Sami

**Sami** is a Terran country located in the furthest north bordering Kazimierz and Ursus. It is a primitive, loosely-banded chiefdom thriving in the frigid tundra that has been retaining its ancient ways of life for millennia while the rest of the world is increasingly modernizing. Each Samifjod hails from certain tribes that is dictated by their tribal chiefs, especially shamans who influences their animistic faith.

The Sami language is similar to Icelandic and Lule Sámi in our world, But somehow, both have distinct grammars and accents even though both are mutually intelligible enough with each other.

Sami is predominated by the Elafian race, but there are minor tribes dotted the region that belong to some rare, endangered races such as Cyclops Sarkaz and Elves.

## Background

The land of Sami is filled with mysteries. Due to their primitive lifestyle, the Samifjods have been practicing animism and are talented in Originium Arts, in particular the Snowpriests who protect the land from outsiders of any kind. The Sami Icefield is inhabited by eldritch demons which are constantly kept at bay by generations of the Snowpriests along with the Ursine Emperor's Blades. It is even implied that the Samifjods live alongside the ancient Feranmuts of Terra who have concealed their true identities.

Sami had been imposing isolationism for a century until recently opening up its border for Columbian trade caravans and mining expeditions. Along with such convoys came Columbian engineers and scientists who introduced some of the Samifjods for the first time to modern technology. However, such cultural and technological exchange is limited to settlements in the swampy south, while most Samifjods prefer to keep their distance from the outsiders. Any venture by outsiders into the heartland to the north where Sami's true secrets lie is strictly forbidden.

Two years ago, in the year 1095, a notable Snowpriest prophesied that an Apocalypse is about to bring an end to the current Terran civilizations. However, his warning only received intense mockeries and many superpowers such as Victoria and Columbia are turning a deaf ear to him.

## Branches

### Snowpriest

The **Snowpriests** (***Snjovagydjur***) are a band of shamans/shamanka who stand guard at the Infy Icefield for generations to keep the eldritch demons at bay through their sacrifices and altars. However, this often comes at great cost as their sanity may eventually be shattered by the demons' influence, turning them into such abominations as the Frozen Monstrosity. Their influences are so strong that their traces can be found in various political structures from tribal chieftains to even military leaders.

Due to their enormous role as frontline guardians of Terra's civilization, many Snowpriests are extremely hostile against foreigners, especially those who attempt to explore the furthest north of Sami.

## Places

### Landmarks

* **Fjal Vetrtonn**: The tallest mountain range in northern Sami that marks the border of the Northland. Legend says that the mountains are "alive," likely implying Sami's Feranmuts.
* **Myrkwood**: A forest lying in northern Sami that is inhabited by many isolated tribes.

## References

2. ↑ IW-4 After
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Pudding's Operator Module description
4. ↑ Ring-a-Ding-Ding!
5. ↑ "Teller of Tales" (Phantom & Crimson Solitaire) node