Wetterlenn

To the west of Khaluhmn and all the way to the shores of the Zenith Sea, then down to the south-western edge of the Continent, one can find the Wetterlenn. Distinguished by their lithe frames and grey-blue eyes, they are otherwise the median between many other Imperial ethnicities. While the grey hues of their skin are darker than the Ekaté, they are not as dark as the Ha'nahe. Though their hair is generally dark, it is only rarely completely back, instead trending towards brown or dark grey - the latter, in combination with the wetterlennian skin and eye colour, having granted them the nickname "greylings".
As the original followers of the Ardour, the philosophy has put a noticeable streak in Wetterlenn culture. Compared to the rest of the Empire, the westerners are often viewed as a people who wear their emotions upon their shoulders, for good or ill. Often, it can be grating for a more traditionally stoic Imperial how openly the Wetterlenn express their displeasure, and it can be difficult to view their happiness as anything other than naivety. That said, their culture values truth, even harsh ones, above much else, and so even though they can be experienced as overbearing, the more traditional Imperials can often respect their directness. It is said that one knows where one stands with the Wetterlenn - you will know if they appreciate or detest your company.
Whatever can be said of the Wetterlenn demeanour, the Imperial standard tends to appreciate said directness and how it is reflected in their architecture. Though nowhere as bombastic as that of the Pivotal cities, Wetterlenn architecture nonetheless holds more similarities with the Central Continent than they do differences. Though less visually appealing, their box- like buildings, with rooms that are clearly distinguished even when viewed from the outside, are practical in nature. Wetterlenn buildings often bear ostentatious ornamentation in the form of fabrics, reflective of the wetterlennians greatest produce. This cloth is often coloured orange, yellow or red (the cheapest for them to produce), and is tied into complex, yet symmetrical, patterns along the walls of the houses. Dedicated westerners rise early in the morning to change the pattern daily, though most households only do so when the cloth is taken down for cleaning - while rich households hire professionals to do their weaving for them.
Yet in contrast to their architecture, the fashion of the west is more complex. In part seeking to mimic the fashion of the Central Continent, pleated kilts and skirts are common among the Wetterlenn, though the colder climate requires them to be both longer and of more sturdy materials. As a rule, the lower half is attached to a broad belt, close in appearance to a girdle, which in turn also wraps around high-collar tunics worn upon the upper half. Vests, laced up the back, are common in the summer months, replaced by long coats in autumn and winter. Though those of higher station may wear the banded sandals so popular at the Imperial Court, the general wetterlennian wear sturdy leather shoes, lined with isolating cloth. In terms of ornamentation, the feathered headbands seen in the Pivotal Cities are popular among those that can afford them; while those that cannot instead attach colourful strands of cloth into the bands, which are then braided into their hair. Precious metals are highly valued for buckles and figure enhancing patterns, whereas on the other hand gemstones are often seen as too gaudy. The general wetterlenn outfit is made from muted colours, with one or two articles (commonly the belt, vest, gloves or headband) offsetting the rest with a deeply rich one. Though tattoos are popular at the Court, that is one practice that has never been picked up by the Wetterlenn, who commonly leave their skin unadorned.
The social structure of most Wetterlenn nations are similar. In the Three Kingdoms and Ion, a monarch holds ultimate sway, with the territory under their control split into duchies, over which dukes hold court, a host of barons beneath them, and finally the common man. The only real difference in the Republic is that the dukes rule, rather than a monarch, through their membership in the senate - the only real difference being Aerth, where every noble family may send a representative, regardless of their rank, although even there the dukes hold more sway than the barons.
Wetterlenn names have always been similar to modern Imperial names, having much in common with their Ikaté neighbours, although the names of the westerners tend to consist of fewer syllables.. Traditionally, both male and female names start and end with either a soft sound, such as Ulfje or Vige, or a hard one, such as Hakovr. Names that begin with a hard sound and end softly, such as Titania, are generally attributed to Imperial influence.
As the second major region to fall under Imperial control, most Wetterlenn have come to view themselves as part of the Empire, and find themselves comfortable under Leopold’s rule. As the Empire’s main producers of fabric, salt and wine, and with its masons recognised as some of the Continents finests, the westerners find themselves a natural part of the Imperial machine.