Aurelians
The Aurelians - the half-human, half-elf race of the Twin Continents - were the smallest of the nations for much of their history, rejected by both their human and elven forebears. They have since risen as a powerful nation, with their city dominating the slopes around Mt. Sera, the holy mountain. They now consider themselves the protectors of the holy mountain.
There are many fairytales of how the Aurelians resulted from elves and humans during the Great War who chose to live together rather than fight. These are false however, as historical records show there were half-elves living throughout the Twin Continents, concentrated around the human and elven capitols. These first peoples were rejected though during the war as being neither fully human or fully elf and were scattered or enslaved. The remnant that remained managed to hold together as a single tribe and escaped the persecution by fleeing to Mt. Sera and climbing the slopes.
It was during this escape that clerics of the half-elves began receiving visions from Al-Hakeem, the Allfather and creator deity of all things. It was thus believed that the half-elves had been selected by Al-Hakeem to take possession of Mt. Sera and protect it. After the war, with both major superpowers weakened, half-elves from both the human and elven kingdoms gathered at Mt. Sera and began erecting a city on the slopes. The dwarves stepped in however, to inquire of these half-elves what they intended by building this city. After much debate and discussion, the dwarves - who are considered the wisest of all the races - agreed that the half-elves should take possession of the mountain and protect it from all hostile intent. The half-elves named their city Aurelia and themselves Aurelians.
From the outset, the Aurelians possessed a strategic resource, which was the mountain itself and the rivers which flowed from her peak. These rivers had long been used by merchants to transport goods from East to West. The lands around Mt. Sera were fertile and good for crops and herds, and were the only land connection between the continents of Clarus and Scuros, which made trade through that region vital. The Aurelians started building roads leading to their new city, and docks along the river for boats. They dealt fairly with all merchants and found themselves growing in wealth and influence as a result. The city grew, the streets were paved and guarded, and the rivers were expanded for more cargo. Within a hundred years - less than half a lifespan for an Aurelian - Aurelia had grown prosperous and strong, welcoming merchants and pilgrims from across the Twin Continents and still growing in power and influence.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
First names are based on Eastern Mediterranean languages (Latin, Greek, Hebrew (old), and Arabic). Feminine names will most often, but not always, carry an 'a' sound at the end to designate feminine.
https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/latin-names.php
https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/greek_names.php
https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/hebrew-names.php
https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/muslim_names.php
Masculine names
First names are based on Eastern Mediterranean languages (Latin, Greek, Hebrew (old), and Arabic).
https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/latin-names.php
https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/greek_names.php
https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/hebrew-names.php
https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/muslim_names.php
Family names
Without a creator deity, the Aurelians followed their clerics in worship of Al-Hakeem, the Allfather and head over all other gods, and they adopted their naming conventions from Al-Hakeem.
Al-Hakeem in Aurelian means "the sage, the advocate, the judge, the wise one." Aurelian family names follow the same pattern, designating a particular role or characteristic that the individual follows in society, from the highest to the lowest. The king is "al-Malik," his son is "al-Amir," and the servant in the house is "al-Khadim."
Names can either be a literal translation of the role (e.g. Sibeel al-Muharib means Sibeel "the warrior), or they can be a descriptor or characteristic of the person in that role (e.g. Sibeel al-Haiya means Sibeel "the one who survives despite the odds" [derived from the Aurelian word for life]).
Names can change based on one's movement in society. The military experiences the most name changes in a given year as regular rank soldiers "al-Jundii" are promoted up through the ranks into more specialized rolls like "al-Daabit" (the officer), "al-raqiib" (the sergeant), or "al-muhandis" (the engineer). The same can occur in other branches of society as people grow and specialize.
For players: Aurelian names are using an Arabic dictionary, with the article "al-" to designate "the" and a single word to describe the role or the characteristic of the person.
Other names
The family name is very important for one's status in society. The ability to have a name protects citizens' ability to have a job, steady income, a family, legal children registered as citizens. Therefore, the family name should never be cast away. Although incredibly rare, it has been known that an individual chooses willingly to betray their family name and actively work against their role in society. For such individuals, their family name is taken away and they are called "Bilaa-Ism" - "Nameless." These are the lowest of society, without the same rights as other Aurelians and unable to work a job or raise a family.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The primary language of Aurelia is Aurelian, which is commonly thought to be a combination of Common and Elvish. As such, speakers of either Common or Elvish tend to find Aurelian an easier language to learn.
For game purposes: Aurelian is represented by Arabic
Ideals
Relationship Ideals
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Major organizations
Aurelia
Comments