Ardentonian

Long ago, on the continent of Mechanika, there existed a culture known as the Ardentonians. They were a civilized, advanced people, known for their technical innovations and finest clockwork technologies. However, the wealth that grew from these skills attracted the attention of the military-based Empire of Baeloria, which spread out from the continent of Aetheria.

Baeloria attacked Mechanika and overwhelmed the Ardentonians by sheer military superiority. The Ardentonians, unable to face the invaders on the battlefield, fell under the oppressive rule of Baeloria. The conquerors, who were mainly interested in the technology and wealth of the Ardentonians, dismantled large parts of the production facilities and brought them back home. But being in possession of the technology does not mean being able to handle it.

At short notice, the Baelorians kidnapped women, children, and technicians to use them to operate the new technical facilities. Since then, the once-thriving Ardentonian culture has been suppressed by the more powerful Baelorian Empire and is almost entirely under Baeloria's control.

Today, the Ardentonians are but a shadow of their former greatness, doing everything they can to preserve their traditions and culture while their skills are forced into the service of the hated conquerors.

Appearance

Ardentonians come from a variety of species, but sharing a common cultural background gives them some similarities. They usually have pale to olive skin, green or blue eyes, and light brown to reddish hair. Their features are usually finely drawn, with straight noses, full lower lips, and a narrow, elegantly drawn upper lip. Centuries of work with technological advances and clockwork mechanisms have resulted in long, delicate fingers and a generally rather delicate physique. Most Ardentonians are significantly narrower than other members of their species.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Isadora, Seraphina, Celestia, Arabella, Evelina, Lysandra, Marcella, Astrid, Cassandra, Evangeline, Melisande, Ophelia, Isolde, Briar, Thalia, Rowena, Elara, Odessa, Rosalind, Seren

Masculine names

Alistair, Cedric, Thaddeus, Magnus, Percival, Dorian, Valerian, Lucius, Corbin, Alaric, Elric, Leander, Orion, Draven, Gryphon, Calix, Oberon, Tristan, Ambrose, Varian

Family names

Fairbourne, Ironcrest, Gearheart, Swiftwind, Stargazer, Emberforge, Shadowblade, Clockwell, Steelhelm, Blackthorn, Silverstrand, Stormbringer, Moonshadow, Copperstone, Firestrike, Thornbrook, Frostbane, Goldleaf, Emberfall, Nightshade