Karelian People

The people of the Karelian Republic. Settled largely along the southeastern coastline, they had long maintained an identity distinct from the heart of the empire. As they were the first targets for elven raiders looking for new homes, their cultures began to intermingle, eventually leading to a sizable minority of elfs that knew nothing of their old homeland. Today, the cosmopolitan people engage in trade with not just the fellow human nations, but also the far-off nations across the sea. Their cities are a unique blend of different peoples, making them among the most diverse and interesting places in all of Estemor.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Angela, Adrienne, Beatrix, Catalina, Camilla, Claudia, Cristina, Dolores, Elena, Eva, Felicia, Francesca, Laura, Leona, Madeleine, Maria, Pamela, Renata, Rosa, Sylvia, Teresa, Viola

Masculine names

Adam, Antonio, Bruno, Cesar, Dario, Emile, Estevan, Ferdinand, Giovanni, Gabriel, Javier, Joaquin, Luca, Matteo, Maurice, Narcian, Paolo, Pascal, Rodrigue, Vigo

Family names

Bianchi, Baez, Capella, Conti, Calacas, De Rosa,&nbsp; Furio, Gallo, Giordano, Greco, Leopold, Miranda, Marina, Moretti, Nero, Rico, Ramos, Romano, Rossi, Volpe

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The common tongue is the lingua franca in the Republic, but it is not uncommon for most humans to speak a bit of elvish as well. Since establish trade with the people of Falida, some of their languages have been transcribed as well. Karelians have a knack for sprinkling their speech with expressions for these various cultures.

Culture and cultural heritage

Since the fall of Yora, Wild Elves made their way into the coast and took up control over various settlements. Though many interactions were surely violent, many others were not. Half-elves make up a sizable portion of the various cities, even hundreds of years after the initial migrations. Elves have more social mobility here than anywhere else in Estemor, which perhaps explains why they can be found almost anywhere within the borders of the republic.

Shared customary codes and values

Compared to their neighbors, the people of the southern coast are seen as much more easy-going. The weather is much warmer for most of the year and the ever-present fishing spots provide more than enough food for the people. With most basic needs easily taken care of, Karelians are free to focus on greater ventures. Any family worth anything earned its share though such profits and such wealth is to be respected. Naive outsiders will simply think that these adept traders would rather accept any deal than go home without one, but more experienced negotiators will tend to be wary of talents for deception in the name of profit.

Common Dress code

Karelians are often interested in the fast moving trends spurred by their trade with various cultures. Clothing is often loose and eye-catching, though what exactly that means will change remarkably quickly. No noble wants to be seen as behind these trends.

Ideals

Courtship Ideals

Marriage is seen as just another form of contract in Karelia, connecting to families together as well as their property and businesses. But such an arrangement may leave both parties free to seek out other partners when it comes to romance or lust. Among the nobility, large families are common, with consorts and their children often given respect in the home.

Parent ethnicities