Centerran
Centerran humans , also called Central humans because of their presence on the central continent, are an ethnic group within the Human species. They are easily identified by traits such as skin in the light to midrange tones, hair that can vary from brunette to blonde to red, a propensity for most any eye color, and, usually, a disparate height difference between men and women.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Popular female names (at the time of writing) include Gywnneth, Marie, Alice, Morgan, Stella, and Hilda.
Masculine names
Popular male names (at the time of writing) include Arnold, Grover, Richard, Clifford, Bernard, and Roy.
Unisex names
Popular unisex names (at the time of writing) include Adrian, Ainsley, Ivy, Jordan, Robin, and Tristan.
Family names
Surnames vary greatly among Centerran populations, though most are derived from an occupation, descriptor, or place where they live.
Examples include:
Thatcher -- Someone who makes or repairs roofs
Armstrong -- Someone who is strong or muscular
Hill -- Someone who lives on/near a hill(s)
Other names
Other, more unique Centerran names include Sky (U), Ivan (M), Hans (M), Astrid (F), Clara (F), Arthur/Artura, and Theodore/Theodora.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
- Modern Centerran, with its High, Middle, and Low Dialects
- Valley Centerran, a distinct language from which Modern Centerran evolved
- Imperial, a now-extinct language that lent much vocabulary to Centerran; still used as the language of scholars
Average technological level
The technologies of Centerra are considered to be the most advanced anywhere in the world. Centerrans are credited with inventing the crossbow, although their use is not currently widespread; they prove difficult and costly to manufacture on a large scale without replaceable parts.
Common Dress code
Conservative dress is valued in Centerran culture, by women and men. It is rare to see anyone showing much more skin than the face, neck, hands and/or feet. Men can get away with being bare-armed, but showing off one's legs (much less one's chest) is frowned upon in public.
Common Myths and Legends
- Sun King -- A god purported to live on the sun.
- Moon Princess/Moon Witch -- The Sun King's sister who inhabits the moon. Casts powerful magic. During an eclipse, she is possessed by darkness and attempts to overthrow her brother, who must cast the darkness out of her.
Historical figures
- Graham I -- A legendary king who is credited with having founded the Goldmont Empire and fighting to defend it in its first years of existence. Hailed as one of the greatest Centerrans to have ever lived.
- Graham II Autumnking --The son and heir of Graham I, Graham Autumnking led his people through arguably the toughest time in their history, a time when it seemed the newly formed empire might fall (hence, Autumnking) back into dust. (Graham II also came to power during autumn, but the name is more often attributed to the "autumn years" of the empire.)
- Conrad of Erdranon -- A hero and leader of the Virtuva Scarlata clan who won several great conflicts against rival clans to ensure his clan's survival; ancestor of Graham I and all Goldmont kings.
- Leroy the Bold -- Son of Conrad of Erdranon.
- Darius the Swordmaster -- Legendary swordsmith and trainer of heroes.
- Lord Ironheart -- Cruel warlord currently exercising his will over the human colonies on Vesteria.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Among Centerran women, lighter hair and eyes, fair skin, and a lithe form are considered attractive. Among males, a strong face, fit body, untamed hair and tall stature are valued.
Gender Ideals
The Centerran culture tends to see women as far inferior to men; they are allowed to leave the home and have personal lives, but in general, a Centerran woman is first and foremost concerned with tending the home and family and not causing trouble. There are, of course, exceptions to these rules... though society doesn't always act kindly towards them.
Encompassed species
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