Arakesh (Moon Lords)

Arakesh

(ahr-ah-KESH) Language: Arakeshen (ahr-ah-KESH-in) (Meaning: Moon Lords. Origin: Indian/Sanskrit (Rakesh)) Colors: Red (Fire, Purity, Energy), White (Sorrow, Mourning, Death), Yellow (Sun, Sand, Nature, Autumn)
The Arakesh live among a vast desert expanse of Akọni, enduring the heat of the days in exchange for the amazing view of the stars at night. An adventurous people whose beliefs and culture center around the night skies, philosophers and dreamers ever reaching for the stars. They're known for their vast trade network and their assassins guild

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Arakeshen and Titemiqui (based on a mix of Indian, Sanskrit, and Nahuatl)

Average technological level

Stone carving, deep mining, solar panels, astronomy, aqueducts, vast trade routes, water conservation, growing plants on very little water, chiropractic, holistic medicine, aromatherapy, brightly colored dyes.

Common Etiquette rules

Always take off your shoes when entering a home, It is considered good manners to arrive 15 to 30 minutes late, It’s customary to bring a gift when visiting someone’s house.

Common Dress code

Light and loose layers of clothing, typically very colorful.

Art & Architecture

Art: Colorful mosaics, Sandglass sculptures, Stained glass, Miniature paintings. Kalamkari, Pattachitra and Warli are popular styles.
Architecture: Colorful solar glass windows, Rock cut buildings carved into the mountains, Vastu shastra (integrating architecture with nature, the relative functions of various parts of the structure, and ancient beliefs utilizing geometric patterns (yantra), symmetry, and directional alignments), Mughal (large bulbous domes, slender minarets at the corners, massive halls, large vaulted gateways and delicate ornamentation)

Birth & Baptismal Rites

A candle/lamp is lit in the family's home for each child on the day of their birth, it sits in a window at the front of their home, and burns all day.

Coming of Age Rites

Making a trek to the capital and lighting a candle (in the color of your chosen vocation) at each of the statues of legends Hanan, Inara, Farouk, Tarik, and Asha, who are believed to be the founders of the Arakesh and are considered to be somewhere between heroes and gods.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Bodies are cremated, and the ashes scattered in a place of significance (away from all water and food supplies), all funerals are held at night and there is typically a candlelight vigil under the stars.

Common Taboos

Public displays of Affection, Using weighted scales (to cheat measurements) Eating with your left hand, Sharing eating utensils.

Common Myths and Legends

(Mercy/Compassion: Hanan, Light, Dawn and Candles: Inara, Truth: Farouk, Stars: Tarik, Hope: Asha)

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Kohl around the eyes, long hair, colorful attire, jewelry (esp gold). (all of these ideals are ungendered)

Gender Ideals

Fairly even, though women are more likely to be recommended for the Assassins Guild as they're considered to be better suited for stealth, while men are more likely to be recommended for Smiths and Minors as they're considered to be better suited for heavier work. (Most often decided more by order of birth or parent's professions.)

Courtship Ideals

When an individual is of legal age (20+) and has chosen and trained for (or is nearly finished with training) their chosen vocation, and expresses interest in a potential marriage mate, their parents or close relations are typically expected to look into the background of the individual and their family and observe the two together in a neutral environment to help judge whether they will suit one another as a couple. While it is up to the individual to choose their mate, if the family voices a concern that cannot be proved false then the marriage cannot be performed. Typical courtship gifts: Finely crafted daggers, fine cloth, and expensive perfumes.

Relationship Ideals

Shared control and equal say, strong lines of communication, skills that complement each other. Household responsibilities are typically divided by individual skill.

Major organizations

Crimson Widowmakers (Arakesh Assassins Guild) (Since 412AP), Smiths and Miners Guild, Merchants Guild (well-known caravans),

Parent ethnicities

• Jasir (Fearless)
• Titemiqui (Pre 274 AP)