Sauvian Ethnicity in Nailara | World Anvil

Sauvian

Sauvians are a people of Southern Aisoa, primarily found in Xeblisau, Huilan Guo, and Zabria. The people of the Dragonsbreath Isles are closely related to Sauvians, though they tend to be more diverse as travelers arrive from Uketh.   Sauvians tend to be humans and satyrs. Skin tones tend to be light to medium brown, with warm undertones. Eyes tend to be hooded or almond shaped, and often appear in shades of hazel, amber, and golden. Hair tends to be black for humans, and brown, reddish, or black fur is common among satyrs.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Kanna, Nirmala, Naoki, Chie

Masculine names

Myung, Saburou, Imam, Kusuma

Unisex names

Qiu, Ren, Kaoru, Yuuki, Ah

Family names

Masaru, Nanako, Jūrō, Yong, Chae-Won

Other names

Sauvian names are inspired by a mix of Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, and Thai names. More can be generated here.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

Sauvians tend to be proud of their heritage, and enjoy engaging in cultural exchange. They tend to be friendly to foreigners, and quick to share, learn, and adopt habits. Cities with major Sauvian populations tend to find them running many of the taverns, parlors, and entertainment businesses.

Common Dress code

Sauvians embrace clothing as an expression and art form far more than one of utility, and clothing is often passed down as treasured family heirlooms as often as other cultures pass down jewelry. They tend towards colorful, lightweight clothes due to the heat where most Sauvians live. Many outfits tend to be fairly revealing by most other culture's standards,

Art & Architecture

Music

Sauvians have a strong tradition of oral music, and song is taught to most individuals growing up. Children are taught songs that tell historical tales, as well as for entertainment. Instruments are used to support lyrical music, and are generally seen as background music - few bards in Xeblisau would dare try to impress nobility with music with no lyrics.   Music tends towards romantic ballads, love songs, and breathy vocals. A common Sauvian saying is that "music belongs to the people" - the most popular songs are those that are attainable with the average voice (though some level of singing skill is expected).

Painting

Sauvian painting and murals tend towards depictions of nature, landscapes, and monuments rather than depictions of people. Portraits of oneself are considered egotistical, and are generally reserved for after an individual's death - if at all. As such, all the knowledge of historical figure's appearances tends to be flowery prose and second hand accounts in literature.

Ideals

Courtship Ideals

Courtship in Sauvian culture is fast and straightforward. Flirtatious overtures are common, and rejection is generally as simple as not reciprocating - an expectation that has lead to many broken hearts when foreigners arrive with little skill in flirting. Traditionally, a specially and personally arranged bouquet of flowers is given to a partner when a more serious relationship is desired, and is often accompanied with a love song.   For those desiring simple flings, there are a variety of jewelry and methods of dress to indicate this.

Relationship Ideals

Polyamory is common in Sauvian culture, and tends to be seen as the default. Family groups tend to be formed from a group of individuals all dating each other, though other structures are well known and accepted.   Inheritance law in Sauvian cities tends to be an incredibly intricate affair thanks to age old laws and traditions that continue to be upheld.
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Cover image: The Courtesans' Quarters by Sam Hogg