Veiamic Peoples
Veiamic peoples are the various groups that inhabited the woods, swamps, and coastlines of the region known as Veiama. Today, there are three Veiamic peoples who still have a significant presence in the region: Taalites, Karuvians, and Vaunens.
In the past, Veiama was a northern region tucked between the sea and the mountains. Today, the Forest covers the entire region, but in the past, it had distinct areas of boreal forest, open meadows, and marshland. When the Forest came and the uhaaki began to massacre the residents of Veiamia, survivors were forced to flee to safety on the islands within Veiama's extensive lake system.
Although the distinct peoples are proud of their unique heritage, there are many similarities between the groups. Their languages, though distinct in their own ways, are mutually intelligible. They are often referred to broadly as the Veiamic language, with the distinct languages merely being dialects of it. This, of course, is the subject of heated debate.
Religion
Veiamic people share a pantheon of gods, the worship of whom is now called the Old Religion. There are 9 great gods holding dominion over various elemental aspects of the world, and a plethora of lesser deities who reign over human ideas such as blacksmithing and sailing. The number 9 is considered the holiest number in Veiamic culture - a triangle is the most stable shape, and three threes makes nine. Around 700 years ago, a second religion branched off from the Old Relgion. Keitism is a way of life and philosophy based on the writings of the druid Ainokeinen. Keitism places more individual emphasis on worship and prescribes specific actions adherents should follow for a virtuous life.Music and Magic
To all Veiamics, music is central to life and culture. Music is how they control magic and commune with their gods. The days of the week are named for music notes, and each god is associated with a certain instrument.Names
Most personal names are unisex. The exceptions to this are names that come from mythology or history and are associated with a particular person. Family names take the form of patronymics. Nobility uses old family names taken from the founders of their houses many generations ago, while common folk use their father's name.Common Names
In a simple patronymic, the name is given in the genitive form with Ha, meaning 'kin', added to the end. Meilu, a common woman who is the daughter of Joeki, would be named Meilu Joekinha. Names do not change upon marriage.Noble Names
Noble names use ta ('of') instead of the kin suffix. If Meilu were a noble daughter in the house founded by Hähoa two centuries ago, her name would be Meilu ta Hähoan. A married noblewoman's house name turns into a patronymic name placed before her new house name. If Meilu married into the house of Joeki, her name would be Meilu Hähoanha ta Joekin - she is still Hähoa's kin, but now comes from the House of Joeki.Dress
This describes the basic costume, with different groups varying in colours/styles/additional elements.Men
A typical working-class man wears loose, ankle-length pants that either tie at the waist with string or are held up with belt loops and a belt. The pants are tucked into boots that come to an inch or two below the knee, where they bunch up. Richer men wear pants in extravagant colours, but a commoner's pants would typically be brown, black, or dark blue or grey. On the top, they wear a linen shirt as a basic layer, often with ties around the collar. Various outer layers can go over this, generally a vest in the summer and a long-sleeved tunic in the winter. A tunic would reach to the mid-thigh and the decoration, especially around the collar, varies by wealth. In cooler months (i.e., the majority of the year), a man generally wears a cloak made of a simple rectangle of wool. The inner portion may be lined with a contrasting colour, and for upperclass men, the entire item may be a pattern of many colours of fabric stitched together. A man's cloak is seen as his most personal, and most expressive, article of clothing.Women
The basic costume for women consists of three layers. The first is a basic linen shift worn against the skin, which usually has broad sleeves gathered at the wrists. The hassle of doing work with swaths of excess fabric on the arms are why larger sleeves are seen on upper class women, while working class women have very little. Over this is the outer dress, which is ankle-length and sleeveless. The last layer is the apron. This is anything from a practical linen apron worn by commoners to an elaborate and embroidered apron worn by the nobility purely for show. The apron reaches just past the knee and typically has some type of embellishment along the bottom edge. Women usually carry an embroidered pouch tied around the waist that hangs in the middle of the apron to carry small items throughout the day. They usually also wear a shawl draped around the shoulders that fastens with a brooch in the middle of the chest.Organization of Life
The number 9 is the most significant and holy number in Veiamic culture, and multiples of it are considered milestones in life.- From birth to 9 years is one's childhood. Children are considered innocent and cannot be charged with any crimes. Children at this age are referred to with the gender neutral pronoun, and wear the same styles of clothing. It is very rare for anyone to have a tausai during this stage.
- Upon turning 9, a person enters adolescence and is now considered to possess rational thought and the ability to tell right from wrong. Adolescence is considered a transitional and instructional period, and they are given extra leniency in terms of criminal charges and punishment. Adolescents are expected to gradually settle into gender roles during this stage of life and now wear gendered clothing. Almost all people acquire their tausai during adolescence, which is a significant mark of maturity.
- 18 is the age at which is person reaches full adulthood. After this age, a person is treated with all the rights and responsibilities of adulthood. By adulthood, a person is assumed to have settled into their adult self. Changes to gender after this age are looked at with skepticism and confusion. 18-35 is considered one's youth. This is the period during which most people marry and have children.
- From 36 to 53, a person is considered a mature adult. If one isn't married before this stage, they're not expected to ever do so. Most skilled professionals, leaders of guilds, business owners, and nobles actively engaged in the Assembly are in this stage.
- 54 is the age at which one is considered an elder. Many in the higher classes of society retire at this age.
- 72 is considered quite old, and those living past this age are highly respected in society.
Diverged ethnicities
Related Organizations