Artanbo

The Artanbo people are a (mostly) human ethnic group. They make up the majority of inhabitants in the southwest of the Ephon continent on Terra, particularly in the Beauzark province of Terra Consortium. Their appearance can vary heavily, ranging from dark brown to fair skin, and black, blond, or sometimes even red hair. The Artanbo have maintained much of their cultural practices due to the Carcid Empire's indifference after the Monduan Empire, on the verge of collapse, agreed to be a vassal state to the Carcids. Ironically, this event is what allowed their relative independence, and let their customs evolve to what it is today. Logistical difficulties within Terra Consortium and heavy resistance against Apsirasist policy from the Artanbo allowed them to continue their independence; most officials will tell you that Beauzark is still Terra Consortium territory, but the Artanbo will tell you otherwise. The de facto state of Beauzark holds many customs outlawed in the rest of the nation, such as dueling, recreational use of street drugs, and the raising of children by blood relatives.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Ziebrea, Rhemakwo, Kaadjeau, Brakeeza, Eonbi, Yeauga

Masculine names

Aartov, Drelek, Ganto, Odozier, Vaarig, Markaas

Unisex names

Edeom, Isrhen, Ambaarku

Family names

Grhevier, Werhkala, Andark, Sarkeau, Ombearg, Koierg

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Their main language is Artanbo Creole, which comes in many different dialects. All dialects are, for the most part, understandable between different regional speakers.

Culture and cultural heritage

The Artanbo are mostly descendants of the Monduan peoples, who once inhabited the northern part of current-day Beauzark, and the Kojara peoples of the south. They also share ancestry with several outside groups from all across Ephon, especially in more recent generations.

Shared customary codes and values

Given their lack of cultural integration with the rest of Terra Consortium, outsiders sometimes mock the Artanbo as a reckless people with disgusting cuisine. In actuality, the Artanbo take pride in their differentiated culture from the rest of Terra Consortium. The Artanbo value community, independence, commitment, dedication to their craft, and traditional martial arts. They are often indifferent to outsiders, so long as they mind themselves.

Common Etiquette rules

There is little emphasis on formal etiquette among the common folk, unless accommodating outsiders for diplomatic purposes. Artanbo people are often physically close when greeting and talking with familiar company.

Common Dress code

Most Artanbo people wear simple clothing that are typical to other regions on Terra, though they still wear traditional clothing during festivities. This clothing often consists of many semi-precious stone beads, vibrant and colorful cloaks, robes, and dresses with knit patterns similar to their traditional murals.

Art & Architecture

The Artanbo are mostly known for their earthworks, utilizing rammed earth for the foundation of their stocky, rectangular buildings made from sandstone and adobe. They craft many beads and stone carvings, both for sale and for personal use. In Artanbo art, diversity in color is key, with many contrasts of black, white, red, blue, green, and yellow. Artanbo pictures and murals usually follow a more abstract style, as opposed to a naturalistic style. Nearly every home and public building is decorated with some rug, painting, or tapestry with this style; it is not uncommon to even see vivid graffiti that takes elements of this style on the walls of villas and cities.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

The Artanbo have maintained many customs due to a lack of intervention from the Carcid Empire and, currently, Terra Consortium. One such practice is the art of the blade, for self-defense and for dueling, coupled with the keeping of a ceremonial dagger called a ziekla. This dagger is always kept at the side of every Artanbo while out in public, and is used to initiate dueling rites; when a duel is declared by both parties, each fighter uses the ziekla to make a cut on the sword hand, indicating a commitment to the duel. The scars on the palm that accumulate with each duel displays the fighter's willingness and experience. In addition, dueling scars on the face and body from the fight itself are also worn with pride by dedicated fighters. As such, seeing street duels in Beauzark is not completely unusual. Despite the popularity of thunder-arms in actual battles, the way of the sword still remains a cornerstone of Artanbo culture. The Artanbo are also known for brewing a drink called grina, an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains, mixed with lizard bile and hot peppers. Though grina is now more widely produced for any occasion, it remains an acquired taste among outsiders, or a niche drink to taste on a dare. The more traditional version of grina is only served during special celebrations, in which the drink also contains a snake tail, and letting it touch the lips after drinking a whole cup is a customary sign of good luck. Some hardened individuals even eat the whole tail after finishing. Another part of Artanbo culture is ritual scarification, given as part of important rites of passage in life.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

At the first signs of conception, the mother is given scarification on the abdomen, which is said to help prepare for the pain of pregnancy and childbirth, reduce the overall pain, and to mark their commitment to the raising of the child. Mothers typically give birth in the company of close friends and immediate family members. When the child is born and confirmed healthy, friends and family make a celebration 12-14 days after birth, giving gifts personally made for the mother and child. As the child grows, the parents are not the only ones involved in raising the child; the entire family and trusted friends are considered just as important to their development as well.

Coming of Age Rites

Birthdays are not celebrated in Artanbo culture, but coming of age is considered very significant. When an Artanbo child reaches puberty, a celebration with many friends and family members commences, with gifts being given to the youth. One of the most important gifts is the ziekla, a ceremonial dagger one is expected to keep and maintain throughout their life. Ziekla are forged personally for the youth in question, though sometimes it is melted down from one that was kept by a deceased friend or family member. The youth coming of age also drinks their first cup of grina, snake tail and all. At the end of the celebration, the youth receives their first ritual scarification on their upper back.

Funerary and Memorial customs

One grand, final celebration, visited by all friends, immediate family members, and even extended family is given after a funeral pyre is made. To the Artanbo, this celebration is not one of grief, but of appreciation for the life that was lived. A high honor of the dead is to receive a ritual scar on the arm or chest in memory of them; this is as a symbol of respect, and for a kind of catharsis, acknowledging the pain of inner grief with that of physical pain. The most significant part of a deceased person's will is what happens with their ziekla, and so offering it to be melted down and reforged for someone close is a sign of great trust and respect.

Common Taboos

Neglecting or purposefully defacing a ziekla, turning down gifts, living alone, refusing ritual scarification for an important moment, speaking ill of honored dead.

Common Myths and Legends

The Artanbo do not practice any sort of worship, as their religion was forgotten long ago. However, they still have many folktales that have long since evolved from the most ancient of stories. One tale, as it is known in current times, is the tale of the Geenkrha, a hybrid monster that resembles a hairless, malnourished brush-ox with a long neck and the face of an old woman. The Geenkrha is said to visit the youths at night, feeding on lingering, childish fears of the dark. If the youth is without their ziekla, the Geenkrha steals away their eyes by midnight. The Geenkrha is said to avoid youths who sleep on their belly, displaying the ritual scars on their back to show their bravery and maturity. This story is a fun and cherished cultural icon, and a terrifying tale for younger listeners for hearing what they may face in adolescence. As an homage to the tale, youths who have just received their coming-of-age scars lay on their belly (mostly to keep their back from getting dirty while it recovers) and keep their ziekla under their pillow for good luck. However, most don't take this tale too seriously...

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Long hair and lean, toned muscle definition are preferred by both sexes. Unlike other peoples from Terra Consortium, cosmetic makeup and ink tattoos are not especially popular among the Artanbo, though piercings and scarification remain common. Men typically keep short beards.

Gender Ideals

Different genders are not especially differentiated from many cultural practices, and are often subjected to similar rituals, including rites of passage. Dueling scars tend to be more common on men. Women preparing for childbirth receive special scarification on the abdomen, said to ease the pains of pregnancy and birthing. Surnames are inherited maternally.

Relationship Ideals

The Artanbo do not marry, but they tend to stick with only one sexual partner. Homosexuality is accepted, though their family may subtly pressure them to produce a child.