Bereza
From WinterWiki
To a man of Bereza, three things are most important. His horse, his family, and the weapons that he carries. Typically in that order as well, according to some of the snider merchants of Meloria. Ancient horseriders that prefer the nomadic way of life to any settling in cities, the Berezan roam freely among the plains and desert. To most outsiders, the Berezan way of life is chaotic in the extreme, but by the same token, it is quite possibly the best example of a democracy currently within the Empire.
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People
Life among the steppes and the plains is rarely easy. Winters are harsh, the land is poor, and monsters roam freely. Yet to a Berezan, this is what makes life worthwhile, adventure and a chance to test oneself against the elements. Outwardly, they are a joyful people, quick to laugh and boast, and they wear fairly colorful and showy clothes. However, they also swing the other direction, growing more melancholy at times, with dirges and epic sagas to make the most hardened heart weep. In battle, individual family troupes (or circles) have their own war banners that they hold quite dear, binding the honor of the circle in the blazon. If one is lost, it is a great dishonor, though regaining it is an equally great honor.
Description
Physically, Berezani are an average sized people, though they seem a bit leaner than most humans. Their skin typically is weathered and well-tanned by life on the steppes, and their hair and eyes are dark. Men wear mustaches and keep their hair long and unbound, while women keep their hair bound back in intricate patterns with beads and other trinkets. Both sexes dress in colorful clothes, and their jewelry is as ornate as they can afford. Showing off their wealth, to them, is the best way to attract a mate as well as demonstrating their prestige amongst their fellow Riders. Both sexes tend to wear riding boots, the men wearing baggy pants with them. Men wear a sash around their waist instead of a belt, and a loose-fitting shirt. Women wear colorful dresses of multiple layers, with furs on top of that if living in colder climes. In battle, light armor is preferred, typically nothing more than a chain shirt and a buckler. They typically use bows, lances, and spears on horseback in battle, with a more conventional melee weapon (such as a sabre or mace).
Other Races
Typically other races are rare amidst the Berezani. The most frequent appearances involve the half-breeds, halforcs and half-elves accepted (if not necessarily liked) among them. Some of the more barbaric races (primal elves, wolfkin halflings) might live amongst the Berezan, and be accepted members of the circle.
Culture
The culture of Bereza revolves around horses, or 'little brothers' as they refer to them. Soon after birth a Berezani is put on a horse, if only symbolically at that stage in life. Horsemanship is central to Berezan ballads, culture, and life in general. Often competitions take place within the circle, and between other circles as well. Men are most typically those that compete, though women are not banned from such competitions, and are expected to ride and fight as well as the men of the tribe. For those that treat horses cruelly, the Berezani treat them as a more 'civilized' society might treat a child abuser, typically killing them or simply taking their horse from them. Berezani society is organized into Kostaya, or circles. Each one is headed by an Atman, elected by all the adults of the circle, although the Atman is more of a spokesman than a true leader. Occasionally an Atman will be charismatic enough to bind several circles together at once, but that is very rare. The other main figure in a circle is the Voyhadi, the Wise One. A master of divine or arcane magic (sometimes both), he or she will often have several apprentices among the circle as well. Circles tend to coexist fairly peacefully, differences usually settled by formalized conflicts that rarely result in death. Intermarriage between different circles is common, being arranged by the elders of both groups. Indeed it is joked when two circles meet they first boast, then celebrate, then arrange marriages. By tradition all a male warrior owns is his horse, his saddle and his weapons. Before marriage everything else belongs to his mother, afterwards his wife. Marriage tends to be fairly lose. The weddings are conducted by the circles senior Voyhadi and like most things are cause for a great celebration. Divorce can usually only be instituted by the woman, after consultation with the husbands mother and the atman. To announce it the man finds his saddle and weapons laying across the doorway when he returns to his wagon. Home life within the circle tends to be both chaotic but close. Each family usually has a wagon but some larger ones may be spread out over a few. As with most things the wagons are brightly colored, but within are often large sheets, died to match the colors of the steppes so they can blend in if needed. On the move the circle's warriors are usually split into three groups, one with guard the wagons and the families, one herds the cattle and the other scouts ahead. At nights the wagons are usually driven into a rough circle and a large communal fire set up. Usually only married couples and children sleep in the wagons, the others sleeping underneath or out under the stars if weather permits. Whilst some are better off than others the community will come together to help the less fortunate out, hence orphans and beggars are almost unknown, unless an entire circle has been destroyed. Music and dancing are much loved amongst the Berezan folk. A vast body of folk songs, dances and chants has developed over the years, preserved in their bards. Most however will know many songs and dances, and gleefully join in during the frequent celebrations their women especially famed for their alluring dances, that few outsiders see. Men's dancing on the other hand can get quite wild, and often dangerous as they try to outdo each other in leaping over fires, jumping or the a variety of sword dances. Contests are a large part of their life. Horse races, tent pegging, target shooting and wrestling are the main ones, but almost anything can, and is turned into a competition, both semi-formal and informal. At the yearly trade fair at Vanko the grand race pits young warriors from all the circles against each other. Whilst no weapons are used the contest can still get quite bloody and frequently dangerous, still the winner and his circle are given much praise. Foreigners often come to watch the games as well, occasionally nobles of the Empire making appearances. Despite their nomadic existence, or perhaps because of it the Bereza value books highly. They consider the written word, the permanency of it to be almost sacred, and books become highly valued symbols of status, to be shared and read around the fires. Books especially of history and tales are the most beloved, and some bards have started to gather their own people's music and legends. The Bereza can be very hospitable folks, if you approach them right. If a circle is not currently raiding when they encounter a stranger, the young warriors will usually mock threaten someone to see how they react. If the strangers acquit themselves well, the 'threats' may progress to a friendly wrestling match or another contest. Proving yourself to be both strong and of good humor will oft lead you to being invited back to their campfire for a night of celebration. Of course you risk being robbed or worse if you fail to impress them, or if you seem to pose a threat to the circle.
Economy
There are four main sources of income for Berezan circles. Cattle, horses, mercenary work and raiding. Each circle keeps large herds of cattle with them as they move, living off them and along with horses they sell them to foreign countries in the yearly trade fair at Vanko. Known as the fiercest and most skilled light cavalry around many nations are keen to add Berezani to their armies, and merchant caravans are keen to hire guards and guides across the steppes. To this end young men gather themselves into Taras(companies) and hire themselves out to these ends. By tradition half the gold they gather will be returned to their home circle, but sometimes, especially when they remain away for lengthy periods of time this falls by the wayside. However just as many nearby countries hire them into their armies, many also suffer raids by other circles. By tradition they will not ride into battle against one another, which has caused no end of irritation to employers, yet it is something that they hold firmly to.
Imperial Life
Though the Berezan are considered one of the founding 'kingdoms' of the Empire, they rarely hold much import to it. Considering the Empire a permanent 'employer', the Berezani circles will often stay to their various family units, though several Taras form the core of heavy cavalry among the Imperial Legions. When they 'joined' the Empire, the Berezan were given a grant of land at the source of the Tarathai River, up in the steppes. Calling this area Vanko, the Berezan, with the aid of the Taldarans and Melorians, created a city and central meeting place for all the circles to gather if need be. As far as other nations go, the Berezani respect the ancient ties of blood between them and their Taldaran allies. Several Berezani circles inhabit the kingdoms of Verkant and Mastana, getting along well with the leaders of those nations. However, Berezani have nothing but contempt for the fat merchants of Meloria (as they see them). Often Melorian merchants are the first targets for their raids and scorn. The new kingdom of Vintermor is seen as a golden opportunity for Berezan riders, and several circles have relocated to the cold north, seeking out new adventure.
Classes
While many outsiders see Berezani as barbarians, in truth the rage of that class is not part of their nature. Many Berezani males are fighters or rangers, while the females tend to be rogues (though they tend to be scouts and diplomats more than 'thieves') or bards. Both sexes can be clerics, sorcerers, or wizards, serving as the Voyhadi of the circle (or an apprentice). Monks and druids are almost unheard of, though the rare paladin can be found among their ranks.
