Culture of the Skogarv Clans
Unlike the Kingdom of Stormbreak which many feel spurn the traditions of Skogarv in favor of emulating foreign powers - especially Astalore, the Clans strive to remain steadfast to their culture. Though most believe it and their history has been left irreparably damaged and incomplete from the great catastrophe that befell the mainland and drove them to the Jagged Isles several centuries prior.
The Jagged Isles are revered as a sacred sanctuary to most, and a stifling prison to some. A barren rock, the Skogarv must take to the seas to survive, an indignation to some who consider themselves people of the forest. Others however, believe the waters to be their people’s natural place, and find prosperity, joy, and freedom on the waves. Owing to the scarcity of lumber, what ships they craft are often small but beautiful, each timber intricately worked and engraved. These ships often possess a shallow haul such that they can safely navigate the treacherous waters around the Isles.
Primordial Worship is the most common faith among the Clans, and though they share this in common with their neighbors across the water in Entador, they do not always find common ground unless local deities overlap or a more pluralistic approach is taken. Some legends speak of Ixarii, a mythical place of deliverance to the Skogarv people.
Clan life relies on a small selection of abundant resources. This in addition to their wide access to oceanic trade routes has resulted in a rich tradition of trade, perhaps a defining feature of their culture. The Clans are hospitable to a fault, their homes often open to travelers, even to strangers and foreigners, but especially merchants. The thought of charging for such accommodations is considered crass and dishonorable, a stifling of potential friends and resources precious to their people. Not only that, but in the cold rain of the Isles, leaving someone exposed to a night of the elements could be leaving them to die.
The Skogarv households are large, and include cousins, friends, grandparents and more. Their concept of direct family is wider than most, and often includes former lovers or nearly anyone who shares their home for any extended duration of time. By adulthood, most in the village are considered family, and thus those seeking a partner must often journey outside their settlement to find an eligible match. The leader of a Skogarv family, or elder, is usually selected by age and perceived purity of blood, a new elder is only selected once the previous dies.
While the concept of family is wide, marriage remains a distinct institution, often arranged, and sex outside of its bounds is strictly taboo. Clan ancestry is carefully tracked, with families recording and reporting every birth and marriage diligently. When a particularly pure-blooded Skogarv is born they are sequestered into the household of the Jarl where they can be carefully managed.
Often, when Skogarv die, their bodies are cremated and carried to the mainland where their ashes are scattered. While some locals are understanding, many find this practice a nuisance and quarrels have broken out before. Some families instead rely on well established trade contacts who permit use of their own lands for this practice, resulting in deep generational friendships. Most who are not brought to the mainland are buried at sea, however some in great standing are buried on the Isles in massive cairns, of those even fewer are mummified in gold dust, a process which is believed to grant a sort of everlasting half life.
While the lords of Astalore and Entador usually claim authority over land, and by extension the common people bound to it, the Jarls of the Skogarv clans claim authority over even their lowest subjects directly, usually through the vows of their subjects' ancestors. Nearly every family has a proud story of how they came to serve their patron.
Clan cuisine is centered around various salts and spices, collected from their far reaching trade routes. While the main dish is typically fish, great effort is expended to create distinct dishes from this simple staple food. Sharks are particularly significant and hunted with great reverence. Some, especially among Clan Ripjaw, believe their pointed ears are reflective of shark teeth or fins, and adorn their shields and weapons with iconography honoring the animal.
Owing to the cold and the rain, wool is incorporated into much of Clan clothing for its ability to retain warmth even when wet, and remains a precious commodity. Furs are often used in capes, boots, and hats, particularly the Nulf - a pocketed hat which contains a heated stone. Clan warriors often employ throwing weapons, in particular ceremonial harpoons derived from fishing traditions, and some carry these implements around the village to show status and strength.