Genre: Mythic Natural/Ecological Fantasy

Themes: Ancestry, Nature, Balance, Memory, Tradition, Protecting Life, Resisting Colonialism

Tone: Wonder, Beauty, Hopeful, Mystery, Dread

Inspirations: Saami culture and mythology, Scandanavian culture and mythology, Princess Mononoke, Banner Saga, Dark Souls, Eternal Ruins, Shadow of the Colossus

Technology: Stone age (Mostly!)

• The People use wood, bone, stone, crystal, hide, fur, and plant fibers.
• The Overlord’s subjects use metal and glass. They build coal-powered machines that belch black smoke.

Important Colors:

• Light-blue glow for the magic energy of the Memory. It glows in the runes carved into Memory Stones, and in the eyes of those who perform the Rites. The same color glows in the eyes of the Undead (because they are created by twisting the power of the Memory)
• Earth tones. Browns and greens; forest colors. Animal hides, wood, and plant-based crafts.
• Stone colors. All shades of grey.
• White. The color of snow and bone. The Great White Reindeer is a symbol of purity for the People.

The People

It is said the People were created by the Earth Mother as guardians of all life upon the Sacred Lands. It is our honor to accept this task; to cultivate life and help it flourish. Since we were given the First Memory, we have been peaceful nomads, travelling the Lands to meet our needs, but never taking too much before we move along.

Our traditions and shared values are what hold us together when challenges threaten to tear us apart. Our individual differences are respected for the good of the whole. We nourish the Callings of our children, so they may offer their gifts to the world. Elders are respected as the keepers of our traditions. They know how to speak with stones and read omens in the sky. They remember the Rites that keep us connected to the Memory.

The People were once fully united by common traditions, but all things change with time. As the People grew and explored more of the Sacred Lands, their traditions adapted to new places and new ways of life. Though their beliefs may differ, each of the clans believes in the following:

• Stone is sacred. It is said that the Earth Mother birthed the People from Stone when they were given the First Memory. The Memory Stones strengthen our connection to our ancestors and provide us with great wisdom. Stone is the foundation upon which all life grows, and its silent wisdom is the core of our resilience. The People take pride in their masterful craftsmanship with all manner of stone and crystals for their tools and talismans.
  • Metal is taboo. Metal abuses the power of fire to transform stone into a substance that is sharp and unforgiving; upon which no life can grow. Its power is too great for human hands to wield, and disrupts the balance of nature wherever it is forged.
• Life is sacred. From the smallest dustfly to the tallest singing pine, every being is an important channel for the River of Life. All have a gift to give. Of course, life must feed on life to survive. That is why every time we must harm or kill, we do so with reverence and gratitude. Every piece of what is harvested is used, and nothing goes to waste. Every meal we eat embraces the gift of the life that feeds us.
  • Undead are an abomination. They are a cold and false shadow of life that breaks the natural cycle of death and rebirth. They do not decay, yet they serve no purpose other than destruction. Their own destruction is the only way that will restore balance.The People