Caledorans

In a city where no grain grows - the ideas that number in the thousands, do.

The people that dominate the north reside within the kingdom and country of Caledor, a monarchical society that encourages the free development of its people. As some might easily identify, the Caledorans are united in there vast love of walls. Exemplified by their grandeur Fortress Cities, Caledorans live within the confines of massive fortresses where commercial, residential and governmental structures all share the same protections. Aside from that, the people continue to live on like normal. Like any other city they are supported by schools, military infrastructure, libraries and merchantile institutions. What sets the Caledorans aside from others though is their ingenuity. Since a large part of their culture does not include agriculture (their source of food relying little on farms and more on trade), much of the people's focuses can be dedicated to academics and inventions. Unlike the dwarves whose focuses inline with architectural design and weapon advancements, the Caledorans have found their niche in improving quality of life. From inter-city pneumo-tube systems to efficient water ways (much of which was designed out of necessity), the people of Caledor pride themselves in their efficient and inventive natures.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Common names for women usually tend to familiarize themselves with flowers such as Bella, Daisy or Rose. However what is more common is taking the names of other famous women. Since scholars, mages and inventors come from all over, it is popular for a woman to want to take on those names. A great example is a famous Imperial Guardsmen from the past named Athena, due to her valor many women aspired to take on her name. As a consequence, female hard labor movements became much more fierce. None the less, names of women can come from many different aspirations.

Masculine names

Unlike females, the males of Caledor tend to take on the names of past generations. This is especially popular among nobles. An excellent example of this is the current King of Caledor, Sheldon IV. Like wise, it could be three or four generations before a new name arises. For the most part, though, the eldest or first son of a family will take on the father's name while the rest are named as the parent's please.

Family names

Caledorans follow a traditional surname system where family names are inherited through bloodlines and marriage. Although a good number of cultures from all over the world have congregated in Caledor, common surnames such as Smith, Evington, Harris, Marbury and Lorraine can be found. However, it is not uncommon for Caledorans to share names with other cultures.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Caledorans primarily speak Common, but due to a large number of citizens and visitors reigning from all over it is not unheard of for citizens to speak more than one language such as Elvish or Dwarvish. This holds especially true for noble merchant families that wish to make good on deals and agreements with people outside their borders. It is also deeply encouraged in their school systems to learn more than one language as it is seen as an opportunistic tool to share ideas.

Shared customary codes and values

Unlike most other countries, Caledorans generally value diversity. This is primarily due to the fact that many resources that the Kingdom is reliant on are exported from other countries. As such, having other races and cultures present within the Kingdom will allow for natural development of such a mentality. Xenophobia is uncommon in Caledor since such a vast network of peoples live in Fortress City walls.
On a more paradoxical note, Caledorans actually fear travel. In a sense, citizens of Caledor can be considered wholly sheltered. Aside from those whom volunteer to join the Imperial Guard, most citizens will not leave their home cities. Part of this is due to the fact that the Fortress Cities tend to be capable of providing everything a person needs - schooling, housing, food and entertainment. There's not much else the average Caledoran desires. Even merchants that deal with worldwide trades may end up dealing from the comfort of their own homes, using messengers to complete transactions. The other part of this mentality is the result of fear of the outside world. The large walls that surround the majority of the population usually don't allow most citizens to see what lies beyond their protective homes. Ultimately, this makes Caledorans very respecting of travelers and adventurers that come and go for business, often times to the annoyance of those very people.

Common Etiquette rules

Since the Fortress Cities tend to be very tightly packed, personal space is a concept that most Caledorans do not even have a notion of what that is. As a result, eye contact usually is uncommon, standing right next to each other and even making bodily contact is normal. Visitors that come are often uncomfortable with the tendencies of Caledoran people and will most likely cut their trips short to avoid having to deal with the people for extended periods of time. Another interesting note for Caledorans is known as Whistle Speak. In many dialects, there are common catch phrases and idioms that people of a shared culture will understand. Caledorans are the same only they do not do so through words - they do it by whistling. A good example of this is a greeting. Rather than saying hi, a Caledoran may enter a home or store front and whistle a two note tune of high pitch. This not only makes for quick and easy communication, but allows Caledorans to exchange easily understood messages in crowded spaces.

Common Dress code

Most Caledorans tend to where light clothing, a shirt and some pants suffice for all men and women. Due to the compact nature of Fortress Cities, it tends to get warm very easily. As for nobles, however, long robes and even some pieces of armor are the norm. While flaunting wealth is not the objective here, communicating status certainly is.

Common Myths and Legends

Caledor's most famous legend is the First King of Humanity - Ezreal Killian, the God King of Mankind. After establishing the kingdom hundreds of years ago and ascending to the level of God hood, Caledorans worship Ezreal with the same respect as their King. As such, an entire church is dedicated to the tenets and laws of this God King, known as the Church of Ezreal - a presence so vast that it stands almost at the same level as the King himself.

A Caledoran nobleman.

Related Organizations

• Caledor
• Gryphon's Order