Wildlings
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Contents
History
The term “Wildling"[1] 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 made their presence known during an effort to reclaim land from the collapsing Holy 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 populations of the tribes were decimated by lack of food and clean water during this voyage, as scarcely any of the people were seen on the Atlasian continent. Among the majority of Descendant-kind, little else is known for certain about the people.
Geography
As a people that relies upon hunting and foraging, Wildlings tend to refrain from building any permanent structures. They utilize deep cave systems, crude tents, and other quickly-erected awnings, with the caves tending to be centrally located amongst the latter. The tribe’s Wild Man may designate other places to stay as is needed, but these locations will most always be found in temperate or cool climates. Even in times of need, Wildlings have a tendency to avoid swimming and humid regions. The water easily seeps into their hair and can take days to dry, during which time their heat is sapped and limbs are weighed down. They avoid excessively hot climates for similar reasoning, as especially for ones with darker hair, the sun makes those regions intolerable. Of course, as their hair does little against truly bitter cold, they'll not venture into any icy territories either.
In Axios, the most prominent Wildling tribe was nestled amid a range of mountains near the center of the isle of Tahn. "The Valley," as it was called amongst the people, sat within the bounds of the Holy Orenian Empire, which had shifted its capital to the nearby Adelburg following the destruction of Johannesburg. After a conflict with the encroaching humans, the Wildlings withdrew from The Valley and took up refuge in cooler regions across the island.
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 descendants living among them are not considered true Wildlings, and so may contribute within reason to tribes with over eight persons.
The Wild Man is the name of--as well as the title bestowed upon--whichever Wildling takes the lead of a tribe. They designate roles, indoctrinate the young, and have a strong presence concerning most affairs with outsiders. One or two elders sit below this figure in larger tribes, where they serve as both advisors and warriors. In the event of a dead, missing, or flimsy Wild Man, the strongest male of a tribe is encouraged by these elders to oust the leader and assume control.
Around other cultures, Wildlings are naturally curious. They’ll often beat their chest or stamp their feet as a gesture of mutual understanding, if there seems to be common ground between the parties. In many cases, Wildlings are regarded by outsiders 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 and much of humanity. It's largely unknown what the cause for these feelings might be.
Common Traits
While Wildlings may be of any Descendant blood, they all share similar features. Most notable of these features is their being covered in hair. From adolescence onward the tribe’s elders assist in growing a Wildling's distinct coat, only cutting it when the length becomes a hindrance. Other common traits include fitness and eye color. Similar to their hair, both male and female Wildlings receive aid from the tribe's elders in order to maintain muscular bodies. Wildling eyes are normally a dull green or brown color, though there have been cases of blues between the tribes.
Magic
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 ushered in the end of Axios—Wildlings have been ever cautious of sorcerers. Whenever misfortune strikes, magic users and their ilk are often among the first to be blamed by the tribesmen. Yet while most Wildlings would profess to be against those who wield voidal magics, the same is not always extended to the patrons of deities. It happens that many of such magics fit within the ancestral belief system of Wildlings. Due to which, the people tend to attribute any feats on the deity's part towards the strength of their own ancestors.
Economy
Mina-based economics mean very little to Wildlings. As such, the coins are normally treated as little more than pebbles for throwing. Wildlings do have a sense of value however, and are occasionally willing to barter trophies and certain materials 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 favor or scorn from the tribe's ancestors, who then manipulate the world according to their satisfaction with the state of things. Whenever there is unusually heavy rain, for instance, it is believed to be caused by the actions of others making the ancestors unhappy. When hunts are successful and food is in plenty, it is attributed to the strength of the tribe and how its actions have redeemed the rest of the realm.
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 can be difficult to find. The making of such art requires pigments to be gathered from sources such as plants and animal parts, as well as someplace quiet and secluded 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 that Wildling art might be found.
Literature
Specimens of Wildling literature are exceedingly few. Only one document is known to exist to date; a conventionally untitled book filled with illustrations of Wildling history, as well as that of the isles of Axios. Dozens of copies have been produced and circulated since the first 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, furs, and the occasional stolen article of clothing. Painted faces and bodies are quite common among younger Wildlings. 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, for protective as well as sentimental and ritualistic purposes.
Language
While somewhat begrudgingly, most Wildlings speak a form of simple and broken Common. Very few Wildlings are literate to a worthwhile extent, and instead rely upon art to express complex ideas and emotions.
Random Tidbits
- While the spoken food preference of most Wildlings would suggest that they are carnivorous, they commonly resort to wild berries and mushrooms during months of poor hunting.
- Wildlings do not grow their hair naturally, and must undergo special rites before they receive their coats. These rituals are also performed for the clipping of elven ears.
- 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:[2]
