Traladaran

The main problem with ruling the Traladarans, is that not even the Traladarans rule the Traladarans. They’re not a collective people so much as a group of vaguely affiliated tribes and villages, united solely by their unending hatred of anyone trying to tell them what to do. King Stefan may rule Karameikos, but Mistress Sascia rules Luln, and Lord Mayor Manning rules Stallanford, and if Stephan has a problem with how they lead their people then he can come and take it up with them himself.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Celtic

Masculine names

Celtic

Unisex names

Celtic

Family names

Profession or location based, eg. Smith, O’Stallan

Other names

Celtic

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Traladaran is a dialect of common, however it uses its own runic alphabet (ogham) and written Traladaran and written Common should be seen as two distinct languages.

Shared customary codes and values

All negotiations and official business is done face to face, meaning that territories are rarely more than 3 days’ ride across. Honesty and loyalty are seen as tantamount, and it is believed that you can see if someone is lying by looking into their eyes.

Average technological level

Basic iron working

Common Etiquette rules

Avoiding eye contact is seen as shady and suspicious, and not doing things in person is insulting or suspicious by turns.

Common Dress code

Most people wear leather or fur in public, and simple dyed cloth in private or when it’s very hot. Men being shirtless in public is also normal, and public nudity is not common, but also not taboo.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Strong, well-fed.

Gender Ideals

Women are expected to be more literate, writing is seen as “women’s work”. Transexuality etc. is not really discussed, but outright bigotry is rare. Mainly it’s seen as a matter between you and your partner. Moving to the next village when you transition is fairly common, in order to avoid awkward questions, but it is generally entirely voluntary.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship is initiated with a gift of a hand-carved figurine of applewood, wrapped in heather. Asking for the blessing of the parents of the other party is generally done before proposing, which is done with a plain ring of a precious metal. When being married the spirits of the forest are called upon to witness and bless the marriage, and partake in the revelries, an invitation which is often accepted, and the couple passes through an arch formed of two birch saplings bound together. These saplings are then allowed to grow while woven together, and stand to commemorate the marriage.

Relationship Ideals

Homosexuality is accepted, with orphans often going to such couples. While new couples will generally move from their parents houses, they often move in with other friends or another couple, with households being between 4 and 8.