Saemund Clan

The Identifying Symbol of the Saemund clan

> *"With the Sea as our Witness, we will prevail!"*
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"As the clan that is claimed to be the most prominent of all among the clans and tribes in the Snow Country, the Saemund Clan has made their presence in the northern sea very present. With an impressive fleet, accompanied by naval manpower that pose a proper threat to any ship that goes through their seas, the Saemund has also slowly gotten exposed to the world that is beyond their territory. After many years of hesitation and fears, they are finally ready to step out and get to further know the world that is beyond their immediate reach.

## Traits

* **Long Ranged Expertise** ~ Due to both dangers from their own country, in the shape of many creatures that live in their own lands, and due to witnessing the superior close-ranged weapons and armours of outsiders, the members of Saemund have come to prefer long-distant weapons, and will be commonly found wielding such weapons.
* **Protectors of the Sea** ~ With their immense belief in the legend that they were given the task of looking over the seas by the guardian of the open waters, the clan have worked many different skills that connect to the seas into their culture. They possess many master sailors and fishermen among their ranks. They also possess decent sized fleet, and their ships are well built, having experience of improving their ship designs over several centuries, along with existing relations with other clans.
* **Pale Skinned** ~ Due to the ever-present cold temperatures of the Snow Country, the majority of the clan has always covered themselves extra-well. This has led that centuries later, it became normal to see Saemund members be pale skinned, despite how much they work outside.
* **Impressive Heights** ~ Many members of the Saemund clan can be normally seen reaching the heights of 1.8m, at the very least, making them have the appearance of a rather tall clan.

## History

In the Snow country, where many tribes lived, the Saemund clan did not have the exact same "Warring Clans Era" as the majority of the world had. Instead, they had what is known as "The Tribal Blood Feuds", and that name helps indicate when events took place.

### Before the Tribal Blood Feuds

**Unknown exact date - 110 ADS**

The Saemund tribe, a rather small tribe, had come to be at some point before the beginning of the world's counting system. From drawings the clan possesses, and other tales, it is told that the tribe initially had a different leader, but after that leader was lost in the Snow Country's mainland, the clan had decided to migrate to one of the Snow country's Islands. It had taken them a few years to prepare, before they had finally begun what is known to the Saemund as "The Dawn Voyage". There are many different tales of what had occurred during this voyage, which go from having a smooth sail, to actually encountering the Raekjur way before the legend's time, and getting his blessing at that time. With most drawings of "The Dawn Voyage" lost, it remains known exactly what occurred then.

The drawings of the settling and formation of Heim, however, remain ever present, and maintained to ensure it is kept. Those drawings detail how the migrated tribe, now in a new location, had worked hard to build up their new tribe home. Before they could finish, they were encountered by a different tribe, the Dertur tribe. Clearly not pleased about the sudden appearance of invaders on what they claimed as their own island, the Dertur tribe was quick to begin ravaging the Saemund at every chance they had, leading it to the point that the Saemund had simply stopped construction.

The fifth time the Dertur had come to ravage the place, they discovered no one was present. Declaring this a victory, the Dertur ravaged the area one last time, and then proceeded to feast on the food that was left behind. Upon returning to their own tribe, however, they found the Saemund warriors, all present, and holding their unarmed families hostages, while the warriors that have been left behind to protect the area were all tied up. The Saemund leader of the time had made it simple to the Dertur - They are either to join the Saemund, or see their tribe cease. Without much option, the Dertur had surrendered, and took upon themselves the name of Saemund. With a second tribe now under the Saemund name, they had managed to begin see some prosperity. The building of Heim was completed, and they had began setting up some farms too. The former Dertur members, despite initial reluctance, had also come to accept the leadership of the Saemund.

Some years later, the clan would encounter yet another tribe that had come to the island. Unlike the approach the Dertur took, however, this tribe was more open for the idea of co-existing, which was acceptable to the then still small Saemund tribe. It wouldn't be long, however, before the Saemund discovered their new neighbours, the Gael tribe, were actually being hunted by a different tribe, the Tíðar tribe. This would bring about the first recorded battle of the Saemund tribe in their new homeland. With superiority in numbers and more energy to spare, the Saemund and Gael tribes were victorious. The Saemund, seeing this as a chance, went to the Tíðar and offered them a place under the Saemund name. The Tíðar, being furious at their defeat and robbed of the chance to take revenge against their rivals, had refused and left to return to their home. The Gael, on their side, were incredibly thankful for the aid, and were quick to accept to join under the Saemund name.

From this point, there are many drawings that describe encounters with different tribes and clans from the other islands, and how the Saemund slowly grew further. Among these drawings there is what is considered to be the most sacred drawing of them all to them, one which had been replicated onto every existing shrine in the Saemund Islands - The Legend of Elfar and Raekjur, the Deity of the Depths. It is thus assumed that it was during this times that the legend had supposedly occurred, although some claim that the legend must've occurred later, while some claim earlier.

Another change that is detailed during these times is a shift in the structure of the leadership. When the tribe had taken under its name the sixth tribe, being the Xernes tribe, the members from the leading lines of the former tribes had begun an uprising in the tribe. Many had claimed that the Saemund line no longer deserves to be in charge, as their tribe had been a part of the Saemund tribe for long enough too, and they had what was considered to be a leader's blood. For over two years, there were consistent riots and upsets around the Saemund tribe, until the leader had agreed to meet up with the organizers of the riots, and change the way the leader is determine. After discussions, fights and further upsets over the course of another year, an agreement was finally reach. The governing form of the clan had shifted to the one that exists at present time.

### The Tribal Blood Feuds

**110 ADS - 306 ADS**

At the year that is known to be 110 ADS, a shift had occurred in the Snow country. The Daimyo of the country, who had always overlooked the land, had appeared to vanish. As the Daimyo helped maintain some order over the country, many tribes had began to look at each other and point fingers over who had been the cause for the disappearance. Many disputes have started to rise over this, and some had quickly escalated into full blown wars. The Saemund tribe, by then having taken in 8 different tribes, was also dragged into a number of wars.

The first war was with their now old enemies, the Tíðar tribe. Their enemies had learned from them, and also took in two other tribes in order to give themselves a better chance. Their war, known as the Second Saemund-Tíðar Blood Feud, was one that ended much faster than anyone could've expected. This was due to the Tíðar needing to retreat back to their own lands, as they had begun being under attack by two other allied tribes, the Ciar and the Odar tribes. The Saemund clan, however, did not stay passive, and chose to try and intervene in other wars that have been going on around them. At some point, a new Daimyo had been appointed, but this did not help settle things down.

Throughout the two centuries of the Tribal Blood Feuds, the Saemund, now known as a clan, would see great success. They would manage to force eight more tribes under their name in the first century of the Tribal Blood Feuds, before finally coming to face with their Tíðar enemies once more. This time, with the Saemund having 16 tribes under their name, and the Tíðar having 5, the Third Saemund-Tíðar Blood Feud appeared much different, and lasted for almost 20 years. It cost heavily on both sides, and by 245 ADS, the war had finally come to an end. The Tíðar, despite using some good tactics and managing to overcome the difference in manpower, have lost, and after some treaty discussion, have finally agreed to come under the Saemund name, on the term that they immediately get a seat in the current governing council. This would lead to the only time in the history of the clan that the governing council had 6 members, and not 5.

The remainder of the Tribal Blood Feuds would be much more peaceful for the Saemund clan, which now consisted of 21 tribes. In the years that remained, the Saemund clan would attempt to try and let the other tribes settle things down on their own, but in the end, they would still get a bit involved, which would result in two more tribes coming under the Saemund clan. At the year 306 ADS, the last Tribal Blood Feud had finally settled down, and the Daimyo managed to finally bring back the relative peace that had existed between the tribes.

### Beyond the Tribal Blood Feuds

**306 ADS - 410 ADS**

The next century would be that of growth for the Saemund clan. Throughout this century, the Saemund clan helped properly established all the different Blooflaoi that have been added to the clan throughout the Tribal Blood Feuds, something which was difficult to do during the times of conflict. They also used all their victories from the Blood Feuds to help establish themselves as one of the most prominent clans in the Snow country, if not the most prominent one. Thanks to their increase in prestige, another small tribe had come and requested to join them, bringing the numbers of tribes from the clan constituted from to 24 tribes.

It was also during this century that the Saemund clan came into a full on contact with the Sanosuke Clan. The Fleet of the Sanosuke have been seen before this time, passing through the northern seas, but as the Saemund were occupied with Snow country conflicts, and with the feeling that they were not yet ready to face an unknown, outside enemy, they held back from going after the Sanosuke fleet before this time.

As the Saemund now claimed a much large sea territory to be under within their areas, along with possessing a large and more impressive fleet, they ended up clashing for the first time with the Sanosuke Clan in the sea. The battle would be a hard one, with both sides losing a decent amount of ships and manpower, and the Sanosuke would end up being victorious. The second time they came into contact, the Saemund had little desire to lose any further manpower or ships, and thus approached with a more diplomatic approach. After some discussions, an agreement was reached, one which would become their first ever agreement with a clan that is not a member of the Snow country.

In the middle of the century, the Saemund clan had began experiencing some tensions from within. With the peace being maintained so well under the watch of the Daimyo, many Blooflaoi had started to claim that the clan is actually growing weaker, with no show of strength being made for an extended period of time. Some consideration had been made, in how they could showcase their strength without causing an upset. Finally, it was decided that the best way to show their strength would be to make any tribes that try to cause an uproar to be silent. Fortunately for the Saemund clan, it did not take too long, and a tribe started to to claim that the Daimyo was actually an impostor, and that the rightful Daimyo was meant to come from their own tribe. The Saemund quickly swooped in and, following what they considered to be an appropriate treatment, forced them to quiet down any claims they had. the clan had the Daimyo's gratitude, and it helped reinforce the idea that the Saemund clan was indeed a very prominent one.

### The Lightning's Vassal to Present Day

**410 ADS - Present time**

Due to unknown decisions, the Daimyo of the Snow country had elected to accept an offer from the Lightning country, one which hurt the status of the Snow country and made them into the Lightning's vassal. The Saemund, furious with how it can make them be portrayed too, started to view the Daimyo's line with much lower regards, to the point of not showing up for half of the country's clan meetings. Instead, the Saemund elected to focus on improving their own infrastructure, and further improve their relations with the Lightning's Sanosuke Clan. Thanks to their efforts, the Saemund would end up calling the Sanosuke allies.

Not long after, the Saemund would also come across another clan, but one which hailed from the Fire Country, known as the Hon Clan. Like the Sanosuke, the Hon's long-ships were a known sight, but an actual approach from the Saemund side had not been attempted until this point. This was due to the initial encounter with the Sanosuke, which cost them lives and ships, had caused them to be wary of approaching outsiders once more.

Although the long-ships of the Hon clan had initially tried to avoid the Saemund fleet, they would eventually be intercepted. With no hostile actions taken towards them, the Saemund elected to talk to these new strangers. After some discussions, they would manage to find a mutual ground, and form a trade and free sea passage agreement with the Hon.

As time passed, members of the Saemund clan would begin feeling more and more curious about the world they are not yet known with. As contact have been established with two different clans that hailed from unknown lands, they begun wondering more and more about how other people from these lands. Some brave Saemund clan members had even attempted to find their way into the closest land that could be seen, being that of the Iron Country. Those souls, however, were never heard from again, and the Saemund soon declared the Iron Country borders to be forbidden lands, and anyone who attempted to go there were doing it at their own life's risk.

When the Great War erupted, the Snow country was also called in to aid the Lightning country's efforts. The Saemund's fleet, alongside the Sanosuke's, helped secure the northern seas. Due to their instructions mostly coming from the Daimyo, who passed them from the Lightning, the Saemund's loathing of the Daimyo and his decision only grew further. Upon the war ending, the Saemund declared that they would no longer attend the Daimyo's meetings, and that if the Daimyo wants anything from them, then he should declare the Snow's independence once more.

With no action taken on the Daimyo's side, the Saemund started looking in the direction of their allies, the Sanosuke. Their allies were a clan in the Lightning, a clearly major one, and they had appeared to not have that many issues with the direct leadership of the Lightning. Due to some reluctance from within the clan, it had taken them some time to deliberate on what actions to take.

During the years of discussion, a group under the leadership of a man who called Shoji had attempted to come and place their leadership in the Snow country, by using weird devices that were meant to harm Shinobi. Due to the Saemund being a mostly non-shinobi clan, it had little effect, and between the clan's forces and the cold weathers that Shoji's forces were not used to, they were easily dispatched of. While there was initial thoughts of simply destroying the devices complete, an idea came that perhaps bringing these devices could be beneficial to forming a direct connection to the Lightning country. However, the discussions did not end there, as there were even more concerns that raised following this pathetic attempt at hostility.

## Members

The Saemund Clan is one that consists numerous tribes that have been taken in or beaten into accepting their leadership over the years. Due to this, the clan has a varied number of Blooflaoi that can at any time try and claim the leadership for themselves.

At any given time, there are always five Blooflaoi that have the helm over the whole of the clan, with one who represents them to the outside. The top five Blooflaoi members are referred to as the Meistari. The one who represents them to the outside is either the oldest member among the five, or the one who has the most respect among the five. That one is referred to as the Höfuð. If there is ever a dispute over who should be Höfuð, or the five cannot reach a decision, then it is resolved with a Blóðkollur.

A Blóðkollur is a type of survival of the fittest battle, with three conditions to it:

1. You may shed the blood of others, but you may not leave them for dead.
2. You may use any weapon, but you cannot have armour.
3. Once you enter, the only way to leave is to beat all others, or be beaten.

Anyone within the clan can call for a Blóðkollur, but one will only occur if it is accepted by at least three of the leading Blooflaoi. Those who are beaten in a Blóðkollur are often viewed with more honour than most, as going into a Blóðkollur is always voluntary.

If the time comes and the Höfuð is nearing the end of his time as a Blooflaoi leader (At the age of 50), or if they died prematurely, then a vote is elected by the other 4 members. It can either be chosen that the heir of the Höfuð be given a spot, or a clan-wide Blóðkollur can occur. If it is chosen that the heir is given a spot, then another vote takes place, to once more elected a new Höfuð. If a clan-wide Blóðkollur is chosen, then any members of any Blooflaoi can enter it. If a person who is not a member of any Blooflaoi wishes to enter, they can appeal to the Meistari, though the chances of gaining acceptance is low. Following the results, the winner joins the Meistari, and then the Höfuð is elected.

Should a member of the Meistari wish to leave, or move away from the role of Höfuð, then they are allowed to choose their own replacement, but only from their own Blooflaoi. This is to ensure that no deals are ever made that someone gets on the Meistari, only for the person to leave and let a different, unworthy Blooflaoi member get his spot.

At present time, the following five Blooflaoi are the ones who are in the Meistari -

**Höfuð** - *Tíðar*

Havarr Saemund - Clan Outer Representative

Hendurs -

* **Ciar**
* **Dertur**
* **Quirew**
* **Xernes**

### **Notable Members**

As expected, even with the way the clan is managed, it still has some notable members. The following are the known notable ones -

Elfar Saemund of Saemund - Oldest recorded Höfuð (Deceased)

Havarr Saemund of Tíðar- current Höfuð, member of the Meistari.

Cyrus Saemund of Tíðar- Young warrior of the Tíðar Blooflaoi, Havarr's second in command. (Also Havarr's nephew)

## Location

While the original Saemund tribe started out residing only on a single island, as time passed and they grew, either by conquering their tribal enemies or by letting fellow tribes under their wing, they started to get more and more islands under their territory, until they got to where they are today, where their land spans between the largest of the southern Snow Country Islands. Due to having numerous Islands as their territory, they also claim the sea that rests between all of those islands, and keep a close eye over any ship that decides to pass through their waters.

Their original tribe village, named Heim, have since grew into a city and turned into the clan's capital. This is where the Meistari have their base of operations, it is where the largest port of the clan exists. However, should anyone who is not a native visit, they would be confused as to why the capital has been dubbed 'city', when it lacks any impressive appearing structures, except for one of the major Temple of the Storms of the Snow Country that resides in the city. The size of the city, however, speaks volumes, as it can easily be compared to the size of Konohagakure.

A notable location for the Saemund, one which stands in the middle of the ocean to the east of Heim, between the islands, is the Trade City of Havnav. It is considered by members of the Saemund to be one of its main sources of pride and one of the prime locations that allowed to further their connection with the outside world, particulary the Sanosuke and Hon.

Due to the Snow country being a very cold place, there had not been many known attempts that tried to attack the clan. Forces that have attempted, who were not natives, quickly discovered that they suffered from the harsher conditions, which would quickly give the advantage to the Saemund clan.

## Military and Shinobi Forces

The strength of the Saemund clan comes in two forms. The first is the one the clan is mostly proud of, and the one they always look towards, being their Naval forces. Having worked on improving the ships and their naval tactics for several centuries, the Saemund clan feel as though their ships and navy are some of the best in the northern sea. Only the Sanosuke's naval forces are believed to being superior to theirs (That they ever directly confirmed).

Their second militant form is one of Hunters. Due to the many wild animals and other dangers that reside in the Snow Country, the clan was forced to take steps against the wilderness from their time as a small tribe. Fights against the wilderness, however, proved that ranged tactics are preferable, as it ended up in lessened casualties, along with allowing for a potential sneak shot against the wild creatures. This served as a reason for many hunters to take up arms in the form of ranged weaponry. It is still mandatory to go on hunts with training for at least a combat knife, as some creatures can still close the distant within moments. Anyone who does not pass close-ranged basic training is forbidden from going on any hunts.

With the majority of the militant population eager to learn how to use ranged weaponry and not melee ones, it has caused the clan to have a slight excess of ranged forces in their military. Since this is the case, the clan has started to try and motivate people to take melee arms via the offer of higher chance to serve on their navy, should they take up melee arms.

The uniform of the clan's military is styled in two different manners. The Navy possesses a uniform that is made from cloth, with bits of fur on the inner side of the uniform, which can be removed and reattached. The colour of the uniform is brown, and it has the symbol of the clan on the right shoulder. The symbol is coloured black, to stand out best against the brown.

The Hunters have a different uniform, which is coloured grey, and has the clan symbol on their upper left chest. The colour of the symbol is white, and they have a helmet to go along with their armour. Like the Navy's, there are fur pieces that can be attached and removed at will to the insides of the armour.

### Shinobi

The topic of Shinobi and Chakra is normally one that is currently ignored within the clan. The presence of shinobi is a very small one within the clan, and this is after only in the last century or so, some shinobi from the outside were allowed to begin integrating into their clan. With small amounts of people from the outside actually coming and moving into the Saemund, it led to the beginning of some Saemund shinobi showing up, but it is still too small of a number for the clan to consider them to have any kind of significant within the clan.

### The Ghost Fleet

The Ghost Fleet, also known as the Vofa Skips in the clan, is a smaller fleet of specialized ships. What separates them from the normal fleet is how they are designed to be faster, coloured to be as best camouflaged as possible in the Snow Country's waters, and have highly skilled hunters among their crews. This fleet is normally sticking to the mists that can rise from the waters, and only if ordered, will come out to hunt down their intended target, before vanishing once more. With little to no living witnesses, and mostly rumours, the fleet had gained the name of Ghost Fleet.

They directly serve the Meistari, but only the Höfuð overlooks the recruitment for this fleet, thus ensuring only one person at a time ever knows the identity of the Ghost Fleet.

### Veioimenn

This unit, the Veioimenn, are a unit of elite hunters turned into soldiers. They are always a mix of both ranged and melee weapon wielders, who get further training in stealth and operate as the elite unit of the Meistari. While they still serve in the regular military, if they are called to action, they must respond, or face the death penalty. If one dies, the entire Meistari choose together a new member to replace the loss.

Often times, this unit will be used for scouting and assassinations. But it was recorded to have been used to ensure the safe passage of the different Meistari, or other highly political-involved members of the clan. The uniform that they use has the symbol of the clan on it, but it is coloured light blue, to signify that they are not currently in the normal military service.

## Culture

Although they reside in a country that is considered to be Taika-based, the Saemund did not start out as Taika, nor do they consider themselves to be Taika. They have had interactions with Taika-based clans and tribes that reside in the Snow country, but due to how foreign it appeared to them, the only aspect of the culture they had adopted was the language, while still keeping their own language.

### Blooflaoi

Blooflaoi (Literally meaning Bloodflow), is an assimilated tribe's leading bloodline. Each tribe or clan that got accepted/forced into the Saemund clan, got given the choice of either keeping the respect of their tribe and gain the respect of the clan by becoming an official Blooflaoi, which would be known by all, or they could reject it and become mere peasants. Suffice to say, most of the tribe and clan leaders had much pride and elected to accept the offer, resulting in a decently large number of Blooflaoi that exist within the Saemund clan.

There are two dozen different Blooflaoi within the Saemund clan, and each one gets the respect it is due. A special symbol of the clan, which is coloured purple and worn as part of a headband, is given to Blooflaoi members. Members of the Blooflaoi get the respect in a few manners -

* Whenever a meal is eaten, the Blooflaoi members will begin eaten a full minute before others may start eating.
* Blooflaoi members will always get priority over others when boarding transport ships between the Saemund Islands.
* If a Blooflaoi visits, then the host must ensure that all their requests are met (so long as they do not require departure from the household). Humiliating the host is forbidden.
* Members of a Blooflaoi line may start serving in the military one rank above the normal beginning rank (Only in the Hunters.)
* Families of Blooflaoi can get priority pick when it comes to training sessions. (Of any kind, except for Sailing)

While it doesn't show up often, there is some bitterness among the common people when it comes to the Blooflaoi. There have been cases of people that called out to the leaders of the clan to revoke the title of Blooflaoi, as it can be unjust and only serves to fill the pride of the Blooflaoi, but with the leaders of the clans being Blooflaoi themselves, it had never occurred. As time passed, these calls have become lessened, with the majority just accepting that this is how things are.

### Clothing

With the cold environment and temperatures of the Snow Country, it is not common to see anyone who does not wear some kind of fur on him. Both the commoners and the Blooflaoi have easy access to different furs, although the quality can differ. Military personally can also gain access to slightly higher quality fur, along with having the fur pieces that go into their uniforms.

Women in the clan will normally not be seen wearing pants, unless it is an especially cold day, or if it is one of two special days for the clan. They are allowed to wear pants at any given day, but it will be frowned up should it is done in a day without a proper reason for it.

> *The Following images are meant to represent just about how the clothing of the Saemund are, and the difference between the commoners and the Blooflaoi's attires. This is what will be 'normal' for the Saemund to wear, but does not indicate this is what all of them wear.*
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This is the clothing of the average Saemund clan member. Although the fur appears nice, it is actually of the lowest quality.The clothing of the common women in the Saemund clan. Unlike the man, they are much more properly covered, to ensure no harm may come to them from the cold.A soldier wearing the slightly better fur. It is more prominent on him, but the quality of the fur still shows that he is a commoner.The clothing of a Blooflaoi's male, as shown, are of higher quality, both the cloth and the fur. The difference in quality appearance is rather significant, when one stands by a commoner.The Blooflaoi women wear attire that more closely resemble that of the Blooflaoi man, in order to indicate that not only is their attire of higher quality, but that they are also more equal to the men than the commoner women are.
### Languages

The Saemund clan members know two languages. The most prominent language, and the one that has been with the clan since its origin as a small tribe, is called Tunga. The language is different than most known languages in how it appears to have a more limited vocabulary, yet it is also more versatile at the same time.

Although Tunga has fewer vowels compared to Taika, it makes up for it by having each word that exists in the language have 4 different meanings. The way to understand the difference comes solely through the tone the word is spoken in, so accidentally saying a word in Tunga in the wrong tone can cause quite the misunderstanding. Tunga as a language is exclusive to members of the Saemund clan, although there have been attempts to try and learn from outsiders, with poor results.

The second language that is spoken, albeit to a much lesser degree, is Taika. Their knowledge of the Taika language came from how different tribes and clans around them spoke the language, and as they integrated more tribes and clans into the Saemund clan, more people who knew the language were effectively joining the clan.

A third language they came to learn, thanks to their relations with the Sanosuke primarily, was Chonobi. It is a language the Saemund had come to appreciate more than the Taika language, due to it helping also form a later relation with the Hon and Hyuzu clans, alongside helping them improve their longest relation with the Sanosuke.

Within the clan, it is mandatory to learn Tunga, and optional to learn the other languages, so not all members of the clan know Taika or Chonobi. Nowadays, the number of members who choose to learn Chonobi have grown, in hopes of meeting outsider traders and being able to more efficiently close deals with them. In the military, anyone from the rank of Lieutenant is required to learn Taika and Chonobi. (In both the Navy and the Hunters). Most Bloofloai know Taika due to originally being of a different tribe/clan and wanting to keep some of their origin.

### Religion/Faith

With the prominent religion in the Snow country being that of the Followers of Akemi, some members of the Saemund follow this religion. There is also a Temple of the Storm within the capital of the Saemund clan. The majority of the clan, however, have come to believe in an old legend, one which is considered to be as close to a Faith as it can get.

The legend states that when Höfuð Elfar of Saemund, one of the oldest known Höfuð's, sailed on a stormy night to reach his home at Heim, something both horrific and magnificent happened. At first, the Trireme he was upon appeared to not be able to hold steady for much longer, and Elfar called for everyone to brace. He was already certain that the ship would turn, and they would need to try and survive as long as they can in sea. As a large wave, as tall as 6 meters, came upon them, Elfar closed his eyes.

And nothing happened. No splash against the ship, no water was felt. The sound of the waves was still present, but it had somehow descended. Finally opening his eyes, Elfar turned to look around and realized the ship was carried over the large wave. Soon afterwards, it was dropped back into the sea, and then Elfar came to see their savior.

A sea behemoth, with eight tentacles and two large eyes, stared right at the ship. It did not say a word, nor did it move any further. Elfar simply stared at the creature, and the creature returned the gaze. Elfar felt both horrified and mesmerized at the same time. It was as if the creature had elected to save them for some purpose. For a moment, Elfar could not comprehend what purpose it might be. When the creature suddenly sank into the water, Elfar followed him to the water, and he finally understood.

Upon reaching Heim, Elfar quickly began to spread the tale of what had happened, and then rushed to gather the Meistari. With their approval, he changed the clan's symbol to that of the creature that had saved them, claiming that "They will now follow the creature's instruction, for they have been to keep the sea safe, just as the creature kept him and his crew safe."

From that day on, a faith in the creature had began to rise, and he had become known as the "Deity of the Depths, Raekjur". There are shrines for him across all of the Saemund clan Islands, with access to them being free. Each shrine has a local handler, who is often referred to as a Prestur, and he participates in any prayer being said. Prayers to him are often being told for three reasons.

1. For anyone that goes out to sea, in hopes that the sea will keep them safe, just as they will keep the sea safe.
2. For anyone that seeks guidance, in hopes that just like the sea's flow, they will find the right path.
3. For anyone that seeks hope, that Raekjur may send a tentacle to lift them from the darkness to which they have fallen, and help them find the light.

### Wildlife

The Wildlife has always been a part of the Saemund's life. Be it through hunts, fishing or something similar, it had taken one part or another in the clan's livelihood. However, some creatures had taken more of a notice than others for the clan, and gotten integrated into their culture.

One example is the Mafur. The bird that many consider to be a nuisance has gotten a place in the Saemund culture in a rather peculiar way. While it is known to be a solitary animal, the Saemund had managed to tame a few, and from there, breed more. Due to the bird's nature, it is still impossible for the Saemund to mass breed the bird, but those that have been bred and tamed were put into the service of the military. Due to how common the birds are in the north, they have been put into use of sending messages, while managing to avoid raising suspicion due to the common knowledge of the bird. While there were attempts of the Blooflaoi to get some into serving as birds of nobility in the clan, those have been denied time and time again.

Another example is that of the Giant Squid, or as the Saemund refer to them, the Strypa. They have a belief that Raekjur, their Deity of the Depths, is also the god of the Giant Squids and regular squids. It is thus believed that disturbing or upsetting a giant squid will bring bad luck to whoever committed said act, and deaths committed at the hands of a giant squid can never be avenged. If one has a giant squid circle their boat or ship, it will serve as an indicator of luck to them, meaning the crew of the ship will likely face good winds and fortune on whatever it is they have set out to do.

## Saemund Traditions

Being compiled of many different tribes and clans that came or were forced into the Saemund, many different traditions have been put up for suggestion as additions for the Saemund's tradition list. However, many of them are often rejected, either due to being too similar to an already existing tradition, or because there have too little interest in the suggested tradition. For the past couple of centuries, no new traditions have been added to the list.

The Saemund's tradition are both based on traditions that have been adopted from tribes that were incorporated into the clan. Some traditions were created over time, based on beliefs and legends.

## Relations

* Sanosuke Clan - Allied / Respected

Although they had an initial hostile encounter, and a sea battle that took its toll on both sides, the two clans have managed to come together and form a trade agreement. As time passed, the relations with the Sanosuke have grown closer, and the two clans have become allies. They have since also learned the Chonobi language from their allies.

* Hon Clan - Long Lasting Trade Partners / Respected

Following a rather cautious approach from both the Hon and the Saemund's side, the two clans have managed to come into what seemed like a mutually beneficial trade and sea-passage agreement. Throughout the years, the trade agreement did not fade away, making the Saemund clan respect the Hon's for staying true to their side of the deal for as long as they have.

* Hyuzu Clan - Trade Agreement / Neutral

A couple of decades ago, Hyuzu ships had began making way through the Saemund sea-territory towards the Fire country. Due to this, the two clans came into contact. Much like the case of the contact with the Hon clan, the two clans made a cautious approach, and soon reached a trade and sea-pass agreement. Unlike the Hon's trade, the agreement with the Hyuzu is somewhat more fluid, as the Hyuzu from time to time send a request to change the goods they receive from the Saemund as part of their agreement. But as it has been two decades so far, the Saemund clan have come to view the Hyuzu in a more neutral view.