Kaldi

Kaldi is a generalised term to describe the cultural and ethnic group of humans who live in the cold northern continent; Kaldinen. In reality there are many tribes with different cultures and backgrounds all over Kaldinen. There are a few unifying traits across all Kaldi tribes, they are generally nomadic and they revere a deity called Kutalok.
The Kaldi are nomadic hunter-gatherers and herders, who sustain themselves on a diet of mostly meat and fat. Outsiders may view them as primitive, but they are the only people able to thrive in the frozen north, so they must be doing something right.
In the past, the main opposition to the Kaldi’s way of life has been the troglodytes of the Trogg Empire. However, as more human nations start to establish colonies and outposts on the edges of Kaldinen, the harmony that they maintain is starting to be disrupted.
=== Lifestyle ===
==== Nomadic Life ====
The Kaldi rarely settle anywhere permanently. This is mostly for survival, so they can migrate with the seasons and follow animal movements. However, they do have Winter Homes, areas further south where they settle in for the long dark winter.
==== Animal Domestication ====
The Kaldi have formed bonds with many of the local creatures of Kaldinen, most notably; dogs (the great megobar), karvuk, sabre-tooth cats, wolves, polar bears, wolf seals, and narwhals. Dogs and Karvuk in particular are useful for pulling sleds.
===Culture===
==== Spirituality ====
The central deity of Kaldi religion is Kutalok, a mysterious entity connected to the weather and seasons, said to be located at the northernmost point of the world. To many Kaldi, Kutalok is a symbol of resilience, and surviving against the odds. She can also apparently grant visions of the future to certain Kaldi seers, guiding many of the Kaldi movements. They know where animals will be herding. They know when storms will come. They know where the ice will thaw, and where to find hot springs.
Supposedly, the Kaldi people are the protectors of Kutalok, and it is their responsibility to keep her safe from malicious intent.
The Kaldi revere life in all its forms, especially that which thrives in harship. They are reluctant to take life, but do it when they must, such as for food or defence.
==== Social Communities ====
Kaldi tribes are close-knit communities. In their culture, to be alone is to be vulnerable, not just to the weather and wildlife, but also to corrupting influences. Because of this, Kaldi always travel in groups, and will go to great lengths to rescue lost members of the tribe.
==== Names ====
Each Kaldi has two names, their "Face name" is a description chosen by each individual. A Kaldi will tell this to outsiders and strangers. This name may change throughout their life.
The "True Name" is given by the parents. A Kaldi will only tell this name to members of their band and people they trust.
===Tribes===
There is no central Kaldi authority, and there are dozens of loose tribes spread across the tundra, but there are three particularly large tribes who wield great influence.
==== Anunuk ====
The Anunuk live among and around the northern mountains of Kaldinen, and sustain themselves almost entirely on hunting. They have a greater connection to magic than other Kaldi tribes, particularly Arcane.
The Anunuk consider their duty to be protecting Kutalok, above all else, and so are often distrustful of outsiders and trespassers.
The Anunuk use the symbol of a shooting star, and decorate themselves with colours of orange and light blue.
==== Wikwit ====
The Wikwit are based in the tundra and woodlands in the south of the continent, and their lifestyle revolves around herding Karvuk. They are also prolific traders, have good relations with multiple foreign powers, and are the only tribe to maintain some permanent settlements, though Wikwit bands come and go from these villages often.
Due to trading with Nothindrians and Tyrraneans, they possess slightly more advanced weapons than other Kaldi, commonly making use of Steel and Crossbows. Other tribes criticise them for moving away from tradition.
The Wikwit use the symbol of Karvuk horns, and decorate themselves with colours of red, dark blue, and white.
==== Sassakiki ====
The Sassakiki spend most of their lives on the ice or the water. They are expert fishers and whalers, and even tame large sea creatures to help them on these hunts. Their tents are usually constructed from the bones of whales or other large sea beasts, and blubber is an important part of their lifestyle and diet.
The Sassakiki travel further than most Kaldi tribes, and are the most likely tribe to come to the aid of another. It is said that they are spread all the way from the Shadowlands to the Ulbaks, and that they use the stars to find their way back to one another.