Homebrew Freljordian Species Details

The Freljord (pronounced /'fɹɛɫjɔɹd/ frell-yord) is a harsh and unforgiving land. Proud and fiercely independent, its people are born warriors, with a strong raiding culture. While there are many individual tribes within the Freljord, the battle lines are being drawn in a three-way civil war that will determine the future of them all. One tribe unflinchingly honors the  traditions that have ensured its survival; another follows the dream of a united future, as foretold by a young idealist; while the third worships the power of an enigmatic sorceress. Freljord is also the only place where True Ice can be found.

Culture

The Freljordians are an ever divided people. Tribes fighting for dominance for what little resources they can find. As a result, Freljordians deeply value battle, battle kins and battle scars, which are known as a sign of strength, courage and battle experience. A person can only have a fulfilling death with the eyes open. Throughout the nations history, the only known instance of its people uniting was at the time of the "Three Sisters" known as Avarosa, Serylda, and Lissandra. During that time, the three sisters and their closest human allies received immortality from the Watcher and became known as Iceborn (the word's meaning changed over time, as some of the original Iceborn didn't fit in the current meaning of the word, even though most, including the Three Sisters, did). With the Watchers defeated, most of Freljord's history was rewritten, the truth kept secret by the Frostguard and their nearly immortal ruler. However, some truths lingered on for millennia as legends and tales, pass down by storytellers and bards.

While the nation is comprised of numerous tribes, the largest among these are the Avarosan, the Winter's Claw, and the Frostguard. The tribes are ruled by the three respective Matriarchs: Ashe, the Frost Archer; Sejuani, Fury of the North; and Lissandra, the Ice Witch.

Government

The Freljord is mostly structured in a non-hereditary matriarchal fashion. Tribes are led by a warmother; ranks under her may include the following: bloodkin, steelskins, claw leaders, sisters (a rank), icewalkers, thralls, champions (several husbands who are the toughest in the tribe), allied shamans, lost tribe relatives, related clans, and more.

Oathbound

Freljord has a very different view of relationships than the rest of Runeterra. This is mostly due to several reasons: a matriarchal society; a historically migratory and often outright nomadic culture; existence of healing magic (which reduces infant and mother deaths during birth); dangerous climates; starvation; tribal warfare; and extremely horrific creatures could attack at any time.

In exchange for this pledge a freljordian an their family are now a part of that extended network. The oath is also a very public declaration of duty and complicated politically. Because depending on freljordians rank they may have many overlapping commitments, which relate to their social rank within the extended tribe.

Men are supposed to be warriors and protectors in the Freljord. Being "manly" is about jumping into danger, being brave in the face of almost certain death, never hesitating out of fear, charging into battle without concern for your own safety, and ultimately protecting your family at all costs. Braum OriginalSquare Braum being a prime example. His reputation as a protector of his tribe is more important than who he has defeated in battle or what he has conquered, and this makes him extremely desirable and extremely well respected.

All of this ultimately is because mothers and children are considered the most important elements in that society, specially magically gifted ones. A person's future and the future of their clan is unlikely to be determined by owning a castle or farmlands, but it is very likely that having few more children (especially those who are Iceborn, skinwalkers, or other) will make potential warriors/defenders allied with them. Having and raising children there is extremely hard, and children are valued above all other lives, especially children with magical gifts. Sex and sexuality isn't that important-- except when it is designed to have children (and only when the tribe can support having more children). Because of that it became a society completely devoted to formalized family bonds. Instead being a contract about land and property, the Freljordians live under contracts of obligation and family membership. The oath someone gives is a statement of fealty to the safety of the person they oathbouded under and most importantly their children. Multiple wives and/husbands can be understood as alliances against this harsh environment. Taking another woman as sister and sharing your husband can be the best bet for your family's survival. Taking another wife can be the best way protect your children and previous wife's future if you die in battle. You want to be a part of big family and you want prove your worth to that family.

Freljordian Traits

Freljordians are used to enduring incredibly harsh conditions in the north giving them greatly increased survivability in combat.

Ability Score Increase

Freljoridans are used to braving harsh environments for survival giving them increased strength and constitution scores

Age

While the conditions of the freljord are harsh and unforgiving, most freljordians have innate magic in their bloodlines helping them to survive. Because of this and their protective nature, Freljordians live to be 55 years of age to a little over a century.

Alignment

Freljordians are in a constantly facing obstacles in their efforts to survive. The only way that they succeed is by working together in their clans. While their clans clash often and violently, blood is only spilled out of necessity. Most Freljordians are chaotic or neutral good with a few exceptions. 

Size

Freljordians are sturdy and strong making them slightly larger than the average human. However, some freljordians are what are referred to as Ice-Born and share an exceptionally strong magical bond to the 3 sisters of old; making them even larger and more resilient.

Speed

Freljordians are big and strong, but they move at the same speed as an average human.

Languages

Freljordians don't often interact with the other races of valoran except for raids along the border. Because of this, they can speak, read, and write giant but only speak common.

Freljordian Pride

The magic within the blood of a freljordian gives them exceptional resistance to cold and fire. Additionally, they are sturdier than your average human, giving them additional 2 hitpoints per level.