The Bronze-Armed are the descendants of Rothurlandic vikings and colonists who settled on the southern and western coasts of the Chaska Sea. Though the ancestors of most of the Bronze-Armed arrived in the region centuries if not millennia ago, they retain many traditions from their homeland, even as their cultures have fused with others nearby.
History
Multiple waves of migrations over hundreds of years brought the Bronze-Armed to the Chaska. The ancestors of most hailed from Icepeak Island and the Serpent Islands, the historical places of origin for most Rothurlandic vikings. Some sailed to the Chaska Sea as part of raiding expeditions, and only later decided to settle in the area, while others ventured forth with the explicit goal of colonization.
The name of the Bronze-Armed comes from a historical yet legendary figure named Hildr Bronze-Arm who lived in the early ninth millennium. Tales of her exploits are an important part of Bronze-Armed culture. In many she is a hero, a great protector who fought sea beasts that attacked ships under her command as they sailed forth from Rothurland, heading towards the southern Chaska for the first time. In some cautionary tales she takes a more ambiguous role, a leader who cared for her people yet who was prone to lash out violently at those close to her. Historically she was once seen by many as a saint of Runo, but these beliefs have faded greatly with time.
Location
The majority of the Bronze-Armed live in the Western Coast. In general their their cultural practices have been added into the melting pot of the region, slowly becoming less distinct of an identity over time, but this is not the case everywhere. The inhabitants of some Western Coast cities, notably Idalion and Ledra, largely continue to consider themselves Bronze-Armed, as do many that reside in the smaller towns to the east between Russicada and Ophir.
Demographics
Humans account for the majority of the Bronze-Armed, but they are joined by large numbers of orcs, half-orcs, and tengu as well.
Culture
Religion
Though some amongst the Bronze-Armed continue to hold to the worship of the Laurentian pantheon, the vast majority have adopted the gods of the Chaskan pantheon over time. There are a handful of Bronze-Armed that venerate the Khapeshan pantheonic deities as well. Though they have not adopted it widely, they are disproportionately represented within the ranks of the Monadists.
Traditions
Bronze-Armed traditions have gradually grown less and less distinct over the course of their long presence in the Chaska Sea. Some continue to call themselves Bronze-Armed while otherwise having little to culturally distinguish themselves from the other inhabitants of the region. Still, most are diligent at keeping at least some of their old traditions alive, often at least in part out of pride for the voyages of their ancestors.
Gravestones for deceased Bronze-Armed often resemble Rothurlandic runestones in design and inscription. Knowledge of Roeda and its writing system, or at least heavily modified forms of both, has persisted almost exclusively for use in creating these grave markers. Particularly celebrated or noteworthy individuals might even have menhirs erected in their honor, usually located along the coasts, upon which is written accounts of their deeds in life.
Seafaring
Even amongst the many other inhabitants of coastal Chaskan settlements, the Bronze-Armed retain a reputation as skilled seafarers. Most use typical Chaskan galleys, though longships adapted from old Rothurlandic designs continue to be built and set afloat on occasion. By and large these vessels are seen as more ceremonial than practical, however, primarily constructed as part of great festivities as a way of educating each generation about their history.
Names
Many Bronze-Armed continue to use patronymic or matronymic names in the Rothurlandic style.
Lycanthropy
Lycanthropy is relatively common within Bronze-Armed towns and neighborhoods, certainly to a greater degree than is typical elsewhere around the Chaska Sea. Their communities are broadly quite tolerant of those with the condition, usually viewing it more as a personal struggle than a dangerous curse to be cast out.