Bardings

The Bardings are Northmen of noble origins hailing from Wilderland, far off to the east. They rebuilt their city of Dale from its ashes after the slaying of the Dragon Smaug and they earned a new prosperity trading with nearby kingdoms of Elves and Dwarves.
Each year, Barding merchants reach new faraway lands, as they look outside their borders to expand their trade and influence. Sometimes warriors follow in their wake, hoping to prove their mettle against worthy adversaries, inspired by their King's slaying of the Dragon.
Strong in body and fearless in spirit, the Northmen are the denizens of Middle-earth that many consider to be the nearest in kin to the Men of the West. They are strong-limbed with fair hair, although dark or even black hair is not unknown.
Bardings rarely become adventurers before their 18th year, and retire in their forties, when they return home to serve their family and folk.  When abroad they may be recognized by their gear, as they often carry equipment of superior make.  Unlike most denizens of Wilderland, Barding prefer to use swords over axes, and naturally favor the bow, after the example of their King.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Aldis, Astrid, Bera, Bergdis, Dagmar, Eilif, Erna, Frida, Geira, Gudrun, Halla, Hild, Ingirun, Ingrith, Lif, Linhild, Kelda, Runa, Saldis, Sigga, Sigrun, Thora, Thordis, Thorhild, Ulfhild, Ulfrun, Una, Validis, Vigdis, Walda

Masculine names

Aegir, Arn, Brandulf, Domarr, Egil, Erland, Farald, Finn, Gautarr, Hafgrim, Hjalmar, Ingolf, Jofur, Kolbeinn, Keiknir, Lomund, Munan, Nari, Nefstan, Ottarr, Ragnarr, Reinald, Sigmarr, Steinarr, Thorald, Torwald, Ulfarr, Unnarr, Vandil, Varinn

Family names

Bardings use no surnames, rather they give their patronymic in the case of men "Baird, Son of Bard" and matronymic in the case of women "Igrid, daughter of Una".

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

All Bardings speak Dalish, a language that can be described as a very old form of the Common Speech (Westron).

Common Dress code

Barding men tend to keep beards, and often let their hair grow to reach their shoulders.  Women adventurers braid their hair into long, tight tresses.