The Ganyd's are very powerful folk who train with the axe and sword all day. Ganyd's are seldom educated but those that are often get appointed as leaders. They appear as humans, hiding slight markings like tattoos on their bodies under their clothing. These tattoos are more like engravings on their thick skin on a closer look, and that skin is like a natural armor for them. Their stature and physique is typically much taller and stronger than any human being, and with little effort. Their skin, hair and eyes have variances like humans, and their facial structure is usually described like chiseled stone. The typical Ganyd stands at about 7 1/2 feet in height and weigh 250 pounds with a tousle of black, red, or white hair on their head. Their skin is extremely fair. Although elders are revered amongst the Ganyd, few Ganyd's make it to sixty. Most Ganyd's are strong and with a powerful constitution but as dangerous a climate the North is, growing old usually means growing weaker but wiser and wisdom won't save you from the Cold. Ganyd's mature as fast as most other humans, by 20 they're fully mature.

Physical Traits

Ganyd are superbly fit and large and brawny - their bodies are shaped by a lifetime of fighting and surviving.

Aside from their physical prowess, there is another thing that sets the Ganyd apart from other humanoid races - Their shamans carve intricate patterns into each tribe member who has come of age, each and every pattern unique. It is speculated that the spirits of the deceased or perhaps the Gods themselves guide the hand of the shamans into these patterns, connecting the fighter with his ancestors. This religious ceremony is important, if not the most important, part of the celevration of reaching adulthood known as Sealgair. The bright blue warpaint that is painted over the scars before battle is made up of woad and lard. The woad is corrosive burning the skin and getting the adrenaline pumping for battle.

They are often found wearing tunics of wool and cloaks with mantles made of the fur of the Iron Bjorn; a giant bear with armor like hide. These cloaks are often adorned with a brooch in the shape of their tribe sigil that holds it together. The Iron Bjorn is a staple in their culture for clothing and food.

Ancient Tradition

You are the result of generations of conflict - born and bred for battle, you stand tall in the face of adversity. Your kind has adapted to the harsh wilderness they have always called home. While they often live far from other races, different Ganyd tribes often fight amongst each other; these raiding and hunting are not done for territorial gain or to exert political control, but for sport.

Ganyd strongly believe that the head is the seat of the soul and thus, when a raid is over, the heads of their fallen allies and personal foes alike are collected. The heads of allies are placed in purpose-built temples in the village, adorned with candles and riches to aid the passing into the afterlife. Meanwhile, the heads of foes are nailed to walls or left dangling from the saddle of a horse. The weapons of the enemy are ritualistically broken and buried in a mass grave alongside their bodies.

Life in the Tribe

Tribes strongly depend on nature and have a great respect for the spirits around them. While men are the primary hunters and protectors of the tribe, women are well versed in the art of battle, with all youngsters being trained and encouraged equally from a young age.

As soon as a child’s physical prowess and personality have developed, they are tested in a series of tasks alongside their peers; these may include but are not limited to; joining in a hunt lead by an adult, fighting each other in hand-to-hand combat or skinning their first Iron Bjorn. These rites of passage do not only instate them as fully functional part of the tribe but also serve as training for their future roles in the tribe. Each tribe consists of a trinity of forces: The Warrior, the Seeker, and the Shaman all play their part, not only in battle but in everyday life as well.

The role of a seeker is reserved for those who are lithe and nimble. They prefer to take a stealthy approach to war, taking on the role of a scout who seeks out enemy encampments. In society, they are the hunters, providing meat and fish for the tribe. Outside of their hunting activities, they can be found doing a variety of odd jobs for the tribe which ranges from repairing armor to cooking to standing guard and tending to the horses of the tribe.

A warrior lives a simple life; they train for a large portion of the day. This training seeps into their work as well; they often work in construction and smithing - work that requires a lot of heavy manual labor. Their hulking bodies are often far larger than those of their tribemates and they put it to good use. In battle, they stand at the front lines, be it on horseback or on foot.

Amongst these warrior-filled tribes, there are those who are far more attuned to nature; the tribe's Shamans have long since surpassed human abilities in spells and nature. They commune with nature spirits and animals alike. These animals often are found comfortably walking the village, unharmed by anyone in the tribe. Shamas spend their days collecting and grow various herbs and berries to use in potions and salves. While many shamans often partake in battle in the back line, the part they play starts long before the battle and ends only when they have tended to all the wounded after the said battle.

Curiously, the role a youngster will take on in the tribe seems to be determined at birth; Warriors are born large, heavy and with a surprisingly strong grip for their tiny baby fingers. The physical differences between Seekers and Shamans might be harder to distinguish as both are born small. It is said animals are immediately drawn to the cradle in which druids lay though, protecting them from birth. Seekers physically develop faster than both the other subraces - they master a stumbling walk before many druids or warriors have learned to crawl. The role of a child is not determined by the parents but seemingly at random. The chance on each subrace is equal, ensuring a tribe will never lack one of the cornerstones of its trinity.