Daily Life
Daily life among the Frostborn follows a regular rhythm, dictated by the necessities of survival and the changing of the seasons.
11.1 Mornings
The day begins at first light. The clan gathers for a communal breakfast, typically a hearty meal of meat, gathered plants, and preserved fruits. This is a time for the clan to come together, discuss the day's plans, and assign tasks. After the meal, there is a brief spiritual ceremony, led by the shaman, often involving offerings to the spirits, prayers for a successful hunt, or expressions of gratitude for the clan's blessings. The Frostborn also take time to sharpen their tools, check their gear, and prepare for the day's tasks. Then, the day's work begins. Hunters gather their gear and set out to check traps or track game. Gatherers head out to collect plants, berries, and other resources. Craftsmen start their day's projects, which could include tanning hides, repairing tools, or working on new creations.
11.2 Midday
The clan typically takes a brief midday break to eat and rest, especially during the short Frostbound Wastes summer. This is a time for the clan to share the morning's successes or challenges. Hunters who have made a kill will bring their game back to the camp to be processed, a communal activity with everyone pitching in to skin, butcher, and preserve the meat.
11.3 Afternoons
The work of the day continues. Children, under the supervision of elders, practice skills like sewing, carving, or using the sling, a traditional Frostborn hunting weapon. Shamans might conduct rituals or minister to the spiritual and medicinal needs of the clan. Communal tasks such as repairing structures, processing game, or teaching skills to the younger generation are common. This is also a time for socializing and strengthening clan bonds. Hunters and gatherers who are still out will start to return as the day wanes.
11.4 Evenings
As dusk approaches, the clan gathers again for the evening meal. This is the most relaxed and social time of the day. After the meal, there is time for storytelling, music, and games. This is when the clan's oral history and traditions are passed on, with elders and storytellers recounting the legends of the Frostborn. This is also a time for planning and decision-making, discussing the next day's activities, long-term projects, or any issues that need to be addressed.
11.5 Nighttime
As the night deepens, the Frostborn retire to their sleeping quarters, typically lined with thick furs for warmth. Night is a time of rest, but also of watchfulness. The Frostborn take turns keeping watch to ensure the safety of their clan against the dangers of the night.
11.6 Daily Responsibilities
Each member of a Frostborn clan has specific responsibilities based on their age, skills, and status. These might include hunting, gathering, crafting, cooking, or tending to the needs of children and elders.
11.7 Travel
Travel is difficult and dangerous in the Frostbound Wastes, so the Frostborn do not often venture far from their home territories. When they do travel, it is usually for hunting, trade, or the occasional clan gathering.
The Frostborn have developed several aids for long-distance travel: bone-framed snowshoes that distribute weight across soft snow, ice-runners (sled-like vehicles pulled by domesticated frost wolves), and trail-runes carved into glaciers and rock faces to mark safe routes. Experienced pathfinders known as "Waywalkers" specialize in navigating between settlements and are among the most respected members of any clan.