THE BARBARIAN TRIBES
The barbarian tribes have roamed the northern tundras for what seems to be an eternity. Fortunately for their southern neighbours, they rarely venture out of the tundras, although several tribes have of late migrated into the Plains, although they have stayed largely peaceful.
The tribes seem content to follow a nomadic existence, following the great herds of caribou that sustain their existence. Having said that, there have been several Clan Wars, where the clans fought for superiority. As none could destroy the others and still remain powerful enough to survive itself, the wars were largely inconclusive, although several clans were obliterated.
Young clansmen undertake a Rite of Initiation (sometimes called a Rite of Manhood) at the age of fifteen, where they must go out hunting alone, and with a single spear. Their objective is to bring either the head of one of several beasts that also roam the tundra (the most common being the yeti), or to bring back the carcass of a fully grown adult caribou, thus showing ability in the hunt.
Certain of the clans, those that tend to stay near the coast, have developed certain abilities at sea-faring, and thus set out in longships with both sail and oars crewed by tribesmen. They go whaling, as well as hunting seals and fishing.
Contact with the outside world is sparse - traders from the South are allowed to enter the tribal lands, but only under escort. As the tribesmen are fierce and large warriors, few actively seek to anger them, although they are very easy to please...