The Valhrafnar tribe is one of the most formidable and feared among the Unknowns, known for their unwavering devotion to Valkur, the once-mighty Warrior-King who rose from their ranks to unite the Tribes of Khaos. Valkur's legacy is deeply embedded in the Valhrafnar tribe’s culture, as they view him not only as a god but as the ultimate symbol of strength and conquest. Before his banishment to the Plane of Khaos by the twin gods Fujin and Raijin, Valkur led the tribes in a devastating incursion into the Y’azi Peninsula, nearly bringing the Y’azi Empire to its knees. His legend fuels the ambition and aggression of the Valhrafnar tribe to this day.
Origin and Warrior Culture
Believed to have descended from Frost Giants, the Frost Goliaths of Valhrafnar possesses extraordinary strength and size. It is said that the blood of giants runs through their veins, gifting them with a physicality unmatched by any other tribe. From a very young age, children are trained in the art of war. Only the strong survive, and the weak are either abandoned or perish in the unforgiving tundras. This brutal upbringing ensures that Valhrafnar produce the fiercest and most battle-hardened warriors in all of Norska.
Their resilience and prowess in battle are unmatched, and their culture glorifies warfare as the highest calling. Norskans from Valhrafnar are taught to live by the sword, and to die in battle is the greatest honor. They pride themselves on their ability to endure the harshest conditions, whether in the icy tundras or on the blood-soaked battlefields. From this warriors way comes their namesake - Valhrafnar - which translates to "The Ravens of War" in ancient Norskan.
Worship of Valkur
Valkur, once a member of the tribe, ascended as the Warrior-King who united the Tribes of Khaos under his command. His rise to power is seen as the pinnacle of Valhrafnar achievement. They believe that through sheer strength and will, one can achieve godhood. Valkur's eventual banishment to the Plane of Khaos after his failed conquest of the Y'azi Peninsula is seen not as a defeat but as a testament to his power—so great that even the gods themselves had to intervene.
The warriors of Valhrafnar view Valkur's exile as a temporary setback, and many of their warriors seek to emulate his path, hoping to one day achieve a similar fate through acts of conquest and devastation. Their devotion to Valkur drives them to constantly seek war and conflict, believing that through these acts, they honor his name and might one day see him return to the mortal realm.
The Hallowed Hunts
Among the most dangerous and respected activities of the Valhrafnar tribe is the annual Rhemoraz hunt. These giant, insectoid serpents burrow deep into the icy tundras surrounding the Valhrafnar Village, creating treacherous hunting grounds. To hunt and slay a Rhemoraz is a rite of passage for young warriors and a mark of great honor for seasoned veterans. The Rhemoraz's hide is used to craft armor, and its bones are often displayed as trophies within the long halls of Valhrafnar warriors.
The hunts are dangerous and many do not survive, but those who return victorious are revered as heroes. The Valhrafnar believe that slaying such a fearsome beast brings them closer to their giant ancestry and strengthens their connection to Valkur.
Legacy and Influence
The Valhrafnar village is built in the heart of the tundra, surrounded by a frozen river and sprawling ice fields. The architecture is as imposing as the tribe itself, with longhouses constructed from the bones of slain Rhemoraz and fortified with thick layers of ice. The village's location in the frozen north ensures that only the toughest and most resilient of warriors can survive.
Their legacy as fierce warriors and devoted followers of Valkur has spread throughout the Norskan tribes and beyond. While the Valhrafnar often war among themselves and with other tribes, they are known to unite under a strong leader, especially in times of great conflict. When united, the Valhrafnar tribe, fueled by their relentless worship of Valkur and their giant bloodline, becomes an unstoppable force, capable of wreaking havoc upon any who stand in their way. Their raids upon the southern lands, particularly during the rare times they are united under a Warrior-King, have devastated many regions, including the once-mighty Y'azi Empire.
Despite their savagery, the Valhrafnar hold deep respect for strength and loyalty, believing that only the strong should lead and only the worthy should follow.