Varushka children

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.

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.

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 who do not heed warnings and continually wander away may be warned "If you want to see the wild so much, we'll send you off with the Navarr, see how much you like it then!"

Things every child should know

• Never go alone - you should always be with someone who can protect you, or at least run for help
• 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 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
• 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