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 erected around The Great Temple of Tokkote and was named Tokkotentoski. Kabryestekans believed that it would please Tokkote and aid them in the future.

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 the Kabryestekans, but only offered mutual aid in wars and building.

After first couple of months all was going well, until the first High Chieftain vanished without a trace. After that the tribe was unable to pick a new leader and crumbled, as did the city. Many of the Kabryestekans migrated to other Irulani cities or even further. The only people who cultivated the traditions were the nomads, who had the Chieftains only son in their ranks. Even though they have never settled until recently, they were still heavily influenced by the Ormsdallian culture and beliefs warping the traditions of old.

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 an oligarchy. The currently ruling 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, while High Chieftain can propose declaring war, peace, alliances etc.. Every month a new chieftain is elected from among the council. High Chieftain still retains their eldership rights. 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.

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, potatoes and numerous herbs while on the road, but a couple generations ago they learned how to make alcohol from them. Alcohol plays a very important role in Kabryestekan culture. The Kabryestekan Absinthe is a fine beverage that has been used by the tribe's shamans to cure numerous diseases alongside with traditional herbs. Not a single event could commence without a barrel of traditional Kabryestekan wine, while vodka was a drink of common people, usually accompanying other foods in meals.