Nihilim

Often dismissed as barbaric and primitive by the more urbanized species, the Nihilims adhere to a strict tribal way of life. As devout followers of Nolita, they reject modernism, favoring ancestral magic and a culture steeped in warriorism. While widespread across the main continent—particularly in the wilder regions—they shun the metropolises of other species. The few Nihilims found in cities are typically outcasts or those who have severed ties with their roots, viewed as traitors and weaklings by their kin. These outcasts are often branded or have an ear docked, and if they dare return to Nihilim lands, they are hunted for sport.

Nihilim society is a martial matriarchy where rule is determined by might. Each tribe is led by a Warlord-Mother who claims her position not through election, but by defeating the previous leader in single combat to hold the Spear of Command. They dwell in walled villages and stone citadels in the countryside, isolating themselves from other species except for necessary trade. While not as mighty as the Givrin fortresses, their great walls are strong and serve their purpose well. Within these walls, they view civilized species as sick, maintaining an isolationist pact that serves as a spiritual quarantine to keep their connection to their mother goddess Nolita pure.

Concentrated massively in Nolitaia, the Nihilims strictly prohibit migration into their lands, and for a foreigner to walk within their walls is an exceptionally rare privilege. Interbreeding is considered an ultimate disgrace, punishable by exile or death. Bound by a rigid code of honor and pride, they resolve almost all conflicts, internal or external, through dueling and ritual combat. They do not value gold, preferring an economy based on weapons, raw materials, rare monster hides, and trophies. As apex predators, agriculture is minimal, and they rely on hunting parties that venture into the deep forests to slay big game.

Though capable of wielding magic, Nihilim females prefer physical combat. Their magic is somatic, channeling mana internally to reinforce their skin until it is hard as bark, sharpen their senses, or allow them to move with supernatural speed. They have also mastered a unique form of magic known as soul binding, which binds a soul into a weapon to turn it into a living object. The greatest honor for a Nihilim near death is to be reborn into a weapon through a complex ritual, subject to the approval of the goddess Nolita. If successful, the orb within the weapon glows with the core of the soul; such a weapon can empower it wielder, is almost always sharp, it heals rather than needing repair. The outcome of this ritual results in either intense celebration or grim mourning, as the original body dies regardless of success.

While men remain socially inferior to women, Nihilim society offers them a path to dignity distinct from other cultures. A male is born with no rights and is thrown into the mud to be trained to fight from the moment he can walk. He cannot lead a tribe, but by surviving battles or winning duel tournaments, he earns the Blood-Right. This distinction grants him autonomy, the right to be chosen as a mate, and the right to build his own lodge. Nihilim society has no use for a male who cannot hold a spear; weak men are not kept as slaves but are usually exiled or killed during rites of passage or duels.