Atessian

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

As with most places in Dunya the standard language is that of Common. In Atessian education many are taught Ignan and some go on to learn more Primordial at their own leisure.
Beyond that many individuals still hold true to their own racial languages, so orcish parents will teach their children Orcish and Goliath parents teach Giant etc,

Shared customary codes and values

The Atessian people still hold true to many of their tribal ways. This code of conduct is as follows:
-Stick with your family, through thick and through thin.
-Strength in numbers and in unity
-In times of crisis follow and trust in your leader
-Fire is the most essential element for society and life and should always be treated as such
Over time this has created a very community based society, although there are those who enjoy twisting the code to fit their own designs and gains. Throughout history this code has been used by many rebel factions as a reason to overthrow the Monarchy and instead rule as a collective but these individuals rarely lived long enough to convince many others.

Average technological level

On it's own Atessians would never have gone much further beyond technology needed for survival such as cooking, building houses and the various methods of gathering food. However their neighbour to the far south, Ocros, have provided things like magitech, magically enhanced materials, new techniques and other quality of life enhancements. It should be noted that while present throughout the city it is mostly merchants and other rich individuals who can afford to make liberal use of these luxuries.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

The most important festival to the people of Ates is the Fire lighting festival. A time where first the braziers and torches of the city, as well as those inside houses, are put out. The resulting atmosphere reminds the inhabitants of the importance of fire and it's role in life. After a day of this the mages of the city perform a large ritual in the centre square and restore fire to the city again and then feasts and parties erupt and the people celebrate.

Funerary and Memorial customs

The rite of flame is the most common burial custom, the body is placed within a shroud and covered in herbs and dyes that represent that individual. This is then burned and typically a speech or series of speeches are given based on the life of the individual. The fire and smoke created create a wonderful mix of colour and sweet smells for whoever stays to watch the ceremony. Some people hold smaller scale ceremonies each year, on the anniversary of the first, if the deceased was very close or important to them. This event typically uses a handful of herbs and dyes thrown into a small fire within the dwelling and is often only attended by close family.

Common Myths and Legends

All of Ates respect the history of The Four, specifically their own telling that involves The Brightburner giving them the laws for their new society post-cataclysm.
However they also have smaller myths and legends, most revolve around heroic kings or tales of ancient victories over the harsh environment the atessians live in.

Historical figures

The most well known historical figure is the eponymous hero, Aten, after whom the nation and its people were named. He was the tribal chieftain who decided that they should copy the actions of their neighbours and build a city.
Following this there haven't been many famous historical individuals because Ates very rarely acts decisively or changes much, so each ruler or revolutionist ends up being the same as the one before.

Related Locations

• Mt Vuur
• The Burnt Plains
• The City of Ates