Svolthyn

Physical Description of the Svolthyn

General Body Structure

The Svolthyn display a robust and adaptable physique, developed from their Norse origins and shaped by their new environment on Nývarðr. Their bodies are strong and built for endurance, reflecting their survivalist culture and reliance on physical labour.

Height and Build

• Height: The Svolthyn typically range between 178 to 198 cm for men and 168 to 183 cm for women. They are taller than their Norse ancestors, a trait attributed to improved diet and adaptation to the alien environment.

• Build: They are generally muscular and broad-shouldered, with stocky yet agile builds. Individuals living in harsher environments, such as the mountains, often display a denser musculature.

Posture

The Svolthyn have an upright and confident posture, reflecting their warrior heritage and cultural pride. However, those engaged in farming or craftsmanship may exhibit a more hunched stance from labor-intensive lifestyles.

Body Proportions

Their bodies are well-proportioned, with long limbs relative to their torsos, allowing for both strength and dexterity. Men tend to have broader chests and shoulders, while women possess narrower waists and wider hips, reflecting their roles in physical and communal activities.

Head and Facial Features

• Skull Shape: Oval-shaped with strong, prominent cheekbones and a slightly elongated jawline.

• Eyes: Almond-shaped eyes with hues ranging from blue and green to amber and grey, often described as piercing and reflective of their intense focus.

• Eyebrows/Forehead: Thick, well-defined eyebrows rest above low to moderately sloping foreheads, giving their faces an intense and contemplative expression.

• Nose: Their noses are typically straight or slightly aquiline, with wide nostrils adapted to cold climates.

• Ears: Medium-sized, with a slight outward curve, providing acute hearing crucial for survival in hostile environments.

• Mouth: Full lips framed by strong jaws, often set in a serious or contemplative expression. Teeth are strong and well-suited for their protein-rich diet.

• Skin Texture: Their skin is generally thick and weather-resistant, with a slightly rough texture, especially on exposed areas.

Hair

• Hair/Fur/Feathers: Hair is thick and often wavy or straight, ranging in colors from ash blonde and strawberry blonde to rich auburn and dark brown. Beards are highly common and considered a symbol of maturity and strength among men.

Limb Characteristics

• Arms: Long and muscular, reflecting their reliance on tools and weapons. Forearms often display subtle veining and callouses.

• Hands: Broad and strong, with thick fingers capable of dexterous work. Their palms are often roughened from handling tools and weapons.

• Legs: Powerful and sturdy, built for long treks and heavy labour. The calves are particularly well-developed, aiding in movement across rugged terrain.

• Feet: Wide and strong, adapted to uneven ground. Their toes are slightly elongated, offering better balance and grip.

Markings

• Skin and Coloration:

  • Base Colour: Pale to lightly tanned, with undertones of rosy pink or ashen grey, depending on environmental exposure.

  • Patterning: Subtle freckling or pigmentation occurs among those frequently exposed to the sun or harsh weather.

  • Luminosity: Their skin has a faint natural sheen, reflecting good health and their robust metabolism.

Physical Anomalies

• Extra Features: Rarely, some Svolthyn exhibit slight hybrid traits, such as unusually thick or coarse hair resembling fur, potentially attributed to alien environmental influences.

Movement and Locomotion

• Gait: The Svolthyn walk with a deliberate and steady gait, reflecting their practical nature. Warriors and Skjoldvagr often display a slightly predatory stride.

• Special Abilities: Their balance and endurance are exceptional, allowing them to traverse challenging landscapes with ease.

Voice and Sound

• Speech: Their voices are deep and resonant, with a clear, commanding tone that conveys authority and presence.

• Other Sounds: In battle or rituals, they produce guttural chants and songs that resonate with their Norse roots.

Cultural or Environmental Influences on Appearance

• Adornments: The Svolthyn frequently adorn themselves with braids, beads, and woven leather bands, symbolising achievements, lineage, or affiliations.

• Clothing/Armor: Their attire reflects the rugged environment of Nývarðr, with thick woolen tunics, fur-lined cloaks, and sturdy leather boots. Warriors wear chainmail and reinforced leather armor, often adorned with runes or carvings.

• Environmental Adaptations: Long exposure to the harsh climates of Nývarðr has led to thicker skin, resistance to cold, and heightened physical resilience.

The Svolthyn’s physical appearance reflects their hybrid cultural identity and their adaptation to the rugged challenges of Nývarðr, embodying both their Norse heritage and their hard-earned connection to their new world.