Adenn ([ah-DEN])
“Tion ke'gyce ner kad al'ijaat? What guides my sword if not honor?” - Ancient Adenn saying
The Rucori Steppe is a vast plain of humble land, a small break in the great oceans of sand across the continent of Carall. Many Tajirans sit by parks and inside homes and warn their children of the fur covered monsters roaming these plains, keeping others from its beauty. This is partly true, as there is life that inhabits the land of the Rucori Steppe. There is also a people living there, one who's origins are shrouded in myth and legend, but who's deeds are known loduly.
Long ago, the steppe was inhabited by many creatures, save for those that were sentient. The most terrifying of these creatures was the Drakensaur said to be somehow even more terrifying than the dragons, save for their inability to fly. Instead, they simply towered over their prey and feasted on anything that came there way. This was the way the land lived, until eventually, one man came to the steppe, his name lost to time, now only known as The One.
Though his name has been lost, his deeds are eternal, for he came to the steppe seeking to liberate what was said to be a vast sea of captives the Drakensaur took for their vilest entertainment and vices. He traveled into a cave where a fey creature whispered to him a secret, something no one to this day knows. He would travel to the deepest part of the cave, and fine a great blade and a forge. He would forge armor out of the beautiful metal he saw in the cave, and then stride to the pedestal the sword was on. It was a strange weapon known as the Dark Sunblade, for while it at first appears to be little more than a hilt, grabbing it activates a beautiful blade of pure black light. With this weapon he road fourth and slew many of the mighty Drakensaur, with the freed captives joining under him. Soon he stood atop one of the last Drakensaur's corpses, and bellowed: "What guides my sword if not honor? We are the very idea of honor, and not even the gods can kill an idea".
The One would disappear from this mortal realm, and ascend to godhood. He ensured that his teachings were gifted to his adopted children, and that when one takes on the mask and blade he left behind (something only the worthiest could do) they shall unite under this Aden'lor and charge fearlessly. So it was that the Adenn people came to be, embracing their warrior ways with relative ease and learning to live off the land. However, around the year 1000EC, a vast army from the Tajir Sultanate would seek to claim the land for its rumored mineral wealth. They gave the Adenn one letter: "Submit, or be reduced to dust in the wind". No sooner had the Tajiran army entered the steppe did a great horde of roaring warriors charge at them, the Aden'lor leading the charge with his Dark Sunblade. The vast Tajiran army was utterly anihilated, with only a single survivor managing to run and tell his tale to villages. The Aden'lor than led his people to surge out and raid much of the Tajiran land, before ultimately being defeated by the trickery of Djinn. However the damage was done, many cities lied in ruin as the Adenn returned home, and so great was their prowess it was said ti caused 3 generations of trauma for the Tajiran.
Throughout history there have been many times a new Aden'lor had been found, where each time they pass their gear mysteriously vanishes. The most recent example was in the year 3800EC, when a gargantuan horde of demonic pharos and legions of mummified soldiers tried to invade the steppe, but were utterly destroyed and their main pyramid so shattered that it ceased to exist entirely. Since then there hasn't been a new Aden'lor, but some worried whispers say that may change. The world is in its most bleak, with enemies on all sides, and worthy foes to test their steel against. It is only a matter of time the Adennians yearn to fight, not out of crazed, sadistic, bloodlust, but of sheer pride in their way. A new Aden'lor may come sooner rather than later, and in this End of Ages, who knows what may happen still.
Naming Traditons
Adenn names tend to be complex and diverse, due to their proclivity of adopting orphans and some outsiders from all races and lifestyles. Most names tend to be 1-2 syllables, however some names have 3 but these are more rare. Names lengths can also differ greatly with more long ones becoming more complex- Masculine Names: Truth Chull, Cagg Chehl, Suvugg Chegh, Oluju Spengh, Xaenn Trossott, Aburr Bluayuas
- Feminine Names: Su Puhl, Thush Skik, Voni Hour, Shireri Krik, Thenti Ipmengh, Lelk Dryrnurr
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The major language of the Adenn is Adolan. The language itself was actually not particularly complex and is rather easy to learn. This is mainly due to the fact that being a society that takes in orphans, having them relearn a language can be difficult if it was too complex. Adolan also is reported to have the largest amount of insults among other language groups, but their insults are more based on stupidity, cowardice, laziness, and uncleanliness rather than parentage or appearance. This is due to them not really caring as much about bloodline and familial ties than other societies, and caring about more practical concerns. A clean camp is needed to survive after all, and being lazy or a slob can be a detriment.
Culture and cultural heritage
Being a diverse traveling people, the Adenn are practically minded in all things. While other societies worry about family lines, and their ties to noble blood, the Adennians could care less about family ties. That's not to say they do not like family, in fact family is one of the most treasured things in life for the Adenn, but simply put where one was actually born from matters less compared to the family they live with. For this reason, Adenn have made a custom of adopting orphans as they go about the world and raid and fight, and raise these orphans in their ways. This has led to their people to become a diverse rainbow of races and ethnic groups all joined together under one identity, the identity of the Adenn. They are also considered a conservative people, not wanting to take too much material wealth. While they do value material wealth, they also realize they have to carry all that material with them, meaning having less material is less of a burden to carry.
In terms of religion, while they do have a god, they are not as zealous as other cultures, with their god having a more "hands off" approach in their mythos. This god, known simply as "The One" is considered the first and the greatest of their kind, and expects his children to follow his example well. Dishonoring him is a grave misstep that will see the individual forbidden from the afterlife until they repent and correct their error. The One seeks to guide his children to become great warriors, and to survive whatever hardship they suffer.
Of course, combat and fighting are central to their identity as well. Adennians fight simply because they want to, because it proves their skills and excites them. While they sometimes have a reputation as merciless barbarians, they aren't as merciless as some of the stories make them out to be. Though make no mistake, they are brutal to those who threaten them or simply get in the way, and are swift in their way of war. They have mastered mounted and unmounted combat, but prefer to close the distance upon their steeds known as Axe Beaks. The Axe Beak is a type of flightless bird resembling something like an ostrich, with a beak shaped like an axe head. They are incredibly fast, suitable for most if not all environments, and can hold their own in a fight. A common tactic by Adenn riders is to have a small totem upon the back of their mount that releases a whistle as they charge full tilt, while yipping and shouting out war cries. The Adeen are so tied to these mounts that when a warrior dies, the Axe Beak will enter a noticeable state of depression and hopelessness, where they refuse to eat and eventually die. This has led to the Axe Beak becoming a highly central part of their cultural identity, and as such all are expected to know how to ride.
Shared customary codes and values
Above all, the core philosophy of the Adenn people is "The Way of Honor" or sometimes just "The Way". This honor code detailed actions that one must exercise in their lives. These being: Respect their ways, speak the language, rally to the call of the Aden'lor (War King), defend their family, help the tribe, and raise children in their ways. These ideals would guide their lives, and how they fight and survive out in the wild lands they inhabit.
Average technological level
The Adennians inhabit the Rucori Steppe, which is nearby veins of rich minerals and gunpowder. One such mineral is a highly rare and valuable metal known as Opril. This metal is one of the most durable metals (if the stories are to be believed) and is culturally valuable to the Adenn as proof of their prowess and a gift from The One. This metal is typically used in their armor and to a lesser extent their weapons, and as such are master smiths as the process to forge gear from Opril is both kept secret and supposedly very complex. While outsiders have tried to subjugate the tribes to harness this metal, none have achieved their goal. Their pencient for sometimes trading with the cities has also led them to harness gunpowder weaponry and other technologies, and the famous lamellar armor they prefer over plate (though they do still make plate). Its common to see a raid be done in lamellar bedecked warriors with repeating crossbows, matchlocks, and blades and other well made melee weapons.
Common Etiquette rules
While some outsiders believe the Adenn are rude, blunt, and scheming, this isn't the case. In fact, even though they like to keep to themselves, outsiders can be expected to be treated fairly. However said outsider is expected to speak their mind, not mince words, mean what they say, paid their debts, and respect their elders. These concepts were an average part of life, for the Adenn have no interest in dancing around situations with fanciful words or lying. If you have a problem, just speak it, don't hold it in like some jaded lover, solve the problem, and then move on so that you can keep helping the family. Its also considered important to look someone in the eyes when speaking, as this shows sincerity and respect.
Common Dress code
Dress is more practical than fanciful, with them wearing clothes that are fit for the setting they are in. However it is very common to have bird feathers and furs worn in their clothing, as well as occasionally bones or skulls of beasts or great enemies.
Art & Architecture
Like much of their culture, art and architecture is meant to be portable first and foremost. Most art pieces are small statues or carved tablets of great battles or legends, and the typical Adenn home is a large sized tent to live in. However though they are primarily nomadic, there have been some cases of Adenn communities setting up more permeant structures, but even these are designed to be simple and practical.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Being a collection of steppe nomads, the Adenn mainly travel and herd animals as they move. They mainly herd animals such as cattle, sheep, Axe Beaks, and Camapi (a type of beast of burden resembling a Nachi Goat with horns growing from where the eyes would be). They also favor taming and raising great eagles and other hunting birds that they use to help hunt and even sometimes in battle. So much so, that its common to say an Adennian has two pets: an Axe Beak and an Eagle.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
Adenn begun being taught military and survival skills at a very young age, for they had to be ready to survive in the wild lands. While parents typically handle teaching skills, elder members of the tribe teach the younglings about the ways of their people and general cultural knowledge and history.
Coming of Age Rites
Once they reach maturity they must undergo a trial known as "The Trial of Will" in which they are not only tested on their skills but also sent out to hunt one animal, and to catch an Axe Beak that they will use as their mount and faithful companion. Once bringing back their prizes, they are considered a full adult in Adenn society, and will be expected to pull their weight and help the tribe.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Having their origins as a nomadic people, burial can sometimes be complicated. As such, most funerary events are cremation, where the deceased is cremated along with some of his possessions. They believe that burning the physical body frees the spirt to travel into the afterlife, a vast steppe where one can ride, fight, and love to their hearts content. During the funeral, family and friends will sing together and also remember the pleasant times they had together, as well as raise drinks to the deceased individual.
Common Taboos
Refusing a meal offered is considered a grave insult as being a nomadic people, offering food can be a big investment from ones own personal wellbeing. Even some heated rivals will still accept food if offered. Another taboo is that insinuating or calling someone a coward is perhaps one of the gravest insults that can be levied against an Adennian, and can cause even the most level headed Adennian to transform into a rampaging berserker.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
While some may scoff at the Adenn, put simply the Adennians do not put as much stock on beauty as others, or at least what other societies may consider "beauty". They do not have much in the way of jewelry, and what jewelry they do have is to be practical and not be able to be pulled on or catch on anything. It is said the Adenn women are not so much beautiful or graceful as they are physically strong and enduring. In fact calling a Adenn woman "delicate" or anything along those lines is a sure fire way to cause her to pummel the one who spoke. This is not to say that they are ugly, just that they do not do many of the things other societies do to enhance their beauty (i.e. makeup, jewelry, fancy clothes, etc.)
Gender Ideals
Gender and gender identity means little to the Adenn, for all are expected to fight and live honorably, and to die well.
Courtship Ideals
Unlike other cultures in where weddings are at the very least small celebrations with several people involved, the Adenn marriage is more practical and private. The two (or perhaps more in some cases) partners would simply stand before each other, and say "In this world we are one, in the next we are one, and forever onward we are one. We shall share our wealth, and raise warriors." They are then married, simple as that. However though the actual exchanging of vows is private, it is customary to have a small celebration with family and friends, such as sharing drinks and food.
Major organizations
There is no one tribe of the Adenn, and are spread out in small tribes across the Rucori Steppe. However it should be noted that in other places across the world, there are small tribes scattered around, typically keeping to themselves.
While the tribes are all largely independent, being led by various war chieftains, the one position that can unify the tribes together is the Aden'lor, the War King. The Aden'lor is chosen by The One, and is the only one worthy of wielding the Dark Sunblade and the ancient armor of The One. He is a master in all things, and whenever he sounds a great war horn, it is said all of Carall can hear it, for they now his ride begins again.
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