Northern Artusian

Northern Artusians, named so due to their location north of the Great Divide and the Imperial City, are the oldest and as such often considered “original” Artusian culture, having kept the most from their tribalistic roots. They are reputed to be a loud and proud culture, overly-friendly if somewhat rowdy, and with a great history of martial traditions. They share a lot with their dwarven neighbours, with whom they have intermingled for centuries, and one could often pass for the other, if not for the significant height difference.

Naming Traditions

Family names

Some Northern Artusian have adopted the dwarven naming tradition of adding their parent's name (mother for girls, father for boys) as a middle name or alternate surname, with the addition of either -sson or -ter ("Son of" and "Daughter of" respectively). However, due to the structural differences between Dwarven and Artusian names, the parents names are often shortened : Artusson (Son of Artusson), Leosson ("Son of Leonas"), Ekater (Daughter of Ekaterina), Artemiter (Daughter of Artemia)

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

Proud of their ancient heritage and martial history, Northern Artusians value community & physical prowess. Honor and bravery are highly praised both in combat and in daily life, to the point that "northern sincerity" is often used in other parts of the Empire as a euphemism for brash or foolhardy behavior. Mixed with their renowned affability and martial tradition, this has given them the reputation of being amongst the greatest of allies and most fearsome enemies.

Northern Artusian culture is also heavily influenced by their neighbors. They share with dwarves a great love of the plastic arts such as sculpture, carving, or pottery, as well as shared traditions of mining and mountaineering. Few races are as close as the dwarves and Artusians up in the north, which is even more remarkable when taking into account the isolationist nature of the small folks. It is not rare for a dwarf to completely change his attitude depending on where the human he talks to comes from.

As for the elves, Northern Artusians share with the fair folks and deep respect for nature and communion with their environment, expressed through the common notion in the north that one's body is part of a greater whole, and as such should be taken care of with the utmost attention. Hygiene and physical wellness are seen as essential to Northern Artusian, which has both led to great strides in matters of cleanliness and sanitation and an overall shunning of those affected with long-lasting illnesses, deformities, and crippling injuries. This association between nature and goodness has also proven to be fertile ground for many druidic traditions, with many circles firmly implemented in Northern Artusia where they are more widely accepted and often even welcomed.

Overall, thanks to their long-lasting friendly relationships with the Elder Races, Northern Artusians have developed a certain open-mindedness when it comes to other races, though there is still a certain uneasiness toward green-skins due to their past wars, especially in the communities near the Great Divide.

Common Dress code

Due to the colder climate of their native land and a long history of hunting, Northern Artusians tend to wear heavier clothing made of animal products such as leather, wool and furs. Typically, Northern Artusians wear heavy boots, as well as a fur coat or cape over heavy clothing. Both males and females wear pants, with dresses seen more as an item of clothing for special occasions. Paradoxically, Northerners pride in their body often lead them to show off as much skin as the climate permits, so that everyone can see the curves, muscles and markings of their flesh. As such, a core aspect of their fashion lays in finding the perfect balance between the warmth necessary for survival and the cuts favoured by their pride.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Their millitaristic propensions mixed with the harsh environment they are often subject to has led Northern Artusian to hold physical fitness in high esteem. Lean and muscular bodies are considered attractive in both male and women, as they are are seen as signs of health, disciple and hardwork. In men, the beard is very common and seen as a sign of masculinity and hair in general is worn long and braided for both genders. Northern Artusians cherish their bodies, taking great care of it and often decorating it with tatoos, piercing and more rarely scarifications. Finally, blond hair is seen as particularly attractive and it darker haired Northern Artusians would sometime bleach theirs using lye soap.

Parent ethnicities

• Artusian