L'hinea (Western Ausran)
"Shulak crested the dune, her mane streaming behind. I tried to take a sip of my canteen, only to feel a spicy drop of sulfurous backwash hit my tongue. My skin was already peeling from the sun, and the blisteringly hot sand seeped into the holes in my boots, every once in a while drawing a yelp of pain from my misfortune. I looked up at her; she was having much more fun than I.
'See that?' she barked.
'See what?'
She groaned and grabbed my hand, leading to the top of her little hill of sandy glory, and I saw it. It wasn't easy to spot, that was for sure. Tents, the same color as the red sand under our feet, stretched for at least a furlong. People milled about- they were part of the reason I saw the settlement in the first place- doing their day-to-day, as I would soon find out. Across the sand, a group of tall women approached, striding ever so gracefully across the open area between us and the sweet little village.
There were three... and they were enormous. Shulak was no short-stack, but she barely came to their exposed midriffs. They wore small cloaks, with half cut tops and what looked like leather shorts reaching to the beginning of their hamstrings, and hid their face with cloth. The three of them were all a different shade of red, from light-pinkish to a rich, dark brown-red. The soulspears they held all had the same energy- a rough, untamed, primal force, and one that I would have been foolish to challenge.
The dark one spoke in a voice sounding of the very sand under our feet- coarse and gritty, with the same light accent we'd heard in Beljensik.
'Who goes?'
Shulak reached into her breast pocket and presented the phalstamene crishm. The dark woman squinted, as did her companions. Then, after what seemed like forever, she stood stock straight and looked at Shulak with a softer expression.
'It seems that you've traveled far, my friends. Welcome to Giida, The Undercity.'"
-Pashaman Gaheltno, Eunjeck Entho (Corporal). Beginning of Red Snow
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Names are chosen by the mother, and correspond with personality traits and actions of the offspring. A common way of choosing these names is by giving children a set of toys and seeing which ones they choose to play with and the way they behave when the toys are moved, taken away, or in more serious cultural subsets, broken and/or burned. Common names are also words in the L'hinee Lexicon.
- Haniawha
- Ka-sen
- Bujja
- Kjen
- Yeshka*
- Taw
- Hashansa
- Bullhi
- Ahnka
- Aldhia
- Troubel
Masculine names
- Kan
- Sehe
- Holt
- Wenjet
- Hemoshka*
- Iifth/Yifth
- Rejons
- Neshkons
- Amonyeshka*
Unisex names
- Bunje
- Hunha
- Jusk
- Henesk/Jeneska
- Unhaata
- Kehme
- Pehesh
Family names
Traditionally in regional culture, a family name is passed down by the female parent. Due to the male-harem style of familial communities in the West, there are few family names prevalent in the region, and many Western Ausran come from one of the "main" families. These are considered the most common family names.
- Nive
- Honjek
- Anen
- Kuus
- Baahnha
- Jujek
- Rhylaa
- Hanaas
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The uniform language of the region is L'hinee, although Eskan is a close second in popularity. The most interesting fact about L'hinee? There are 30+ words for "dune" and 27 for "sand." Dialects very from village to village, but the most common dialect is Beljensiki.
Culture and cultural heritage
The Western Ausran culture is derived from the belief that Western women are larger, hardier, and smarter than males of their ethnicity. Science and experience is enough to prove this untrue, but values have become so entrenched that it would take many hundreds of years to change them. The other facets of their culture are due to their formerly nomadic tribal existence, with trades being prized over creativity. The remaining populations attempt to keep that culture alive through vehement practice. Their numbers are steadily growing, thanks to a foothold in Beljensik.
Shared customary codes and values
Above all, L'hinea prize resourcefulness and flexibility.
Average technological level
Technological advancements have slowly worked their way into the villages and settlements of the region. Tech is somewhat limited in the area due to preference of locals; they prefer to stick to tradition. All higher technologies are considered space-age tech. Traditional technologies are on par with advanced tribal norms, with most processes being manual. Transportation is the only widely accepted technology that all Westerners seem to agree on. These consist of aircraft, land vehicles, and powered boats.
Common Etiquette rules
When greeting, females lift their heads as if to look down upon the subject, especially when greeting other females. Males nod slowly to all. Informally, females and males can choose to stop and tilt their head to the side as a greeting, usually in the same direction as the other greeter, although casually it is not frowned upon to alternate.
When stepping into another female's dwelling, a visiting female must step in with the left foot, as to not make it seem like they lay claim to something that isn't theirs.
Males are allowed to visit other males all the time and are encouraged to do so when they have finished their share of household tasks. However, they may not visit a female without supervision from their own mate.
Females must treat their harem with respect in public view; whatever they choose to do in their home is their own business, but dirty laundry is best left behind when going out. If they mistreat their harem in public view, they may be susceptible to another female challenging them for members of their harem.
Children are to be cared for by the harem, but it is okay for females to be more involved in their rearing. They are allowed outside only under the supervision of an adult.
It is not okay to touch a female's headdress, whatever it may be. The touching of a female's headdress by another female is a gesture of an impending challenge for possession of their harem, or simply a fight for honor.
Common Dress code
Females can wear whatever they feel suits them, but traditional garb consists of a low-cut top, with pants reaching down a few centimeters under the knee, a cloth to cover their face, and a cloak upon their shoulders. Bits of metal are fixed to their faces, and these can be used to signify status, hunting prowess, or skill. The bits are acquired through a coming-of-age ceremony. Males are to cover themselves with cloaks and robes. Most choose not to wear shoes, but females working in tougher trades use heavy boots called hisna. They are described as "comfortable and durable." Colors black and green are strictly off-limits. Black and green alike are mourning colors, and green is the specific color of Hanek-Tes-san-o-en (see common customs & observed traditions).
Art & Architecture
In most villages and settlements, large stationary tents are the most common dwelling. In larger cities, the architecture from a Human standpoint would seem similar to pueblos, with large block-shaped buildings. Most of these are designed with a utilitarian vision in mind, and even the tents can last through the month-long sandstorms that afflict their region. Some villages have surprising large networks of tunnels underneath them, as well as entire underground cities. These cities are made up of pueblo-like buildings, and are where most villagers live.
Art is considered a hobby. The style is simplistic, with hints of a theme similar to tribalism. Males are commonly artists, and they keep their works hung up in their homes. These works can consist of dye-on-canvas, arrangements of rocks and stones, and jewelry designed specifically for home aesthetic purposes.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
There are several customs and traditions seen in the Westerners that are not observed in other cultures on the planet.
- The Festival of Temor (Hanek-Temor-en) is a much-anticipated event across all of Auser. It represents a week (the equivalent of 9 Terran days) when gender roles shift, and males get to take over their mate's trade and leave the female to do housework. Females and males have a separate party in two houses/tents right next to each other, and after three hours (Terran time), they emerge and march down the street carrying fireworks of orange and red, side by side with their mates. Some families spice up the march by performing, mostly through acrobatics and hux-flexing (the showing of a hux ability. meant to intimidate in the past, but in the festival used to create dazzling displays of bright energy.
- A darker day, the Day of Sorrow (Hanek-Tes-san-o-en), is not quite something that is as looked forward to. After the recent genocide campaign against the Western ethnic population, many heroic individuals lost their lives protecting and rescuing their people. No one can talk for the day, and must wear green. The reason for green is unknown, as practitioners flat-out refuse to explain the color choice.
- Westerners have one final holiday in which they gift each other useful items and work for free for two days, called Shlath (no known translation). Westerners will prepare gifts and services for months before the event is observed. On the day itself, gifts are given to all female neighbors by other females, and males gift each other in kind. All goods and services prepared over the last few months (they don't measure their time in months, but humans still need a reference point for everything or else it doesn't make sense.) are free. Many Ausran from across the ethnic spectrum travel to witness the initial gifting, and then to reap the benefits of the free sales and service.
- One of the most interesting spectacles is that of the "challenge," where one female will fight another for possession of their harem. These fights usually last until one party concedes. The rules are that the fighting must be honorable- no hux abilities, no weapons. The only weapons allowed are the tools given to one at birth; their bodies. The victor (usually the one with less bruises and/or missing teeth) gains a male of their choice from the harem of the loser, or in some subcultures, the entire harem. The loser is ostracized for a period of time, but eventually will be let back into their society. These challenges are not entirely uncommon.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
When a female is born, they are dipped into a vat of deep red dye. This is to make sure that the daughter will have beautiful dark-red skin when they grow up, but it's merely ceremonial. Males are left out of the baptism of dye.
However, regardless of the child's sex, birthing is a great event in the family, and even in neighbors. A birthing room can hold at least 100 individuals, with ten beds and about 14 feet between them.When a female is about to give birth, she is rushed to one of these birthing rooms. During the birthing, one mate is allowed in the chamber to help deliver the baby. It is considered good luck for the child's future if the male helps deliver their own offspring, instead of the offspring of one of the other members of the harem. After the birth, the family and friends are ushered in to take care of the mother and faun over the child. Measures of extreme cleanliness are taken before arrival of family and friends, but the tradition of cleaning didn't originate from fears that the child might get sick; rather, it was always tradition to be as clean as possible when meeting a brand new being entering the world as to keep it pure as long as possible.
Coming of Age Rites
Females are given their metal bits when they become reach an age equivalent to 15 years old. The shape of the bit is determined by a trial that the child must endure, and the trial is chosen by the youngling. The trial is similar to the feats that have to be performed when "choosing" males (see courtship). Males have no coming of age ceremony.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Younglings have a very high mortality rate, and this leads to a more relaxed funerary ceremony. Several verses are read from the same religious tome used to initiate marriages, and the body is given a small desert flower. It is then hurled into a "bottomless" pit near the village. In tradition, it is said that this makes it easier for the universe to reclaim the soul. There is a period of mourning for the youngling, during which the female will close its business for a day, or be put on a form of paid leave if they happen to work for another individual. The males of her harem will stay close to her for the day and night.
When an older Westerner passes, customs are different. The family of the passed individual must all wear black or green. Verses from the tome must be read in full, a process that takes a large portion of the day to complete, with frequent breaks for younglings to play or rest their vocal chords. When the reading is finished, a copy of the tome is placed on the body with a small desert bloom. The body is then desposed of in whichever way the deceased individual intends. Most choose to be tossed into a pit of fire, whereas the second most popular choice is to be floated upon an acidic lake and let their body be dissolved into the silt. This goes for both males and females.
Common Taboos
There are 4 taboos that visitors must be aware of.
- Female visitors must never enter another female's home upon the right foot. This is the equivalent of walking into someone's house, shoving them to the floor, and telling them that everything inside belongs to you. This will result in a beating, public humiliation, or worse. So, be sure to watch your step.
- Males are forbidden from having two mates at the same time, and cannot be part of two harems at once. If a male is caught outside at night, they are accused of adultery and subject to beatings by their mate. This beating isn't often voluntary, but a female will understand that it must be done.
- In stricter subcultures, it is frowned upon to insult a cook's food in any way. This means all food must be eaten when it is served at a public place. Since most food is served in large amounts, tourists and visitors are given a temporary pass for not eating all of their food, due to meals being proportionate to the size of the normal consumers (the subject of this article is the tallest Ausran ethnic group around, and they eat quite a lot). Constructive criticism, however, is always welcome. Just finish your food.
- Dishonorable conduct is a punishable offense. It is not uncommon for a female to pull a soul weapon out or power up an ability during a "challenge," and the penalty is exile for more extreme offenders, especially if someone is gravely wounded or maimed. Other dishonorable conduct includes starting fights and "challenging" for no good reason. Males can be accused of dishonorable conduct if they attempt to help their mate during a "challenge."
Common Myths and Legends
There are many myths and legends, but only three are recognized by all subcultures in the region.
- Hajansa: An old tale of an elderly Ausran used to teach people to be humble. In the story, Hajansa is a Westerner with everything she could possibly ask for- a large harem, many living younglings, a large stone house, and fields full of crops. Through a series of unfortunate events, she loses all of these things to a challenge from another female named Hokksha. Through many tests and trials, she regains her former life, but is changed by her experience to be a more loving and caring partner to her harem and her younglings.
- Nasa Tososho-en: A spooky story told to frighten younglings into behaving. If younglings are making trouble, the Nasa, a lanky, gaunt-looking woman will creep in under the youngling's eastern (or the closest thing to eastern) wall and whisk them away to a place called Tososho, where she forces them to bite off their own fingers and feed them to her for the rest of their lives, since she can make the younglings regrow their lost digits. The story is based off of a hux healer that was found to have stolen limbs from patients and eaten them when she would run out of food.
- Troubel: The last story is a living legend of a warrior so powerful, she warded off an army of invaders by herself. Troubel Skedrow is a tall, red-skinned Ausran, and a symbol of what it means to be a Westerner. Despite not fully supporting the cultural ideals of the West, a lot of different personality traits and possessions are pinned to her legacy, whether or not she actually had anything to do with them. She is currently the equivalent of an admiral, serving on the A.U.M.O.S.S. Ikarus-won (Icarus 1).
Historical figures
- Troubel Skedrow: Warrior and living legend. Rescued prisoners of war, protected cities, and is credited with the overthrowing of Northern fascist leadership.
- Jacodis Manoshma: Warrior and living legend. Served alongside Troubel Skedrow and was considered her right hand.
- Banaa Kuus: Speaker and politician. Fought for Westerner's rights during the slave trade epidemic in the region conducted by city super-companies.
- Ahnka Mejjes: Religious leader. Founded the most practiced religion in the region today.
- Booli Nive: Philosopher. Founded philosophies that promoted the Western culture and Western way of life.
- Kamaas: A public figure. Gained celebrity status when he renounced all his previous ties to the Western culture. Highly controversial.
- Ka-sen Hesn: Philanthropist and affluent member of society. Founded the cities of Beljensik and Giida, and paid for them in full by selling all her worldly possessions. Much loved.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Males: Strong physique, tall (but not taller than their S.I.), short flagellum, deep red or dark brown skin.
Females: Strong physique, tall, long flagellum, deep red skin, wide hips and large breasts.
Gender Ideals
Females are more often than not trained hunters and artisans, tradespeople that must be rugged and keen. The perfect Western woman is stoic and powerful, acquiring multiple mates through their skill in their trade and showing themselves off to those who may be interested, be that through flexing muscles or rolling up their lower garments to expose their left lower thigh (Never on the right, unless they're flirting with a member of their own harem. It is considered bold to show the right thigh to an unclaimed male, and slightly offensive. It is the equivalent of calling someone a whore.)
Males are supposed to be submissive, always confined to their village or settlement unless ordered to do otherwise by their mate. The ideal male can work in and around the house, taking care of cleaning, cooking, and offspring. Unclaimed males are expected to look for a mate. When a female chooses them, they are expected to learn their mate's trade, as to take over these processes during the pregnancy and nursing period of the female.
Courtship Ideals
Females choose multiple mates, drawing from whatever sources are available. When a male is chosen, it is up to the female to "appease" her new mate; she does this through a feat of strength, wit, or courage. Whether or not this feat is obtained, the male may decide to leave the female. When the feat stage is over, the female must find a precious item to give to the male. It is usually small, able to be kept in a pocket, although some traditions require that the item be a soul weapon to signify that the female wishes her mate protection. After this, if the male decides to stay, a courting takes place in the form of a private meeting between the male and female, always inside a specific tent. One witness enters halfway through the private proceedings, which consist of readings from a religious tome to signify the bond between the two parties, and is meant to lead the couple through the last two verses of their readings. The female will then present the item to the male. They then exit the tent, and declare themselves married to all individuals in the immediate vicinity.
Relationship Ideals
Relationships are for after marriage. These can vary wildly from harem to harem, with some Females completely disregarding their collection of mates, and others spending allotted periods of time with each individual in the harem. Sex is always a commonality, and is to be given whenever the male requests it. Largely, tradition takes the "what happens in the room, stays in the room" approach to relationships between females and their harem.
Major organizations
Political Parties
- Jancheku- traditionalist party, conservative values. Currently 73% of Westerners align with this party.
- Koleku- liberation party, moderate values. Currently 20% of Westerners align with this party.
- Lileku- liberation party, progressive values. Currently 16% of Westerners align with this party.
- Mejjeshus- the protestant branch of Eskan. It is currently the most practiced religion in the region. It incorporates the general Eskan religious texts into a format that includes Western traditions and practices.
- Eskanhus- another word for Eskan, the religion practiced most widely across Auser.
- Helshussanel: Hardcore killers. Known for hiring out assassins of all sexes. Bases are located all over the desert. Just don't go wandering into any caves or rocky outcroppings and you should be fine.
- Jusaanel: Organized criminals. Known for being the best smugglers in the area. Sell their wares at unmarked stands in street souks. As long as one doesn't try to become a rival smuggler, don't expect too much trouble. Another way to avoid trouble with the standkeepers is to be a good haggler.
- Jusanek: Organized criminals. Rivals of the Jusaanel. Smuggle items on demand, for the right price. Don't short them a penny's worth or they will show up ready to break some bones. Known to have a violent streak among other criminal organizations.
- Kulhens: Organized vigilantes. Known for pursuing criminals. Often clash with the Helshussanel, Jusanek, and Tehon. Are on good terms with Jussanel, due to the Jussanel's reputation as "the good smugglers."
- Tehon: Organized criminals. Known for curbing the market on crime in the big cities of the West. Own gambling houses, private black markets, and rings of assassins. Impossible to avoid in the larger cities, but stay out of alleyways and backstreets if there is any suspicion of being followed.
Encompassed species
Related Organizations
Related Locations
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Comments
Author's Notes
Herbert Bernardt. March 3, 2045. My excitement is immeasurable and my day is made! I have met in person one of the greatest literary figures alive. And he offered to let me help him write for his new almanac! At least, I believe it is an almanac. He might have minced words; after all, English is certainly not his first language. March 7, 2045. I met with him several days ago, and already we've begun to make headway. It seems as if much of my research on the species is correct, having received a seal of approval from him upon my entry into his study- he claims to have read it in one sitting. If my research is flawless, this does not surprise me. However, our objective is to compile our research into an easily accessible medium, and to make it readable for a larger audience. This isn't too daunting of a task. I suppose we could finish this in a day or two if we put our backs into it. March 28, 2045. The entry is finally complete. We took a lot of extra time to write it, but it was worth the wait. I've met so many interesting folks this time around the Ikarus-won. I've never seen so many L'hinea- and I found out why I hadn't. A sad tale, to be sure. They were very helpful in answering my questions about their lifestyles and customs.