Auscia

South of the Stormy Sky and north of the Windy Wilds is the Sky Below. The casual observer would think this sky is sparse in civilization. However, this is not the case. Under the stone, in the center of the islands within the Sky Below, is the Auscia. Auscia have, until recently, developed a distrust and a cultural fear of the sky and the sea. Since the war, however, they have been forced to come out of their subterranean homes. Airships are new to the Auscia people. Island travel is not, however. There was a family which acted as the spiritual guides for the people. More importantly, the family was cursed by a witch. This curse was simple. Any of the family would become hopelessly lost if they tried to travel. They became so lost, in fact, that they often found themselves in islands they did not start in. Auscia knew about this, and they decided to take full advantage of it. Using the cursed family as guides, they set out to explore these new "worlds". The curse was only limited to a certain distance, in the Reflected Sky. Over the generations, the Auscia were able to communicate and migrate to different islands using this families descendant. However, once Krithian ships discovered the Auscians, the family went into hiding. Now, they are scattered, lost in Himinil. Cursed to wander aimlessly.

Military

Auscia's military is weak compared to almost all other peoples, but their resources allow them to quickly build weaponry and ammunition. Their wealth makes it easy for them to hire the Talons to protect them. Their greatest military strength is their defenses. They live under the earth, which makes it incredibly hard to siege or attack them. When it comes to soldiers, the traditional method for them is lineage. Orphans with no family are often adopted by the military, but those with family in the military are given advantages when joining. The Auscians have a strong sense of pride in their lineage.
An Auscian air force is still in its infancy, as it is incredibly hard to find a soldier that is not too fearful of the open space. But, in the air, they are very careful. There are no half measures taken when it comes to safety. This causes the Auscia airships to be surprisingly stable, and have among the lowest death counts from accidents.

Fear of the Sky

Generations of superstition and paranoia about the sky have left its mark. Most Auscians have a natural distrust of open spaces. They are the most comfortable in confined spaces. A few Auscians experience a paralyzing fear, making them useless without a roof. This stems from a superstition that great birds stalk the skies, waiting to grab any Auscian who leaves the ground. Originally, it was a rumor started to control the weak minded, but eventually grew into common knowledge. Though, since the Auscia were forced to leave their home to survive they have used this fear to their advantage. Auscians are skittish in the open, but they are perceptive. It is difficult to sneak up on an Auscian, especially from the air.
There is a movement among the Auscia of younger men and women rejecting the fears of the sky. They choose to live above ground and face the openness fully.

Appearance

Auscians have pale white skin, burn easily, and usually have blue eyes. Their hair is usually brown or blonde, but white-haired Auscians are common. Albinoism is a common trait among the Auscians, about a tenth of the population suffers from it.
Outside of their homes, auscians can be easily distinguished by their large hats. It is common for them to wear wide-brimmed hats because it can help calm their nerves.

Personality and Mannerisms

Auscians are usually a calm, quiet people. They rarely speak out or yell. They can be distrusting of outsiders, but they are hospitable if you are kind. When it comes to expressing their feelings, most Auscians have a hard time expressing them. When angered, they will keep quiet and let the contempt slowly grow and grow.
An Auscians word is their bond, and they rarely break it. Though, there are those that use this reputation to their advantage.

Auscian Chivalry

Chivalry is important to the Auscians. They will not back down from a duel unless it is dangerous or petty. Nor will an Auscian break a vow. They believe that the honor of the ancestors rests on their shoulders. This sense of honor is what allows them to bypass their fear of the sky. The Auscian code of chivalry is simple. Help those who you can help, do not dishonor your ancestors, and treat all enemies as equals.

Government

Auscia is ruled by a King, who then assigns lords as landowners. Though a lord is expected to dig any rooms they wish to create. Most islands have but one lord, but some of the larger islands house three or more. Their largest island houses no lords, but the king directly presides over it. Beneath the lords are the Auscian Knights, who act as mayors and sheriffs. They are usually given an existing village. To the Auscians, the Knight is the most honorable profession. Their lineage is given important roles in the military and is likely to be knighted themselves.

Power

Auscias power comes from its resources. They are the leading supplier of metal and jewels in the world, and they are expert miners.

Naming Traditions

Family names

The family name is very important to the Auscians. They present themselves as family name, then given name. Most family names are derived from some meaning long ago. The Goldhammer family name might have once owned a golden hammer as their symbol of status, for example. Given names are very similar to Krithian given names.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

The Auscians believe that the most beautiful person has pale white skin, white hair, and pale blue eyes. Signs of albinoism are seen as attractive. When it comes to clothing, they rarely die their clothing. Instead, they prefer to vary their outfits with textures. grey cloth on grey leather, for example. Auscian clothing is usually made from a type of moss they harvest. Functionally, it feels and looks like denim. But it swells in the rain, similar to a sponge.

Gender Ideals

Men and women are equal in Auscia. Even when it comes to manual labor. Currently, there are more woman knights than men, but this is due to men being more willing to leave their home.

Courtship Ideals

Auscians marry for love. A knight or lord officiates the wedding usually. But it is not necessary as long as the knight or lord is informed. Auscian marriages are private affairs where only close friends and family are invited.