Jermane

Description

The Jermane, the Human culture inhabiting the western half of Arboria, are a people renowned for their adaptability, reasoning, and willingness to compromise. They honor their past and their roots, yet their eyes are always fixed on the future. Dutiful by nature, the Jermane are steadfast in keeping their word and rarely shy away from responsibility. In their abundant lands, imbued with the magical currents that flow through the world, a chivalrous culture has taken root.

Welcoming toward outsiders, the Jermane are eager to meet new people and learn new things. This openness has made it easy for them to coexist with other peoples, like the Elves and Dwarves, and they have greatly benefited from these relationships. While some cultures fear the unknown, the Jermane have always found it exciting, though their curiosity has not always worked in their favor.

History

The Migration

The Jermane have long been considered "Brought up by the Feynarin", the Elves native to Arboria. Fleeing from Hyperborea which was once their homeland, swallowed by The Ice Age, the Jermane traveled south just as other Human cultures did. However, they alone had ties to the powerful Archmage Arish, an Elf who valued them as allies even before The Cataclysm. It was Arish, and the purity of his soul, who prompted The Light to bless him with immense power, allowing him to part the icy Nord Sea. This act enabled the Jermane to cross from current-day Heimerland in the north to Becken in the south.

Initially, the Feynarin were reluctant to accept the Human refugees. However, with Arish's persuasion, they agreed. As a result, the Jermane became the only Human culture to develop a positive outlook not only on the Elves but also on culture mixing. While The Great Migrations in the east were marked by bloody conflicts between the Slaya Humans and the Feynarin Elves, in the west, the Feynarin and Jermane formed a cooperative alliance. They complemented each other’s strengths and mitigated weaknesses as The Ice Age gradually consumed their shared sanctuary.

The origins of the name "Jermane" remain unclear. Some believe it arose simply because many of the settlers bore the name Jermane, leading the Feynarin to generalize and use it to describe the group as a whole. Historically, "Jermane" was a male given name, which over time may have evolved into "Jeremy" and eventually "Jerry."

Jermane Houses

During The Ice Age, the Jermane were taken into the mystical Elderwood, maintained by the druidic magic of the Feynarin. Though The Cataclysm had depleted Arcane energies and weakened magical currents worldwide, the native druidic magic of the Feynarin endured. This natural alliance saw the Feynarin working tirelessly to sustain the Elderwood as a sanctuary, while the Jermane took on the role of its protectors. They fought off intruders and destructive monsters and ventured into the surrounding world to gather resources that the Elderwood could not provide.

It was during this era that the Jermane divided into Houses, with each house specializing in a particular craft or duty. These areas of expertise were passed down through generations, forming the foundation of Jermane society. And these were:

• Erzhammer - The mining and smithing house, symbolizing their expertise in extracting and forging metal from the earth.
• Holzfeller - The house specializing in carpentry and forestry, crafting the finest wooden tools, structures, and art.
• Schneidmann - The martial house, masters of crafting shields and weapons, and known for their prowess in combat.
• Grainhart - The agricultural house, stewards of fertile lands, dedicated to ensuring the survival of their people through farming.
• Sternsinger - The house of scholars, storytellers, and bards, preserving the culture and history of the Jermane.
• Bernsteiner - The house focused on trade and wealth, symbolized by the prized amber that flows through their hands.
• Feynder - The magical house, keepers of druidic knowledge and rune crafting, blending ancient magic with practical applications.

As The Ice Age receded, the sanctuary of the Elderwood, long nurtured by the Feynarin Elves, became less crucial for survival. The Jermane, bolstered by the teachings and guidance of their Elven benefactors, began venturing beyond the forest's protective embrace. The surrounding lands, which were varied fertile plains, timber-rich forests, and mineral-laden mountains, offered opportunities for settlement and growth. Driven by their houses' unique crafts and needs, the Jermane spread outward.

Rivalries and Mediation

Though the Jermane houses expanded and began to lay claim to territories, their shared heritage and respect for the Feynarin prevented full-scale conflicts. Minor skirmishes over resources and borders occurred, but they were often resolved diplomatically, with the Feynarin stepping in as mediators when disputes grew heated. The Elves, acting as wise custodians, held the young Human culture in line, fostering unity and ensuring that rivalries never escalated beyond repair.

The idea of unification lingered in the air, whispered in stories and songs. However, the Feynarin believed the Jermane were not yet ready. They saw the potential for greatness in their allies but feared that a premature union might lead to internal strife or unchecked ambition. To ensure the Jermane matured as a people, the Elves devised a test of character and unity.

The Challenge of the Blade

At the heart of the challenge was a legendary blade, crafted to be a symbol of worthiness and leadership. The Feynarin collaborated with the Ezren Dwarves, who mined and refined the finest ore, for the Elves to forge it into a sword of unmatched elegance and strength. This blade was then thrust into a mighty rock at the center of what is now Lake Königssee, the "King's Lake."

The Feynarin declared that only a man who commanded respect, was known for acts of kindness and dignity, and harbored no corruption of pride, greed, jealousy, or contempt could pull the blade from the stone. Many tried, and many failed. Even during the first Incursion of The Heimer Clans, when the Jermane fought valiantly but as divided houses, no one proved worthy. They lost near their entire shoreline to the Heimer during their 1st Incursion, but with time and effort, they reclaimed it.

The Chosen One

Generations passed before a man emerged who fulfilled the blade's prerequisites. Known for his wisdom, humility, and unwavering sense of justice, he approached the stone. With the gathered houses and Feynarin as witnesses, he drew the blade effortlessly, becoming the first König of Becken. His name was etched into history, but his work had only begun.

Not all houses immediately swore fealty to the König. Pride and jealousy held some back, but as time passed and external threats mounted, the necessity of unity became undeniable. The Heimer Clans continued their raids along the coast, and the Vallerian Empire to the south began eyeing Arboria with imperial ambitions. Gradually, the western houses bent the knee, solidifying alliances through royal marriages and mutual defense pacts.

By the time of König Albrecht, the groundwork for full unification was complete. With the blessings of the Feynarin and the consent of the houses, Albrecht was crowned Kaiser Albrecht, the first emperor of the Reich of Sturmgard.

Regional Identities

Even under one banner, the Jermane retained distinct regional identities. The eastern lowlands and fertile fields around Becken became the heart of the unified realm, fostering a refined and cultured society. These eastern Jermane came to be known as the Belltic.

Meanwhile, the western houses, dwelling in craggy coastal regions, forested interiors, and mountainous foothills, developed a more rugged and straightforward character. They began calling themselves the Waxons.

Though these differences persist to this day, they serve to complement one another. Together, the Belltic and Waxons form a harmonious whole, a people united by their shared history, mutual respect, and the enduring legacy of the blade pulled from the stone.

The Lynorans

Among the Jermane, a distinct subgroup emerged in the far west: the Lynorans. These settlers ventured beyond the home valleys of Sturmgard, journeying toward the western coast of Arboria. Comprised of individuals from various Jermane Houses, they forged an entirely new communal identity before the unification. Their distance from the Heartlands and their drive to establish a fresh way of life led them to abandon the traditional House structure, embracing a more egalitarian and independent ethos.

The Lynorans settled along Arboria's south-western coastline, where they thrived as seafarers, traders, and artisans. Feeling detached from the centralizing ambitions of Sturmgard, they chose not to submit to the Kaiser, instead establishing the Princedom of Lynora as an independent realm. Despite their independence, the Lynorans maintained close ties with their Jermane kin, serving as steadfast allies and cultural intermediaries. Their unique blend of traditions and self-reliance set them apart, and their contributions as sailors and merchants enriched the broader Jermane world.

Architecture

Towns

Jermane towns are characterized by their distinct and practical architectural style, blending functionality with aesthetic charm. Buildings feature robust stone walls on the lower levels, providing durability and protection, while upper stories are constructed with timber beams and wooden frames, arranged in intricate patterns, with jettying in common use. In Sturmgard, these wooden elements are often painted in cozy earthy hues, such as browns, whites, and creams, while in Lynora, they also enjoy more lively colors, such as reds, purples, yellows, and even the occasional green or blue.

The roofs of townhouses are typically covered in vibrant colored tiles, a marker of wealth and urban craftsmanship. Narrow, cobblestone streets wind through the towns, lined with these picturesque homes. Towers and spires, often rising from town halls or churches of the Faith of Light, pierce the skyline, their designs showcasing both practicality and artistic ambition. Town centers are adorned with bustling marketplaces and public squares, where communal life thrives under the watchful eyes of decorative gargoyles and carved wooden motifs.

Rural living

In the countryside, the architecture of the Jermane shifts toward simplicity and functionality, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle. Rural homes are typically built with a combination of stone and timber, much like their urban counterparts, but they are more modest in scale and detail. The roofs in villages are predominantly thatched, using straw or reeds harvested from nearby fields. This choice of material ensures insulation and ease of repair.

Farmsteads and barns are essential features of the rural landscape, built with practicality in mind. These structures are often clustered around a central courtyard. Wooden fences and stone walls demarcate properties, while small vegetable gardens and livestock pens surround the homes. Despite their simplicity, rural dwellings retain the Jermane's characteristic charm, with carved details on the wooden doors and shutters, often depicting scenes from local folklore or agricultural life.

Clothing

Waxon

The Waxons, hailing from the western and more rugged regions, favor sturdy and functional attire suited to their robust lifestyle. Men typically wear tunics of thick wool or linen, often dyed in earthy tones such as beige, forest green, charcoal gray, and ochre. These are paired with durable trousers and leather boots designed for navigating rugged landscapes. Women wear practical dresses with layered skirts, often belted at the waist, and cloaks lined with fur to fend off the chill winds. Waxon clothing is adorned with simple embroidery, often depicting natural motifs like pine trees or mountains, reflecting their connection to the land.

Belltic

The Belltic, who inhabit the more fertile eastern lands, favor attire that is both elegant and comfortable, reflecting their refined and cultured society. Men often wear tunics with embroidered hems, paired with fitted trousers and leather shoes. Their cloaks, fastened with ornate brooches, are made from finer fabrics and dyed in brighter colors like deep blues, rich burgundies, and golden yellows. Women’s dresses are tailored and feature intricate patterns along the collars and sleeves, often layered with embroidered aprons or sashes.

For formal occasions, the Belltic wear more elaborate clothing, such as velvet surcoats and gowns adorned with decorative trims. Jewelry, though understated, is a common accessory, with pieces crafted from silver and set with polished amber or other semi-precious stones. Their overall style emphasizes sophistication and an appreciation for artistry.

Lynoran

The Lynorans, dwelling along the western coast, exhibit a distinct style influenced by their maritime lifestyle and communal independence. Their clothing is practical yet polished, designed to suit both the rigors of seafaring and the temperate coastal climate. Men typically wear knee-length tunics over breeches, secured with wide leather belts. Their garments are often adorned with subtle vertical stripes or checkered patterns in muted tones of purple, brown, and cream. Women wear simple but elegant dresses with high waists, complemented by long aprons and shawls that can be easily adjusted for outdoor work.

Outerwear among the Lynorans often includes long coats and hooded cloaks, made from water-resistant materials to withstand coastal weather. Decorative elements are understated, with small embroidered designs featuring waves, ships, or coastal flora. Hats are a common accessory, with broad-brimmed designs for sun protection or snug woolen caps for colder weather. For formal occasions, their attire becomes slightly more elaborate, incorporating finer fabrics and decorative trims, while still maintaining their characteristic practicality and restraint.

Related Organizations

Reich of Sturmgard

Princedom of Lynora

Paladins of Arish

Parent Race

Humans

Related Locations

• Arboria