Nefu'he
Nefu'he /ˈne̞fuxe̞/ is simply the Foru word for halfling and is how they refer to themselves. There is a distinction to separate them from the Feralings that reside throughout the Spine of Ehlum.
The Nefu'he can be otherwise found scattered across the continent and have adapted lifestyles relative to their respective environments, but the general customs and norms exist whether a particular Nefu'he is from the jungle villages in the north or the tundras far to the south.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Anatsik, Chalkat, Hat'zi, Le'ami, Obria, Ti'oha
Masculine names
Chad'i, Ekoo, Jekil, Mi'bafo, Nohu, Yi'Inik
Unisex names
Names are often popular for a particular gender, however all names are gender neutral and in some locations a name that is usually given to females might be preferred for males.
Family names
Nefu'he are named as the 'son/daughter of':
Nohu lany' Ekoo
Hat'zi v'gi Ekoo
Nohu lany' Ekoo
Hat'zi v'gi Ekoo
Culture
Common Dress code
Nefu'he dress for comfort and fashion over modesty. Blatant sexual expression is frowned upon, but nudity is not of itself taboo.
Coming of Age Rites
Nefu'he are expected to contribute two to four years of communal service as they come of age. This generally involves training in the use of various weapons, survival, and hunting. Most Nefu'he then spend the rest of their time as hunters and guards in their respective villages. Once the time of service is ended, Nefu'he become entirely independent and may choose their future.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Athleticism is a key mark of physical desirability amongst Nefu'he. The most athletic typically excelled during their service years and given opportunities to stay on among the village leaders. Second to an athletic physique was a 'healthy countenance,' that is symmetrical appearance and no discernable illness.
Gender Ideals
There are generally no specific gender ideals, masculinity and femininity are seen as existing in all Nefu'he to varying degrees. Since both genders are expected to take care of themselves independently and no occupational roles are limited to a gender, Nefu'he don't concern themselves with the idea that something is too boyish or girlish.
Courtship Ideals
Nefu'he are expected to abstain from courtship until after their service time is complete. This does not mean romantic or sexual relationships are forbidden before then, only that the Nefu'he understand that they cannot truly commit to a permanent relationship until they know who they are. After their communal service is complete, the Nefu'he is considered an adult who knows their mind and can responsibly choose a more permanent partner.[/br]
Nefu'he are expected to declare their intent to be a suitor and either gender can initiate a courtship. The wooed party is expected to rebuke the suitor as soon as they know they do not desire them and leading a suitor to continue when there is no chance of partnership can ruin a Nefu'he's reputation.
Relationship Ideals
The Nefu'he maintain a polyamorous culture. Most will find a single life partner to build their lives with, but there is no societal expectation of monogamy in that partnership. Some pairings agree on monogamy and many become monogamous by default, finding no time to pursue intimacy elsewhere. Still others may introduce one or more other permanent partners into their lives. These extended triads, quads, etc. are usually bonded around a mini-community within the greater society, such as three individuals who run a business together or two households combining into a single household.
Those who do not find lifelong partners can often find themselves drifting between relationships or joining with another pairing or group for a short time before moving on. So long as communication and transparency are observed, this activity is not viewed negatively by the society. If predatory activity is discerned, a Nefu'he could find themselves marked and exiled... however this is a rare occassion.
Those who do not find lifelong partners can often find themselves drifting between relationships or joining with another pairing or group for a short time before moving on. So long as communication and transparency are observed, this activity is not viewed negatively by the society. If predatory activity is discerned, a Nefu'he could find themselves marked and exiled... however this is a rare occassion.
Major organizations
Starhunters serve as a quasi-religious authority and maintain lodges across Ehlum where they train future shamans and storytellers.
Encompassed species
Related Organizations
Related Items
Related Locations
Comments