Keildener
Keildeners belong to the eastern forest region of Halruaal. The Keilden Forest is dominated by mountainous trees and the ruins of elvish strongholds from the time of the war with the Elves. Being so close to the North and the coast, Keildeners are typically fairer skinned; however, traveling south, they become closer to an olive tone skin colour. Most Keildeners are citizens under House Blackharbour, with the noticeable exception of those living in Gianniri (ruled by House Hanover). The largest population of Keildeners are human, dwarves, and elves - in that order.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
All Keildeners speak the common language. Though the business centric nature of their society have also integrated Dwarvish. At the same time, Keildeners boast the largest population of Elves (city elves and woodland elves alike). Despite efforts to suppress the language - due to the enslavement of the race in the past - many elvish phrases and vernacular are prevalent in society.
Culture and cultural heritage
Many of the humans Keildeners are actually new arrivals to Halruaal. Some time during the Age of Expansion, Houses Hanover and Blackharbour arrived in what amounted as breaches in the Enochian Ward. Their arrival and specialization of Conjuration magic and transmutation magic shaped the eastern and northern region of Halruaal. So as a whole, Keildeners are the youngest ethnicity in Halruaal.
Shared customary codes and values
Keildener culture emphasis what is proper and lawful. A person should strive to be respectable, profitable, and powerful. It is seen as a duty to follow the societal structure and to fit in. Uniformity and order must be followed. A Keildener family does what is best for the family (usually in a way defined by the head of said family) but they don't always forsake innovation and genius when they see it.
Average technological level
Alongside House Hanover in the North, Keildeners are arguably some of the most advanced people in mundane equipment. Their society is going through a industrial renaissance and continues to discover new magical practices and mechanical technologies.
Common Etiquette rules
similar to culture amongst the Ashlanders, the common etiquette is to adhere to a strict social policy of manners and formality. Often times this plays out as women avoiding speaking too much. Men engaging in theatre-like displays of chivalry and manners. Communication is a game and battle of wits; though unlike Ashlanders, the most you risk is respect and reputation. But among the Keildener Magisterium, a mistake in etiquette could warrant death.
Common Dress code
Keildener dress in narrow, more formal wear. Men often times appear in pressed suits, jackets, and coats that align with a more posh appearance. Women usually wear dresses and gowns depending on the time, activity, and persons they are encountering. For the Nobility, how one dresses is seen as the manner of their station and power in the magical arts. Despite the enamor for clothing, one never shows too much skin or wears lewd clothing, such an act could make others question your reputation.
Art & Architecture
Keildener art and architecture is in a stage of renaissance. Working within the ability of the many dwarves within the region, buildings are both sturdy, fortress-like, and darkened, while maintaining a Gothic feel. The buildings are pointed supported by arches that reach up into the sky. Artwork is bold, but structured and respect deep colours.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Keildeners are engaging in early forms of industry and expansion. While many find faith in pious observance, many more have put their faith in the booming industry of magical items invented and crafted by Houses Blackharbour and House Hanover.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
Keildeners are a pious people and most dedicate their children within the Church of the Seven at birth.
Coming of Age Rites
Most coming of age rites involve apprenticeships in one's chosen profession (a choice often times dictated by the head of the family). For men this includes many trades, military service, or for the rare few, magic. For women this often times involves learning from a powerful or respectable lady in the domestic arts. Though for women with innate capability, magic and wizardry is encouraged.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Most Keildeners follow the customary practice of burial by standards of the Church of the Seven. In extreme cases, they engage in cremation, but outside of threats of hostile necromancy or plagues, this practice is frowned upon.
Common Taboos
lack of tact and a failure to follow proper societal rules.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
For Keildeners, beauty is expressed by aligning towards fair skin, full figures, formality, and aristocracy. Ironically the use of makeup is frowned upon, albeit used in secret. Keildeners exist in a accepted lie that their skin and features are natural, whilst using a combination of powders, elvish herbs, and drugs to maintain a ethereal and soft look about them.
To some degree, makeup is used by all genders; however, it is used (and expected) more with women. For females, this is used to extenuate full, but curvy, features with doe-like eyes. A healthy appetite is encourage and a sign of statue. Although over indulgence is frowned upon, especially when it affect how strong one appears (for men) or whether your body is tapered around the waist (for women).
In terms of colours, Keildeners prefer deep and rich tones. Bold reds and deep greens, with gold thrown in to make an impression. Though for everyday gentle people, muted greys and taupe are staples. All in solid fashion without undertext.
To some degree, makeup is used by all genders; however, it is used (and expected) more with women. For females, this is used to extenuate full, but curvy, features with doe-like eyes. A healthy appetite is encourage and a sign of statue. Although over indulgence is frowned upon, especially when it affect how strong one appears (for men) or whether your body is tapered around the waist (for women).
In terms of colours, Keildeners prefer deep and rich tones. Bold reds and deep greens, with gold thrown in to make an impression. Though for everyday gentle people, muted greys and taupe are staples. All in solid fashion without undertext.
Gender Ideals
Under House Blackharbour, society has evolved to divide gender into two spheres of influence: what men do and what women do. Keildeners adhere to a patriarchal society, one that holds women to be physically weaker, although moral superior. Men control the public sphere and coincidently most of the power in large towns. As such, they labour in service to a "proper" community. Women, therefore control the domestic sphere of society. Average women stay at home and raise the next generation while supporting their husbands, brothers, and fathers.
Courtship Ideals
Courtship is a dictated by a stringent number of social rules to protect a woman's reputation. For instance, a lady should never be alone without a chaperone, especially in mixed company. Formal introductions must be made through third parties and never from the one initiating the courtship. Physical contact before engagement is object of scandal (save in instance where a lady might fall down). After introductions, mutual attendance at social gatherings and spending time on long walks (chaperoned of course) are expected. Only after these is marriage proposed.
Relationship Ideals
For Keildeners (especially under House Blackharbour), a husband is the head of the household, the provider, and protector. A woman's role is to be a good wife and proper mother. Though there is some deviation allotted for nobles and women involved organizations governed by the Church of the Seven and the Imperial Senate.
Major organizations
In descending order of importance: The Imperial Magisterium, House Blackharbour, The Church of the Seven, and House Hanover.
Encompassed species
Related Organizations
Related Locations
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