Necaian (nɛˈkaɪ.ən)

The Necaian are a proud and resilient people with a deep cultural and historical connection to their homeland, the kingdom of Necai. Shaped by the harsh realities of their jungle-based environment and a history steeped in war and honor, the Necaians have developed a society where strength, loyalty, and glory are the pillars of their identity. They believe that through battle and honor, one can achieve true glory, and their motto, "Glory through Strength, Honor through War," encapsulates this belief.
The Necaian ethnicity is deeply tied to the kingdom of Necai and their worship of the god Udes, the God of War and Glory. Their culture celebrates war as the ultimate path to honor and spiritual fulfillment, and their society is structured around martial prowess and loyalty to the state. While humans make up the majority of the population, there is also a presence of other jungle-based races such as Ailouron and Avenarii, with whom they share complex relationships. Their architecture is a testament to their advanced building techniques, honed by centuries of warfare and defense.

Anatomy & Morphology

Necaian people are typically tall and muscular, with strong physiques that reflect their warrior lifestyle. Men and women alike are trained in combat from an early age, which leads to a populace known for their athletic build and endurance. They have a wide range of skin tones, often reflecting their environment, ranging from darker brown hues to lighter tan shades. Hair textures are similarly varied, but thick and curly hair is common, and many Necaian warriors grow their hair long and wear it braided or adorned with ceremonial beads.
Scarification is a common practice among warriors, with scars marking major victories or acts of valor. Tattoos depicting their battles and honors are also popular, particularly among the elite military class.

Genetics & Reproduction

Necaian genetics emphasize strength and endurance. They have a relatively shorter gestation period than other humanoids, around 8 months, which is believed to be an evolutionary adaptation due to their war-centric culture. Families in Necai are usually large, and having many children is seen as a sign of strength and contribution to the kingdom. Despite their warrior focus, families are tight-knit, and the bond between kin is sacred.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Necaian feminine names are often strong and reflect the warrior spirit or natural elements. Many women in Necai are fierce warriors, and their names carry meanings tied to their strength, beauty, or battle prowess.

• Liora – Meaning "bringer of light."
• Shaena – Meaning "protector of kin."
• Ishari – Meaning "glory of the stars."
• Rethari – Meaning "hunter of the wilds."
• Velora – Meaning "strength of heart."
• Kalira – Meaning "wisdom in battle."
• Zanara – Meaning "voice of victory."
• Torina – Meaning "honored in war."
• Vesira – Meaning "fate’s warrior."
• Raloksha – Meaning "fire's guardian."

Masculine names

Necaian masculine names often reflect valor, honor, and power, with references to battle, strength, and divine favor from Udes. These names are meant to evoke fear in their enemies and respect among their allies.

• Korath – Meaning "leader of warriors."
• Taren – Meaning "victor of battle."
• Zorak – Meaning "one who feasts in victory."
• Durath – Meaning "forged by the gods."
• Ralos – Meaning "fire’s champion."
• Veshan – Meaning "guided by fate."
• Shaenar – Meaning "protector of the tribe."
• Talor – Meaning "wise in war."
• Ishlan – Meaning "glorious hunter."
• Thorak – Meaning "guardian of honor."

Unisex names

Unisex names in Necaian culture are versatile and often associated with natural elements, strength, or spiritual power. These names can be used by both male and female warriors, reinforcing the idea that all Necain people are united in their purpose, regardless of gender.

• Zorah – Meaning "honor in battle."
• Kalor – Meaning "wise leader."
• Shael – Meaning "guardian of light."
• Veshara – Meaning "fated warrior."
• Rethan – Meaning "the hunter."
• Torin – Meaning "victorious one."
• Ishra – Meaning "glory of the stars."
• Ralor – Meaning "born of fire."
• Tarin – Meaning "strength of heart."
• Khaalin – Meaning "hand of death."

Family names

Necaian family names are often derived from ancestral achievements, war titles, or connections to nature and battle. Family names carry significant weight in Necain society, as they often reflect a family’s honor, strength, and historical contributions.

• Kor’tar – Meaning "of the leader's blood," a prestigious family known for producing many military leaders.
• Ralok'kan – Meaning "born of fire," a family associated with forging weapons and tools for warriors.
• Sha'thor – Meaning "guardian of the tribe," a family famed for their protective role in Necain society.
• Ish'kal – Meaning "honored by glory," a family with a long history of warriors and champions.
• Veshar’tan – Meaning "fate’s guide," a family linked to priesthood and divination.
• Zar'shal – Meaning "blade of peace," a family known for being mediators in times of conflict.
• Khaal'rath – Meaning "death's hand," a family tied to the Golden Vanguard and executioners.

Culture

Common Etiquette rules

In Necaian society, respect is shown through bows and ritual greetings, especially when addressing superiors. It is considered impolite to speak before a warrior or elder unless invited. During ceremonial gatherings or feasts, it is customary to toast to fallen warriors and the strength of the kingdom.

Foods & Cuisine

The Necaian cuisine is heavily influenced by the jungle environment in which they live, emphasizing hearty, protein-rich meals that provide the necessary strength for battle and survival. Meals are seen as not only sustenance but a reflection of their warrior culture, where food is a key component in celebrations, ceremonies, and the rituals of war. The Zorrin, or victory feast, is one of the most significant events where food takes center stage, as warriors and civilians alike gather to celebrate battle successes.

Staple Ingredients

• Jungle Game: Hunting is a key part of Necaian life, and their diet reflects this with a strong emphasis on meat. Wild boar, jungle deer, and even large birds are commonly hunted and prepared in a variety of ways, from slow-roasting over open flames to stewing in large cauldrons with herbs.
• River Fish: With many rivers running through Necai’s jungles, river fish is a crucial part of their diet. Fish like catfish, tilapia, and piranha are often grilled, smoked, or wrapped in jungle leaves and roasted in embers.
• Root Vegetables: Necaian farmers cultivate taro, cassava, and sweet potatoes, which are staples in their cuisine. These root vegetables are often mashed, roasted, or boiled, providing a filling and energy-rich base for meals.
• Fruits: The jungle provides a wealth of tropical fruits, such as mangoes, papayas, guavas, and plantains, which are often served fresh, stewed, or even fermented into drinks.
• Herbs & Spices: The Necaian people use various jungle herbs to flavor their food, including spicy chili peppers, coriander, wild garlic, and tamarind. These herbs and spices are not only used for taste but are believed to enhance strength and endurance.

Common Dishes

• Sha'ralok (Fire Roasted Game): A traditional meat dish where jungle game is slow-roasted over an open fire. Wild boar is the most prized, and it is marinated with chili paste, garlic, and tamarind before being roasted until tender. This dish is often served during large gatherings, especially following a victory in battle.
• Kai'Zorrin Stew (Victory Stew): A hearty meat and vegetable stew prepared after successful hunts or battles. It typically consists of river fish or game meat, root vegetables, and a mix of jungle herbs. The stew is simmered over a low fire for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. This dish is especially served during the Zorrin (victory feast).
• Turosh Fruit Wraps: Large jungle leaves are used to wrap roasted fish and fruit, especially plantains and papaya, which are then cooked in hot embers. The wrapping process seals in the juices and infuses the food with an earthy, smoky flavor.
• Rethar's Bounty (Hunter's Feast): This dish is often prepared after a successful hunt and features a mix of grilled meat, roasted fruits, and herb-infused rice. It symbolizes the bounty of the jungle and is often served in ceremonies honoring hunters and warriors.
• Nashi'kai (Strength Bread): A dense bread made from a combination of cassava flour and wild grains. This bread is eaten with most meals and is believed to enhance one's strength, making it a favorite among warriors.
• Rar'lok Spice Drink: A fermented drink made from tropical fruits like mangoes and guavas, mixed with a variety of spices such as cinnamon, clove, and chili peppers. It is consumed during feasts and is believed to fortify the drinker's spirit and endurance in battle.

Ritual Foods

• Ishla's Blessing (Glory Feast): On the eve of a battle, the Necaian prepare a special meal of roasted boar, root vegetables, and fermented fruit drinks. The meal is shared among the warriors and their families, and it is believed that eating the meal together under the gaze of Udes ensures victory in battle. The food is often blessed by priests of Udes and consumed with solemn reverence.
• Sha'Moruh (Victory Blood Drink): After a great victory, the blood of the first animal hunted after the battle is mixed with fermented fruit juice and shared among the warriors. This ritual drink is symbolic of their connection to the jungle and to the blood spilled during battle. It is believed to give warriors strength and bind them together in honor and glory.
• Kor'kal Feast (Leader's Feast): This is a meal prepared in honor of a new leader or general. The food includes the finest game meats, river fish, and fruit drinks. Every member of the community contributes something to the meal, symbolizing the leader’s connection to their people. The leader is also served the heart of the largest animal, symbolizing the strength and wisdom they need to guide their people.
• Feasts & Celebrations
• Zorrin (Victory Feast): Held after a major battle victory, this feast is a grand affair where the whole community participates. Game meat, root vegetables, and spiced fruit drinks are served in abundance. The Zorrin is also a time for warriors to be honored and for fallen comrades to be remembered with special offerings of food and drink.
• Rethar (Hunter’s Celebration): After a successful hunt, the Rethar feast celebrates the bounty provided by the jungle. This feast features the freshly caught game and wild fruits, with plenty of food shared among the village. The hunter who led the hunt is given the first bite of the meal, a symbolic gesture of honor.
• Sha'kor (Family Feast): Held annually to honor ancestors and family lineage, this feast features the most treasured foods, including wild boar and rare fruits. Families gather together to eat, share stories, and remember their ancestral roots.

Eating Customs & Etiquette

• Communal Eating: Necaian feasts are often communal, with food served in large portions and shared among families or the entire community. The eldest member of the group is always served first, followed by warriors and then civilians.
• Offering to Udes: Before any major feast, it is customary to make a small offering to Udes, the god of war and glory. This is typically a piece of meat or fruit that is burned on a ceremonial fire as a sacrifice to ensure continued success in battle.
• Respect for the Hunt: When consuming game meat, the Necaian take great care to honor the animal that provided the meat. It is common to speak a few words of thanks before eating, and all parts of the animal are used to ensure nothing is wasted.
• Victory Toast: After a battle, warriors gather to offer a toast of Rar'lok Spice Drink, raising their cups in honor of the fallen and their victory. The toast is led by the eldest warrior or leader present.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

The Zorrin (Victory Feast)

One of the most important and celebrated customs in Necaian culture is the Zorrin, or Victory Feast. After a successful battle or conquest, the entire community gathers to celebrate the warriors' victory. During this feast, warriors are honored for their bravery, and food and drink flow freely. The roasted boar is often the centerpiece of the feast, symbolizing strength and victory. The elders and priests lead the ceremonial toasts, offering blessings to Udes and to the fallen warriors.

The Toran (Honor Duel)

The Toran is an ancient tradition where disputes between individuals, families, or even military leaders are settled through an honor duel. These duels are sacred and are conducted with strict rules. The participants are required to fight until one yields or first blood is drawn, but death is rarely the outcome. The duel is meant to restore balance and honor, and the winner is believed to be blessed by Udes. It is common for the Golden Vanguard to oversee these duels, ensuring that the combatants abide by the rules.

The Kor'kal (Leadership Ceremony)

Whenever a new leader, general, or important official is appointed in Necai, a Kor'kal Feast is held. This tradition celebrates the individual's new role and strengthens their bond with the people they are meant to lead. The leader-to-be is honored with a ceremonial meal, during which they eat the heart of a recently hunted animal. This act is symbolic of absorbing the animal's strength and courage, and it is believed to grant the new leader the wisdom and power needed to guide their people.

The Ash'ralok (Cleansing by Fire)

Ash'ralok, or Cleansing by Fire, is a purification ritual conducted before warriors enter battle. A small fire is lit in the center of the village, and warriors are ritually cleansed with the smoke from sacred herbs. Each warrior takes turns passing through the smoke, which is believed to cleanse their soul and ensure that they are prepared for the battle ahead, both physically and spiritually. Priests of Udes bless the fire, calling upon the god to grant the warriors strength and victory.

Rethar's Bounty (Hunter's Feast)

Rethar's Bounty is a tradition observed after a successful hunt. The hunters who brought in the game are honored, and the community gathers to feast on the fresh kill. The hunter who led the expedition is given the first bite of the meal, which is believed to pass the animal's spirit into the hunter, granting them continued success in the future. This feast not only honors the hunter but also reinforces the community's bond with nature and the jungle that sustains them.

The Veshar'kal (Fate Offering)

This tradition occurs on special religious holidays dedicated to Udes. Families offer food, weapons, and handcrafted items at the temple of Udes as offerings to the god, seeking protection, strength, or favorable outcomes in battle. The priests of Udes then perform a Divination, interpreting signs to determine the community's fate. The offerings are believed to influence the favor of Udes, and warriors often participate in these ceremonies before heading into dangerous battles.

The Zar'vesha (Weapon Blessing)

Before any major battle, Necaian warriors undergo a Zar'vesha, or Weapon Blessing. During this ceremony, the warriors' weapons are brought to the temple of Udes, where the priests bless the blades, axes, and shields. The blessing is believed to imbue the weapons with divine power, making them more effective in combat. This tradition is deeply rooted in the belief that Udes fights alongside the warriors, and the blessed weapons serve as an extension of the god's will.

Seasonal Celebrations

Necaian society observes various seasonal celebrations, often aligned with the jungle's natural cycles. These include:

• Sha'keth (The Hunt's Beginning): A celebration marking the start of the hunting season, where the best hunters in the tribe are sent out to gather food for the coming months.
• Tur'kai (Strength of the Sun): A midsummer festival celebrating strength and endurance, where warriors compete in games of combat and strategy.
• Ishlaran (Glory of the Stars): A festival of divination and astronomy, where the elders and priests chart the stars and offer prophecies for the upcoming year.

Coming of Age Rites

Necaian children are trained in combat and physical endurance from an early age. By the age of 7, most children are introduced to formal training in weaponry, strategy, and survival in the jungle. By 14, they are considered ready to join their first battles, and by 20, many have already earned their place in society as warriors or leaders.
When a Necaian youth reaches the age of 14, they undergo the Kor'saar, or Coming of Age Ceremony. This ritual involves the young individual performing a series of physical trials and combat exercises to prove their readiness for adulthood. Upon completion, they are marked with their first scarification, a symbol of their journey into adulthood and their commitment to the ways of the warrior. After the ceremony, a feast is held to celebrate the youth's entry into adult society, and they are given a weapon by an elder or family member as a gift.

Funerary and Memorial customs

When a Necaian warrior falls in battle, their body is treated with the highest respect. The family of the fallen builds a funeral pyre, and the body is placed upon it with their weapons. The Zorrin feast is held, honoring the warrior's life, and the body is cremated with sacred herbs. It is believed that the warrior’s spirit ascends to Udes, where they continue to fight in the eternal battle. The ashes are either kept by the family in ceremonial urns or scattered in the jungle, symbolizing the warrior's return to nature.

Historical figures

The Necaian people hold a rich history full of legendary leaders, warriors, and figures of immense influence. These figures are often remembered not just for their military prowess but also for their contributions to the culture, religion, and growth of Necai as a powerful kingdom. The deeds of these individuals are passed down through oral tradition, carvings, and sacred texts, cementing their status as pivotal forces in the shaping of Necaian history.

King Kharos the Conqueror

King Kharos was one of the earliest rulers of Necai, remembered for his role in expanding the kingdom’s borders and leading many successful campaigns to unite the surrounding territories under Necaian control. He is credited with establishing the Necaian alliance with the Ailouron of Klo'karr, marking a significant moment in Necaian diplomacy. His rule solidified Necai as a military superpower and laid the foundations for its strong cultural identity. He is said to have carried a sword blessed by Udes, which ensured his victories on the battlefield.
Legacy: His strategic genius and diplomatic acumen ensured that his bloodline continued to rule Necai for generations, and he is worshiped as an ancestor of the royal family. His statue stands tall in the capital of Halebrink, a symbol of strength and unity.

General Talan of the Golden Vanguard

General Talan was a revered military leader who served during one of the most turbulent periods in Necaian history, the Calamity Era. Leading the elite Golden Vanguard, Talan was known for his innovative battle strategies and unwavering loyalty to the throne. He successfully defended Necai from numerous invasions, preserving the kingdom’s sovereignty during a time of great chaos. His leadership also helped shape the Golden Vanguard into the feared and respected force it is today.
Legacy: Talan’s name is synonymous with tactical brilliance and discipline. He is remembered for his saying, “Strength is the mind’s sharpest weapon.” Statues of Talan can be found in military academies throughout Necai, and the highest-ranking commanders of the Golden Vanguard still look to his tactics for inspiration.

Khelara, the Warrior Queen

Queen Khelara rose to power after the unexpected death of her father, King Varesh, in battle. Despite initial doubts from the military elite about her ability to lead, Khelara quickly proved herself as a fierce and intelligent warrior. She led Necai into one of its most prosperous periods, defeating numerous external threats and securing important trade routes. Under her rule, Necai’s army reached new heights in both numbers and strength. She was the first monarch to invite Ailouron warriors into her personal guard, further solidifying the alliance with Klo'karr.
Legacy: Queen Khelara is seen as a symbol of female strength and leadership. Her reign is often called the Golden Era of Necai, where the kingdom reached its zenith of power and influence. She is also credited with fostering the strong warrior tradition among Necaian women. Her sword and armor are displayed in the Temple of Udes as relics of her legacy.
These historical figures have left an indelible mark on Necaain society, shaping its culture, its military, and its future. Their deeds, both on and off the battlefield, continue to inspire the Necaian people to strive for glory, honor, and strength in every aspect of their lives.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Necaian beauty ideals are tied closely to physical strength and scarification. Both men and women are expected to maintain a warrior's physique, and battle scars are considered beautiful, marking an individual's experience and bravery. Tattoos that depict a warrior's victories or spiritual journey are also popular, especially in the military elite.

Gender Ideals

Though traditionally patriarchal, Necai allows for strong female warriors to rise through the ranks, especially due to the influence of female deities associated with war. Women are expected to defend their families and prove themselves in battle, and many women hold positions of power in the army.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship in Necaian culture revolves around strength and honor. Potential partners are expected to demonstrate their physical and mental prowess in battle or through great feats of skill. Gifts of weapons or trophies from hunts are common in Necaian courtship rituals.

Relationship Ideals

Necaian relationships are built on mutual respect and shared strength. Partners are expected to support each other in battle and maintain the honor of their family. Polygamy is not uncommon, especially among the elite, but all relationships must be based on mutual loyalty and respect for the warrior code.

Major organizations

The Golden Vanguard: The elite enforcers of Necai, responsible for upholding the laws and protecting the kingdom.
The Temple of Udes: A powerful religious institution that governs religious practice and oversees ceremonies dedicated to war and honor.
The Necain Army: The kingdom's military force, renowned for their strategic prowess and undefeated record in battle.

Related Organizations

• Necai
• Royal Family of Necai

Related Myths

• The War of the Twin Suns and the Birth of Necai

Languages spoken

• Thal'zakiri

Related Locations

• Arandor