Ashadrim

The Ashadrim, or Southfolk, are Men who dwell in Ashad, the southernmost province in the land of Mirydain. They are described as bold and wise folk whose skin is dark and their hair black and coarse. The Ashadrim live in tribes throughout their province, each ruled by a kiongozi, or chief. However, each tribe is subject to one induna-konke, who is chief of every tribe of the region. They are peace-loving, but often fear the Men who live further north because they know that the Northerners are more skilled in battle and have stronger weapons. Despite this, they have always been on peaceful terms with the kingdoms of Gonnarch, Anglor, and Calidurn.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Amari, Fumunaya, Mwingapa, Nubalu, Lesedi, Mirembe, etc.

Masculine names

Ayorusa, Babatun, Faraji, Jabarani, Jumanii, Sibonasko, Olunyeka, etc.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Ashdri is the language of the Men of the South.

Shared customary codes and values

The Ashadrim consider wisdom, courage, strength, honesty, and loyalty the highest of values. Children are taught the importance of these values and also their place in society. For men, honor comes from courage, strength, and honesty. For women, honor comes from having grace, loyalty, and diligence. The Ashadrim each have a code of laws for their own villages which the induna-konke is able to change depending on the necessity.

Common Etiquette rules

The Ashadrim usually greet one another based upon age groups, and handshakes are a custom. Children show great respect for their elders by greeting them as Ena (mother) or Agia (father). Strangers are usually welcomed warmly and are greeted as isminea ("guests"). The Ashadrim eat with their right hands only and eat all they are served. It is considered an insult to refuse fine food in the house of a Ashadrim host.

Common Dress code

Men wear cloth pants or waistcloths, and typically wear wild lion or leopard skins in battle. The women wear dresses or two-piece garments, and both men and women wear earrings.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

When a baby is born, the mother and father name it after eight days of its life. After the infant is named, the village mponlimu gives the child an article to hold as a sign of its place among the people. If it is a boy, the infant is given a bow, the symbol of a warrior. If it is a girl, the infant is given a broom, the symbol of household care.

Coming of Age Rites

When a boy comes of age, he must prove his courage and strength by journeying into the flatlands of Ashad for eight days, surviving only on what food and water he can find. Usually, he will return to his village in the manner of achieving a good hunt and have his face painted in the likeness of Ngura, their god of lightning.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Men groom their hair with melted fat and women bath three times every week. Neck rings for women are thought to enhance beauty and the amount of earrings often determines rank.

Gender Ideals

Men and women alike handle labors such as farming, housecleaning, and caring for their children. While women typically handle the household, men hunt and defend their villages.

Courtship Ideals

When a man and a woman court in Ashad, the man spends no more than seven days with his partner before offering his dowry. If the dowry satisfies the woman's family, then the man asks his partner if she will marry him. If the woman agrees, the wedding is held within another seven days.

Encompassed species

• Men