Marzad

Marzadi have skin in golden tones, and straight, fine-textured hair that is predominately dark in colour, ranging from bluish black to dusky brown to dark auburn. Their eyes are usually green or green-grey; hazel and grey eyes are uncommon. They tend to be long of limb and have aquiline noses, with high cheekbones.
Marzadi can predominantly be found throughout Southern Lamera, with notable minority groups in Eastern Lamera and northernmost [Adhri-Tanda.] Largely, this is due to the conquests of the Mardin Empire.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Albeni, Bati, Seran, Aya, Nazik, Sefa, Latife

Masculine names

Demir, Rahman, Akif, Han, Sedat, Ekim, Vedat

Family names

Aslan, Basar, Yagmur, Atay, Calik, Sakir, Kutlu

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Marduz

Culture and cultural heritage

While many Marzadi will point to the "good points" of the Mardin Empire and state it is their heritage, most Marzadi culture of today is rooted in the teaching and wisdom of The Peacemaker. The pervading Marzadi view was that they are the rightful rulers of all southern Lamera. They have a tendency to look on northern cultures as being short-lived barbarian cultures barely worthy of notice. This, however, has not prevented them from trading with these nations.

Shared customary codes and values

Marzadi value generosity, hospitality, honour, loyalty, learning, and are a very proud people (almost to a fault.)

Common Etiquette rules

• A kiss on both cheeks is the common greeting.
• It is polite to give a slight bow or nod to someone of authority (older or superior) as you greet them.
• When entering one's home, it is customary to remove one's shoes
• Elders are approached first and treated with more respect during greetings
• Marzadi may call someone whom they are not related to "sister" or "brother." This kind of address indicates fondness and friendship.

Common Dress code

Appearance is very important to Uthman as it is a way to express status. Uthman tend to dress elegantly, even for casual occasions. However, dressing ostentatiously or garishly is something to strictly avoid. It is common for Marzadi in Uthmar in particular to make a snap judgement about a person by the state of their footwear. Even the most fine of attire can be undone by shabby or worn-out shoes.

Art & Architecture

Singing and dancing are widespread in Marzadi culture. Marzadi sword-dancing is quite popular for its lively, energetic, and athletic (even gymnastic) style, even amongst cultures were Marzadi are not the majority [World-Builder's Note: also a great background for a College of Swords bard.] Marzadi architecture makes great use of geometric designs and Marzadi mosaics are renowned for their grandiosity and breathtaking beauty. Some of these mosaics may be enchanted to be scrying surfaces or serve teleportation circles or even offer healing to those around them (a tradition passed down from the Magi of the Mardin Empire.)

Common Taboos

• Public displays of physical romantic affection are considered highly distasteful

Historical figures

The Peacemaker

Related Organizations

• Ballardan
• Khavica
• Knights of the Iron Circle
• Mardin Empire
• Merchant Lords
• Sarotarian Pirates
• Uthmar

Languages spoken

• Marduz

Related Locations

• Southern Lamera