Squats
The Squats (or Dawi as they refer to themselves) are a genetic divergence of the human race that evolved during the Age of Strife to live on high-gravity, mineral-rich planets orbiting high energy stars in a cluster known as "The Iron Halo".
Squats are one of the sub-races of Humanity that have emerged from the darkness of the Age of Strife relatively united and socially stable, maintaining an above average Tech Level compared to most current communities of Terrans.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Dagna, Sophy, Ivana
Masculine names
Boris, Dijkstra, Sig
Family names
Starsmith, Voidhammer, Techforge, etc.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Nearly all Squats are taught to speak Basic during primary and secondary education, with only the most isolated communities letting it be an elective choice. The native language of the Squats is known as Squatic. Squatic is related to the fundamentals of Basic but descended from a different group of languages from Humanity's homeworld, primarily the eastern region of the subcontinent known as Europe.
Culture and cultural heritage
Squat culture revolves around the professions of mining, manufacturing, and technological innovation.
Shared customary codes and values
Squats almost universally value hard-work, honesty, and chutzpah. Squats never make promises without careful contemplation, for when a Squat swears themself to a deal or oath, they will follow through without complaint or attempting to loophole their way out of the commitment.
Average technological level
TL4-TL5+
Common Etiquette rules
Squats place very little emphasis on social airs and political correctness, preferring blunt honesty and straightforwardness. It should be noted that while individual male Squats give little thought to insults directed towards themselves (they relish such moments as a chance to engage in healthy venting of frustrations), one should take special care to never imply or insinuate any insults towards a male Squat's mother or sisters. Such an occurrence will inevitably lead to a violent altercation with the Squat in question, who will not cease until having extracted a heartfelt apology from the offending party by the virtue of his broad knuckles.
Common Dress code
Clothing is designed for comfort and protection from the elements, with an idea towards wasting as little material as possible.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
Similar to Terrans, though with even greater celebration and well wishes.
Funerary and Memorial customs
The efficiency and practicality of the Squats is apparent even in their funerary rites, with the corpses of deceased Squats being composted and used as fertilizer for the massive hydroponic facilities located in each Squat hold.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Squats tend to prefer function over form, favouring a robust blocky aesthetic but like to include intricate filigree and etchings on particularly important pieces of work so long as it doesn't detract from the items function.
The Squats' sense of aesthetic translates into all other aspects of life as well. Clothing is made to provide protection, comfort, and modesty with minimal wasted material. Hair, if worn long, is typically braided, bound or pinned. It should be noted that while some male Squats do not maintain full beards most have some form of facial hair given the cultural significance of the beard to the Squats. Female Squats typically wear their hair long as it is seen as a sign of fertility.
Gender Ideals
Squats have relatively equal views on the capabilities of each individual gender but have a more traditional bent to them that modern Terrans. Women are not forbidden from careers such as military, industry or politics but are more encouraged into more domestic roles such as agriculture, education of youths, and housewifery. There is good reason for this (perceivable) gender stereotyping as the ratio of Squat births are 3:1 with males outnumbering females, and female Squats are infamous for their incredibly low fertility rate. It should be noted that female Squats are deeply honoured for their service in the more "domestic" side of life as they are seen as the vital support structure for Squat society. A common saying about the importance of proper support goes as such "If you want a job done right, ask a Squat. If you want it done on time, ask his wife."
Relationship Ideals
Due to the low ratio of females to males coupled with the low fertility rate of the females, marital relations among Squats tend toward being polyandrous (multiple males coupled with a single female) in nature, in order to maximize the fecundity of each female. Married females take on a matriarchal roll over her husbands and children, truly being "Queens" of their households, with only the most stubborn or foolish husbands chancing their wife's ire.
It should be noted that while their fertility rate between pregnancies is low, female Squats are strangely fecund when they do become pregnant, with twins being nearly as common as solo births and triplets occurring regularly as well.
Scientific Name: Homo Sapiens Robustus (Robust Wise Man)
Parent ethnicities
Related Organizations
Related Items
+1 Strength
+1 Constitution
-2 Dexterity
Comments