Wolgos of Dhonowlgos

The cultures of Dhonowlgos include Wolgos and Eokoesr cultural traditions and lifestyles in the historic nation of Dhonowlgos.

Wolgos Culture in Dhonowlgos

Tribalism

Wolgos tribalism traces its origins to the end of the Wolgos lordship period and the foundation of Dhonowlgos itself. As the lordships lost their military power and became subjects of monastic rule, they evolved over the next centuries. Leveraging their land holdings and common folk subjects, the lordships transformed from military entities into tribes. Before the year 3100, the Wolgos did not have clan or tribal names, often using only a single name and identifying each other by their origin and parentage. However, as lords began to enforce a stronger regional identity tied to their landholdings and families, they started giving their subjects the toponymic name of their lordship as a tribal name.

Clans began to develop within tribes by the mid-3300s, with villages or connected families adopting clan names to distinguish themselves within their tribes. This practice was promoted by tribal elites to further differentiate themselves from the common folk. Clans provided a way for elites to maintain their status and influence within the broader tribal structure. This system of clans within tribes created a layered identity for the Wolgos people, giving them a sense of belonging and a clear social hierarchy.

By the late 7400s, thousands of years of internal administrative boundary changes and the evolution of toponymy and the Wolgos language had erased many tribal connections to geographical locations. Indeed, some tribes had entirely relocated from their original geographical origins. This constant flux in territorial boundaries and the movement of tribes contributed to a complex and fluid tribal landscape. Despite these changes, tribal identities remained robust and integral to the social fabric of Wolgos society.

During the Dhonowlgos eras, tribal identities were not championed by the state. In fact, at many points in history, the monks attempted to stamp out or erase tribal identities with little success. Despite these efforts, tribal identities persisted and remained relevant, providing an alternative power structure and culture to monastic rule. Tribal identities, culture, and allegiances moderated the reach of monastic rule and outright prevented puritanical tendencies from the administration from completely stifling cultural and artistic expression. Tribal leaders often held significant influence, and their support was crucial for implementing state policies, ensuring that the state could not become too authoritarian.

Tribes and clans offered a sense of belonging and identity, creating social cohesion within the broader Wolgos society. They were integral in organizing community life, rituals, and traditions. Tribes preserved unique cultural practices, dialects, and artistic expressions that might have been lost under monastic rule. This cultural diversity enriched the overall Wolgos civilization. The decentralized nature of tribal society allowed the Wolgos to adapt more easily to changing environmental and political conditions. Tribes could relocate, merge, or split as needed, ensuring the survival and continuity of the Wolgos people.

Throughout history, the state, particularly the monastic administration, attempted to suppress tribal identities, seeing them as a threat to centralized control. However, these efforts met with limited success. Tribal identities provided an alternative power structure that moderated the reach of monastic rule and prevented puritanical tendencies from completely stifling culture and artistic expression. Tribes often preserved cultural practices and rituals that the monastic state viewed as unorthodox or subversive, thus maintaining a cultural resilience against homogenization.

Tribal identities played a crucial role in fostering artistic and cultural expression. The unique traditions, dialects, and artistic styles of different tribes enriched the Wolgos civilization. Tribal festivals, ceremonies, and rituals provided a platform for cultural expression and innovation, often in opposition to the more austere monastic regulations. This cultural vibrancy ensured that the Wolgos society remained dynamic and adaptable. Tribal allegiances and rivalries significantly influenced the political and social dynamics of Wolgos society. Tribal leaders often held considerable sway in local governance and could mobilize their members for collective action. These dynamics created a complex interplay between tribal and monastic authorities, leading to a more balanced and diverse political landscape. Tribal councils and gatherings became important venues for negotiating power and resolving conflicts, ensuring that no single authority could dominate the society entirely.

Art From Dhonowlgos

Ancient Wolgos Arts
Fresco of Wolgos hunters hunting a bear with their barehand - circa -2000 CE	Vase of tortured souls - Common motifs during the -1800's to -1500's CE	Phallic symbology became more prominent by the year 1200 CE
Dhonowlgos Era Tapestry
Eokoesr toiling - Tapestry of a rural scene - 5430 CE	Nurturing beauty - Tapestry depicting the myth of pale forest women hunting humans, a myth idealised by the Wolgos - 6802 CE	7105 CE Haiter Tapestry - Example of tapestry styles common between 7000's and the 7500's	Pan-Anarian war era Hlrike tapestry commemorating the destruction of Anibar, Nestor - 7498 CE
Paintings from Dhonowlgos

Examples of Wolgos life in Old Dhonowlgos

A Day in the Life of a Wolgos Male Farmer in a Pastoral Area	A Day in the Life of a Wolgos Overseer in the Cinder Plain
Early Morning The first light of dawn breaks over the rugged highlands, casting a golden hue over the Wolgos homestead. The farmer rises from his feather-filled bed box, stretching out his muscular frame adorned with the blue-hued tattoos of his lineage and religious devotion. The central hearth, which has kept the air warm through the night, continues to circulate heat throughout the stone and brick homestead, ensuring a comfortable start to the day. He begins with a moment of silent prayer to Dlrocha, a practice he follows religiously. He then reaches for his copy of the Leykold, the sacred book, and reads a passage, seeking guidance and strength for the day ahead. After this spiritual beginning, he dresses in his well-made but practical clothing—sturdy cotton and woolen trousers, a cotton undershirt, a woolen tunic, a tall embroidered felt hat, and sturdy leather boots. His tall stiff felt hat had been carefully brushed, and his boots had been shined to perfection. Every day, the youngest son of the Eokoesr servant comes before first light to polish the boots of the home and brush all hats. He descends the wooden staircase from the second floor to the ground floor, where the hearth and kitchen are located. His wife, already awake, is preparing breakfast in their rustic yet beautifully furnished kitchen. The scent of fried eggs and cooked meats fills the air. Breakfast and Preparations The family gathers in the first-floor family room, where the table is set with aged, moldy, fragrant bread, cheese, smoked meat, fried eggs, and a jug of fresh milk and another of heavy cream. The farmer’s wife serves breakfast, and they discuss the day's tasks. Their children, who are old enough to assist with lighter duties, listen attentively. The family meal is an important time for bonding and planning, and the farmer emphasizes the importance of their work and their duty to their ancestors and Dlrocha. Morning Chores After breakfast, the farmer and his older sons head out to the pastures. The air is crisp and fresh, filled with the sounds of nature—the bleating of sheep, the lowing of cattle, and the distant calls of birds. His first task is to check on the livestock. He walks through the fields, inspecting the animals for any signs of illness or injury, moving with a practiced ease that comes from years of experience. His Eokoesr servant, who lives with his family in a small adjacent cottage, joins him along with the older Eokoesr’s sons. They work together in a routine that has become second nature. The Eokoesr handles some of the more repetitive tasks, such as mucking out the stalls and ensuring the animals have fresh water, while the Wolgos men tend to more skilled labor, like treating any sick animals or repairing fences. The farmer occasionally quotes passages from the Leykold, using its wisdom to guide his decisions and actions. Mid-Morning Work By mid-morning, the farmer, his sons, and his Eokoesr servant and his sons move on to other tasks. Today, they are preparing a new field for sowing. The farmer's sons use a plow, pulled by a strong haiter, to turn the earth while he guides the reluctant haiter. He works in a rhythmic pattern, muscles straining as he guides the haiter in straight lines. The Eokoesr men follow behind, breaking up large clumps of soil and scattering manure to fertilize the ground. This work is strenuous but vital for ensuring a good harvest. Throughout the morning, the farmer’s daughter brings him water and small snacks to keep their energy up. On this occasion, a jug of creamy milk, cheese, fried fermented meat strips, and a flask with milky spirit are provided. Both the Wolgos and Eokoesr take a break, sitting in separate groups as they eat their snacks. The Eokoesr eat a hunk of bread and butter they brought with them. The farmer, being the head of the farm and its household, is the stabilizing force that keeps order on the farm and fosters harmony with the Eokoesr. His sons are still somewhat hot-blooded and can’t help themselves from taunting the Eokoesr’s sons, flicking little pebbles at them as they smirk and laugh, but not for long as the Wolgos farmer reprimands them. The farmer’s other children occasionally come out to help with lighter tasks or bring messages. The Eokoesr servant interacts respectfully with them, always maintaining a proper distance. The farmer takes pride in teaching his children the values of hard work and responsibility, ensuring they understand the importance of every task. He also uses these moments to impart wisdom from the Leykold, reinforcing the spiritual and moral lessons of their culture. Lunch Break At noon, they break for lunch. The Wolgos men return home and gather again with their family, this time around a large wooden table in the shade of a large oak tree near the house. The meal is simple but nourishing: cold cuts of fermented meat from brine jars, pickled vegetables from the garden, more cheese, and cooked mushrooms. The Eokoesr men retire to their cottage for lunch to share a meal with their own family. The farmer’s children run about, the younger boys’ laughter in the background turns into shouts as they fall out and get into a scrap. The farmer and the older brothers cheer on the younger boys as they punch and kick each other, wrestling on the grass and dirt. The adults enjoy a shot of hard spirit at the end of the meal as the mother soothes the younger boy who lost the fight, listening to his complaints as the other brother makes grimaces at him. The daughters enjoy cold chamomile tea as they giggle and gossip together, enjoying the noon warmth. Afternoon Tasks After lunch, the farmer and his sons, along with the Eokoesr men, return to work. The heat of the day requires them to pace themselves. They spend the afternoon repairing the barn roof, a task that requires both strength and precision. The farmer climbs the ladder with a bundle of new thatch, which he carefully lays out and secures. The Eokoesr hands up tools and materials, ensuring everything is within reach while his sons help to prepare thatching for the roof. As they work, the Wolgos shares stories of the past, tales of humor and cunning. The Eokoesr listens quietly as they work, knowing they must not join in. Though their roles are different, there is a mutual respect born of shared labor and the rhythms of farm life. Throughout the day, the farmer occasionally interacts with his Eokoesr servants in ways that reinforce the social hierarchy but also show a degree of paternalistic care. He might offer a kind word or a small piece of advice, always maintaining a clear distinction between their roles. At times, he ensures the Eokoesr have the tools and resources they need to perform their tasks efficiently. The farmer’s wife also plays a role, often bringing extra groceries or alcohol to the Eokoesr family as a gesture of goodwill. Evening As the sun begins to set, they finish their work and clean up. The farmer takes a moment to wash in the stream, the cold water refreshing after a long day of toil. He then checks the livestock one last time, ensuring all is well before heading back to the homestead. Dinner and Reflection Dinner is a warm affair, the family gathered around the table once more. They enjoy a hearty stew made from the meat of their own livestock, complemented by root vegetables and more matured bread. The farmer discusses the day’s accomplishments and plans for tomorrow, imparting lessons to his children and ensuring they understand the importance of their work. After dinner, he brings out his Leykold and reads passages to his family for them to digest before he asks questions to help them understand the passages and their lessons. Nighttime Rituals After dinner, he relaxes with hot root tea as he waits for his bath. Not long after, his wife calls him to the washing room where she has filled a copper tub with steaming water from the washroom’s water heater. The tiled room is filled with steam and candlelight. He slowly lowers his strong but aching body into the tub, relaxing as he lays his back against the tub and feels the hot soapy water against his pale skin. His wife scrubs his body as he relaxes and lathers his hair, rinsing him thoroughly after a few minutes, washing away the grime and musk of a long day. Before coming out of the tub, he kisses his wife and guides her hand back into the tub, giving her a knowing look with a smirk. His wife obliges with his request. After his bath and before bed, the farmer performs a final round of prayers, thanking Dlrocha for the day's blessings and asking for protection through the night. He then retires to bed, settling down into his bed box with its soft feather mattress and pillows, covering his body with sweet-smelling linen and quilted covers. His body is weary but his spirit content, ready to face another day in the life of a Wolgos farmer.	Early Morning The day begins before the sun has fully risen, casting a faint, grey light over the Cinder Plains. The Wolgos overseer rises from his bed in the workers' housing—a sturdy stone and brick structure with wooden paneling and floors, built to withstand the harsh conditions. The home is kept warm by a central hearth, the air circulating to keep the chill at bay. His bedding, a mix of feathers and quilted blankets, provides much-needed comfort after a night's rest. Upon waking, his wife massages his back and legs before he drags himself out of bed with great reluctance. Soon after getting up, he washes his face and rubs a sticky lanolin balm round his neck, feet, forearms, and hands to protect them from the abrasive volcanic dust that blows across the Cinder Plains. He first wears his woolen balaclava, followed by his woolen socks and leather gloves with lanolin smeared on the inside. The overseer then dons his practical outer layers. He wears thick woolen trousers, a heavy cotton undershirt, and a woolen tunic, all tailored to withstand the abrasive environment. Over this, he pulls on a leather fur-lined bale with a hood to shield himself from the harsh winds and volcanic debris. His eyes, sensitive to the bright glare, are protected by a pair of blacked glass glasses with side shields. These provide necessary protection and also add to his intimidating appearance. He begins his day with a brief prayer to Dlrocha, seeking the patience and strength required for the relentless challenges ahead. He reads a passage from the Leykold, the sacred book, finding a small measure of peace before the day’s turmoil. In the small kitchen, his wife has prepared a hearty breakfast. The smell of hot root tea, moldy fragrant bread, cheese, and smoked meat fills the air. They eat in silence, the overseer’s thoughts already on the tasks that await. His wife’s arms console him as he eats and stares into the distance. He knows the day will be filled with frustrations and obstacles, primarily caused by the never-ending series of emergencies as pipes burst and industry cries out for a steady supply of steam. The ineptitude and frailty of the Eokoesr laborers he must supervise is testing, nevertheless, they offer him a reprieve from his daily tensions when he has a reason to punish them. Morning Work As he steps outside, the cold wind cuts through the volcanic gravel of the Cinder Plains. The environment is a harsh mix of heat from the ground and biting cold from the winds. He makes his way to the maintenance yard and the Eokoesr lock-up barracks. He and the other Wolgos blare the morning horn, waking up the Eokoesr and watching them lumber out as they stream through the now-opened metal doors of their barracks. He can’t help but wretch as the stench of the unwashed masses of Eokoesr wafts out of the lock-up barracks. He stands in front of a square painted on the cobbled courtyard, just like all other overseers do in front of a square of their own. Instinctively, the Eokoesr line up inside the painted square in front of him. These thirty-something Eokoesr are his charges for today. He must squeeze every ounce of labor from them, discipline them, but at the same time prevent them from unwittingly killing themselves in the Cinder Plains. The overseer’s mood darkens as he surveys the pitiful sight before him. The Eokoesr, with their blistered hands and feet, filthy bodies, and nearly black rags that serve as makeshift coverings for their feet, shiver in the cold air. They are skinny but wiry, their muscles scarred and showing the effects of long-ago injuries. His contempt and disgust are evident as he retrieves a steaming bucket full of oat mash. Barley husks and other discarded foodstuffs from nearby industries are used to make the Eokoesr slop. He pours the slop directly onto a large, flat, and concave stone laid in the middle of the painted square. As soon as he pours it, the Eokoesr rush around him to devour the slop. He can’t help snarling in disgust as the Eokoesr knock against each other and even him in their desperation to eat. After feeding his charges, he marches them out of the maintenance yard. Most march in line, some drag tools and carry spare sheets of metal for repairs. They march into the Cinder Plains, the cold morning howling winds battering the naked Eokoesr as their barely protected feet walk over the hot, abrasive ground. The overseer patrols the pipeline network, his eyes squinting through the protective glasses to spot any signs of laziness or incompetence as the Eokoesr dig with their rags and leather scraps wrapped around their hands. They dig around a spot on the ground billowing clouds of steam; here, just below the ground, a buried steam pipe has burst. The steam pipes, essential for powering nearby textile mills and machining workshops, frequently burst due to the intense pressure and heat they carry. Any downtime directly affects production, increasing his frustration. He moves among the Eokoesr, his presence a constant reminder of the consequences of failure. His temper flares easily, and he doesn’t hesitate to use his pole to punish those who slow down or pretend to work. The punishments are severe and swift—harsh beatings or even more brutal measures as required. Nevertheless, they are not his property, and he must do his best to return to the maintenance yard with as many as he left with. The Eokoesr work with a mix of fear and desperation, aware that any lapse in effort will bring immediate retribution. Their bodies, already weakened by long hours of labor and inadequate food, are pushed to their limits. Nevertheless, they toil until they uncover the burst pipe billowing out steam with a deafening whistle. Under the direction of the Wolgos, they quickly cut a band from the spare metal sheet to wrap around the fissure on the pipe, filling the grooves in the sheet with thermite. Once the Eokoesr have wrapped the thermite-filled band of metal and crimped it tight, he lights the fuse to ignite the thermite and weld shut the fissure. As the thermite burns, the band of metal glows red and the billowing steam diminishes and then stops. As soon as it stops, the Eokoesr race to rebury the pipe to prevent it from cracking under the cold air and possibly exploding in front of them, sending shrapnel in all directions. The Wolgos retreats to a safe distance as the Eokoesr rebury the steam pipe, taking a swig from a spirit flask in his fur-lined cloak. Mid-Morning Break Around mid-morning, the overseer takes a brief break. He finds a sheltered spot behind a windbreak, sitting to have a quick snack—dried meat, cheese, and a flask of strong spirits. This moment of solitude allows him to gather his thoughts and plan the next set of tasks. His mind, however, is never far from the constant irritation of managing the Eokoesr. He watches them as they huddle together behind windbreaks, unable to help himself from looking at them with contempt as they huddle for warmth and pick at moss growing on the windbreak to eat. He takes a wedge of cheese and crumbles it in his gloved hand, throwing the crumbs to the ground in front of the Eokoesr, who without hesitation throw themselves at the crumbs, picking through the hot gravel to find any morsels for sustenance. The Wolgos overseer can’t help but bellow out a deep hearty laugh at the sight. Not satisfied, the overseer takes a sliver of dried meat from his pocket, whistling at the Eokoesr to get their attention as he taunts them with the strip of dried meat, beckoning them. The Eokoesr freeze in place, only one hesitant Eokoesr brave enough to approach the Wolgos. The Eokoesr cautiously approaches the Wolgos, who smiles nastily. Reaching for the strip with his fingers, the Eokoesr is quickly grabbed by the wrist with the overseer’s other hand as the now-panicked Eokoesr tries to pull away. The Wolgos slaps the Eokoesr on the side of the head with all his strength before lifting the Eokoesr and stuffing the strip of meat into his mouth, laughing heartily at the spectacle. Afternoon Work The afternoon is filled with the relentless demands of repairing and maintaining the steam pipes. The overseer directs the Eokoesr in laying new pipes and patching up old ones, a backbreaking task that involves digging through the hard volcanic gravel. He watches them closely, his patience thin as the hours drag on. He coordinates with foremen at the textile mills and workshops, ensuring the steam supply remains uninterrupted. Any failure in the pipes means halted production, which would reflect poorly on his leadership. The pressure to maintain efficiency is immense, and his tolerance for mistakes is nonexistent. Throughout the day, the overseer’s interactions with the Eokoesr are marked by a stark hierarchy. He offers no kindness, only directives and criticisms. The Eokoesr, for their part, work in silence, their spirits broken by years of oppression and abuse. Evening and Dinner As the sun sets, the overseer rounds up the Eokoesr, ensuring all tasks are completed or sufficiently progressed. He makes his final inspections, noting any remaining issues for the night shift to handle. The Eokoesr are exhausted, their bodies broken and spirits crushed, but they receive no sympathy. They are sent back to their cramped lock-ups, while he returns to his housing. Dinner is a somber affair, shared with his family in their small but well-built home. The meal consists of hearty stew, root vegetables, and fermented foods. Conversation is minimal, focused on the day’s frustrations and the endless cycle of maintenance and repair. After dinner, he reads another passage from the Leykold, seeking solace and guidance. As he reads, his wife holds his head on her lap, caressing his face and running her fingers gently through his hair. The Wolgos man occasionally looks at her and smiles, enjoying the soothing and nurturing embrace of his dedicated wife. Night time Before bed, he sits on a stool while his wife massages his back and arms, then brings a brush and tooth powder. Opening his mouth and revealing his yellow-white teeth and gums, both stained green and black where they meet due to years of oere chewing, she gently brushes his teeth and gums despite his occasional whimpers of pain. His powerful maw and four canines are intact but weathered by oere. Afterwards, the overseer takes a moment to unwind in his wife’s embrace. He reflects on the day’s trials and the seemingly unending struggle. He prays once more, asking Dlrocha for strength and endurance. Finally, he retires to bed, his body weary and his spirit heavy with the weight of another day in the unforgiving Cinder Plains. The cycle will begin anew with the dawn, each day a test of his patience and resolve in the face of relentless challenges and the ceaseless demands of his position.