North Hótics
Rexlas: Silhótei
Pakric: Hótú
North Hótics1 are the native to Apan-Ódolalx, a province of the empire of Resak in southwestern Laxilþía. Like their cousins, the South Hótics, they have a reputation for being fierce warriors and headhunters, though the latter is now forbidden by the Rexans, as well as being skilled smiths and jewelers.
The north hótics founded towns and hill forts along the upper Noron River and were the dominant culture in the region before they were conquered by the rexans. Though many have now adopted rexan customs to some degree, north hótics have managed to preserve their culture better than their southern cousins, especially to the north and east.
Although long, braided hair is common for men and especially women, men's hairstyles generally vary more between regions, those from certain tribes (particularly to the north) shave some or most their hair, leaving just enough to be braided. The braids are usually adorned with gold or turquoise rings or clasps. Golden torcs are popular, with larger ones worn around the neck or arms and smaller ones used as nose-rings.
Traditional face- and body-paint is still used, especially by north hótic soldiers in the rexan army.
Funerary practices and ideas of the afterlife vary as well, though the latter is often associated with water in some way, and throwing swords and jewelry into lakes and marshes as an offering to ancestral spirits is common as well.
North Hótics1 are the native to Apan-Ódolalx, a province of the empire of Resak in southwestern Laxilþía. Like their cousins, the South Hótics, they have a reputation for being fierce warriors and headhunters, though the latter is now forbidden by the Rexans, as well as being skilled smiths and jewelers.
History
The Hótics, common ancestors of the north and south hótics, were originally one of many ethnic groups who were subjects of the Káaxans, the dominant culture in Laxilþía during bronze age. After their empire collapsed, the hótics spread throughout the region along Noron River, from the Katark Mountains to the north to the coast of Akral Sea to the south.The north hótics founded towns and hill forts along the upper Noron River and were the dominant culture in the region before they were conquered by the rexans. Though many have now adopted rexan customs to some degree, north hótics have managed to preserve their culture better than their southern cousins, especially to the north and east.
Culture
Apparel
Traditional clothing is generally similar to that of the south hótics, consisting mostly of loincloth and short, unbelted tunic for men and sleeveless dress for women.Although long, braided hair is common for men and especially women, men's hairstyles generally vary more between regions, those from certain tribes (particularly to the north) shave some or most their hair, leaving just enough to be braided. The braids are usually adorned with gold or turquoise rings or clasps. Golden torcs are popular, with larger ones worn around the neck or arms and smaller ones used as nose-rings.
Traditional face- and body-paint is still used, especially by north hótic soldiers in the rexan army.
Eitókan hairstyle and facepaint by Lappalingur
Cuisine
North hótic diet consists mostly of bread, vegetables, cheese, fish, beef and wild game such as deer and waterfowl. Wine is the drink of choice, and since the rexan conquest it has become quite common to flavour it with chili powder.Religion
North hótics worship a number of gods and nature spirits, many of which are only venerated in certain towns and villages. There's no unified pantheon of deities, but certain ones occur under different names in most places, such as the god of mist and the afterlife; goddess of horses and summer; god of love, feasts and dreams; and god of the sun, who's usually one of -if not the- most important deity.Funerary practices and ideas of the afterlife vary as well, though the latter is often associated with water in some way, and throwing swords and jewelry into lakes and marshes as an offering to ancestral spirits is common as well.
Warfare
North hótic warriors have long been associated with head-hunting and treat the heads are prized possessions, they are embalmed, wrapped in linen and stored in special chests, and presented to honoured guests. The practice is now forbidden, especially in the rexan army as not only does collecting and carrying these trophies slow the army down, but also attracts vermin and diseases.1Original icelandic: Norðurhótar, singular: Norðurhóti
Ancient north hótic warrior by Lappalingur
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