Mariner culture

Legend

“Standing in the prow of his vessel, his men holding sails tight and a skilled expert at the oar, they broke the mists and winds… and sighted Mt. Vula.“”

Skjald Sigurd

 

Description

Mariner cultures are centred around the sea, with a strong emphasis on exploration, trade, and adventure. They are adaptable, resilient, and often possess a thirst for knowledge. Originating from coastal hamlets, towns, and cities, Mariners live and breathe for a life at sea or on the rivers. They trace the peak of their way of life back to the Vular Empire, whose legacy of seafaring and exploration continues to influence their attitudes and customs.

Traditions and Stories: Mariners have a rich heritage of maritime traditions, shipbuilding techniques, navigation methods, and legendary voyages. The tale of ancient kings and heroic figures is deeply ingrained in their culture, and these stories are passed down through generations, inspiring new generations of seafarers.

Lifestyle: Mariners are primarily traders and merchants, establishing extensive trade networks with other cultures. These networks allow them to wield significant economic influence. Despite their roots in coastal settlements, their lives are dominated by the sea. Mariners often interact with sea creatures, revering them as spiritual entities, incorporating them into myths, or developing special skills for handling marine life. Navigation is seen as both knowledge and power, leading to their advanced skills in this area.

Diet: Mariners consume preserved and dried foods that can withstand long voyages, such as salted fish, hardtack, dried fruits, and nuts. They also consume fresh seafood when they are near the coast. Their diet is practical, focussing on long-lasting provisions that ensure survival at sea, though fresh food is a luxury they enjoy whenever they dock.

Marriage Pattern: Mariners are typically monogamous, with marriages often arranged to strengthen trade alliances and familial ties. Political marriages are not uncommon, especially among the wealthier and more influential families.

Religion: Mariners worship several gods related to seafaring, trade, and navigation. Their rituals incorporate elements of the sea and celestial phenomena. The stars, tides, and natural events are seen as manifestations of their gods. Ancient Kings are revered as godlike figures, and the dead are buried at sea with elaborate ceremonies.

• Religious system: Polytheism through a complex pantheon reflecting the vastness and unpredictability of the sea.
• God-Mortal Interaction: Honour for those lost at sea, with elaborate rituals to guide their spirits.
• Rituals: seafaring rituals, offerings for a safe voyage, and ceremonies for the deceased.
• Impact on Society: A hierarchical society often develops, with experienced sailors holding positions of authority. Religion reinforces the importance of teamwork and resilience.

Skjald Valgrif

 

Craftsmanship: Mariners’ art and craftsmanship are inspired by the sea, featuring intricate carvings, sculptures, and paintings that incorporate shells, coral, and aquatic motifs. Their works are highly valued for their beauty and craftsmanship.

Clothing & Decoration: Mariners favour luxurious fabrics like silk or fine cotton in colours such as purple, red, and gold. Men often wear tunics and leggings with gold collars, while women adorn themselves with elaborate jewellery.

Armour: Wealthy Mariners wear armour adorned with gold chasing or engraving, reflecting their status and wealth. Common armour includes leather, chainmail, and occasionally plate armour.

Weapons: Mariners are proficient with a variety of weapons, including daggers, scimitars, broadswords, short swords, maces, morning stars, whips, long bows, short bows, spears, armoured fists, bastard swords, cats of nine tails, cutlasses, falchions, nets, and sabres.

Special Items: Mariners favour ornate weapons and tools, often decorated with gold. They possess detailed shore and reef charts, advanced navigational instruments, and extensive lore on sea currents and weather patterns.

Skjald Sejrik

 

Time: Mariners are responsive to tides, weather patterns, moon phases, navigation charts, and celestial navigation based on voyage durations.

Accomplishment and achievement: Individual proficiency in navigating, sailing, successful voyages, mapping unknown waters, maintaining ship crews, and trading is highly valued.

Authority Interaction: Guild leaders, ship captains, and experienced sailors have distinct hierarchical authority. Respect experienced captains and navigators while emphasising seamanship.

Fears & Inabilities: Disease, illness, and the reality of mortality are significant fears among Mariners. Their constant exposure to danger at sea exacerbates these anxieties.

Mien: Culture has medium influence on demeanor, but individual personality such as Aggressive, haughty, determined, embittered is still evident.

Mannerism: Life at sea can cultivate a resilient, adaptable, and adventurous demeanor. Mariners have the attitude of nobility.

Prejudices: Mariners tend to disdain nobility, artistic cultures, coastal dwellers, and urbans, often viewing them as inferior or overly sheltered.

Vinotis

 

Resistance: Mariners have developed resistance to waterborne diseases due to their frequent exposure to the sea. Their lifestyle makes them adaptable to certain ailments, though their poison resistance is typically low.

Disease Resistance: Moderate. Frequent contact with various ports and cultures exposes Mariners to different diseases, building their resilience.

Poison Resistance: Low. Their focus on seafaring and trade does not directly contribute to poison resistance.

Remedies: Mariners utilise coastal herbs and marine resources for remedies. They have developed methods for purifying and preserving water during long journeys, ensuring their health and survival.

Skjald Ulrich