Gerishmen
Gerishmen are a group of Humans originating in the County of Geryatdale that are descended from both the ancient Gero people and Marlish invaders. Although they have mostly lost the culture of their Gero ancestors, they retain an affinity for good stonework and a reverence for nature and the spirits that lie within.
Centuries of cohabitation with Charlishmen has made the typical Gerishman hard to pinpoint precisely. While many are practically indistinguishable from the typical Charlishman, ghostly pale skin and jet black hair are more common among Gerishmen, suggesting these physical features were common in their ancestors, the Gero. Sometimes, a Gerishman is born with eyes that glow blue like the runes left behind by the Gero; these are said to be "children of the Mountain".
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Anara, Elina, Mella, Gerya, Leya, Fila, Tirnava, Ravina, Almora
Charlish female names are relatively common, particularly among urban Gerishmen.
Masculine names
Elinas, Olenas, Sapporas, Gyaranas, Filas, Taranas, Gallanas, Geryavas, Tirnavas, Ravinas, Almoras
These are typically rendered in the Common tongue as Elin, Olen, Sappo, Gyaran, Fil, Taran, Gallan, Geryav, Tirnav, Ravin, and Almor, respectively. Charlish male names are relatively common, usually with an affixed -as suffix to make the name fit into the Gerish language. Elric becomes Elorikas, Oswald becomes Oswaldas, etc.
Family names
Gerishmen names reflect their mixed heritage and are influenced by both practical and cultural elements. Patronymics are common, but some retain noble clan names signifying their lineage and status.
Noble and significant families bear clan names, denoting their lineage and influence. Members of these clans often use both a patronymic and their clan name formally, though the clan name alone is typically used in informal settings. For example, a member of the wealthy Picti clan of merchants and administrators in Murk would have a name like "Gallan a Eogan Picti", shortened typically to "Gallan Picti".
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Gerishmen of the lower classes typically speak in the Gerish Language. Nobles and wealthy tradesmen adopt the Marlish Language; since it is forbidden to speak Gerish before a Charlish thane, this is often a choice borne of pragmatism, though there are a rare few Gerishmen who wish to reject their background and align themselves with the dominant Charlish culture.
Parent ethnicities
Related Organizations
Languages spoken
Related Locations