Thromgar

The scourge of the North, the savage Kingdom of Thromgar have been a constant reminder of the barbarians lurking at the gates of the Empire. Their raids are a constant threat to shipping between Vintermor and the mainland, and Melorian trade is considered a particularly rich bounty. Some of the Thromgar tribes inhabited Verkant when that kingdom was founded, and the ties between Thromgar and Verkant are quite close. Too close for some of the Emperor's advisors, though as of yet no action has been taken. It is strange that no Verkant merchants are targeted by the raiders, however... However, life in the harsh northlands has not scratched all the kindness from these people. Among themselves, the Thromgar are quite respectful, and have a special connection to sorcery, feeling that the talent flows through their blood. Indeed, Thromgar sorcerers were leading raids through the Mists not long after the Dalriadans made their assault on Verkant. Possibly even before then, given that Thromgar tribes were native to Verkant before the Empire colonized the area.

People
Dwelling in the farthest northlands, the Thromgar are a fair complexioned people, much like their Verkant cousins. Red and blonde hair are quite common, with a few (particularly sorcerers) having exotic silver or white hair color. Eyes are pale blue or green, sometimes almost seeming silver in hue. Toughened by the constant struggle to survive, the Thromgar are a strong people, tall and muscular with even the women reaching six feet or more in height. They truly have little respect for words, preferring actions over such southern dandies. Boisterous and loud, they are quite joyful, particularly when battle approaches. With the risks of living in the north and raiding, the Thromgar believe in living life to the fullest, never holding back their feelings or emotions. The Thromgar dress warmly, and often wear hides or other barbaric attire. Women will tend to wear heavy gowns or dresses, often with extra layers, unless they are warriors. In that case, they will dress like the men, shunning gowns for leggings and shirts of multiple layers. For armor, light armor is preferred, with their propensity to be sailors and raiders. Weapons are typically heavy ones, axes and swords preferred. Polearms have little use among them, as they prefer to get in close with their foes.

Culture
The culture of the Thromgar is complex, though many outsiders regard the northern barbarians as having none. Those allowed to view the depth beneath the surface of these savage folk, however, see an intricate variety of relationships. Life begins around the family for them, and all families have a voice in their local counsels, or vyskuls. The equivalent of a township or barony, vyskuls are groupings of like-minded families in the same area. The oldest male of a family is the representative to the vyskul, as well as House Head. The larger families tend to actually be several families gathered together and sworn to a single house. Art is appreciated by them, though they have little patience for crafting such works. However, they are proud of their bardic abilities, and often compose intricate sagas and songs of their adventures and raids. And what art they cannot produce, they will steal, typically from Melorian merchant vessels. Often they have little sense of style, however, and will wear gaudy outfits designed to demonstrate their wealth, regardless of how ridiculous they might look to civilized folk. Smart folk restrain from snickering at such displays, lest they meet the business end of a waraxe. Thromgar are not the most religious of folk, though they honor (but not worship) Evighet as the Allfather. The deities the various vyskuls and families worship varies, but typically Mod or Forstorelse are those most revered. However, several of the more savage families follow darker gods, such as Talvi or Korinthar.

Government
The family is the cornerstone of the government of the Thromgar kingdom, though a kingdom is not quite the best phrase. Rather democratic in scope, the government centers around the individual vyskuls, or collections of houses. Each vyskul elects one member to represent them to the Ur-vyskul, the High Council. From there, a single man is elected as Korath, or Voice of the People. A man holds the title of Korath until he is killed in battle, or is otherwise slain. Often a family's wealth comes from raiding, and the more successful raiders command more power. The natures of the raids vary, with good or neutral Thromgar being more humane, often engaging in piracy or raids. Evil Thromgar, particularly those that follow Forstorelse or the Darker Gods, delight in savage acts that color the way most civilized races view the Thromgar people. Holding the Empire in disdain, the current Korath has strengthened ties to the Verkant, leaving most of their shipping alone as they try and call their wayward countrymen back to the Thromgar Way.

Race Relations
Thromgar respect few other humans, let alone those of other races. Frost elves are regarded well enough, ranging from friendly rivals to bitter foes, depending on the proclivities of the local vyskul. Half-orcs are often accepted into the more savage tribes, their greater physical strength regarded as a blessing. Most other races are unknown in the frozen northlands, though the monstrous humanoids are regarded as foes, except by the most corrupt and foul vyskuls.

Class Preference
Barbarians are by far the most common class among the Thromgar, and even those that follow another way of life often have the Rage in their heart of this class. Fighters and rangers are quite popular as well, as are clerics of a martial bent. Druids are rare, though not unheard of in the frozen wastes of Thromgar. Sorcerers are surprisingly common, leading some to speculate that some ancient dragons might have mingled their blood with certain families of the North. Bards are well respected, even if they are not of Thromgar blood, due to their skill with saga and song. Rogues are not respected, though a few scouts are known to exist. Monks, paladins, and wizards are almost unheard of, the lawful mindset for the first two classes and the literacy and scholarship of the last rare, if not impossible, amongst the Thromgar people.