Godherja Encyclopedia

Kunsag (culture)

The Kunsag are the most ferocious of the Kikarsagi cultures, and are middling in Aversarian influence. The bötai - a form of Kikarsagi warrior lodge - are central to Kunsag culture; youths must join a böta and take the head of a foeman (who may be a prisoner) to be considered an adult. This 'cult of the head' features prominently in Kunsag culture, and originates from Aversarian lords deploying Kunsag horsemen to crush slave revolts, as the Aversarians would pay them for each head collected.

The Kunsag conception of ardara - honor - revolves around how many heads one has claimed; the more heads one has, the more ardara they possess. Kunsag warriors often have skulls tied to their belts and horses, and sometimes incorporate their skull collections into their clothing.

Magi serve an important role in Kunsag society, acting mainly as spiritual leaders, they may also be rulers of a clan. The ability to use Magic is seen as a gift from the gods, with Blood Magi gaining their powers from the Purest, while Dead Magi gain their powers from Eru-Mai the Impure, and are persecuted for their Magic. Kunsag horsemen are renowned for their fearlessness and near-suicidal bravery; warriors who retreat from disastrous battles are expected to command their heirs to cut off their heads, while soldiers who surrender are exsanguinated.