Kolmarkee
The Kolmarkees are the main group of humans residing in Kolmark. It is unclear how long they have been settled in the region, since they do not share the language with the Hajaks, the ancient inhabitants of the Norkvest Tundra. It is likely that they came from the Kalrak Sea at a later time. Their land has also been part of the kingdom of Viscania for centuries and they have therefore been culturally influenced by their southern overlords.
Their skin is fair and their hair colour varies between blond, brown and reddish.
Their skin is fair and their hair colour varies between blond, brown and reddish.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Kolmarkees used to speak their own language in the past but this has been almost completely replaced by the common language. Traces of their ancient language can still be found in their names and some animal and plant terms specific to their land, but overall the language has been lost as no written traces of it are known.
Shared customary codes and values
The society of the Kolmarkees is based on the figure of the olruf, the head of the household and oldest living man of a family, who has the final say on the decisions of those who live under his roof and who aspire to bear his name. In fact, an olruf has the power to revoke the patronymic of family members, effectively excluding them from a series of privileges linked to their belonging to the family, primarily that of not being able to become village elders.
Although the region's main city, Tromdar, became the seat of a barony under the laws of the kingdom of Calradia, most of the villages scattered across Kolmark are still self-governed by councils of elders. These serve as enforcers of the law and as judges in the resolution of disputes. They can also take temporary measures in the event of an emergency, pending the baron's consideration of the matter.
Although Calradian law forbids it, the law of retribution is still quite widespread among the Kolmarkees and several elders quietly approve of it.
The Kolmarkee society encourages women to fight much more than others. This is especially true for mothers, who are expected to be able to protect their children by all means.
Although the region's main city, Tromdar, became the seat of a barony under the laws of the kingdom of Calradia, most of the villages scattered across Kolmark are still self-governed by councils of elders. These serve as enforcers of the law and as judges in the resolution of disputes. They can also take temporary measures in the event of an emergency, pending the baron's consideration of the matter.
Although Calradian law forbids it, the law of retribution is still quite widespread among the Kolmarkees and several elders quietly approve of it.
The Kolmarkee society encourages women to fight much more than others. This is especially true for mothers, who are expected to be able to protect their children by all means.
Common Dress code
Kolmarkees often wear their hair long, loose or tied in braids. They sometimes decorate it with metal or wooden rings, but do not wear earrings. Instead, they are fond of arm rings and necklaces, often depicting symbols of protection.
They wear leather boots that they wrap in bear or wulf fur in winter. Men wear trousers and tunics, while women wear dresses. In winter they usually add extra layers and cover their shoulders with cloaks and furs. Fur hats are also used but are not as common as hoods. The richest people dress in silk and decorate their clothes with elaborate belt and cloak buckles.
They wear leather boots that they wrap in bear or wulf fur in winter. Men wear trousers and tunics, while women wear dresses. In winter they usually add extra layers and cover their shoulders with cloaks and furs. Fur hats are also used but are not as common as hoods. The richest people dress in silk and decorate their clothes with elaborate belt and cloak buckles.
Art & Architecture
The construction of Kolmarkee buildings takes place with the excavation of a pit in the ground and the laying of a layer of paving stones. After that, depending on the wealth of the owner, the walls may be built of stone at least up to or beyond the level of the surrounding ground. Only then is the rest of the building constructed of wood, with whole logs acting as supporting columns and wooden planks completing the construction. The roof covering is finished with wood boards or grass.
The houses are generally composed of a single room, in the centre of which there is a large space dedicated to the hearth. Buildings are usually decorated with wooden inlays, painted shields and animal skulls.
Kolmarkees are skilled woodcarvers, carpenters and tailors. The highest expression of their art can be found in tapestries. Music is a big part of their culture as well, their favourite instruments being drums and flutes.
The houses are generally composed of a single room, in the centre of which there is a large space dedicated to the hearth. Buildings are usually decorated with wooden inlays, painted shields and animal skulls.
Kolmarkees are skilled woodcarvers, carpenters and tailors. The highest expression of their art can be found in tapestries. Music is a big part of their culture as well, their favourite instruments being drums and flutes.
Foods & Cuisine
Kolmarkees have a diverse cuisine. They consume plenty of meat and fish, as well as bread, dairy products, vegetables, fruits, berries and nuts. They love beer above all drinks but are also fond of mead and imported wine.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
Birth is a good reason for a celebration among the Kolmarkees. Depending on the wealth of the family, the father and the olruf might invite all the men from the village to celebrate the event. During the celebration, the mother announces the name of the newborn.
On the day of the birth, the family prays to Eirin and pays a pledge to the priest so that he stays awake the whole night to pray for the newborn.
On the second day, the family makes a sacrifice for Karia, the goddess of death, in the hope that she will keep away from the newborn.
On the third day, the father goes to the temple with his shield to ask Alben to protect his child on his behalf whenever he is away. During this time, usually village women visit the mother and bring her gifts.
On the day of the birth, the family prays to Eirin and pays a pledge to the priest so that he stays awake the whole night to pray for the newborn.
On the second day, the family makes a sacrifice for Karia, the goddess of death, in the hope that she will keep away from the newborn.
On the third day, the father goes to the temple with his shield to ask Alben to protect his child on his behalf whenever he is away. During this time, usually village women visit the mother and bring her gifts.
Coming of Age Rites
Girls are considered women as soon as they have their first menstrual cycle. In the past, boys would become men as soon as they went to battle. Since the establishment of the barony, Kolmark has become more peaceful and a boy is now considered a man as soon as the olruf decides so.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Kolmarkees bury their dead inside artificial mounds whenever they can afford it. Otherwise it is not uncommon to bury the dead near their home. The dead are usually buried with their dearest objects and with additional gifts made by family members and acquaintances.
A donation is often paid to the priest to pray for a whole day for the soul of the deceased.
A donation is often paid to the priest to pray for a whole day for the soul of the deceased.
Related Organizations
Related Locations