Stygians
Upon exotic ships, the Stygians sail from their desert-home far to the south, where the foul Necromancer-Kings ruled centuries ago. While the prejudice exists that the desert-dwellers are cunning users of evil magic, they are well-known as technologically advanced and learned compared to the Free Kingdoms, with a storied history and love of lore. Most are nomads, well adapted to life in the desert. Stygians have deep, brownish skin with thick, black hair.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
- Examples of female names include: Iesha, Ishet, Kali, Kyra, Merit, Najila, Oma, Qadira, Raam, Rai, Saba, Sahar, Seddit, Shava, Tahira, and Zahra.
Masculine names
- Examples of male names include: Abbad, Bassam, Farid, Hakim, Iago, Khalid, Nazir, Omar, Qadir, Rakim, Samir, and Yazim.
Family names
- The prefix "ir'-" denotes a patronymic surname; Abbad ir'Bassam would be translated to Abbad, son of Bassam.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
- The Stygians have learned to speak Common, like all men, although Stygian is an ancient language that traces its origins back to time of the Necromancer-Kings. It is still spoken by scholars, historians, and some wizards.
Shared customary codes and values
- Since the fall of the Necromancer-Kings, the rites of the Keeper have been integral to Stygian culture. He is the most important god in their culture by far, and as a result, Stygian culture has fostered a strong respect for human life.
- They are less likely to turn to violence than other peoples, and have a greater respect for diplomacy and knowledge.
Average technological level
- Stygians are renowned for their numerous inventions. Paper was invented during the Stygian Empire, and they have since made many alchemical discoveries to produce perfumes and soaps. Likewise, Stygian inventors were responsible for modern navigational tools, such as the magnificent spyglass.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
- Stygians of all upbringings and birthrights are allowed, and encouraged to, study history. This is typically passed from generation to generation, and informed by the knowledge of scholars and clerics.
- Due to the importance of the Keeper's faith, this is as much a religious activity as it is a cultural custom. Even the lowliest Stygian, be he a shepherd of a desert nomad, can recount the events of ages past with impressive clarity.
Funerary and Memorial customs
- The constantly-shifting desert sands mean that burial is nearly impossible, and bodies are typically interred in above-ground tombs.
- The Stygians are also renowned for their embalming techniques, in order to keep bodies from melting away in the hot desert. Even commoners are entitled to bodies being preserved.
Historical figures
- For better or worse, the Necromancer-Kings are the most well-storied Stygians in history. Their reign was terrible, and their offenses against their subjects, the land, life itself are legendary. Fortunately, their time passed long ago, although some still persist today as powerful liches and mummies.
Major organizations
Stygian society is clustered around the delta of the Sur River in the Desert Wastes . There is little arable land, although the river banks have loamy soil that can produce barley, oats, and fruits like dates and watermelons. However, it is highly contested by the various Ruby Sultans, who rule the City-States along the River. Rather than fight wars, they attempt to outmaneuver one another through negotiations and manipulations.
Encompassed species
Related Locations
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