Shiman
Maritime Trade • Discipline • Spirituality
The Shiman are a group of Gaulans heavily influenced by the dark elves of the western continent of Dynastes. They have muted marsh-toned skin and distinctively dark, almond-shaped eyes. They are generally smaller in build and have a more delicate frame compared to other Gaulans.
The Shiman hold the marshes of the northwest Gaul Mainland. They have commanded the sea routes to their ancestral home continent of Dynastes as well as brokered trade with the northern dwarves and gaulan. Their cousins, the Daijin, have never settled for long while the Shiman built foundations in the Gray Bogs and Westmarsh. They follow tradition and expect any outsiders entering their cities to follow their ways. They practice spiritualism yet have welcomed Dhara, the Great Liberator, as the shepherd of the physical and ethereal. Although all things have spirituality, Dhara was witnessed rising into the godly realm by all who fought in the final battle of the Thousand Year Silence, thus he has been placed at the top of their pantheon.
Their culture values order, art, and storytelling, and they are known for their skilled craftsmanship in creating intricate designs in jewelry, pottery, and textiles. The Shiman are expert sailors and shrewd negotiators. Many Shiman are also skilled musicians and dancers, and they incorporate these arts into their ceremonies and social gatherings. Outside of cultural festivals, many people of this culture dress similar and live their lives in similar ways to their elders.
Due to their connection to the dark elves, some Shiman possess magical abilities, and they have a deep respect for the spirit world and its power. They are a proud and independent people, fiercely loyal to their families and communities. Despite being smaller in size, they are skilled fighters, often utilizing agility and strategy to outmaneuver their opponents.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Language
Culture and cultural heritage
ships and invention
Shiman Merchant Ship
Common Dress code
Westking |
Western Lord |
Western Thane |
Dredge Knight |
Green Xotl Assassin |
Priest |
Merchant |
Urban Commoner |
Rural Commoner |
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Art & Architecture
Foods & Cuisine
Crops
wheat, barley, rice, foxtail and broomcorn millet, and beans.
Fruits and vegetables
chestnuts, pears, plums, peaches, melons, apricots, red bayberries, jujubes, calabash, bamboo shoots, mustard greens, and taro.
giant mosquitoes, leeches
shimmering serpent
It is a skilled hunter and fisher, and is also prized for its valuable skin, which is used to make clothing and other luxury goods.
slimeback lizard
also prized for its valuable skin, which is used to make waterskins and other luxury goods.
greenspit frog
It is a skilled swimmer and jumper, and is also prized for its sweet and delicate poison, which is a popular delicacy in the Echose Province, in small doses.
marshmoo
westvale waterfowl
It is known for its striking and colorful plumage, which is used to attract mates and defend its territory. It is a skilled hunter and fisher, and is also prized for its eggs, which are a popular source of food in the Echose region. Their eggs are colored a gold color with black and grey flecks.
wisp moth
The wisp Moth is often sought after by alchemists and spellcasters, who believe that its wings can be used to enhance their potions and spells.
Domesticated animals that were also eaten included chickens, westvale ducks, pigs, geese, sheep, camels, and dogs. Turtles and fish were taken from streams and lakes. The owl, pheasant, magpie, sika deer, and bamboo partridge were commonly hunted and consumed. Seasonings included sugar, honey, salt and soy sauce. Beer and yellow wine were regularly consumed.
Shiman developed methods of food preservation for military rations during campaigns such as drying meat into jerky and cooking, roasting, and drying grain.
Echosian Rice
Shimmer Snake on Beans and Apricots
Greenspit Wine
Parent ethnicities
Encompassed species
Related Organizations