Wintermark culture and customs - Revision history

Twiggy at 19:04, 3 September 2025

2025-09-03T19:04:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:04, 3 September 2025
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	==Riddles==		==Riddles==
	Riddles are a national pastime in Wintermark, and some scops make an effort to put the best riddles into rhyming verse and preserve them. The riddling tradition originated with the [[Suaq]], who believe that creating and answering clever riddles helps a person grow more cunning, but is common in all three traditions. The Suaq like clever riddles with hidden meanings, while the Kallavesi prefer riddles whose answer reveals something about the nature of the person trying to solve them. The Steinr enjoy informal riddle-contests, where participants try to compose and answer ~~spontaenous~~ riddles on the spot. More formal riddle-challenges provide popular entertainment, and [[#Scops\|Scops]] are often called on to judge the best riddle in a contest, looking for the hardest, the most clever, the most eloquent, or the funniest riddle		Riddles are a national pastime in Wintermark, and some scops make an effort to put the best riddles into rhyming verse and preserve them. The riddling tradition originated with the [[Suaq]], who believe that creating and answering clever riddles helps a person grow more cunning, but is common in all three traditions. The Suaq like clever riddles with hidden meanings, while the Kallavesi prefer riddles whose answer reveals something about the nature of the person trying to solve them. The Steinr enjoy informal riddle-contests, where participants try to compose and answer spontaneous riddles on the spot. More formal riddle-challenges provide popular entertainment, and [[#Scops\|Scops]] are often called on to judge the best riddle in a contest, looking for the hardest, the most clever, the most eloquent, or the funniest riddle
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Wintermark.jpg\|align=right\|width=350}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Wintermark.jpg\|align=right\|width=350}}

Hailmur: /* Icons and Artistry */

2025-03-08T23:10:52Z

Icons and Artistry

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:10, 8 March 2025
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	In the past there has been conflict between the funereal mystics and the priests of the [[Necropolis]] in [[Highguard]]. The Highborn have strong traditions regarding the funerals of heroes and especially Emperors. Several times they have tried to claim that the remains of Winterfolk heroes who have done some great service for the Empire should be honoured by being interred in their cold marble crypts rather than lying in the swamp alongside their ancestors.		In the past there has been conflict between the funereal mystics and the priests of the [[Necropolis]] in [[Highguard]]. The Highborn have strong traditions regarding the funerals of heroes and especially Emperors. Several times they have tried to claim that the remains of Winterfolk heroes who have done some great service for the Empire should be honoured by being interred in their cold marble crypts rather than lying in the swamp alongside their ancestors.
	==Icons and Artistry==		==Icons and Artistry==
	On the battlefield, and as decoration in their halls, Winterfolk prefer brightly colourful banners with simple, clear symbols that can be seen well from a distance. A banner is a glorious shout or a challenge to the enemies of the Winterfolk. Those who take the battlefield without a banner are sometimes treated with suspicion, due to the risk that they could do something shameful without being easily identified.		{{CaptionedImage\|file=birds.png\|align=right\|width=200}}
			On the battlefield, and as decoration in their halls, Winterfolk prefer brightly colourful banners with simple, clear symbols that can be seen well from a distance. A banner is a glorious shout or a challenge to the enemies of the Winterfolk. Those who take the battlefield without a banner are sometimes treated with suspicion due to the risk that they could do something shameful without being easily identified.

	The Three Tears is the popular symbol for the nation of Wintermark. Usually white on a red or blue background, it references the gems set into the [[Crown of Three Tears]]. Another iconic symbol that specifically represents the unity of the three people is the Three Rings - a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borromean_rings trio of interlocking rings woven together]. Either of these icons is likely to be decorated with additional [[Runes\|runes]] but precisely which runes varies from artist to artist.		The Three Tears is the popular symbol for the nation of Wintermark. Usually white on a red or blue background, it references the gems set into the [[Crown of Three Tears]]. Another iconic symbol that specifically represents the unity of the three people is the Three Rings - a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borromean_rings trio of interlocking rings woven together]. Either of these icons is likely to be decorated with additional [[Runes\|runes]] but precisely which runes varies from artist to artist.

	Crafting is second nature to the Winterfolk. Stone, metal and wood are carved with [[runes]], but they are rarely painted, coloured or enamelled, as crafters prefer to show the beauty in the underlying colours of the materials. By contrast fabric and leather are often decorated with carefully painted or embroidered images that complement their colour and texture.		Crafting is second nature to the Winterfolk. Stone, metal and wood are carved with [[runes]], but they are rarely painted, coloured or enamelled, as crafters prefer to show the beauty in the underlying colours of the materials. By contrast fabric and leather are often decorated with carefully painted or embroidered images that complement their colour and texture.

			There are no official or standard symbols for the Wintermark virtuous birds. Individual crafters are free to create their own sigils to reflect the virtue of a bird they are depicting. However you are welcome to use the beautiful designs created by Susan Cook which are available as [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/resources/downloads/birds.ai a vector file] or as [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/resources/downloads/birds.pdf a .pdf].

	{{Wintermark Links}}		{{Wintermark Links}}

	[[Category:Wintermark]]		[[Category:Wintermark]]
	[[Category:Archetype]]		[[Category:Archetype]]

Matt: /* The good death */

2024-04-19T14:24:36Z

The good death

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:24, 19 April 2024
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	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Wintermark.jpg\|align=right\|width=350}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Wintermark.jpg\|align=right\|width=350}}

	==The ~~good death~~==		==The Good Death==
	The land of Wintermark is harsh but this serves to make the Winterfolk strong. It is the cold forge in which each of them is tempered. They face life unbowed by the ferocity of their land and refuse to acknowledge their own mortality. For this reason, death in their prime while striving to meet a challenge is preferable for many. Warriors seek the good death on the battlefield, but the good death is any ending that comes while pushing yourself to achieve one final act of [[heroism]].		The land of Wintermark is harsh but this serves to make the Winterfolk strong. It is the cold forge in which each of them is tempered. They face life unbowed by the ferocity of their land and refuse to acknowledge their own mortality. For this reason, death in their prime while striving to meet a challenge is preferable for many. Warriors seek the good death on the battlefield, but the good death is any ending that comes while pushing yourself to achieve one final act of [[heroism]].

Matt: /* Scars */

2024-04-19T14:23:52Z

Scars

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:23, 19 April 2024
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	{{CaptionedImage\|file=CM-140418-5854.jpg\|align=right\|width=600}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=CM-140418-5854.jpg\|align=right\|width=600}}
	When a warrior is wounded in a memorable fight, they will often encourage the [[Wintermark military concerns#Grimnir\|grimnir]] to treat the wound "''so that it scars well.''" Scars are badges of honour; they serve as a visible mark of the warrior's skill and permit them to boast about the battle later - there is rarely anything to brag about a fight in which you didn't get a scar.		When a warrior is wounded in a memorable fight, they will often encourage the [[Wintermark military concerns#Grimnir\|grimnir]] to treat the wound "''so that it scars well.''" Scars are badges of honour; they serve as a visible mark of the warrior's skill and permit them to boast about the battle later - there is rarely anything to brag about a fight in which you didn't get a scar.

			The bold, direct and uncompromising nature of the [[briar]] lineage makes them welcome among many Winterfolk, especially those of the Steinr tradition. The bark-like material that covers their wounds is treated like any other [[Wintermark Culture and Customs#Scars\|scar]] and a briar with strong lineage is often given additional respect as a result.

	==Hospitality==		==Hospitality==
	Any traveller visiting a hall in Wintermark may claim one drink, one plate of hot food and a bed by a hearth for one night, without any payment or even thanks. This generosity is mandated for one occasion only; beyond this a hall owes a traveller nothing and may turn them out into the night. However, a guest who works for their sustenance and shelter is entitled to hospitality for another night, and it is customarily unacceptable to refuse a traveller who offers to work. Wintermark folktales are filled with stories of unwanted guests who overstay their welcome which usually end when a cunning [[Suaq]] tricks them into taking unmerited food or drink, or into failing to complete their assigned work.		Any traveller visiting a hall in Wintermark may claim one drink, one plate of hot food and a bed by a hearth for one night, without any payment or even thanks. This generosity is mandated for one occasion only; beyond this a hall owes a traveller nothing and may turn them out into the night. However, a guest who works for their sustenance and shelter is entitled to hospitality for another night, and it is customarily unacceptable to refuse a traveller who offers to work. Wintermark folktales are filled with stories of unwanted guests who overstay their welcome which usually end when a cunning [[Suaq]] tricks them into taking unmerited food or drink, or into failing to complete their assigned work.

Cyph: /* Scops */ spelling correction

2023-06-05T20:22:38Z

Scops: spelling correction

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:22, 5 June 2023
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	Scops are professional entertainers, often travellers, moving from hall to hall performing and looking for new material. Some Scops master an instrument, but many are poets; the most ambitious strive to master the high art of the Scop, the traditional Wintermark alliterative verse. Suaq and Steinr Scops traditionally give formal recitations of epic tales, favouring the stories of popular heroes. Kallavesi Scops often prefer to tell symbolic stories with complex imagery that are designed to help their listeners make auspicious decisions.		Scops are professional entertainers, often travellers, moving from hall to hall performing and looking for new material. Some Scops master an instrument, but many are poets; the most ambitious strive to master the high art of the Scop, the traditional Wintermark alliterative verse. Suaq and Steinr Scops traditionally give formal recitations of epic tales, favouring the stories of popular heroes. Kallavesi Scops often prefer to tell symbolic stories with complex imagery that are designed to help their listeners make auspicious decisions.

	Scops have an important responsibility in Wintermark, for they are the ones who grant people their [[Wintermark_hearth_magic#Names\|names]]. The scops watch the younger heroes of Wintermark, those who have still to make a name for themselves. Once an individual has performed a deed of note, they give them a name, to replace their childhood name. A ~~skop~~ is expected to craft a name that captures a person's greatest heroic achievement, raising them up in the eyes of their peers.		Scops have an important responsibility in Wintermark, for they are the ones who grant people their [[Wintermark_hearth_magic#Names\|names]]. The scops watch the younger heroes of Wintermark, those who have still to make a name for themselves. Once an individual has performed a deed of note, they give them a name, to replace their childhood name. A scop is expected to craft a name that captures a person's greatest heroic achievement, raising them up in the eyes of their peers.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Scops.jpg\|caption=Many of the sagas are very long and a wise scop keeps a tankard close by to refresh their voice without breaking their rhythm.\|align=left\|width=600}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Scops.jpg\|caption=Many of the sagas are very long and a wise scop keeps a tankard close by to refresh their voice without breaking their rhythm.\|align=left\|width=600}}

	==Riddles==		==Riddles==
	Riddles are a national pastime in Wintermark, and some scops make an effort to put the best riddles into rhyming verse and preserve them. The riddling tradition originated with the [[Suaq]], who believe that creating and answering clever riddles helps a person grow more cunning, but is common in all three traditions. The Suaq like clever riddles with hidden meanings, while the Kallavesi prefer riddles whose answer reveals something about the nature of the person trying to solve them. The Steinr enjoy informal riddle-contests, where participants try to compose and answer spontaenous riddles on the spot. More formal riddle-challenges provide popular entertainment, and [[#Scops\|Scops]] are often called on to judge the best riddle in a contest, looking for the hardest, the most clever, the most eloquent, or the funniest riddle		Riddles are a national pastime in Wintermark, and some scops make an effort to put the best riddles into rhyming verse and preserve them. The riddling tradition originated with the [[Suaq]], who believe that creating and answering clever riddles helps a person grow more cunning, but is common in all three traditions. The Suaq like clever riddles with hidden meanings, while the Kallavesi prefer riddles whose answer reveals something about the nature of the person trying to solve them. The Steinr enjoy informal riddle-contests, where participants try to compose and answer spontaenous riddles on the spot. More formal riddle-challenges provide popular entertainment, and [[#Scops\|Scops]] are often called on to judge the best riddle in a contest, looking for the hardest, the most clever, the most eloquent, or the funniest riddle

Cathtice at 17:39, 12 August 2021

2021-08-12T17:39:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:39, 12 August 2021
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	Crafting is second nature to the Winterfolk. Stone, metal and wood are carved with [[runes]], but they are rarely painted, coloured or enamelled, as crafters prefer to show the beauty in the underlying colours of the materials. By contrast fabric and leather are often decorated with carefully painted or embroidered images that complement their colour and texture.		Crafting is second nature to the Winterfolk. Stone, metal and wood are carved with [[runes]], but they are rarely painted, coloured or enamelled, as crafters prefer to show the beauty in the underlying colours of the materials. By contrast fabric and leather are often decorated with carefully painted or embroidered images that complement their colour and texture.
	{{Wintermark Links}}		{{Wintermark Links}}

			[[Category:Wintermark]]
			[[Category:Archetype]]

Dre at 16:10, 1 March 2021

2021-03-01T16:10:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:10, 1 March 2021
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	On the battlefield, and as decoration in their halls, Winterfolk prefer brightly colourful banners with simple, clear symbols that can be seen well from a distance. A banner is a glorious shout or a challenge to the enemies of the Winterfolk. Those who take the battlefield without a banner are sometimes treated with suspicion, due to the risk that they could do something shameful without being easily identified.		On the battlefield, and as decoration in their halls, Winterfolk prefer brightly colourful banners with simple, clear symbols that can be seen well from a distance. A banner is a glorious shout or a challenge to the enemies of the Winterfolk. Those who take the battlefield without a banner are sometimes treated with suspicion, due to the risk that they could do something shameful without being easily identified.

	The Three Tears is the popular symbol for the nation of Wintermark. Usually white on a red or blue background, it references the gems set into the [[Crown of Three Tears]]. Another iconic symbol that ~~speficially~~ represents the unity of the three people is the Three Rings - a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borromean_rings trio of interlocking rings woven together]. Either of these icons is likely to be decorated with additional [[~~Rune Overview~~\|runes]] but precisely which runes varies from artist to artist.		The Three Tears is the popular symbol for the nation of Wintermark. Usually white on a red or blue background, it references the gems set into the [[Crown of Three Tears]]. Another iconic symbol that specifically represents the unity of the three people is the Three Rings - a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borromean_rings trio of interlocking rings woven together]. Either of these icons is likely to be decorated with additional [[Runes\|runes]] but precisely which runes varies from artist to artist.

	Crafting is second nature to the Winterfolk. Stone, metal and wood are carved with [[runes]], but they are rarely painted, coloured or enamelled, as crafters prefer to show the beauty in the underlying colours of the materials. By contrast fabric and leather are often decorated with carefully painted or embroidered images that complement their colour and texture.		Crafting is second nature to the Winterfolk. Stone, metal and wood are carved with [[runes]], but they are rarely painted, coloured or enamelled, as crafters prefer to show the beauty in the underlying colours of the materials. By contrast fabric and leather are often decorated with carefully painted or embroidered images that complement their colour and texture.
	{{Wintermark Links}}		{{Wintermark Links}}

Rafferty: /* Icons and Artistry */

2021-02-26T15:37:26Z

Icons and Artistry

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:37, 26 February 2021
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	In the past there has been conflict between the funereal mystics and the priests of the [[Necropolis]] in [[Highguard]]. The Highborn have strong traditions regarding the funerals of heroes and especially Emperors. Several times they have tried to claim that the remains of Winterfolk heroes who have done some great service for the Empire should be honoured by being interred in their cold marble crypts rather than lying in the swamp alongside their ancestors.		In the past there has been conflict between the funereal mystics and the priests of the [[Necropolis]] in [[Highguard]]. The Highborn have strong traditions regarding the funerals of heroes and especially Emperors. Several times they have tried to claim that the remains of Winterfolk heroes who have done some great service for the Empire should be honoured by being interred in their cold marble crypts rather than lying in the swamp alongside their ancestors.
	==Icons and Artistry==		==Icons and Artistry==
	~~{{stub}}~~
	On the battlefield, and as decoration in their halls, Winterfolk prefer brightly colourful banners with simple, clear symbols that can be seen well from a distance. A banner is a glorious shout or a challenge to the enemies of the Winterfolk. Those who take the battlefield without a banner are sometimes treated with suspicion, due to the risk that they could do something shameful without being easily identified.		On the battlefield, and as decoration in their halls, Winterfolk prefer brightly colourful banners with simple, clear symbols that can be seen well from a distance. A banner is a glorious shout or a challenge to the enemies of the Winterfolk. Those who take the battlefield without a banner are sometimes treated with suspicion, due to the risk that they could do something shameful without being easily identified.

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	Crafting is second nature to the Winterfolk. Stone, metal and wood are carved with [[runes]], but they are rarely painted, coloured or enamelled, as crafters prefer to show the beauty in the underlying colours of the materials. By contrast fabric and leather are often decorated with carefully painted or embroidered images that complement their colour and texture.		Crafting is second nature to the Winterfolk. Stone, metal and wood are carved with [[runes]], but they are rarely painted, coloured or enamelled, as crafters prefer to show the beauty in the underlying colours of the materials. By contrast fabric and leather are often decorated with carefully painted or embroidered images that complement their colour and texture.



	Unsurprisingly, a great deal of Wintermark art involves [[#birds\|birds]], or images of animals with [[Totem_magic#Spirit_Animals\|particular symbolic meanings]]. Wood and stone carving are both popular mediums with Wintermark artists, and while painting is now much more popular than it was it falls behind more durable forms of art. A significant portion of Wintermark painters are from the [[Steinr]] tradition, who on the whole embrace the beauty and skill involved in this new artform more readily than their Suaq and Kallavesi cousins. It's common for Wintermark painters to focus more on depictions of the landscape than individuals; the sweeping tundra of Sermersuaq, the grandeur of the mountains and forests of Hahnmark and Skarsind, or the mournful marshes of Kallavesi are much more popular as a subject than individual portraits. Even when a portrait is painting it is likely to set the figure against some powerful feature of the landscape. This is particularly true historically - there are very few depictions of historical Winterfolk figures.

	{{Wintermark Links}}		{{Wintermark Links}}

Rafferty: /* Icons and Artistry */

2021-02-26T15:36:37Z

Icons and Artistry

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:36, 26 February 2021
Line 47:		Line 47:
	On the battlefield, and as decoration in their halls, Winterfolk prefer brightly colourful banners with simple, clear symbols that can be seen well from a distance. A banner is a glorious shout or a challenge to the enemies of the Winterfolk. Those who take the battlefield without a banner are sometimes treated with suspicion, due to the risk that they could do something shameful without being easily identified.		On the battlefield, and as decoration in their halls, Winterfolk prefer brightly colourful banners with simple, clear symbols that can be seen well from a distance. A banner is a glorious shout or a challenge to the enemies of the Winterfolk. Those who take the battlefield without a banner are sometimes treated with suspicion, due to the risk that they could do something shameful without being easily identified.

	The Three Tears is the popular symbol for the nation of Wintermark. Usually white on a red or blue background, it references the gems set into the [[Crown of Three Tears]]. Another iconic symbol that represents the unity of the three people is the Three Rings - a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borromean_rings trio of interlocking rings woven together]. Either of these icons is likely to be decorated with additional [[Rune Overview\|runes]] but precisely which runes varies from artist to artist.		The Three Tears is the popular symbol for the nation of Wintermark. Usually white on a red or blue background, it references the gems set into the [[Crown of Three Tears]]. Another iconic symbol that speficially represents the unity of the three people is the Three Rings - a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borromean_rings trio of interlocking rings woven together]. Either of these icons is likely to be decorated with additional [[Rune Overview\|runes]] but precisely which runes varies from artist to artist.

	Crafting is second nature to the Winterfolk. Stone, metal and wood are carved with [[runes]], but they are rarely painted, coloured or enamelled, as crafters prefer to show the beauty in the underlying colours of the materials. By contrast fabric and leather are often decorated with carefully painted or embroidered images that complement their colour and texture.		Crafting is second nature to the Winterfolk. Stone, metal and wood are carved with [[runes]], but they are rarely painted, coloured or enamelled, as crafters prefer to show the beauty in the underlying colours of the materials. By contrast fabric and leather are often decorated with carefully painted or embroidered images that complement their colour and texture.

Matt: /* Icons and Artistry */

2021-02-26T15:35:55Z

Icons and Artistry

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:35, 26 February 2021
Line 47:		Line 47:
	On the battlefield, and as decoration in their halls, Winterfolk prefer brightly colourful banners with simple, clear symbols that can be seen well from a distance. A banner is a glorious shout or a challenge to the enemies of the Winterfolk. Those who take the battlefield without a banner are sometimes treated with suspicion, due to the risk that they could do something shameful without being easily identified.		On the battlefield, and as decoration in their halls, Winterfolk prefer brightly colourful banners with simple, clear symbols that can be seen well from a distance. A banner is a glorious shout or a challenge to the enemies of the Winterfolk. Those who take the battlefield without a banner are sometimes treated with suspicion, due to the risk that they could do something shameful without being easily identified.

	A popular symbol of the nation of Wintermark ~~takes the form of the Three Tears, usually~~ white on a red or blue background, ~~and~~ references the gems set into the [[Crown of Three Tears]]. Another iconic ~~representation~~ that ~~specifically speak to~~ the unity of the three people ~~are~~ the Three Rings - a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borromean_rings trio of interlocking rings woven together]. Either of these icons is likely to be decorated with additional [[Rune Overview\|runes]] but precisely which runes varies from artist to artist.		The Three Tears is the popular symbol for the nation of Wintermark. Usually white on a red or blue background, it references the gems set into the [[Crown of Three Tears]]. Another iconic symbol that represents the unity of the three people is the Three Rings - a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borromean_rings trio of interlocking rings woven together]. Either of these icons is likely to be decorated with additional [[Rune Overview\|runes]] but precisely which runes varies from artist to artist.



	Crafting is second nature to the Winterfolk. Stone, metal and wood are carved with [[runes]], but they are rarely painted, coloured or enamelled, as crafters prefer to show the beauty in the underlying colours of the materials. By contrast fabric and leather are often decorated with carefully painted or embroidered images that complement their colour and texture.		Crafting is second nature to the Winterfolk. Stone, metal and wood are carved with [[runes]], but they are rarely painted, coloured or enamelled, as crafters prefer to show the beauty in the underlying colours of the materials. By contrast fabric and leather are often decorated with carefully painted or embroidered images that complement their colour and texture.