Hroffian
Naming Traditions
For most of the humanoid species, the naming conventions are similar to that of their ancestry, but humans in particular typically follow a more regional naming convention adapting from a myriad of different species that have become what they are today. Even so many species that have integrated with Hroff society have begun naming their offspring more Hroffian-type names so it is not uncommon for these names to be shared among many from different cultures and locations.Feminine Names
Aaliyah, Adelita, Adriel, Basia, Bedelia, Beula, Cadence, Caoimhe, Celeste, Dabria, Danuta, Dorothia, Echo, Eria, Eliana, Fleur, Fulia, Gabriella, Gertrude, Gladys, Hera, Hypatia, Ife, Iolana, Izolda, Jazmin, Khadija, Lakshmi, Lavada, Mabel, Malia, Myrna, Naeva, Nura, Oili, Ozella, Persis, Prue, Qianna, Rae, Roos, Ruta, Sable, Shanikka, Szilvia, Tabitha, Terra, Truid, Ulyssa, Usha, Ute, Vana, Vivi, Wera, Wioleta, Xenia, Xylia, Yasmin, Ylva, ZoraMasculine Names
Alastair, Alyc, Andel, Bacchus, Balfour, Belmont, Cael, Callum, Damarion, Eadric, Eamon, Faas, Finch, Gabriel, Gareth, Giles, Halvar, Harun, Icarus, Irwin, Jaryd, Kaden, Lael, Larkin, Lennox, Macario, Malcolm, Matthias, Nemo, Neville, Owyn, Penn, Polonius, Quentin, Quill, Radcliff, Reece, Rhett, Schmidt, Slade, Syd, Tavis, Thurman, Tomlin, Uriel, Uther, Vale, Varick, Virgil, Wade, Webster, Whalen, Xander, Xavier, Xun, Yvon, ZaanUnisex Names
Abbey, Addison, Aidan, Aquila, Bai, Binh, Caelan, Chante, Dale, Dee, Derya, Elah, Emery, Ennis, Folami, Gale, Harper, Hayden, Iman, Jaden, Jezreel, Kai, Kalua, Ki, Lei, Lim, Logan, Lux, Madison, Makani, Marion, Nakia, Nat, Nyx, Odell, Ora, Ori, Perl, Piper, Quinn, Rain, Raven, Rowan, Sage, Sky, Tai, Tal, Trinidad, Umut, Val, Vinh, Wen, Wook, Wren, Yan, ZanFamily Names
The family names of Hroffian usually take from the father's name in a capacity of "son of" or "daughter of". This is passed down through the generations and is morphs into a condensed form of it. For instance, if a father of importance is named Bacchus, the son's last name might become Bacchusson, which throughout the years might evolve into the name Busson.Other Names
Another common surname for people are simply titles or professions like Swordbreaker or Alebrewer. This is especially common among orphans and people who wish to disassociate with their families.
Culture
The culture of Hroff is extremely diverse due to the many gods of the Oryth Pantheon. So long as their traditions and practices do not cause harm to another, the practices are permitted. This has caused Hroff to be a focal point of Oryth, with many immigrating from less tolerant cultures to set up roots in a country of acceptance and tolerance.Major Language Groups & Dialects
The language most widely spoken among the Hroffian people is Tof'kran Common. There are lesser dialects among not only the differing regions of Hroff but also the higher and lower classes. However, with the semi-recent rule of High King Zook Taren, his fashion of speaking has been adapted by many who adore the new gnome king, though many dwarves are still quite pigheaded "pun intended" to see a gnome sitting atop a dwarven throne.Languages native to specific races are spoken widely among their respective people, but most citizens of Hroff speak Tof'kran for sake of trade and easy communication with people outside of their cultural norms.
Culture & Cultural Heritage
The culture of Hroff is a culmination of several different cultures and beliefs originating long before the formation of the Hroff Alliance. Each and every cultural tradition is considered precious to Hroff as a whole for freedom of expression and worship are one of the founding principles of the Hroffian people.Shared Customary Codes & Values
Honesty is one of the most cherished values among the Hroffian people as well as a hard-earned day's work. It is commonplaced to reward people with coinage or gifts for especially well-received service or favor and unnamed favors being some of the most significant of gifts available.Average Technological Level
Through the engineering of the gnomish people, technology has begun to take hold among the Hroffian people. Through the development of firearms in their neighboring continent of Tok, spies from Hroff have managed to smuggle the plans into their own country and equipping some of their elite officers with said weapon. High King Zook has actually helped in the development of the very first six-shot pistol he has dubbed the Court's Adjourned.Aside from firearms, the most significant technological advancement is the development of airships which combines technology and magical abilities into a coexisting vehicle of military force. There are small merchant trade ships that have adopted this design as well, but those are few and far between and the majority of the airships are reserved for military use.
Common Etiquette Rules
The common etiquette of the Hroffian culture is simply Treat people the way they wish to be treated. It is commonplace to tip your waiters and tenders, to eat with your mouth closed, to shake hands upon greeting someone, and to wipe your feet off before entering a home.Common Dress Code
There is no real dress code of Hroff. Most will just wear clothing that is comfortable or suitable for the job at hand. Lounging attire is comfortable, where work clothes are more rugged and fighting equipment tends to be heavy and protective.Art & Architecture
Art in the land of Hroff is far and wide-ranging from sculptures to landscapes to flower arrangements and zen gardens to dance and song. The Hroffian people use art to truly express themselves and many embrace a hobby as a means to unwind after a long and hard day's work.Due to the origin of Hroff a mixture of humans, gnomes, and dwarves, the architecture is a myriad of stunning stonecutting, engineering, and ease of travel. There are many monuments to the various and extensive pantheon of Oryth and shrines to the various elements. The larger cities of Hroff are a marvel to look upon with giant stone castles, flying airships coming in and out of port, and races from all walks of life and cultures.
Art By: Tarmo Juhola
Art By: Steve Bellshaw
Ideals
The ideals of the Hroffian people are truly in the eyes of the beholder as many are attracted to different levels of beauty, genders, and relationships through its lands.Beauty Ideals
As stated above, what is considered beautiful varies greatly from person to person, but generally, there are those that are considered objectively beautiful by the populace of Hroff. In masculine people, a more athletic build is sought after as it shows the willingness or work and gets their hands dirty, though in higher classes, more rotund people tend to be attractive due to the association obesity tends to have with wealth. If they are able to afford to indulge in food more than an everyday person, then they are often thought to be at least generally well-off.The more feminine people, though people tend to prefer curvacious qualities and more Rubenesque quality about them. Femininity is often shown with loose-fitting clothing of fine silks and slightly transparent cloths to reveal more of their natural curves and body shapes.
Gender Ideals
The Hroffian people are understanding of the spectrum of various different genders. Though eyes can often deceive and accidental misgender does occur, this is often remedied with a bit of correction. Many will try to dress more feminine or masculine depending on what they identify, but this is not necessarily a rule and most people tend to be cautious about assuming someone's gender identity. It is not uncommon for someone attempting to become acquainted with another person to ask what their preferred pronouns are even if it may look obvious to some.
Art By: Shon2
Courtship Ideals
Unlike many other cultures throughout Oryth, courtship and marriage are almost always between parties that love one another. Within the last few centuries, polyamorous weddings have been recognized officially by the Hroffian Alliance, and all the benefits and accommodations enjoyed by married couples have been passed onto these multi-personed unions. Though polyamorous marriages have never been illegal per se, only two people were able to request assistance from the governing bodies of Hroff.Relationship Ideals
In Hroff, love is love and nothing should stand in its way. The Day of Affection is one of the most widely celebrated days throughout the continent and relationships of all kinds are more than just permitted, but embraced by the Hroffian culture. No matter the gender or lack thereof, as long as the relationship is consensual, then it will arouse very little disdain throughout the region.Major Organizations
The Hroff Alliance is the largest of the organizations in Hroff due to the demand needed to fight off the tyrannical Tok Empire though there are many other esteemed organizations through the region. One of the biggest magical schools in Hroff is known as the Alandis Institute of Magic or AIM for short.Common Customs, Traditions & Rituals
Brevis Solstice
The Brevis Solstice, also known as the Day of Tricks, is marked by the 1st of Cuthbis and is the shortest day of the year. It received its nickname the day that the gnomish god, Garl Glittergold, collapsed a cavern on the kobold god, Kurtulmak. Though this holiday is hated universally by kobolds, it is loved by children and humorous folk throughout the lands. It is traditional to play harmless pranks on loved ones and yell out "Finc!", the gnomish word for trick when someone falls for a joke.Day Of Affection
The Day of Affection is marked by the 2nd of Ehlobis and has its roots from when a secret admirer would profess their feelings to the object of their affection. Traditionally, this is done with a seed of the persons' favorite flower or plant. If the seed should bloom during the following Season of Growth, it was considered good luck and a favorable relationship to come. Annually, lovers will often plant a tree to represent their relationship together. The largest and most beautiful forests representing everlasting love.Day Of Atonement
The Day of Atonement is marked by the 15th of Hexbis with the sole purpose of confessing the worshippers' sins in accordance to their given gods' decree. This is different for everyone depending on which god they hold closest to their heart. It is said that no matter the god, the disciples' sins will be forgiven.Day Of Breadgiving
Marked by the 20th Day of Cuthbis, this event was originally a charitable event for the Tok refugees. Subsequently, it has become a day dedicated to feeding the hungry in general. Followers of Saint Cuthbert take the opportunity to preach and gain converts and provide security for the event. The faiths of Pelor and Rao also participate.
Art By: Karin Best
Longus Solstice
The Longus Solstice is marked by the 10th of Heirobis and is the longest day of the year. It a day of welcoming and even the secluded and slightly xenophobic dwarven people of Bhar Thadrim open their gates to celebrate Tsharithius' largest festival of the year, the aptly named Longus Solstice Festival where people of all walks of life and sentient beings are welcomed with open arms (especially those willing to spend the coin). This celebratory attitude is not exclusive to just the dwarves of this great city, but all throughout the lands. Large and small cities alike hold festivals and events, drinking and being merry, celebrating the day that Peloris shines brightest.Night Of Hopeful Dawn
Marked by the 1st of Celebis, the Night of Hopeful Dawn is a holy night for the church of Celestian due to the stars being so easy to observe without the light of Obis and the rotation of the Oryth aligning just right. Many flock to high points all throughout the lands in order to see the galaxy in its full glory.Day Of The Departed
The Day of the Departed is marked by the 21st of Nerubis and is a day to honor those no longer of the Material Plane. Many make shrines to their ancestors and tell stories of their lives in remembrance. It is often said that the soul of an individual will fade away even in the afterlife when the last person forgets of their memory. It is believed widely that being forgotten is worse than death itself. Large ceremonies and parades will be held for those of great import.Discovery
Marked by the 12th of Boccbis and the day before the beginning of the Season of Harvest, Discovery honors the magical discoveries made in the previous year. Every five years, the holiday is expanded to include testing for magical talent and expeditions to rediscover lost lore.Day Of Feasts
The Day of Feasts is marked by the 10th of Zagbis and is traditionally timed with the first appearance of daylight's first sighting of the moon. It is said that no one is a stranger on the Day of Feasts and people from all walks of life gather to feast before the coming of the cold season. People sing songs, tell tales, and cook their finest dishes to celebrate the accomplishments of themselves and their peers. This holiday is a favorite among Halflings and Gnomes.The Masquerade
Marked by the 13th of Olibis and the beginning of the Season of Rest, The Masquerade is a day everyone places masks on them and are free of all judgment. People rid their inhibitions and dance and sing, eat and steal. Come the night time, they revel in faceless, but harmless debauchery.Day Of Curiosities
The Day of Curiosities is marked by the 7th of Trithbis and is the most widely celebrated holiday in all of Oryth. It is the one day of the year that in accordance with the Laws of War that no blood shall be shed between the nations of Hroff and Tok. It is customary on this day to give three gifts. The first gift is a handmade gift presented to one's parents, the second, a bought gift for one's closest friend or friends, and the third, a gesture of kindness of no material solidarity to a complete stranger.Birth & Baptismal Rites
Upon birth, it is customary to have a priest of your faith to sanctify and bless the child by first place ash across their forehead and then submerging them inside of a pool of blessed water. This ritual originates from a barbaric ritual where the father and mother would lacerate their palm and place a stripe of blood on either cheek before having the shaman of the tribe bathing the child in earth. Aboriginal and tribal people of Oryth still practice this ritual to this day.Coming of Age Rites
The coming of age seems to be separated by the tribal and city folk of the Hroffian people. In the cities at the age of 13, it is expected for the child to go out into the world and get their first job as an apprentice in any given craft. In the tribes of Hroff, it is when you must go into the wilderness and come back with enough food for the entirety of the tribe. Enough food for one night's meal is sufficient. Though in the wilds of Hroff, this journey can sometimes be a fatal one.
Funerary & Memorial Customs
The people of Hroff have always buried their dead, but since the coming of Unus Annus and their Memento Mori, they have elaborated on these rituals greatly. A coin on either eye, one face on heads and the other on tails, is meant to be an offering to grant them admission to whatever the afterlife has in store for them. Before their emergence, the dead would only be honored on the Day of the Departed with their respective shrines to commemorate their life.After the ceremony to put the body at rest, everyone in attendance puts in coin to help with the following tradition. Whether it be a couple of copper or several gold, the amount is not of import, but the gesture. With the combined money, those involved throw a celebration to honor the deeds and accomplishments of the lost. They drink to their name, eat, and be merry to commemorate the occasion. There are laughs and tears alike, for everyone grieves differently. They all take their turns in sharing what they knew and loved of the person and their most cherished memory of the deceased.
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