Eskelik

In the frosty expanses of Bimmentok, a nation awash with ancient traditions and mystic legends, the Eskelik people hold the thread of continuity, binding past, present, and future with the indomitable strength of their culture. Residing mostly in the rugged terrains north of the Fingerbone Mountains, they are as resilient as the rocky slopes they call home, their communities dotting the landscape like steadfast sentinels of a bygone era.
The Eskelik speak in the velvety cadences of Strvingydh, a language filled with deep guttural utterances and delicate, trilling notes, a veritable reflection of the rugged beauty of their homeland. The language carries within it an echo of the grandeur of the ancient Realm of Klar Bimment, drawing a straight line from the yesteryears of that empire to the spirited Eskelik of today. One can hear the resonance of mighty warriors and powerful mages in their voices, a memory of the past and a testament to their resilience.
Carving is more than just an art or a means of income for the Eskelik, it's a cherished tradition, a dance of fingers on wood and bone. With every chip carved away, they reveal not just the beauty of the material but also the stories and soul of their people. Eskelik carvings are sought after, as much for their meticulous craftsmanship as for the narratives they hold. A wooden krak-owl signifies wisdom, a bone carrik-fox symbolises stealth and agility. Each piece is a fragment of Eskelik wisdom passed down through the generations.
In their remote mountain dwellings, the Eskelik lead lives deeply intertwined with nature, much as their ancestors did in the more verdant days of old. With the changing seasons, they migrate up and down the mountain paths, herding their stocky tresvorn (mountain goats) and seeking the bounty of the land. Their food, a hearty blend of roasted meats, fermented dairy, and hardy root vegetables, is a testament to the harsh climate they endure.
Their spiritual life is intimately linked to the natural world around them. The Eskelik revere the old gods of the mountains, seeing them as guardians and guides. While some in Bimmentok lean towards Läänti Ascendism, the Eskelik remain steadfastly Farang Pagans, paying homage to the mountains as the dwelling place of gods and giants. They also revere The Seers for their ancient roots, and the mystical lake Ama-Toh is considered a place of pilgrimage, where the Seers' visions are beseeched.
Eskelik customs celebrate resilience and honour the cycles of nature. The Yullek Feast, an annual gathering, marks the arrival of the winter solstice with the slaughter of a trevorn, communal feasting, and the retelling of ancient tales. The Ascendance of Veldi, a rite of passage for young adults, involves a solitary journey into the wilderness, symbolising the individual's entry into adult society.
Interacting with the Eskelik opens up a window into a culture steadfast in its embrace of the past, yet living vibrantly in the present. They remind us that though the path may be steep and the winds harsh, one can find warmth in community, solace in tradition, and strength in enduring the trials of life. The Eskelik don't merely exist in the world, they carve their stories into its very bones, echoing through time, resonating through the mountainous landscapes of Bimmentok.