Mersan
The Mersans are an intensely practical and stoic people. Mersans are known for their abilities to keep their emotions and opinions contained to the point of a flaw. This lack of expression has led to considerable dispute and feuds erupting among Mersans themselves, often as they keep their emotions bundled until they erupt into extreme fury. Long swathes of stoicism followed by these intense rages is a hallmark of the Mersans, as they are well known both for their centers of learning and scholarship as well as their fearsome appearances in battle.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Màiri, Ciorstan, Mòrag, Leagsaidh, Sìlis, Marsail, Raghnaid, Dior-bhàil, Stineag
Masculine names
Mìcheal, Sandaidh, Donaidh, Gilleasbuig, Padean, Raghnal, Tormod, Ruairidh, Seonaidh, Domhnull
Family names
MacNeacail, MacMhanachain, Camshronach, Mac'IlleRuaidh, O'Cain, Ceallach, MacClambroch, MacCuinnleis, MacEamailinn, MacNia
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The Mersans speak Common as their primary tongue, but they have enough unusual additions and loan words from Dwarvish that someone inexperienced with a Mersan may have a hard time interpreting their speech. Given effort it is recognizable, and the Mersans often claim that their variation of Common is the original, and that the Jakonians are a mere pale copy to their own speech. The arguments against this are vast, as in the more rural regions of Mersan culture, even old languages can be heard, some of which have no bearing at all upon Common. The large numbers of old dwarven strongholds in the Apps have similarly effected the Mersan dialect, and dwarven words, particularly when it comes to mining have entered into frequent usage.
Art & Architecture
The Mersans are not exactly famed artists, but they have produced some of the greatest writers of Emicara. The books and literature of the Mersans have found widespread audiences across the continent, and are usually works of high adventure or tragic deceit, reaching great popularity. Mersan buildings reflect the people, usually being drab constructions built of brick or stone, with little wood among them. The interiors of the homes are often far better decorated, with trinkets and trophies accumulated through years of familial accomplishments.
Ideals
Gender Ideals
The Mersans, being heavily influenced by the dwarves of the Apps, have somewhat unusual notions of gender equality compared to other humans. There is traditional men's work and traditional women's work, with men expected to work hard as laborers, and women in the households. Most men would never consider taking up women's work, but under Mersan culture, women seem persistently obsessed with crossing the boundaries. This obsessions is not viewed as a bad thing in Mersan culture, in fact it is glorified in most works of literature and fiction. Female warriors and leaders are all favored among the Mersans, although only a few truly become heroes, many of the others are usually drummed out or slain in early combat, as they tend to attract attention from other Mersans seeking to carve out a name for themselves.
Relationship Ideals
Mersans believe that marriage is a sacred institution between men and women to be blessed by the Church of Keshush. They believe that relationships and faith are tied closely together and that there can be no separation. Therefore marriage is a particularly revered construct among Mersans and those who violate its sanctity or trust are quickly ostracized from society, and many even wind up as bandits or imprisoned. Friendships are difficult among Mersans, due to a lack of overall openness of individuals. Many Mersan friends may hardly speak to each other, but inexplicably will still have each other's backs with support or aid when the time comes.
Related Organizations
Languages spoken
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