Castran
Brief History
The Castran culture formed from the remnants of the population of northern areas of Altinum. A grand disaster struck the Altinum people that they were not prepared for. The Castran remember the disaster including earthquakes that leveled major cities and a massive tidal wave that stretched the length of the coastline and completely swallowed up the Altinum capital of Cambria. Those who remained in the northern regions after it had settled made the choice between travelling inland and seeking the aid of the Hilverdoorn tribes, or attempting to rebuild their destroyed world. Many chose to travel inland, but a small sect of the remnant people decided to stay and rebuild. These people would rebrand themselves as ‘Castran’, meaning resurrection in the Alti language.
They craved the technology and comforts they had grown so accustomed to but lacked the resources and methods to recreate it. So they became obsessed with regaining the former glory of their fallen empire, and all of its technological advancements they had prided themselves on. They were so dedicated with their cause they launched raiding parties and war campaigns less then a year after the disaster. They abducted and enslaved neighboring people and any Altinum member who wished to go inland and not help rebuild. The Castran did not like to imprison their own, but if they refused to join them then they were nothing but traitors. These policies of war and enslavement would become ingrained in the minds and culture of the people.
As new generations began to be born who had never even seen any of the grand cities of Altinum, the elders and leaders would begin to craft expansive tales of flying ships and monstrous machines that could tear down mountains. How many of these tales are fact or fiction is debatable among other cultures but Castran will defend it as fact no matter what. The Castran elders also began preaching of ideals of manifest destiny and that they must not rest or stop their conquest until Altinum is restored to its former glory.
As time went on the language changed and morphed to better adapt the Castran people to the point where it officially became considered its own separate language called Cast. Alti is still actively taught and is considered a must for every Castran to learn, as it is typically used in political situations and debates as well as research papers and documents to help safeguard both political and technological secrets. Just as the language diverged the culture of the Castran has diverged from the Altinum culture as well. The Castran culture has developed several different political factions and sects inside of itself that actively debate what is considered to be the most true to their Altinum roots.
Arts and Architecture
The arts and architecture of the Castran are most comparable to that of the romans. They favored stonework and masonry for most of their buildings, but did not shy away from the use of wood for internal support as well as housing for the lower classes. Castrans strive for elegance, and so even the most mundane of buildings can be found with intricate stone carvings of gods, people, and patterns. Much of Castran art is found in the form of sculptures or devices. Castran focus their creative power into either stone monuments and statues meant to honor great warriors and ancestors, or into the technological gadgets they create to help make everyday life easier.Shared Values
Slaves and Indentured Servitude?
The Castran have no qualms with either owning slaves or having indentured servants. The Castran people believe themselves to be naturally better and above many of the other cultures. Many Castran believe that hard labor is simply beneath them and so much of it is sourced through slaves from conquered territory. A Castran will never knowingly enslave another pureblood Castran, however it is a commonly accepted practice to immediately enslave any Castran who is of mixed origin with that of another culture. Castran however can be found in agreements leading to indentured servitude to repay debts or as punishment for a crime.Sexuality
Sexuality is a trivial matter to Castran. To them, a Castran is a Castran, and they do not discriminate who a person chooses to be with. While it is considered normal their are some sects inside the Castran culture that believe it was illegal in Altinum to be Heterosexual, and that hetero relationships only existed as temporary agreements for the sole purpose of procreation. They believe this helped the Altinum with population control and growth.Taboos
Castran taboos vary depending on what vision of altinum they subscribe too. For example some factions find heterosexuality outside of procreation to be a disgusting and taboo subject. The one main taboo that can be found throughout the culture, is having a pureblood castran as a slave. Typically there are no official rules against owning a pureblood Castran however it is highly looked down upon, and both the slave owner and the slave are considered traitors. One for daring to imprison another pureblood, and one for disgracing their lineage and finding themselves in such a low state.Customs and Traditions
Coming of Age rites
It is traditional for both men and women to serve a tour of duty in the military. While it is not always required depending on the province a Castran may live in, the process is considered a rite of passage as well as a great honor. The length of the tour depends entirely on current wars and political strategies, and can range from as little as 3 years to 10 years. During this time each Castran has opportunities to learn varying trades and professions so that they may find a profession once leaving the military. Once their initial tour of duty is over and they are free to re enlist or choose a profession, Castran go through a honorary ceremony where they declare what their future holds for them. Two fifths of all Castrans choose to stay in the military and continue serving their people.Funerary Rites
Castran have specific burial and funerary traditions that have been forgotten due to the systematic destruction of any Castran culture still on the isles.Courtship
Castran courtship traditions have been forgotten due to the systematic destruction of any Castran culture still on the isles.Religious Customs
Castran religious customs traditions have been forgotten due to the systematic destruction of any Castran culture still on the isles.Naming Traditions
Family Names:
Mariusm, Furius, Gessius, Pulcherius, Volusenus, Triarius, Nabor, Claudius, Vinicius, PantheraMasculine Names:
Mamercus, Decimus, Herius, Caeso, Numerius, Mettius, Septimus, Sabucius, Caletus, LuciusFeminine Names:
Calavia, Trebatia, Festinia, Arsinia, Turullia, Plotia, Gavia, Aelia, Lafrenia, GaleriaLineage Skill:
History
Culture Skills:
Languages Known:
Cast, Alti, CommonPick 1 Skill Proficiency:
Intimidation, Athletics, ArcanaPick 1 Tool Proficiency:
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