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For a people to whom family is everything, few things are more important than children. It is for their children that the Varushkans toil and fight and sacrifice. It is they who must endure if Varushka is to endure.
{{CaptionedImage|file=VarushkanCostume2.jpg|width=300|align=left}}
Varushkan children are treasured, but they are also a source of constant worry to their parents. They are often naive, and their innocence of the dangers and rules of Varushkan life can bring harm not only to themselves but to their families. In a land where harsh winters can sometimes mean shortages of food, another mouth to feed can be a blessing but also a burden.  


Many folk tales and stories are intended for children, warning them about the dangers they might face in Varushka. Children are taught to stay close to adults who can protect them from the dangers of Varushkan life. They are expected from an early age to help with chores such as cooking and cleaning. It is impossible to keep them in sight at all times however, and it is assumed that a child who is not being watched is getting up to mischief.
There are many [[Varushkan Monsters|sovereigns]] and [[Winter]] [[eternal|eternals]] who desire children for their own purposes, and stories tell of the bargains they strike with unscrupulous or desperate parents in return for their offspring. There are also monsters who feast on children, or who carry them off as servants and entertainment. Some of these children are twisted by their captors and returned to prey on their parents in turn.


Children are often dressed in very bright clothing to make it easier to spot them against the dark wood of the Varushkan forests. Innocence is a powerful protection in Varushka. While monsters may seek to carry children away, they are more likely to take them as servants than to eat them. Varushkan children are taught a powerful warding, that draws on its owner’s innocence and fear. By presenting the talisman boldly in front of them a young child can turn dark creatures aside, keeping them safe. Sadly the power of the talisman wanes as a child ages and most children find them useless long before they reach their majority, so children are taught to be resourceful and only use the talisman if they are scared, to avoid becoming dependent on its protection.
Children are often dressed in bright clothing to make it easier to spot them against the dark wood of the Varushkan forests. Innocence is a powerful protection in Varushka. They are taught to stay close to adults who can protect them from the dangers of Varushkan life. They are expected from an early age to help with chores such as cooking and cleaning. It is impossible to keep them in sight at all times however, and it is assumed that a child who is not being watched is getting up to mischief.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Varkid1.jpg|width=300|align=right|caption=Costumes and photography by Sarah Loughlin}}
Varushkan children are taught a powerful warding that draws on its owner’s innocence and fear. By presenting the talisman boldly in front of them a young child can turn dark creatures aside, keeping them safe. Unfortunately this protection extends only to the child themself; the parents and older siblings are fair game for the monsters of Varushka. The power of the talisman wanes as a child ages and most children find them useless long before they reach their majority.


==Things every child should know==
==Things every child should know==
* '''Never go alone''' - you should always be with someone who can protect you, or at least run for help
* '''Don't trust strangers.''' Danger can take pleasing forms in Varushka, do not trust people you do not know.
* '''Get to know the people around you''' - you never know when you might need that knowledge to tell friend from foe
* '''Listen to your elders.''' They can teach you wisdom which will protect you from the dangers of the wilds.
* '''Listen to your elders''' - they have much to teach and you have much to learn
* '''Use your wits first and your talisman last.''' It will only work so many times, so save it for when you really need it.
* '''Use your wits first and your talisman last''' - it will only work so many times, so save it for when you really need it
* '''Stay alert.''' Look for things that are out of place and warn the adults about them.
* '''Don't cry wolf unless it is for real''' - those who pretend danger is coming will not be listened to when it comes for real, and then everyone suffers
* '''Don't cry wolf unless it is for real.''' Those who pretend danger is coming will not be listened to when it comes for real, and then everyone suffers.
 
[[Category:Children]]
[[Category:Varushka]]
{{Varushka Links}}
[[Category:Nations]]

Latest revision as of 17:27, 19 February 2020

VarushkanCostume2.jpg

Varushkan children are treasured, but they are also a source of constant worry to their parents. They are often naive, and their innocence of the dangers and rules of Varushkan life can bring harm not only to themselves but to their families. In a land where harsh winters can sometimes mean shortages of food, another mouth to feed can be a blessing but also a burden.

There are many sovereigns and Winter eternals who desire children for their own purposes, and stories tell of the bargains they strike with unscrupulous or desperate parents in return for their offspring. There are also monsters who feast on children, or who carry them off as servants and entertainment. Some of these children are twisted by their captors and returned to prey on their parents in turn.

Children are often dressed in bright clothing to make it easier to spot them against the dark wood of the Varushkan forests. Innocence is a powerful protection in Varushka. They are taught to stay close to adults who can protect them from the dangers of Varushkan life. They are expected from an early age to help with chores such as cooking and cleaning. It is impossible to keep them in sight at all times however, and it is assumed that a child who is not being watched is getting up to mischief.

Varkid1.jpg
Costumes and photography by Sarah Loughlin

Varushkan children are taught a powerful warding that draws on its owner’s innocence and fear. By presenting the talisman boldly in front of them a young child can turn dark creatures aside, keeping them safe. Unfortunately this protection extends only to the child themself; the parents and older siblings are fair game for the monsters of Varushka. The power of the talisman wanes as a child ages and most children find them useless long before they reach their majority.

Things every child should know

  • Don't trust strangers. Danger can take pleasing forms in Varushka, do not trust people you do not know.
  • Listen to your elders. They can teach you wisdom which will protect you from the dangers of the wilds.
  • Use your wits first and your talisman last. It will only work so many times, so save it for when you really need it.
  • Stay alert. Look for things that are out of place and warn the adults about them.
  • Don't cry wolf unless it is for real. Those who pretend danger is coming will not be listened to when it comes for real, and then everyone suffers.

Further Reading

Core Brief

Additional Information