Zcarothian

An ancient land going back millennia is home to an equally ancient and distinct people, the Zcarothians. Their language is vaguely like that of the ancient Olmese, but still very distinct in its own right, as is the religion they follow, having long since abandoned the pagan gods of old in favour of the White Lion. At least publically, though rumours of cults following the True Gods throughout the wildernesses and mountains can be known.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Himayayi, Dilyla, Sayra, Unna, Lihashyi.

Masculine names

Hashnar, Tamulii, Kemoth, Nimosheth, Yisharth

Unisex names

Muhanar, Shinep, Bhoroshep, Harushnitep

Family names

Bashaharaka, Nyarthokep

Culture

Art & Architecture

Hexagon shaped houses with domed roofs are the typical house shape in Zcaroth and cultural enclaves across the Dominion and tend to be red or Orange in colour , though temples are much more multifaceted and tend to be very brightly painted.

Historical figures

Famous throughout history for its warrior queens, Zcarothian monarchs of both sexes were often trained from an early point to protect their lands from more powerful nations. The last independent ruler of Zcaroth was Queen Bashguranda VI, who led her soldiers in battle defending from the Phurzic Dominion’s invasion in 536-540AF. Despite facing superior numbers and the might of the Dominion’s Griffin-wielding legions, she held out Zcaroth for four years against the invasion, leading her people to resist fiercely against the larger foe. It was only her death in a mutual kill with the invasion’s commander, the legendary Carmek Sahandos (himself known for his escapades during the Treachery of the Six, such as the Battle of the Broken Tooth and the sacking of Il-Letoris) that finally sapped Zcaroth’s spirit for war and bought them to peace. The old line of kings and queens was maintained but as puppet rulers under the guidance of the Governors, Republican rulers handpicked in Phoz.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Being a people of the mountains and of waterfalls, hair is ideally long and flowing, braided in men and straightened in women. This braiding includes their beards, which are consistently shaped into braids no more than an inch wide but covering their whole jaw.
While black hair is most common, red or ginger hair is seen as a sign of blessing and therefore are seen as particularly beautiful.
Makeup is frequently found on both men and women in the form of white dots on either side of the face in an almost perfect symmetry. The number of dots is symbolic as to the month of the person’s birth and is believed to determine elements of their life through predestination, a substantial component of Zcarothian religion.

Gender Ideals

Combat, whether in war in the Phurzic army, or for entertainment in chariot races or wrestling competitions, is seen as an important element of society due to their cultural context, with men and some women being expected to serve at least two years in the self-defense forces or in the Phurzic army. Female fighters, however struggle to find their way into the latter, whereas as many as a quarter of Zcaroth’s native fighting forces are women.

Related Organizations

• The Phurzic Dominion
• Zcaroth

Related Locations

• Kerkemash