Traditionally, the Snowmen (lossoth) of the Frozen wastes have kept well to themselves. Hunting, fishing, and foraging for food, never wasting a scrap of meat, or the bone of a Mammoth.. They are hardly thought of at all. When brought to mind, they are thought of as simple sorts of savages.
But they, and others who have actually seen these people. know differently. A look into the direct history of the lands reveals a past of bloodshed, in depth spirituality, and a deep connection to the land and its children.
A few Basics
A tribe of Lossoth can range anywhere from twenty, to three hundred, depending on how old the tribe itself is. There are dozens of small tribes roaming the wastes, but only a handful of large tribes which remain stationary in their villages. Lossoth are considered 'Adult' at the age of ten, and considered 'ancient' at the age of fifty. In terms of appearance, the Lossoth are usually thick of build, a little heavier than other men, with pale skin. Hair is often dark black, or red, rarely blonde. Attire is made only of leather and fur, usually the fur of a wolf or bear. The Lossoth vary heavily in height, but are generally quite tall.
Religion
The Snowmen have various deities, some of them loosely related to those found in other parts of the world. These include Estija, the hunter, believed to have once been a living man, who once slew the largest beasts known to man. Lumi, the Wolf, a totem of family. Karhu, the bear, a symbol of strength and ferocity. Connected to the belief of these spirits, is the belief in ties to their ancestral bonds. The Lossoth frequently speak to their ancient ancestors, visiting shrines (such as one right along the coast, that is most prominent) and carrying tokens of their long deceased ancestors (Necklaces, bracelets, weapons, etc.) is believed to make it easier to communicate with them.
Afterlife
The Lossoth Believe that when they die, they will be brought to the Henki Maa, a land of peace among all their fallen kin. Here, they will remain, so long as their bloodline carries on. They believe that in death, they will be called upon by their living relatives for guidance, and advice.
Love of the Land
Never will one meet a Lossoth that would speak ill of the land of their birth.
"We have always been here. We will always be here." - Kaiju
"Though I cannot return, I dream of home every day.." - Akayya
The snow covered plains, frozen tunnels, and dry air may seem like a wasteland to anyone else. but the Lossoth only know this. They have grown more used to the cold than anyone, evolved into it, and would feel intensely out of place on a sunny beach, or temperate forest. They have grown used to foraging for berries, hunting the local game, and have an interwoven drive to survive no matter what the odds.
Bloodshed
Where there is peace, still there is war. Not with others, but historically among themselves. For as long as even an elf could recall, the Lossoth have always fought against one another in tribe-on-tribe battles. Some can last one day, others can last over a hundred years. For that reason, almost any man or woman in Forochel knows how to fight another person.
Weapons of the Wastes
The most common weapon among the Lossoth is the spear, be it thrown or held, it is predominant. Why the spear? It is easy to craft, and often used as a walking stick when not thrown into the hide of an elk or rival tribesman. The head of these spears are typically made out of carved stone, bone, or sometimes simply carved into the end of the shaft.
Almost as common, but less practiced, is the bow and arrow. These can vary heavily depending on the size of the Lossoth, but on average the weight of the draw is anywhere between 45lb (20kg) and 75lb (34kg), with a maximum range akin to the draw weight of the bow.
Other weapons are often seen about the north, Wooden and bone clubs, daggers crafted from the teeth of Saber tooth cats, axes fashioned of stone. All rather simple, very old in their art, but effective throughout time.
Common Assault Tactics
When a small tribe attacks another, their tactics are aggressive, and wolf-like. They will begin the attack by stalking the prey from the brush, surrounding them slowly from all sides. When the leader is ready for the attack, he calls out with some sort of cry, or howl. The others in the tribe, would match this, creating a loud, bellowing series of aggressive sounds, acting as a scare tactic towards the victims of the impending onslaught. From here, they charge in, slaying anyone who offer resistance, and then vanishing again.
Large tribes, tend to have access to enough men to tame Mammoth. Thus, this will usually act as the first catalyst of the skirmish. Five or so men can fit upon the saddled back of a Mammoth, usually armed with bows, whilst the rest of the assault charge in from behind on foot, protecting the rampaging distraction from spears and arrows from the defending party.
Common Defense Tactics.
Generally, the winner of the skirmish is based upon who attacked first. Whilst they have undeniably effective attack methods, they have poor defensive methods. Most commonly, fleeing, or offering an unorganized counter-assault, Fight or Flight.
Flight
The small tribes are nomadic. They have no problem abandoning what little they have, running off into the woods, and starting from scratch. They know they are more likely to survive this way, and will use this approach nine times out of ten.
Fight
Large tribes are settled, stationary. They do not want to give up their land under any circumstances, and will usually choose to fight back against any aggressors. From here, it is a numbers game. When attacking a large tribe, the attacker may simply get more than they bargained for, and be overwhelmed by the resistance. And surprised, to see that the women and children are not cowering, or retreating, but fighting back.
"When we are born, we are given three things - A totem of our ancestors, a weapon, and a name. In that order."
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"I would gladly die for my people. I can help them just as well from the afterlife."
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"There is no beast too large to be taken down - Why should I be afraid of any man?"
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"Do not sulk, in defeat. Take your anger back into battle, and find victory."
