Majan

Majan is the name used to describe the collective inhabitants of the old country, inclusive of the many different clans.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Valdara = Warrior
Merle = Raven
Nari = Lily flower

Masculine names

Lyell = Wolf
Vidarr (Gea Hirach) = Traveler

Unisex names

Gwydion

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Gea-Hirach - The language of the Gea-Hirach
Druidish/Druidic - Language of the Druids
Angelic - Language of the Angels
Centurion - Language of the Centaurs

Culture and cultural heritage

Each clan has their own heritage. Some individuals, however, chose to live apart from these tribes and form their own lives separate from systematic tradition.

Shared customary codes and values

Although not all Majan practice magic, it is blended into society as a way of life. Even non Mages may know basic magic, while full Mages have chosen to devote their study to it. Mages are the defenders and scholars in most cultures, and leaders usually have education in magic. For this, the whole realm is shunned by outside lands and trade is difficult, so individuals live simply, only owning things they immediately need. For food, they hunt or forage and farm in safer regions. They do not eat any food that is not found within their borders. Majan do not value possessions or power as status. Indeed, they prefer to keep to themselves and let others do as they please. They have no structured government that controls the whole, rather leaders meet and negotiate actions that need to be taken collectively. Each regional clan is free to do what they want as long as it does not threaten the others.

Common Etiquette rules

When in the domain of a clan, it is asked that their customs be respected by newcomers. However, it is not appropriate for any member of a clan, especally a leader, to demonize or critique the ways of another clan. For internal matters, it is decided solely by the clan. For the Majan, live and let live is the unspoken rule for society.

Common Dress code

Garb depends on clan affiliation or genetic ethnicity.

Art & Architecture

In the times when the Majan were not constantly under threat by the kingdom to the south, they had many cities where artists and craftsmen could hone their skills. They would weave magic into their creations, making some of the most beautiful items in the world. Now, since resources are confined to what can be made locally, and the threat of danger has forced many artists to wield weapons, art and architecture has declined, with most of the cities falling into ruin. But many artifacts have been kept in the Temple of Lakl, which remains a safe place for study and creation. For some scholars in old times, it is rumored that they could paint pictures that moved and wrote books that held memories and thoughts. At the bridge to the temple of Lakl stand the statues of Majan heroes throughout history, their eyes set with jewels that could hold on to the spirit of the person themselves, like an anchor. Music remains an important part throughout Majan culture and helps to remember old stories. The magic in the melody can be very powerful.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

In all clans, it is known that the new year begins on the first day of Aries, the first sign in the zodiac. Children born on the first of that month are believed to be new souls, or souls that have never lived a life before.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

When a child is born, it will be marked in their cultural tradition. The baby will be delivered by the local Mage, or magical healer, who will welcome the living and try to see their past lives to understand them better. Then, blessings are placed on the child, and the parents or guardians of the child swear a binding magical oath to protect them if they choose parent the child. They are then given a name, which is very important, as names hold great magical power. Often, expectant parents will practice skrying or divination to receive the name of their child before birth.

Coming of Age Rites

The coming of age time depends of each clan, but the general practice is, instead of placing expectations or labels on the child, they simply recognize their full autonomy. While the will of children is respected, it is this time when the parent gives up any and all right to dictate the child's actions. The coming of age is usual a private ceremony between the child and their close family.

Funerary and Memorial customs

While funerary customs change between clans, the goal of each of them is to ease the spirit's passage to the Otherland, and then to provide closure for loved ones. When a death is sudden or untimely, a spirit can have trouble passing over, in which case they must have help from the living or from the dead waiting for them. It is a simple release that is intuitive and more in the realm of thought than action. Once the spirit has freed itself of the body, it may linger for as long as the moonlight to say goodbye. Then, at the dark of the moon, they leave. In rare cases, spirits can become linked to places in which they can remain, in part. Like an anchor, the spirit is linked to the place, so that it can return there with ease in one way or another. The strength with which they can return depends on the circumstances. A spirit may choose to scatter pieces of itself or items of significance among places special to it, so that residual energy surrounds it. Mostly, this positive energy, but when a spirit is linked to something against it's will or for malicious intent, it becomes haunted. This is the job of a necromancer to ensure peaceful spirits.

Common Taboos

It is taboo to kill a cat or a blackbird. For Druids, it is a terrible crime to cut down a Druid Tree or any tree without permission.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

There is not one coherent ideal for what consitutes beauty across all the clans; each clan has their own ideals for beauty.

Relationship Ideals

Relationships are fluid and can be between any non-blood-related individuals. Love is celebrated in all forms and is believed to be determined only by the parties involved. Love relationships can be between two or more people. Marriage is a concept dependent on local customs.

Parent ethnicities

• Majan

Diverged ethnicities

• Gae Hirach
• Korune
• Laklorin
• Majan
• Rûn

Encompassed species

• Druid’s Snare
• Jekilborne
• Nisscats
• Strigoi Bat

Related Organizations

• Avaron
• Majan Pantheon
• Sai'Haine
• The Daughters of Niss
• The Order of Lakle

Related Items

• Ring of Hett

Related Myths

• The Gift of Evanore
• The Hunting of Niss
• The Story of Sarafia and Hett