Kabryesteka

Tribe of Kabryesteka is a vassal state of the Irulan Freehold based in the southern tip of the Kabyestekan Tundra. Its capital sits on the mouths of two rivers of the tundra, Yuharke (to the east) and Tabke (to the west). The people of this tribe worship Tokkotism. Their flag is a white rectangle in between two blue ones. In the middle there is a flame and a bear. The rectangles represent the Tundra and two rivers that flow around it. The flame and the bear are the attributes of their main god, Tokkote.

History
The Tundra has been dwelled by Kabryestekans since time immemorial. The legend says that the first Kabryestekans arose from chunks of charcoal, still warm and glowing, left in a fireplace of the Ancients. In the location of the fire from this legend arose a great temple devoted to Tokkote. It was the only solid structure made by Kabryestekans until their settling around said Temple. Since the time of their creation they started wandering the Tundra, looking for animals, plants and anything that would help them survive. They domesticated wolves to pull their sleighs and berries and potatoes to feed them. They soon became de facto rulers of the entire Tundra. But the time of peace would soon end. The Rathnirians were coming and a current High Chieftain, Bulggu, decided that settling would greatly benefit the scattered tribes of Kabryesteka. The new town was build on the southern fringes of the Tundra, on the mouths of the Two Rivers, and was dedicated to Tokkote.

Upon settling, the current High Chieftain was contacted by Irulani diplomat, Pompeii, with a proposition of vassalisation. After meeting with the Council, he decided to accept the offer, since Irulan did not intend on forcing their faith or culture on Kabryestekans, but only offered mutual aid in wars and building.

Government
Kabryestekans believe that only the strongest or the smartest and most cunning people should be able to rule and that weak rulers doom their nations to the point of no return. That's why their government is a type of republic one might say. The current High Chieftain has the power to choose new Elders to the Elders' Council. The Elders are advisors of the High Chieftain, they propose new laws and vote on them. Every month a new chieftain is elected from among the council. High Chieftain still retains their eldership rights, but now can also propose declaring war, peace, alliances etc. They also believe that every man is free and the land they settled is their families property forever. Their scarce numbers force them to seek help in common tribesmen in any war that would unfold.

Culture
Kabryestekans are not technologically advanced. Their society stagnated, because harsh climate of the tundra and taiga made it impossible for them to progress further than hunter-gatherers. They are also very traditional, unwilling to part with the ways of their ancestors and will defend their faith and culture until their last breath. Even the oath that both the chieftain and the elders must say upon being chosen includes the phrase ".. and will defend it (the tribe) until my last breath."

Even though they are defensive of their customs, they are a welcoming folk to everyone who doesn't wish to bring any mischief to their settlement. Tokkotentoski has already finished building their own tavern right infront of the gate. Its doors are always open for every traveler who looks for warmth, stories or just wants to try Kabryestekan alcohol.

They have always been growing sweet berries while on the road. But a couple generations ago they learned how to make alcohol from them. The Kabryestekan Wine is a fine beverage that has been used by the tribe's shamans to cure numerous diseases. Potatoes are one of the few plants that can grow in the tundra, so Kabryestekans have incorporated them in many of their traditional meals, and also made their own kind of vodka from them. Typical breakfast of the Kabryestekan nomad consisted of baked potatoes, mashed berries and sometimes a glass of vodka, on cold days.