Southern Artusian
Southern Artusians were made up of the many tribes who had settled alongside the rivers and tributaries of the south of Artus. Less influenced by the Elder Races than their northern brethren, and with a history marred with tragedies, Southern Artusians tend to be more distrusting and segregated. Their dark history has however also shown them to be resourceful and versatile, giving them the reputation of being a smart and pragmatic bunch, whose mind has helped them weather even the greatest storms.
Naming Traditions
Family names
It is common amongst Southern Artusian elite circles to be given a middle name later in life, most commonly as a young adult. Commonly heavily inspired by a virtue or skill possessed by the bearer, they are traditionally seen as a form of honor bestowed by peers, just as a first name is given by one's family. The most prestigious are given or recognized by the Imperial Family and serve as titles of honor, a tradition that has seen spread across the entire Empire.
Culture
Culture and cultural heritage
Knowledge and adaptability are at the core of Southern Artusian culture. The ability of an individual to strive by overcoming challenges is heavily praised, especially through cunning and resourcefulness. This has led to an independent or even individualistic mentality common in the south of Artusia, with non-conformism being encouraged and personal growth often outshining communal one in the eyes of their society. Many Southern Artusians have distinguished themselves thanks to this, and although the subject of greyer morality is more common in the south than any other place in the Empire, there is no denying that what many refer to as "Southern Ambition" or "Southern Hunger" has led to many great boons for the Empire.
Of all the qualities, erudition is especially valued, with those that prove to possess exceptional expertise in any field seen as worthwhile often put on a pedestal amongst their peers. This, of course, often comes with the expectation that said expert will put his knowledge in service of society, advancing the current understanding of the world and as such bettering the lives of everyone. To put one's mark upon the world, be it through the naming of a spell or a species, the establishment of a group, or the construction of some important structure, is seen as the goal of all individuals. Legacy is the name of the game in Southern Artus, and the rules to it are few and sometimes quite blurry.
Finally, while many Southern Artusians can be seen as grim or strange to outsiders, the reverse is also true. A history of conflict and their land serving as the battlefield of most recorded conflicts has left many scars not only in the landscape but in the psyche of its inhabitant. although most are no longer openly hostile to the other races of the empire, humans of Southern Artusian descent still carry a distrustful nature when it comes to outsiders in general. The Green-skinned take the brunt of it, followed by the Beastfolks, but even elves and dwarves can be subjected to subtle racism, leading to a far more human-centric society than the rest of the Empire.
Of all the qualities, erudition is especially valued, with those that prove to possess exceptional expertise in any field seen as worthwhile often put on a pedestal amongst their peers. This, of course, often comes with the expectation that said expert will put his knowledge in service of society, advancing the current understanding of the world and as such bettering the lives of everyone. To put one's mark upon the world, be it through the naming of a spell or a species, the establishment of a group, or the construction of some important structure, is seen as the goal of all individuals. Legacy is the name of the game in Southern Artus, and the rules to it are few and sometimes quite blurry.
Finally, while many Southern Artusians can be seen as grim or strange to outsiders, the reverse is also true. A history of conflict and their land serving as the battlefield of most recorded conflicts has left many scars not only in the landscape but in the psyche of its inhabitant. although most are no longer openly hostile to the other races of the empire, humans of Southern Artusian descent still carry a distrustful nature when it comes to outsiders in general. The Green-skinned take the brunt of it, followed by the Beastfolks, but even elves and dwarves can be subjected to subtle racism, leading to a far more human-centric society than the rest of the Empire.
Common Dress code
Southern Artusian clothing follows very few trends due to the individualistic nature of its people, with attire seen as one more way for one to express their uniqueness. Materials used ranged from the animal goods common in the north to the soft vegetal fabrics from across the strait. The mild climate does mean that Southern Artusians tend to wear light cloths, adding layers the further north we go.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
While other factors often far outweigh physical appearance when it comes to choosing their partners, it would be foolish to think that Southern Artusians do not follow common trends when it comes down to beauty ideals. Fair, clear skin and dark hair are the most widely shared, as they are seen as signs of someone spending most of its time inside, delving into higher, scholarly matters compared to the tan skin and sun-bleached hair of those forced to plow the fields and wander the roads. Narrow faces and prominent cheekbones are also widely considered aesthetically pleasing, which combined with their naturally tall and thin bodies, can lend them a somewhat gaunt appearance. Too gaunt, however, is seen as a sign of illness and malnourishment and as such shunned by all but the most radical minds.
Parent ethnicities
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