Deadmouter
Deadmouth Born and Raised
The demonym for one born and raised on Deadmouth Island, the term Deadmouter applies mostly to the people of Highport and Cliffegarde, although it can really be used accurately for any of the inhabitants native to the island. Nonetheless, it has come to be primarily a term used to refer to humans born and raised on Deadmouth Island, with the non-human populations adopting terms such as "Deadmouth Dwarf" or "Woken Gnome" to separate their ethnicities from outlanders.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Rina, Bertha, Dar, Ahara, Vrinda, Haimi, Gin, Verity, Elise, Nat, Andi
Masculine names
Sam, Tom, Rob, Jax, Ari, Ty, Al, Hale, Gram, Klog, Arne, Tor, Gar, Arn, Hersch, Rin, Iote, Henry, Wil, Jer, Hart
Unisex names
Kay, Lac, Dar, Achen, Dron
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Common (with an accent suggesting A light Cockney), Elvish and Dwarvish are commonly spoken, with both Elvish and Dwarvish tending a little towards a more archaic form of the language.
Culture and cultural heritage
The Deadmouter cultural heritage comes from the blending of several races and cultures and, ultimately, a place of failure. Even the youngest Deadmouter is, at most, five generations removed from a failed attempt to colonize the island and, although functioning as a city (barely), Highport is not exactly what you would call a success so much as a miracle (that it still stands). As a result, Deadmouters tend to be somewhat pessimistic, but hardy and determined and this is reflected in the practicality of their art and music as well as holidays marking a sense of community achievement.
Shared customary codes and values
Deadmouters tend towards being honest and upfront in their interactions with others, even where their intent towards another is less than benevolent. If a Deadmouter intends to rob you, beat you or kill you, most will tend to be upfront about their intentions. A knife in the back would be looked upon much more harshly by most than an honest killing over a perfectly valid conflict.
Common Etiquette rules
"Sir", "Miss" and "Ma'am" are commonly used terms when speaking to another, even if addressing a close companion, but particularly when addressing a stranger.
Common Dress code
Only denizens of the Southern Ward in Highport care much for fashions, and there are few enough Deadmouters among them, still long dresses are favored among Deadmouter women and the men wear favor loose shirts and breeches. Boots for both sexes tend towards knee length or above.
Art & Architecture
Eclectic would be the kind way of describing Deadmouter architecture. Most of Highport seems to be just thrown together, the Platforms look to be held up by spit and hope. Important structures tend towards functional. A great deal of the buildings thrown up by Deadmouters are only intended as temporary and the look of them reflects that.
On the other hand, Deadmouters take their art quite seriously. There is a current trend towards abstraction, influenced no doubt by the rather abstract nature of Highport itself. Wood carvings are abundant and quality woodcarving appreciated above most other art forms.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
All debts are settled at Harvest Feast. This does not mean all debts are forgiven. For those in debt, Harvest Feast can be a dark time indeed, or even their last day if the debt is large enough and the collector unforgiving. Nonetheless, everyone enters the new year with a clean slate. At least in theory. There will always be grudges held after all.
Coming of Age Rites
Since everyone, in theory, begins the New Year with a fresh slate, the 1st day of Cridort marks the coming of age for all youths turning thirteen years of age between the 1st of Grumid (eighteen months prior) and the 30th of Vlujacus (six months prior). This means that coming of age falls in the range of 13 1/2 years old to 14 1/2 years old and is traditionally marked with a swim across The Deadmouth from the Southern Ward to Gloomwharf. It is a difficult swim which most do not successfully complete but a certain status is conferred upon those that do.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Without much in the way of ground to bury their dead, there are two methods of putting the dead to rest withing Highport. The more well to do are able to afford mausoeum space for the bodies of their loved ones in a huge mausoleum that takes up a large part of the small island that is only accessible from the elven platform. Most, however, send bodies floating down the Deadmouth on makeshift rafts, often set ablaze.
Common Taboos
For the average Deadmouter, going much beyond a half days journey from their home is a rarity and beyond that unthinkable. There are still native explorers and adventurers who do more, but for many the personally experienced or simply ingrained generational trauma of the failed colonies that either stranded them on Deadmouth Island, or at the least their ancestors, leads to a cautious outlook on the remainder of the island and its inhabitants.
Common Myths and Legends
Many legends surround the Biorniklif Expedition - the first dwarven excursion to Deadmouth Island whilst other more racially specific myths relate to either failed colonies or the lands that those colonies originated from. There are also many tales of interactions with the nine gods of the Deadmouth Pantheon and their agents.
Related Locations
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