Zhilian

The Zhilians and Carthians are a group of closely related races who dwell in the cities on the south of the Sea of Electros. They are charismatic and quick talkers making them shrewd traders and diplomats and entertainers. While they prefer the route of diplomacy or even deception to settle their affairs, they take the business of war and martial skill very seriously.
Zhilians are a medium sized, dark skinned people who are cousins to the Dark Men that ventured north through the Yellow Desert two millennia ago.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Albia, Dani, Danya, Fadama, Kaiina, Sidra, Talda, Zirra

Masculine names

Adi, Anir, Azmar, Dassim, Jubba, Kasam, Naram, Silas

Unisex names

Axl, Massa, Tatam, Zim

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Zhirians speak the Zhirian language, but some might also or instead speak Leonian or Electrian. Ethnic Zhirians living in the southern region of Corthund may speak Westmin speech as a matter of course.

Shared customary codes and values

Wits and charisma are valued assets in Zhirian society. The value the ability to bring issues to an amenable end, especially when a clever solution to a problem can be arrived at.

Common Etiquette rules

Zhirians shake hands at the elbow and greetings are expected to be made loudly and enthusiastically, even to a stranger.

Common Dress code

Zhirians dress to show their station, wearing as much jewelry and finery as possible. They dress in long robes hued in a variety of colors.

Art & Architecture

Zhillian architecture tends to be tall and efficient with with a tasteful amount of aesthetic moldings and details.
While not particularly interested in the visual arts Zhillians are great proponents of music and the written word.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

While eating the entire meal is placed on a single plate or vessel in the center of the table from which everyone eats. Meals are taken at a low table where everyone sits on a pillow or cushion.
Tables are almost always round to engender a sense of openness and community. To eat silently among others is considered rude.

Funerary and Memorial customs

When A Zhilian man dies the men of his community gather in a smoky room with the body, usually stripped bare, and discuss secrets, and grudges they hold toward or regarding the deceased. The transgressions are then considered forgiven.
If a woman or child dies this is done by the women.
The body is then observed publicly while prayer songs are sung before it is taken to a high place to be enshrined or cremated.

Common Taboos

To discuss secrets or grudges brought up at a Zhilian funeral is considered a transgression.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Tall men with particularly dark features and dressed to show his wealth is considered ideal.
Lithe women with slender necks and narrow shoulders are considered ideal.
Interestingly in Zhiria and Carthia men more often wear their hair long and dreaded, while women keep theirs short or shaven, the opposite of many other cultures.

Courtship Ideals

Women have much freedom in their choice of mates, often giving the wealthiest men in society a strong advantage in finding wives. Consequentially laws have been passed limiting the size of a man's harem.

Relationship Ideals

Zhirian woman have more rights and protections than women in many other places having the protection of law from their husbands and even the right to divorce.

Parent ethnicities

• Dark Men

Related Organizations

• Order of the Black Flower

Languages spoken

• Zhilian