The Children of the Ahrog
The Children of the Ahrog, or Half-Bloods are rumored to be the spawn of Fire Giants and Humans. Despite them being a culture that was raised for war, competent fighters they are reviled by many other human ethnicity for the sins of their fathers. They were also considered useless upstarts by the giants. Despite being the children of Fire Giants, or the Ahrog, they were oppressed by their kin. Forced to work in grueling jobs, some of the most dangerous positions in order to keep the furnaces working efficiently, they had a high mortality rate. Some believe that they share Dwarf blood in them, though these claims have remained unproven and unlikely.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Feminine names are the combination of two elements, a prefix and a suffix. These are more associated with nature, beauty, ideals, and the home. Common names include Amalia, Ermengard, Hildegard.
Masculine names
Masculine names are the combination of two elements, a prefix and a suffix. These are more associated with war, tools, travel, and religious symbology. Common names include Amalrich, Egilhard, Hildimar.
Unisex names
There are no set unisex names, though it often has elements of more feminine prefixes and masculine suffixes.
Family names
Family names are based on the line of work that the family, or clan, had performed during their servitude and the ancestors. Family names come in two parts, the first being the name of the father, and the second part the profession. Almaricson the Mason would be the son of Almaric and from a family who were masons under the old rule.
Other names
The Nameless are those that have been removed from their clans, or have been exiled from their lands. No longer having the land in their blood, they normally take names related to the skill they wish to be hired by in foreign lands. Shieldsplitter, Skulltaker, or Son of Magic are common, though some take a far more humble approach to their names, such as "Winterborn", or "Sapling". Kin slayers are forbidden from taking a second name, and those that hold any honor walk the lands nameless.
Culture
Common Taboos
They are a very stoic, inward focused people. Acting like a fool, especially in a public place is considered taboo. This includes laughing loudly in a public area, dancing, or reveling. Showing romantic interest in another person is generally looked down upon.
Refusing anything offered is also considered a far lesser taboo. A half-blood must attend every feast, engage in every threat, and accept any gift offered by someone who has received a boon. To deny someone is considered very disrespectful.
Speaking of the Ahrog is considered offensive, and invoking the name is a grave offense. Speaking positively of them, or any giant, is considered treason.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Strong features, muscles, light hair. Gluttony is a sign of prosperity, and many are above average weight.
Gender Ideals
There are no defined gender ideals. The people do what they wish, now that they have earned their freedom.
Courtship Ideals
Courtship is equal, with the two people exchanging gifts, though more extravagant ones on the holy days. The woman is expected to express her interest in a possible suitor, however. This is often done through letter, or through a mediator. A woman, for example, will purchase a talisman and have a trusted friend, or sibling deliver it. Courting for more than a year is considered strange.
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