care to avoid damaging the environment and try to leave as little impact as possible when hunting or traveling through the wilderness.
Hospitality: When traveling in the wild, it is customary for the Ice Hunters to offer food, shelter, and other provisions to fellow travelers they meet along the way. This is seen as a way of building trust and forming alliances with other communities.
Sharing: Ice Hunters believe in sharing resources and taking care of one another. They often pool their resources and work together to achieve common goals. This extends to hunting and gathering, where it is common for individuals to share their catches with the rest of the community.
Respect for elders: The Ice Hunters place a high value on the wisdom and experience of their elders. Younger members of the community are expected to show deference to their elders and seek their guidance and advice when making important decisions.
Non-confrontation: The Ice Hunters are a peaceful people who prefer to avoid conflict whenever possible. They believe that violence should only be used as a last resort and that negotiation and diplomacy are preferable solutions to problems.

Common Dress code

Warm and practical clothing: Given the harsh and unforgiving climate of the northern regions, the Ice Hunters wear clothing that is designed to keep them warm and dry. This often includes fur-lined boots, heavy woolen cloaks, and layered clothing made of materials like wool or leather.
Natural materials: The Ice Hunters have a deep respect for the natural world and often wear clothing made from materials that can be sourced from the environment around them. This might include furs, hides, or woven plant fibers.
Practicality over fashion: The Ice Hunters prioritize practicality over fashion when it comes to clothing. They often wear simple, utilitarian clothing that allows them to move freely and perform tasks like hunting or fishing without hindrance.
Symbolic adornments: The Ice Hunters may wear small, symbolic adornments like animal bones or feathers as a way of honoring the natural world and the creatures they hunt.
Community identity: The Ice Hunters often wear clothing or accessories that identify them as members of their community. This might include a certain color or pattern of clothing, or a specific piece of jewelry or adornment that is unique to their tribe or clan.

Art & Architecture

The Ice Hunters are a nomadic people who live in the frigid, snow-covered lands of the north. As such, their art and architecture reflect their harsh, unforgiving environment and their deep connection to the natural world.
Igloos and snow structures: The Ice Hunters often construct temporary shelters out of snow and ice, including igloos and other snow structures. These shelters are designed to be warm and sturdy, and are often adorned with animal skins and furs.
Animal carvings: The Ice Hunters are skilled carvers, and often create intricate carvings of animals like whales, polar bears, and seals. These carvings are typically made from bone or ivory, and may be used for decorative or practical purposes.
Clothing and textiles: The Ice Hunters are skilled weavers and often create textiles from materials like wool and fur. These textiles are often adorned with intricate designs and patterns that reflect the natural world and the animals that the Ice Hunters hunt.
Totem poles: Some Ice Hunter communities create totem poles that are adorned with carvings of animals, symbols, and other designs. These totem poles are often used to mark important locations or to commemorate significant events.
Ice sculptures: In some Ice Hunter communities, artists may create intricate sculptures out of ice and snow. These sculptures may depict animals, landscapes, or other scenes from the natural world.
Overall, Ice Hunter art and architecture reflect the community's deep connection to the natural world and their need for practical, functional structures that can withstand the harsh climate of the north.

Foods & Cuisine

The Ice Hunters live in a harsh and unforgiving environment, and as such their cuisine reflects their need for hearty, nourishing foods that can sustain them in the extreme cold.
Meat: The Ice Hunters are hunters and gatherers, and their diet is primarily composed of meat from animals like caribou, moose, seals, and whales. They often prepare meat by smoking, drying, or fermenting it, which helps to preserve it for long periods of time.
Fish: The Ice Hunters also rely heavily on fish for their diet, particularly cold-water fish like salmon, trout, and arctic char. They may prepare fish by smoking, drying, or fermenting it, or by cooking it over an open fire.
Tea: The Ice Hunters often drink tea made from herbs and plants that grow in the tundra. These may include juniper, Labrador tea, and various types of mosses.
Soups and stews: The Ice Hunters may prepare soups and stews that are composed of meat, fish, and various types of vegetables. These hearty dishes are often served hot and can provide warmth and sustenance in the harsh winter months.
Overall, the cuisine of the Ice Hunters reflects their need for hearty, nourishing foods that can sustain them in the extreme cold of the north. Their diet is primarily composed of meat, fish, and other foods that can be easily preserved, and they often rely on traditional cooking methods like smoking, drying, and fermenting.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

The Ice Hunters have several customs and traditions that are observed within their culture. Here are a few examples:
Sharing resources: The Ice Hunters understand the importance of sharing resources in order to survive in harsh environments. When a successful hunt is made, the spoils are shared amongst the entire tribe, ensuring that everyone is provided for.
Honoring the spirits: The Ice Hunters believe in a spiritual world that is connected to the natural world. They believe that spirits inhabit the land, animals, and other elements of nature, and they honor these spirits through offerings, songs, and dances.
Rites of passage: The Ice Hunters have specific rituals and ceremonies that mark important milestones in a person's life. For example, when a child becomes an adult, they may go through a ritual that involves a vision quest or a trial that tests their skills and abilities.
Storytelling: As mentioned earlier, storytelling is an important tradition within Ice Hunter culture. Elders pass down stories that are rich in mythology and history, teaching younger generations about their heritage and values.
Communal living: The Ice Hunters often live in large groups, sharing resources and supporting one another. This sense of community is crucial for survival in such harsh environments.
These customs and traditions help to reinforce the values that are important to the Ice Hunter culture, such as community, resourcefulness, and respect for nature.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

The Ice Hunters have specific birth and baptismal rites that mark the arrival of a new member to the community. Here are a few examples:
Naming ceremony: When a child is born, they are given a name that reflects the environment in which they were born or the qualities that their parents hope they will embody. This ceremony is typically held within the first few days of the child's life.
Blessing of the child: Once the child has been named, they are blessed by the community's spiritual leader. The blessing may involve offering prayers for the child's health, strength, and wisdom, or invoking the protection of the spirits.
Baptismal rites: As the child grows older, they may go through a baptismal ritual that marks their initiation into the community. This may involve a purification ceremony, such as a sweat lodge or a dip in a nearby body of water, and the child may receive a special talisman or amulet to protect them as they grow.
Vision quest: When the child reaches adolescence, they may go through a vision quest that involves spending time alone in nature to gain insight and understanding about their place in the world. This rite of passage helps the child to develop their sense of identity and purpose within the community.
These birth and baptismal rites help to integrate the new member into the community and reinforce the values and beliefs that are important to the Ice Hunter culture.

Coming of Age Rites

In Ice Hunters culture, coming of age rites involve a young person proving their worth and earning recognition as an adult member of the community. This often involves a physical challenge, such as a test of endurance or strength, as well as a mental challenge, such as a test of wisdom or leadership. The young person may also receive a special mark or tattoo to signify their new status as an adult. The coming of age ceremony is typically accompanied by a feast or celebration, where the community comes together to recognize and honor the young person's achievements.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Funerary and memorial customs among Ice Hunters involve honoring the deceased and paying respect to their life and contributions to the community. The body of the deceased is usually prepared for burial by being wrapped in furs and placed in a simple wooden casket or sled, depending on the local custom. The burial itself may take place on the surface of the ice, in a snowdrift, or in a specially dug hole in the ice. The deceased's possessions are often either buried with them or given to their family members as a sign of respect.
After the burial, a period of mourning typically takes place, during which time family members and close friends of the deceased may observe certain customs such as wearing black clothing or refraining from certain activities. A memorial ceremony may also be held to commemorate the life of the deceased and provide closure for their loved ones. This ceremony often includes prayers, speeches, and the sharing of stories and memories about the deceased.

Common Taboos

Taboos among Ice Hunters are often related to survival and respecting the natural environment. Hunting certain animals during certain seasons or using certain hunting techniques may be considered taboo, as it can harm the local ecosystem and reduce the availability of vital resources. Similarly, overfishing or taking too many resources from the land may also be taboo.
There may also be taboos related to interpersonal interactions, such as avoiding certain topics or behaviors that are considered disrespectful or offensive. For example, disrespecting elders or disregarding the advice of community leaders may be taboo.
In addition, some Ice Hunter communities may have taboos related to cultural practices or beliefs, such as certain forms of magic or religious practices that are considered taboo or forbidden. Breaking these taboos may result in social exclusion or even punishment.
In Ice Hunter culture, magic may be viewed with suspicion or reverence, depending on the specific community and beliefs. Some may view magic as a powerful tool for survival and may have shamanic or druidic traditions that incorporate magic into their daily lives. Others may view magic as dangerous or unnatural, and may avoid it altogether.
There may also be certain types of magic that are taboo or forbidden, such as necromancy or blood magic. Using these types of magic may be seen as disrespectful to the natural world or dangerous to the community.
Overall, the role of magic in Ice Hunter culture can vary widely depending on the specific community and traditions.

Common Myths and Legends

Religion

The Ice Hunters worshiped various nature spirits (beast totems) and were led by shamans. These spirits included:

• Grandfather Walrus,
• Great White Bear,
• Clever Oomio the Gray Seal, and
• Pindalpau-pau the Reindeer Mother.

In addition, they venerated the god Ulutiu. Powerful priests of Ulutiu were known as iceguardians

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Like their cousins from the Great Glacier, the Ice Hunters had light brown skin, dark hair, and broad faces. They were relatively short. Men were about five feet to six feet two inches (150 to 190 centimeters) tall, while women stood five inches (thirteen centimeters) shorter on average. Males weighed between 135 and 260 pounds (60 and 115 kilograms), and females between 100 and 225 pounds (45 and 100 kilograms). The Ice Hunters were particularly clever and tended toward a lifestyle of lawfulness.

Parent ethnicities

• Ulutiun

Related Locations

• Sea of Moving Ice