High Hinterlands
Proficiency: Transmutation
Inefficiency: Enchantment
Numen: Varies depending on which Grande house a resident serves under. The Highlands territory isn't split into cities, instead the realm is co-run by Grande Houses. Each of the 6 Grande houses has developed their own unique Numen, since they all keep to their own region of the High Hinterlands.
Grande House | Numen | Ruling Feature | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
Den Delphinium | Ni | Rivers | Once per half day player can choose to add a bonus to any Angler base skill. |
Tribe of the Wind Callers | T'o | Hills | Once per half day player can choose to use Grounding, the ability to call the winds to knock down any flying creature or use Knock Back. |
House Stone Breaker | Sewe | Mountains | Once per half day player can choose to add a bonus to any Prospector base skill |
House of the Gilded Fang | Wasá | Forest | Once per half day player can choose to add a bonus to any Survivalist base skill |
House of the Black Feather | Kkáe | Plateau | Once per half day player can choose to add a bonus to any Trapper base skill |
The People of the Plains | Mi | Plains | Once per half day player can choose to add a bonus to any Grazier base skill |
Realm Strength:
Realm Weakness:
Optional Vagaries: Perceptiō, Stryker Tierce
Optional Trade:
Stryker [ Armiger ]. 3 Variants available
-
Panther
-
Bear
-
Coyote
Stryker are a type of Berserker force that have harnessed unique transformative aether for the purpose of battle.
Size: Deme
Capital: N/A
Climate: distinct separate seasons, windy with frequent tornadoes.
Physical Characteristics: Located centrally in UR. Southern plains, large plateaus, rolling hills, rivers, lush forests, and mountainous. Home to many sinkholes, caves, and tornadoes.
Unique Feature: Ideally located on a large river that connects directly to Lowlan Borough and centered at the heart of UR, many trade caravans pass through and swap goods at massive bazaars.
Garb
The people of the High Hinterlands are independent and resourceful, thriving in their rugged environment. The Highlands' style of dress reflects this ethos – warm, durable garments suitable for outdoor activities, often made from beast skins and woven fibers. Decorative elements are minimalistic, keeping mostly to patterns such as gingham and plaids, and reflect an appreciation for nature itself by utilizing elements in their raw form. Outfits are often accented with furs, goods carved of horn, tooth, bone, or claws, feathers, and other beast parts. Flowers and plants are often worn in the hair or adorning hats, typically representing relationship status and orientation. Most clothing are crafted from simple cuts, such as tunics; the most elaborate of which are generally the overalls which are favored by many of the Artīrion and Gatherers of the realm. The pointed hats which are seen in many other realms are less so in the Highlands, and have more of a rounded top and floppier rim. Footwear is often some kind of leather boot, usually fur lined in the winter. Common cold weather garb tends to be either a large pinned blanket or calf-length poncho, with thick turtle necks and heavy fur or fringe along the edges. These are often paired with either a wool or leather hat of some fashion.
Architecture
High Hinterland's architecture is a blend of natural and man-made elements, with dwellings carved into the hillsides, mountains, built into natural caves, or nestled amidst lush forests. Many of the homes are built into the land itself, oftentimes into the ground as subterranean domiciles. The people of the High Hinterlands value simplicity and practicality, crafting their homes from local materials such as stone, wood, and earth. Hinterlanders are skilled at manipulating nature for their benefit, particularly when it comes to cultivating trees and shrubs into functional and aesthetically pleasing forms using arborsculpture.
Migratory Houses, often associated with agriculture, maintain multiple dwellings across the vast expanse of the High Hinterlands. Their primary residences, typically easily moved yurts, allow them to adapt their living spaces to different environments. These mobile communities move around the realm based on crop cycles or herd movements, optimizing conditions for growth and harvest.
Culture
The collective governance structure of the High Hinterlands is interesting and unique. The Hinterlands' political system includes six prominent Houses (called Grande Houses) that supervise numerous smaller houses (called Tīrō). Although each House has its unique customs and principles, Tīrō generally share similar values and goals with their associated Grande House. While each House holds a strong identity, they work collaboratively for the greater good of the realm. This system maintains order and consistency, although it occasionally faces internal power dynamics among the Houses.
Values such as mutual support and cooperation are highly regarded, fostering a tight-knit community with a strong emphasis on loyalty and camaraderie. The Highlanders prioritize shared decision-making through a council of representatives from each major Household. By valuing unity and considering the welfare of all, they ensure that each voice is heard and respected, fostering a cohesive atmosphere where differing viewpoints are taken into account for the common good.
There is a loyalty to those of their Realm that is felt in the heart of all those born under the moon of the High HInterlands. Although initially cautious towards outsiders, Highlanders warmly welcome those who demonstrate sincere curiosity about their customs and traditions. The central location of the High Hinterlands within the United Realms allows for a bustling regional trade scene. With frequent trade bazaars, the realm has cultivated a vibrant exchange of goods among merchants from across UR. This activity plays a crucial role in the economic success and cultural diversity of the area.
The High Hinterlands have a fascinating relationship with the natural elements, particularly the winds that regularly whip through the land. Winds play a significant role in local legends and narratives, imparting values such as respect, modesty, and resilience to the inhabitants. Embracing this appreciation for the forces of nature lies at the core of High Hinterland culture.
Strong winds smooth even the sharpest of stone with time. Life has a way of smoothing out all of our rough edges in the end.