Serrans (sir-rans)
The Serrans are a proud people who have a long and storied history of metalworking, stonemasonry, and hunting and trapping of wild game. They are known throughout the city for their skills in these areas and their knowledge of the natural world.
Their metalworking skills are renowned, with many of the city's finest weapons and tools being crafted by Serran smiths. They are masters of working with metals of all kinds, from simple iron to precious metals like gold and silver. Their skills in stonemasonry are equally impressive, and they are responsible for many of the city's most beautiful buildings, bridges, and monuments.
In addition to their expertise in these trades, the Serrans are also skilled hunters and trappers. They have a deep knowledge of the forests and wildlands surrounding the city, and they are able to track and catch even the most elusive game. Despite their rough and tumble way of life, the Serrans have a deep appreciation for beauty and art, and many of their metalworking and stonemasonry techniques incorporate intricate designs and patterns. They take pride in their work and are respected throughout the city for their skill and craftsmanship.
The Serrans are particularly skilled in the crafting of intricate jewelry and weaponry using a technique of inlaying different metals. They also work with various wild game products such as fur and hides, crafting beautiful garments and accessories that are both functional and fashionable. The Serrans are known for their use of animal bones and antlers in decorative carvings and practical tools such as knife handles and eating utensils.
The Serrans' homeland lies to the east of the current city across a vast ocean, a rugged and mountainous terrain that was once home to a great civilization once known as the Aldorin Empire. However, a war with their neighboring country of Calendria (a country composed of several joined half-orc tribes) erupted due to religious persecution and border disputes. The Serrans fought valiantly, but ultimately they were defeated, and their capital was seized and destroyed. Many of the Serrans fled to neighboring countries seeking refuge, forced to abandon their homes and start anew. Those who remained ended up as indentured servants and slaves. The memory of their lost homeland and the trauma of war still lingers, and many Serrans hold deep resentment towards their former enemy.
The Serrans are a proud and independent people, fiercely protective of their culture and traditions. They have a strong presence in the city's politics, often advocating for the protection of the environment and the rights of hunters and trappers. They have also made significant contributions to the city's art and architecture through their expertise in stonemasonry and metalworking. Many Serrans also continue to hunt and trap, providing the city with a unique and highly valued source of rare wild game and furs. Despite their status as a minority in the city, the Serrans are highly respected for their skills and contributions, and their culture is an important part of the city's diverse heritage.
Culture
Common Dress code
The Serran people's cultural dress code reflects their history and lifestyle. They wear sturdy leather garments that are often embellished with metal adornments and fur trimmings, designed to withstand the harsh mountainous terrain of their homeland. However, since they've migrated to a more coastal environment, their dress has evolved to be more semi-temperate.
Their clothing often incorporates intricate leatherworking and metalworking techniques, such as tooling and embossing leather and etching intricate designs into metal buckles and fastenings. The leather used is typically obtained from the wild game they hunt and trap, and the furs are from the animals they have killed for their meat and skins.
Serran clothing is functional and durable, with many pockets and compartments to hold tools, weapons, and other essentials needed for survival in the wilderness. It often includes thick hoods and other protective elements to protect against the harsh elements.
The colors of their clothing are often earthy tones such as brown, green, and gray to blend in with the natural environment. They also use colorful dyes and threads to create intricate patterns and designs, which reflect their love of art and their respect for nature.
Art & Architecture
The Serran architecture is primarily built for practicality, with many structures of their homeland blending into the natural rock formations of the mountains. There is a clear influence from the dwarven style, with elements of stone carving, arches, and buttresses present in many buildings. However, the Serrans have made this style their own by incorporating more organic shapes and using locally sourced materials.
The Serrans also place a strong emphasis on the defensive capabilities of their buildings, with walls, gates, and towers being common features. Many structures are built on higher elevations, allowing for better surveillance and defense.
In their new kingdom, the Serrans have adapted their architecture to fit a wider range of environments, while still retaining their signature blend of practicality and defense. They have also incorporated more ornate elements, such as intricate carvings and mosaics, in some of their public buildings and temples.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
The Serrans have developed many customs and traditions over time that reflect their deep connection to the land and their experience with loss and displacement. One of their most sacred traditions is the annual hunt, where members of the community come together to honor the animals they hunt and the land that provides for them. Before the hunt, the Serrans hold a ceremony to give thanks to Unconquered Sol, and ask for guidance and protection during the hunt.
The Serrans are also known for their respect of the materials they use in their metalworking, often repurposing scraps of metal other overlook and other materials into beautiful works of art. They see the process of working with metal as a way to honor the natural world around them and the animals that give their lives to provide for the Serran people.
The Serrans also have a deep sense of community, often coming together to support each other during difficult times. Their shared experience of loss and displacement has led to a strong sense of empathy and solidarity between members of the community. Many Serrans also take great pride in their work as stonemasons, seeing their craft as a way to build and create something new, even in the face of great adversity.
Serrans are known for:
- Strong Metallurgy and Stonemasonry Skills
- Hunting and Trapping in Harsh Environments
- Tightly Knitted Communities
Physical Description: The Serrans, who originally came from a rugged mountainous terrain with a lack of foliage and cover from the sunlight, have a distinct physical appearance. They tend to have darker skin tones, ranging from deep tans to rich browns, which are a result of spending much of their time outdoors hunting and working in forges out in the open. Their eyes are often a rich brown or hazel with flakes of golds and greens, with an intense gaze that comes from being able to spot prey from far away. Many Serrans have thick, curly hair that is black or dark brown, which helps to protect them from the cold and winds of their former homeland. On rare occasions, auburn highlights might appear within their curls and is seen as a sign of a good omen to come for the community. Their muscular builds are a reflection of their past as hunters and metalworkers. They are strong and agile, with powerful arms and legs that are adept at climbing and running through the rugged terrain. As metalworkers, they have developed a keen eye for detail, and their occasionally black stained fingers are dexterous and are capable of creating intricate designs and patterns in their craft.
Diverged ethnicities
Related Organizations
