The Gyda





A hearty people that appear to be of almost standard human stock. Natural sailors, inured to the cold of driving wind and rain. They're only unusual feature is their fingers and toes are slightly webbed, as far as the first finger knuckle. This confers a slight swimming bonus.

The Gyda will have an instinctive sence of the way home. Home been determined by the location of my section of the amulet. Most Gyda during their lives will try to visit the amulet at least once.

They prize their freedom greatly. Huge cramped walled cities would not be for them. Instead numerous smaller settlements. Also while areas of villages might be protected most people would not be prepared to live within walls.

Song and Storytelling shall be their main entertainments. Reading and writing shall not come easily to the Gyda. Traditions and histories shall be past on orally. 

Naval ++
Hardiness +
Direction Sense +
Swimming +
Drink Sea-Water +

Cann't drink pure Water -
Writing --
Stone building aversion --

Basics

  • The Gyda are a race physically very close to human average except, for their slightly webbed fingers and toes.
  • They are above all else a race of seafarers.
  • The Gyda primarily survive on the fruits of the sea; fish, seal, wha shellfish would be staples of their diet. There clothes would be made from seal skin as often as wool or leather and decorated with Walrus tusk ivory. (Assuming all such animals live on Raiv of course)
  • A typical Gyda would be curious, straight forward, boisterous and vengeful if crossed.
  • A Gyda's word is his contract, lying and particularily oathbreaking would be considered unacceptable.
  • They are a musical people, given to singing while they work or pray.

    Government

    The Kolvegg (priests) form the government of the Gyda. There are many ranks amoungst the priests. Orders from a higher rank are to be obeyed. The supreme council of the Kolvegg is formed of the 2 highest ranking Vegg and 2 highest Kol. Each year the council at Mid-Summer apoints one of its own as Helmsman. The Helmsman is the highest amoung the Gyda. During war time the council can hold an emergency re-appointment to put a Vegg in charge, in case the ruling Kol does not feel they are up to ruling the Gyda during a military emergency.

    Owain's priests are called the Kol, Oitir's the Vegg. The Kol being more numerous shall run most day to day matters. Fishing, farming weaving and trading will be within their jurisdiction. Kol Merchants would travel on most trading ships. The Kol would also be in charge of gathering food for armies and supplies for Vegg naval projects.

    The Vegg will deal with crime, construction, raiding and war. Imprisoning of other Gyda being considered quite distasteful the Vegg shall punish criminals through service, exile, mutilation, drowning or in the worst cases burning.

    Good Gyda don't kill other Gyda without extreme provication. They listen to and do what the preists say. They pray and scarifice to the brothers. Theft and laziness are also looked down on. Gyda most also care for all their children, however monogamy is not expected.