Polar Aurora Nomads
The Norakai were ice edge foragers with an affinity for the long dark phases of their cold polar region where the singing lights of vast auroras rippled across the sky like sentient banners. They endured extreme cold, protected only by the advanced cryo-tech woven into their clothes and structures, while flying their shimmering aurora kites to gather atmospheric data and relay messages between the frozen ice cliffs.
Geographic Location
The Norakai roamed the northern polar coast of Aokaan Dari. Theirs was the northernmost tribe on Bane'ile, traveling mostly from 45-60 degrees northern latitudes.
Migration Patterns
Using grav-lift barges, the Norakai traveled the frozen rivers of the polar region that linked into the northern forests used occasionally by Tiru'aabo and Hathrani traders. Their southern migratory routes connected to the river systems that led toward the Great Plain of Bo Kaabo. They would use these river corridors to travel southward to the City of Song in multi-family caravans to attend the Festival of Titi'abule.
Landscape & Settlements
Vegetation was sparse along the ice cliffs of the polar region, but it was enough to support the furry grazing mammals who roamed the frozen lands of the Norakai. The freezing waters were home to huge ice flow whales and the skies were filled with colorful light reflective birds whose flights made it appear as though the aurora had come to life. Here, the settlements consisted of portable aurora lit and ice edge camps. Their shelters were traditional bone and driftwood structures woven with advanced cryo-tech, to protect from the cold, and hung with carved panels designed to vibrate in resonance with the air currents producing a constant hum.
Daily Life
For the Norakai, mornings began with foraging, fishing, and repairs to the clothing and shelters that provided protection from the cold. The rest of the day was occupied with collecting atmospheric readings from their aurora kites and crafting scrimshaw panels. In the evenings, the people would come together to prepare and share a communal meal that generally consisted of frozen meats in oil rich broths served with spirits distilled from snowmelt. The songs of the elders and tribal singers would echo through the ice cliffs while the pulsating rhythms of the aurora seemed to keep time with the music.
Dress
The Norakai typically wore multiple layers of warm garments woven with advanced cryo-tech to protect from the cold. Their signature piece of clothing was a heavy cloak etched with glowing light responsive patterns that reflected the shifting colors of the aurora.
Ecotech
The portable homes of the Norakai were equiped with bioreactor hearths for warmth and ice scrimshaw panels that sang with the aurora. They used ice crystal data panels and their shimmering aurora kites could detect even the smallest of atmospheric shifts.
Sky Cycle Interpretation
The Norakai thought of Danare, the bright and steady star, as the eternal flame while Zirakon, the smaller unpredictable star, was considered a harbinger of danger. They interpreted the auroras as living songs sung by the ancestors to bridge the gap between the different dimensions of existence.
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