Wildlings

History

The term “Wildling” is used to describe the group of tribals which emerged in Axios sometime during the early 1600s. It’s unclear when exactly they began to appear to the world, or where they came from, but by the 1630s they led a doomed effort to “reclaim” land from the collapsing Orenian Empire. When the isles were rendered inhospitable in the following decade, the Wildlings boarded rafts of their own and followed the Descendants to Atlas. It’s suspected that the first tribe splintered before reaching the new land, likely due to months of separation at sea. Little else is known for certain about the reclusive people.

Geography

Wildlings tend to refrain from building any permanent structures. As a nomadic people, they prefer tents made from animal skins and deep cave systems most of all. The tribe’s Wild Man may designate other places to stay as needed, but these locations will most always be found in temperate climates.

Society

Wildlings live in tribes of no more than eight, among that count their esteemed leader—the Wild Man. This is done in order to reduce the hunting necessary for survival. Whenever a tribe exceeds eight heads, the Wild Man divides its members in half and appoints an elder to become chieftain of the newly formed tribe. They then part ways and continue to grow separately, repeating the process indefinitely. Any captured descendants are not considered Wildlings and may contribute to tribes with over eight persons, to a reasonable extent. The Wild Man is both the title and name for the Wildling which leads a tribe. He takes the lead in designating roles, indoctrinating the young, and handling affairs with outsiders. A posse of two to three elders sits below him, serving as both advisors and warriors. In the event of a dead, missing, or flimsy Wild Man, the strongest male of a tribe is encouraged to oust the leader and take control. Magic, for the most part, is regarded as taboo. Especially after the thanhium bomb’s demonstration at Johannesburg—an event which is claimed to have brought about the end of Axios—Wildlings have been ever cautious of sorcerers. Whenever misfortune strikes, magic users are among the first to be blamed by the tribesmen. Wildlings have a tendency to avoid swimming and rainy climates. The water easily seeps into their hair and can take days to dry. Wildlings avoid excessively hot climates for similar reasoning. Especially for ones with darker hair, the sun makes those regions intolerable. Of course, that isn’t to say that their hair provides much help in bitter cold, either. Around other cultures, Wildlings are naturally curious. They’ll often beat their chest or stamp their feet as a gesture of mutual understanding. In many cases, Wildlings are regarded as simple minded. They make no attempt to deny this fact—in part because they fail to comprehend what a simple mind really is. A certain respect exists for orcs and other strong individuals, as they’re seen to be blessed with strength from their ancestors. To contrast, a sentiment exists against the bestial races.

Economy

Mina-based economics mean nothing to Wildlings. As such, the coins are normally treated as little more than throwing stones. They do have a sense of value however, and are occasionally willing to barter with outsiders.

Religion

Wildlings have a belief system which revolves very heavily around their ancestors. They see every action on the part of themselves and others to bring about some sort of consequence—usually something bad when done by an outsider. Indeed, it’s those non-Wildlings responsible for every negative occurrence in the eyes of the tribe. Favorable times, then, call for the glorification of the tribe’s members and praise of any recent achievements.

Artistry

While utilitarian as a whole, many Wildlings find themselves using forms of art to express themselves. As limited as their vocabulary and as backwards as their society, their minds still race when considering the legacy they leave behind.

Art

Wildling art is typically restricted in color and difficult to be found. The making of such art requires pigments to be gathered from sources such as plants and animal parts, as well as someplace safe for the production. This all takes up time and resources which could be put into more useful pursuits. As well, Wildlings run the chance of not returning to any particular location or keeping track of their painted works. It is only in places and on items of great significance to the Wildling that art might be found.

Literature

Specimens of Wildling literature are exceedingly few. Only one document exists to date; a manuscript filled with illustrations detailing Wildling history, as well as that of Axios. Dozens of copies have been produced and circulated since the discovery.

Apparel

Apparel for Wildlings is somewhat liberal. By nature, the thick hair of their body serves as a way to keep warm. Within the culture there is a sense of dignity however, and so they’ll cover the necessary parts of their bodies with rags and furs. Face paint is not an uncommon sight among the both the foragers and hunters. For both men and women, adornment is frowned upon beyond simple beads and clusters of bracelets. Animal skulls have found their way onto the heads of some, though.

Language

While somewhat begrudgingly, most Wildlings speak a form of simple and broken Common. Very few Wildlings are literate to a worthwhile extent.

Random Tidbits

• While the food preference of most Wildlings would suggest that they are carnivorous, they commonly resort to wild berries and tubers during months of poor hunting.
• Wildlings do not grow their hair naturally, and must undergo special rites before they receive their coats.
• While Wildings tend to steer away from the cold, did you know that some Elves prefer that climate? Read more about the Snow Elves here:[1]

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