Sudmanne
Sudmanne (the people of the south) are not a single ethnic group, per se; rather, the Sudmanne are a diverse collection of races and ethnicities held together by a more-or-less common culture. The Sudmanne people are found primarly in Sudland, but they have spread throughout the countries surrounding the western part of the Black Dragon Sea, including Sudland, Koyon, Yfel, and Rigosland.
The primary cultural characteristic of Sudmanne that differentiates them from other peoples of Derkomai is their open-mindedness and acceptance of people of any race or ethnicity, and even people of other species. It is not uncommon to find individuals of many different races and ethnicities living together in Sudmanne communities, and in some places, even Elvirim and Dwarvirim live in enclaves within Sudmanne cities, towns, and villages. Racial and ethnic tensions may still exist within Sudmanne communities, but far less so than in most other places.
Naming Traditions
Family names
In most Sudmanne communities, given names precede family names when written or spoken. Given names are usually used without the family name, unlike in many cultures of Derkomai. In formal settings, when addressing someone of higher status, the family name is used with an honorific as a signifier of respect. In general, Sudmanne people are much less formal with regard to how names are used than, for example, Senmanne, Azmasanmanne, and Chessmanne people.
Among the Sudmanne, there are no strictly followed traditions for family, masculine, or feminine names. Family names sometimes reflect the profession of an ancestor. Children usually inherit the family name of their father, but this is not universal. There are many commonly used given names, but people often choose uncommon or unusual names for their children.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The Sudmanne people primarily speak the standard dialect of Sudkou; though, some learn other languages.
Shared customary codes and values
Because the Sudmanne people are an eclectic collection of many different peoples, the one value they all share is acceptance for their differences. Sudmanne people are, in general, open-minded and accepting of people of different ethnicities, races, and even species.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
There are no universally held beauty ideals among the Sudmanne, other than those common to most all Human cultures - symmetric face, healthy body, unblemished skin, clear eyes, and so on. Skin color among the Sudmanne people varies from very pale to nearly black. Hair color, styles, and types vary greatly: long, short, straight, curled, blond, red, and brunette - all are commonly seen.
Gender Ideals
Given that Derkomai is (and always will be) a pre-industrial world, like all Human cultures of Derkomai, gender roles among the Sudmanne people tend to be traditional; though less so than for most others. In Sudland, the heart of Sudmanne culture, both men and women hold leadership roles in society and government, own businesses, and do whatever kind of work they choose.
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