Tengu
A noble race of bird-like humanoids who strongly resemble crows, the tengu value honor above all else. Enigmatic and somewhat insular, Tengu culture is not well-known beyond their home country of Karasu. Much of each individual's time is spent in quiet meditation and training in their chosen art. Their leisure time is typically spent in some form of artistic pursuit ranging from poetry and calligraphy to fishing.
Females tend to have a slightly different shape to their beak and are more slight than males (which is saying something since they are rather small altogether. They also have some subtle differences in color and marking, though outsiders likely cannot tell the difference between the sexes by physical appearance. In addition, female tengu have softer, higher voices than the males.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Hata
Matsuno
Shime
Amamori
Chiharu
Matsu
Masculine names
Yataro
Yosai
Kenji
Katsue
Miyoko
Uchino
Yagi
Family names
Kubota
Hatori
Igarashi
Yasukawa
Raiktuji
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The tengu speak Karasunese, for the most part. Though those who live in areas where trade is more frequent usually speak at least some Common.
Shared customary codes and values
As a race, tengu often seek out conflict and competition in order to test their skill. They are not especially warlike, however, and prefer single combat if they are going to try and prove themselves against someone else. Typically these duels do not end in death unless there is some matter of honor between the fighters. Outside of combat, they compete in more subtle ways in the arts, trying to achieve perfection in all they do. While they know true perfection is impossible, they believe the attempt at it is of value in and of itself.
Non-tengu are typically viewed with some degree of skepticism not only because they may or may not have the honor the tengu value so much but also because they view many other races as unevolved and rather crass by comparison. Given their introspective nature and drive toward perfection, they aren't entirely wrong. Though they sometimes lose the value of other races and cultures through avoidance of contact.
Common Etiquette rules
Bowing as a sign of politeness is a regular affair in tengu culture. One is also expected to wash their feet when they enter a building. Outsiders are expected to remove their shoes, but as tengu rarely wear shoes (due to the shape of their feet) foot washing is a sign of respect. In places of high formality, there are typically individuals assigned to wash the feet of guests before entry is granted.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Tengu ideals in beauty are complex since to those who are not accustomed to the bird-like people, they all look very similar to one another. However, each tengu differs from another in small details. Tengu beauty ideals typically have more to do with dress than appearance, though every one of them likes a good, clean coat of glossy feathers.
Both male and female tengu wear hakama and kimono, so it can be difficult to tell them apart by looking. Female tengu tend toward preferring softer, flower-toned clothing, but that is not a universal preference, so it's typically safer to ask rather than assume.
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