Baleans

Geographic Representation

Balean (Bay-lee-yan) are the predominant human ethniciity in East Colassia, but they do not have a separate nation. Mooringsland, Musseland, Magicland are all roughly 60% ethnically Balean and roughly 30% mixed Balean heritage.
About 50% of Mineraland is Balean and 30% mixed Balean heritage. About 30% of Mariverlandia and Midlandia and about 40% are of mixed Balean heritage.
About 20% of Marginalland and the Marshlands Region is ethnically Balean and about 10% is of mixed Balean heritage.
Most of Kahdisteria slave population is ethnically mixed, but the Balean blood line is well represented there.
There are tiny Balean population enclaves in eastern Uskala and the northern coast regions of Penarchia.

Physical Traits

For elemental traits Balean humans have a roughly equal mix of fiery and water traits with a small dusting of earthy traits.
The combination of fire and water in their genes gives the Baleans some unique traits that are not commonly seen elsewhere such as having purple hair. The majority of Baleans have more conventional straight watery or straight fiery hair colors such as black, blue, red, and orange, but the fact that anyone has purple hair plus the confirmation bias means that that is the stereotype. Most have conventional watery (light blue or light green) or fiery skin (bronze or orange) but a rare few have lightly purple skin. Some Baleans consider this highly attractive but a lot of purple skinned Baleans feel like they are unfairly singled out.
Watery hair tends to be wavy and fiery hair tends to be curly and cowlicky. Baleans are said to have "steamy hair" which is a polite way of saying "always messy."
About half of Baleans have grey eyes, but almost any eye color on the fire-water spectrum is possible.
Both men and women are said to have very attractive athletic physics with good muscle tone and defined attractive curves though non-Baleans joke that they do not age gracefully.
As Baleans age, they tend to get very few wrinkles and keep their hair. There is a very slightly darkening of the skin and hair over time. The harshest aspect of aging for them is that they tend to lose muscle mass and put on fat fairly quickly compared to other humans.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

Fiery and watery people alike are known for their passionate soulful natures and Baleans embody both elements fully.  When you combine fire and water, you get steam and Baleans are steamy.  Relative to other human groups, they have fairly few sexual taboos and they are very open with their sexuality.  In their dress, jokes, conversations, and their actions.
Relative to other human cultures, family blood lines are somewhat deemphasized and informal "clans" of extended networks of friends often create a surrogate family.

Average technological level

Baleans are a sea loving people and things to cultural dissemination from all around Scarterra they have the full breadth of civilized knowledge included advanced irrigation, construction, metalsmithing, and wizardry.

Common Etiquette rules

"Stoicism" is a foreign concept to most Baleans.  Greetings tend to be boistrous and flamboyant with bear hugs and hello kisses often being the norm even between near strangers.
Politeness is almost a foreign concept.  Baleans recognize the need for civility but they tend to wear their hearts on their sleeves and are known for being short-tempered which Baleans will usually laugh about and agree with if it's brought up.  Some non-Baleans also accuse them of being untrustworthy and passive-aggressive but bringing this up is a good way to anger a Balean.

Common Dress code

Baleans generally prefer to dress in bright colors.  Men and women alike like to dress provactively when they get away it.  They tend to wear a lot of perfume and makeup.
Even if they aren't being overtly sexual, they usually dress for attention.  When they go into battle they frequently like to add cosmetic features to their armor to mimic various animals and monsters such as armor with dragon scale patterns or helmets with decorative lion manes.

Art & Architecture

Baleans value their artistic heritage. While they appreciate music and storytelling, their favored artistic mediums are in physical world. They favor bright colors on their houses and constructions. Murals and sculptures are a common sight in Balean settlements.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Baleans tend to be passionate individuals who dislike formality.  Whereas Phidas, Khemra, and Hallisan are a lot less influential than they are in most civilized lands.  Among other things, they certainly push back against these deity's rigid views on marriage taboos.
Despite their free spirited nature, Baleans don't exactly prioritize the chaotic deities of Maylar, Nami, and Zarthus though shrines and temples to these deities are not uncommon.
Baleans rarely shun any of the Nine outright, even the fairly unpopular ones.  They don't really play favorites and were it not for a relative lack of piety, they are almost perfect polytheists.  The Cult of the Compact is disproportionately represented among the Balean community.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Balean funerals tend to be very lavish events.  After a brief period of formal mourning, Baleans will usually have a big party to celebrate their life send the deceased off to the afterlife in style.
Once the funeral is over, the dead are mostly left alone.  While funerals are a big deal, memorial holidays are not.  Very few Baleans keep shrines or relics of their ancestors and customary Scarterran memorial holidays are given token observances.

Common Taboos

Baleans tend to be emotionally open and expressive.  Dialogue and discussion are usually encouraged.  Few things are considered ruder than stonewalling something with the silent treatment.

Diverged ethnicities

• Fakharbalé

Encompassed species

• humans

Related Organizations

• Colassian Confederacy

Languages spoken

• Common

Related Locations

• East Colassia