Adamdar
The Rime Reef mountains might as well be a wall, built tens of thousands of feet high of solid ice and stone. At least, that is how the root-born lowlanders of the deserts and jungles view them. And it is just as well, for they cannot claim what they cannot reach.The Adamdar people travel in tribal groups through the high mountains between Sitaar and Gehnnia. While each tribe is unique, they all share a similar culture and maintain a line of trade from the lowlands to the high passes. They live a largely independent life, answering neither to Sitaar nor Gehnnia. Their mannerisms are considered blunt and gruff by more "civilized" people and their culture is obscure and sometimes unnerving to outsiders. Still, they openly deal with people from both of their neighboring countries despite the animosity between them. And for anyone daring to travel through the Rime Reef mountains, the experience of an Adamdar guide is more than enough to make up for their odd behaviors.
Stands
Icicles dangled like delicate glass chimes from every archway and eave. Colorful flags and sashes were strung between the ancient walls and wooden buildings.
Despite the steely sky and drifting snow, the occupants of the Stand seemed in good cheer. They clustered around bonfires and market stalls, decked in fine furs and richly dyed garments, all happily chattering away in their oddly avian-sounding language.
One of the Adamdar you met on the road nodded at the crowd. "You are lucky, travelers. Not many outsiders see our Spirit Festivals. Uneji is our spirit. He awakens by the first snow." He holds a hand out, allowing the snowflakes to gather, glittering, on his palm. "A rare treat for you." He smiles and abruptly takes his leave as many eyes linger in your direction.
For much of the year, Adamdar tribes move through the mountains to various hunting, trapping, and fishing grounds. Some tribes will travel to the farthest reaches of the chain to meet and trade with different lowlanders. The calendar they operate by is unknowable to outsiders, but there are certain times of the year when all these far-flung tribes will come together at ancient fortresses the Adamdar call "Stands."
These stone castles can be found nestled in icy canyons or crowning the highest, most remote peaks. Though the Adamdar did not build them, they have taken over the stewardship of the fortresses and used them as gathering places during trade events and holy festivals.
Blood and Ice
The isolated nature of the Rime Reef mountains has ensured the survival of the unique spiritual beliefs of the Adamdar. The primal deities that haunt the glaciers and taigas are generally considered to be myths by larger cultures but anyone fool enough to get lost in those icy mists knows the awful truth; there are mysterious forces in the wild places of the world. These spirits, for they are not quite gods, spend most of their time sleeping. Certain seasons or events, however, signal the awakening of one or more of these deities. The Adamdar worship and fear these beings who in turn will offer blessings and curses at their whim. And while the Adamdar believe in the divinity of the Solar Titan and offer him due praise, it is their unique privilege and bane to live so near their ancestral gods that even their whispered prayers are likely to be heard.
Type
Geopolitical, Nomadic tribe
Comments