Syrkakar Culture
The Syrkakar are a violent people who hunt and fish for much of their food. Agriculture is limited to the potatoes and barley grown in Adea Hu's two arable valleys: the Valg Kwayand the Yalg Syclax . Nuts of the Ukur variety are the only other cultivated crop. Some herd animals are kept, but for the mostpart the diet of the Syrkakar is met this hunting and foraging, be it in the highland forests or among the towns and fields of the neighboring lowlands.
Masters of the woodland trails, the Syrkakar track the elusive Nemmi ("Mottled Grey Deer') through the vast taiga forest, much the way their ancestors on Jaiman hunted the beautiful striped Jaiabu stag. The one and a half ton Nemmi will feed many a hungering mouth during the long northern winter and is used to make stew, steak, and broths. Its horn is prized as a tool of storage and sound, while its gut and sinew (tendon) are used to make thread and facings on the Syrka's short composite hunting bows.
Culture
Average technological level
Tech Level (TL) 3. Iron Age. Refined weapon and tool-making, sophisticated agriculture. The beginnings of science and philosophy. Regional governments. Keystone arch, water power, chemical medicine, scale armor.
Sophisticated metalworking methods enable society to master
alloys such as iron and create vast quantities of metal objects.
Smiths use hot, bellows-assisted forges to smelt metals
heretofore unworkable. Hard iron (-0), and later steel (+5 to
+10), weapons are widespread and cheap, enabling large armies to be equipped properly.
Art & Architecture
Five-sided structures are the norm for these people, all of their homes having partially excavated entries to help conserve internal heat . The pentagonal design persists from the rudest rural but to the great meeting towers in the cities.
Foods & Cuisine
The Syrkakar are a violent people ; they hunt and fish for their food .
Agriculture is limited to potatoes and barley grown in the Yalg Kway, and
nuts gathered from the Ukur Valley .
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
The Syrkakar’s beauty ideals are shaped by their warlike culture and their expanding dominance over the islands. Their values emphasize martial prowess, physical agility, and symbols of conquest.
Height and Agility: While generally shorter than the Fustir, the Syrkakar prize nimbleness and agility over sheer bulk. A lean, athletic physique is considered ideal, symbolizing the ability to move swiftly in combat and strike with precision. Individuals with quick reflexes and wiry strength are admired, as they reflect the tribe's emphasis on speed and strategy in battle, along with helping with hunting and moving silently.
Hair: Syrkakar are almost exclusively red-haired, and tend to go bold more often than not, and the vibrancy of this color is deeply tied to their sense of beauty. Bright, fiery red hair is considered a sign of vitality, aggression, and divine favor in warfare. Men and women alike often wear their hair long, sometimes loose to symbolize their untamed nature, or styled in fierce, intricate braids to reflect their readiness for battle. Hair ornamentation often includes metal rings or beads, especially those taken from fallen enemies as trophies.
Eyes: Green and amber eyes are considered the most attractive, as they are thought to reflect a warrior’s spirit and cunning. Syrkakar believe that these eye colors are linked to the wild, untamable forces of nature that fuel their drive for conquest. A sharp, intense gaze is seen as an indicator of combat prowess and leadership potential. Those with dull or lifeless eyes are viewed with disdain, as they are perceived as lacking the drive for war.
Scars and Battle Marks: Scars from combat are the ultimate markers of beauty. Syrkakar warriors see each scar as a testament to battles fought and survived, a physical record of bravery. Facial scars are particularly revered, with the most attractive warriors boasting a multitude of marks. In contrast, a body that shows no scars might be seen as untested or lacking in battle experience.
Tattoos and War Paint: Tattoos are common among the Syrkakar, often depicting the symbols of their victories—such as spears, animals of prey, or swirling patterns representing dominance over land and sea. These tattoos are usually placed on the arms, neck, or face, serving as a declaration of one’s status as a warrior. War paint is also used before battle, usually in bold colors like red or black, to enhance the fierceness of their appearance and intimidate enemies.
Jewelry and Trophies: Syrkakar warriors adorn themselves with trophies taken from their enemies, such as teeth, bones, or metal pieces. Wearing such items is not only seen as beautiful but also serves as a declaration of one’s victories. Necklaces made from the bones of beasts or enemies, or bracelets fashioned from enemy weapon fragments, are highly prized and admired.
Clothing and Armor: The Syrkakar favor clothing that is both functional for battle and visually impressive. Leather, fur, and chainmail are common materials. Armor pieces are often decorated with engravings or symbols that represent personal or clan achievements. Elaborate helmets or shoulder guards adorned with horns, spikes, or feathers are highly valued, enhancing the appearance of ferocity and power.
Height and Agility: While generally shorter than the Fustir, the Syrkakar prize nimbleness and agility over sheer bulk. A lean, athletic physique is considered ideal, symbolizing the ability to move swiftly in combat and strike with precision. Individuals with quick reflexes and wiry strength are admired, as they reflect the tribe's emphasis on speed and strategy in battle, along with helping with hunting and moving silently.
Hair: Syrkakar are almost exclusively red-haired, and tend to go bold more often than not, and the vibrancy of this color is deeply tied to their sense of beauty. Bright, fiery red hair is considered a sign of vitality, aggression, and divine favor in warfare. Men and women alike often wear their hair long, sometimes loose to symbolize their untamed nature, or styled in fierce, intricate braids to reflect their readiness for battle. Hair ornamentation often includes metal rings or beads, especially those taken from fallen enemies as trophies.
Eyes: Green and amber eyes are considered the most attractive, as they are thought to reflect a warrior’s spirit and cunning. Syrkakar believe that these eye colors are linked to the wild, untamable forces of nature that fuel their drive for conquest. A sharp, intense gaze is seen as an indicator of combat prowess and leadership potential. Those with dull or lifeless eyes are viewed with disdain, as they are perceived as lacking the drive for war.
Scars and Battle Marks: Scars from combat are the ultimate markers of beauty. Syrkakar warriors see each scar as a testament to battles fought and survived, a physical record of bravery. Facial scars are particularly revered, with the most attractive warriors boasting a multitude of marks. In contrast, a body that shows no scars might be seen as untested or lacking in battle experience.
Tattoos and War Paint: Tattoos are common among the Syrkakar, often depicting the symbols of their victories—such as spears, animals of prey, or swirling patterns representing dominance over land and sea. These tattoos are usually placed on the arms, neck, or face, serving as a declaration of one’s status as a warrior. War paint is also used before battle, usually in bold colors like red or black, to enhance the fierceness of their appearance and intimidate enemies.
Jewelry and Trophies: Syrkakar warriors adorn themselves with trophies taken from their enemies, such as teeth, bones, or metal pieces. Wearing such items is not only seen as beautiful but also serves as a declaration of one’s victories. Necklaces made from the bones of beasts or enemies, or bracelets fashioned from enemy weapon fragments, are highly prized and admired.
Clothing and Armor: The Syrkakar favor clothing that is both functional for battle and visually impressive. Leather, fur, and chainmail are common materials. Armor pieces are often decorated with engravings or symbols that represent personal or clan achievements. Elaborate helmets or shoulder guards adorned with horns, spikes, or feathers are highly valued, enhancing the appearance of ferocity and power.
Major organizations
The Ten Clans ("Olzaw')
Syrkakar society is based on the Olzaw (clan), and each clan resides in a
separate unit of villages. These units lie in the central area of the clan's
territory and, aside from the interclanish city holds of Brya Sug and
Syclax, no clan settles nearer than 5 miles to its closest neighbor. All of
the clans are tied to the land and maintain their spiritual centers in the
relative wilds. Those folk that move to the two cities are more worldly than
their rural brothers, but they still return to the countryside during the few
days of spiritual celebration and unity. Political and religious power remains
the province of the conservative villagers . Neither Brya Sug or
Syclax serves as a clan center, although the Ukasur of the latter town have
begun to assert control of the rural elements of their clan.
There are ten self-sufficient clans and each Olzaw has as a symbolic
focus a specific type of tree. All of the Olzaw's representative forms stem
from this tree-colors, patterns, rites of passage.
1) Kasir
2) Umlatir
3) Sarkasir
4) Atir
5) Ulir
6) Tavir
7) Olzir
8) Ukasur
9) Huralir
10 Olkusir
1) Kasir
2) Umlatir
3) Sarkasir
4) Atir
5) Ulir
6) Tavir
7) Olzir
8) Ukasur
9) Huralir
10 Olkusir
Related Organizations
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