Ashborn

The ethnic group particular to the Faunland. The term Ashborn originally referred to the human ancestors of that region who followed Anthemir south from Helen's Corpse though over time that definition has changed. The Ashborn humans are a pale-skinned and thin with exclusively blond, straight hair and eye colors ranging anywhere from dark gray to icy blue.
The Ashborn were made from clay and muck like most of the The Newborn, but Anthemir requested Anaphrene to add ashes to them which gave them their faded eyes and light skin.

These humans have such soft bodies and I won't be the one to harden them to the cruelties of this world. Add to them ashes of our first fires so they'll know of death, finality, and a little of the futility of all things.

-- Anthemir, as recorded in the Holy Tomes of Tarnipury, Vol. 1

The Faunlands were miraculously excluded from the Beastial Purges and it was another century until any beastmen found their way into the settled plains and mountainous hills searching for work and livelihood. Mainland Capura and Doeson became a permanent fixture among the Ashborn sometime in the Second Age. The Doeson of this region are known for their peculiar Y-shaped horns and tawny pelts.
The Ashborn Gnomes are a separate group derived from the original humans that delved into the mountains and distanced themselves from Anthemir.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

• Anthema, Antha, Ana
• Beathany, Bea
• Carlisle, Clara
• Delila
• Esthera, Esther
• Helena, Helen
• Irene
• Jolene
• Lourdes
• Marane, Mara
• Norma
• Pholima
• Reanes, Rea
• Saresa
• Wildes

Masculine names

• Anther
• Bonther
• Cristopher
• Damian
• Eddard, Edd
• Frais
• Glorian
• Juniper
• Lamber, Lam
• Marard
• Norian
• Petard
• Renard
• Sarian
• Timard, Tim
• Ulain, Ul

Unisex names

• Briames, Briam
• Dethamer
• Emer
• Geres
• Harpais, Harpian
• Limbes
• Orane, Ora
• Pierres
• Teres, Ter
• Wandre

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Faunish is the language of the region with two distinct dialects: the more formal and stiff Mountain or Central dialect and the looser, quicker Country dialect.

Shared customary codes and values

Anthemir fostered an intense reverence within her people through her faith, Tarnipurism. The religion permeates everyday life and is a judge of moral character: teaching's other than Anthemir's are frowned on and those who follow no teaching at all are openly ridiculed.
Family is the most important value of Ashborn society and long-lived, many-peopled families are treated with respect regardless of wealth or status. Religious reverence is next with Tarnipury priests occupying some of the highest offices and industries.
There is a strong regard for history and tradition recorded in countless books and songs and taught extensively at all levels of schooling. Unfortunately, this manifests also in deep-running phobias of technology and outsiders. Though the outer Faunlanders are exposed to the cultures of Jonu Quiato, Nilofar, and Sulghury, the central peoples and government, nestled deep within the Mountains of the High Crown, hold a disdainful view of these outside peoples and their ways.
Other strong values of the Ashborn include education (though with heavy emphasis on religious and historical studies), charity and asceticism, and a deep respect for nature, especially for the rivers and mountains.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Anthemir was a goddess of light and brightness is synonymous with beauty. Strong, bright faces; eye-catching clothing and jewelry; and lighter eyes are all considered beautiful. Though flashiness is regarded poorly and a man or woman who tries to offset their darker eyes with glittering jewels and dress may be openly mocked in the wrong company.

Gender Ideals

The Ashborn observe feminine and masculine genders and align these typically to a person's sex. But like with their relationship ideals, these boundaries are lax for adolescents and free experimentation is encouraged. It is expected that adults have identified with a sole gender, however.

Relationship Ideals

There is a strong encouragement of youthful experimentation and free love. The romantic interests of youths cross all boundaries of sex, gender, and species. Indeed, it is not uncommon for human children to date their Doeson and Capuran counterparts.
However, the family unit is of extreme importance and thus so is a family's success and longevity. Youthful love is tolerated up to the age of around seventeen at which point it is replaced by these practicalities of family. The success and happiness of a couple will be perceived by the number and longevity of their successors which creates a negative bias toward these same-sex and interspecies relationships at older ages.

Parent ethnicities

• The Newborn

Related Myths

• Anthemir's Savior

Languages spoken

• Faunish

Related Locations

• Faunland
• Jonu Quiato