Marodeen
The name "Marodeen" today is typically used in reference to a nomadic, majority Human people group living primarily in the salt wastes of the Marodeen Sea, between the continents of Eukatetica and Subrosia.
These nomadic groups are -- by far -- the largest communities to maintain a uniquely "Marodeen" cultural identity, or even to describe themselves with the term "Marodeen". They only constitute a small fraction, however, of the total population of individuals of Marodeen heritage. The rest make up a diaspora, comprising everything from insular enclaves that have retained their distinct cultural traditions, to those whose grandparents' grandparents were themselves many generations removed from any sense of Marodeen identity.
Except where otherwise noted, this article focuses on the culture and history of the nomadic Marodeen specifically.
These nomadic groups are -- by far -- the largest communities to maintain a uniquely "Marodeen" cultural identity, or even to describe themselves with the term "Marodeen". They only constitute a small fraction, however, of the total population of individuals of Marodeen heritage. The rest make up a diaspora, comprising everything from insular enclaves that have retained their distinct cultural traditions, to those whose grandparents' grandparents were themselves many generations removed from any sense of Marodeen identity.
Except where otherwise noted, this article focuses on the culture and history of the nomadic Marodeen specifically.
Culture
Common Dress code
"On the Salt":
"Below Decks" (Indoors, in a tent, underground, etc.):
- Light-colored or white flowing robes and head coverings are typically worn any time a Marodeen of any age or gender is "on the salt" while the sun is shining. Thicker robes or more layers are worn at night on the salt.
- Special cloth veils attached to the head coverings are usually raised to cover the mouth and nose any time one is to be out on the salt for more than a few minutes. These protect the wearer from breathing in the fine particulates of salt carried on the wind of the Marodeen Sea, which can be irritating in the short term and deadly in the long term.
- The Marodeen wear a unique type of eye covering, with a frame that rests on the nose and ears, and lenses made of a type of dark, translucent crystal that has the property of blocking out light reflected off the salt. The creation of these crystals is a secret known only to the Marodeen, who have historically done good business selling them to caravaners.
- A type of specially-prepared cloth can be used to make banners, garments, barding, etc., that will appear to shine brightly against the dimmed landscape for someone wearing the dark crystal eye coverings.
"Below Decks" (Indoors, in a tent, underground, etc.):
- They wear as much or as little as they want, once they're inside, whatever's comfortable. There's no real nudity taboo, because all that salt requires a lot of moisturizing all over, and nobody likes the feeling of putting on clothes right after a massage. But you don't want salt in your bits either, so they typically wear some kind of robe.
Art & Architecture
- Marodeen art tends to favor complex geometric patterns, with common motifs being spiraling pinwheels of triangles whose size is a function of distance from the center, or rotationally-symmetric tessellations of equilateral and right triangles that resemble the constellations as seen through a kaleidoscope.
- Being a nomadic people, Marodeen architecture is fairly limited. The only real exceptions are the shelters, dwellings, and small settlements they have carved into and under the stone hoodoos known as The Blades of the Master.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Entombed in the salt, so the blood can contribute to one day refilling the great sea.
Common Taboos
I'm not sure, but probably a lot of them revolve around when or when not to lick salt.
Common Myths and Legends
According to their stories, which are still told among the nomads of the Marodeen Sea but virtually forgotten among the diaspora, the Marodeen were renowned mariners before the great sea dried up, thousands of years ago.
The legend of The Gem of the Perpetual Sea tells of a great treasure, the loss of which led to the disappearance of the Marodeen Sea and, thus, the downfall of the Marodeen Thalassocracy.
The legend of The Gem of the Perpetual Sea tells of a great treasure, the loss of which led to the disappearance of the Marodeen Sea and, thus, the downfall of the Marodeen Thalassocracy.
Ideals
Gender Ideals
Moderately strong gender binary with very rigidly-delineated (but not inherently unequal) gender roles and norms, and gender-specific social hierarchies. That said, an individual's gender is not necessarily determined by their biological sex; Marodeen can decide which path to take when they first come of age, and are free to change their stated gender identity at any time (with the major caveat of having to start over at the bottom rung of their new hierarchy).
The gender roles have remained largely unchanged since the Marodeen were seafarers, thousands of years ago. Females lead the clans, decide where they go and how they get there, manage the logistics of where and when to camp, driving and managing the camels, diplomacy. Males manage all the trading, provisioning, and defense.
The gender roles have remained largely unchanged since the Marodeen were seafarers, thousands of years ago. Females lead the clans, decide where they go and how they get there, manage the logistics of where and when to camp, driving and managing the camels, diplomacy. Males manage all the trading, provisioning, and defense.
Major organizations
Marodeen Thalassocracy (defunct)
Parent ethnicities
Related Organizations
Related Myths
Related Locations
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