Ylarin
A large plurality of people in Tundrusk are descendents of the people of the Ylarin Tribe. The Ylarins are often pale and have blue or red eyes. They often stand fairly tall and have large, wide noses. Their hair is often either blonde or white. The Ylarins come from the Valley of Ice, inlaid between the Ulfin Peaks and were the tribe that had led Tundrusk for the longest period of time. From the time of Olaf up until the death of Uri Daggon. The Ulfin Republic stretches from Finvik to Birent and has control of the Ulfin Peaks and Tønstadd. They are still the most influential culture in Tundrusk.
Culture
Culture and cultural heritage
The Ylarin people were composed of several nomadic tribes that often bickered with one another and fought vicious wars over the most obscure territories. This life of hostility and war led to the eventual unification of the Ylarin Tribes and Olaf’s rise to power. This war-fueled history led to the glorification of war in the eyes of many, especially after the events of the Rift War. Members of Tundrusk’s standing army are revered and honored in Tundruskan society, often receiving better pay, free housing, and government benefits. The process of joining the Imperial Army is difficult, requiring a year of intense physical and mental training. Most of Tundrusk’s army, however, is made up of levies and conscripts from the lands of nobles, and are often united under the coat of arms of their local lord, rather than the Empire.
The Ylarin rise to power was also aided by the discovery of Kaltweizen by the alchemist Bogh Nenrapys and the development of modern agriculture. It is thought, through contemporary sources and accounts from various eras, that the Ylarin Tribes were nomads for the greater portion of forty-five thousand years. In this period of time, the Ylarin would create temporary settlements but would move often due to weather or lack of food. The population of the region was low at this time, due to the low availability of food. Kalweizen was a tremendous discovery for the Ylarin and other Tundruskans as it allowed for permanent settlements to be created in the Tundra landscape found throughout the northern portion of the continent. The Ylarin were the first to do so, quickly settling in the lowest valley between the Ulfin Peaks and forming the town of Tonstadd. Tonstadd would go on to become the economic epicenter of the tribal nation as its central location and nearby rivers allowed for trade to occur and the many roads leading to and from the city resulted in many travelers coming through the city. This was thought to be the beginning of permanent settlement in the harsh north of Tundrusk.
Art & Architecture
Ylarin are also known for their wonderful metalwork and architecture. Their cities often have lavish upper-class districts with beautiful marble buildings and ornate temples. On the topic of Temples, religion plays an important role in the lives of Ylarin, as they often pray daily and follow many teachings from gods and the myths written of them. Religious symbols are found in many public places while private homes often just have a small shrine which is hidden from view. This is a tradition among the Ylarin, though its origins are unknown.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Recreational activities practiced by the Ylarin often include athletic games, mock fights, and seminars. Often philosophy is an enjoyable pastime in Ylarin culture, whether one is there to debate or purely to listen. Festivals are held on each holiday, often lasting just an evening, and consist of various games and a general prayer at the end of each. The only holidays that are celebrated specially are Dreskor, Ylarin Nobles often appoint a Chosen to enter a tournament of combat and physical trials which is often attended by thousands of Chosen, and Ulanis, The celebration of a new year in which Ylarins prefer to hold a week long festival beginning a week before the new year.
Major organizations
The Ulfin Republic is the largest in Tundrusk and has control of 4 of the largest cities in Tundrusk, including the capital. Ylarins had also been in rule of Tundrusk for hundreds of years, only recently has the rule shifted to other groups. The economy of this region is made up of mostly mining, coldwheat farming, metalwork, and a growing fishing industry. The Ylarin tribe boasts about their rich cities, yet slums and shanties tend to surround nearly every city in the Ulfin Republic. Being the major influence in terms of culture and politics on Tundrusk, it is obvious that Ylarin are more often than not Pro-Empire.
Encompassed species
Related Organizations
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