Wintermark children
Children are considered a mixed blessing in Wintermark, for every new child is another mouth to feed. As a result, new parents are usually given gifts of grain or dried fruit or meat to help celebrate a birth.
Older children are expected to work hard to help their parents. They are not allowed to fight before they are strong enough to hold a warrior’s sword at arm's length without shaking. No Thane will permit a child to take the battlefield with them unless they can pass this test.
Children are encouraged to talk to adults in the Hall, so that they may find a trade or calling that suits them, but never to pester them, lest they distract them from their business.
Once a child is old enough to choose an apprenticeship, they are encouraged to stay close to their tutor where they can work discreetly to help. “Greatness is not found in the mouth” is an old Winterfolk saying. Even before then, children are expected to act and to be treated as small adults.
When playing amongst themselves however, children are encouraged to be boisterous and energetic. Children are often given wooden practice swords and will divide themselves into orcs and warriors to play-fight it out. Some stormcrows enjoy the company of children and will spend their time teaching them the legends of Wintermark heroes of old to inspire them.
Things every child should know
- Stand on your own two feet. Every person in Wintermark can stand up for themselves.
- Greatness is not found in the mouth. Listen to what adults are saying, and avoid spreading tales. If you must tell someone, find a stormcrow and let them know what you have heard.
- Never back down when you know you are right. Never let anyone bully you or keep you from your rights. A Wintermark child stands firm and keeps what is theirs.
- Be cunning as the Suaq, and wise as the Kallavesi. Learn about riddles and challenge each other with them. Riddles will sharpen your mind like a whetstone sharpens a sword.
- Choose your own path. Learn about all three peoples of the Wintermark so that you can decide which one you wish to become.