Dumylan

The Dumylan people group encompasses all those that practice the Dumyla faith, but also those that are born of the hybridization of Abian and Maktahai following the Great Banishment. In a very real sense, they are the true vestige of Abian culture, despite the Túlok continuing to wander the homeland, as Dumyla was born in Aberia. Regardless, both have evolved from their roots in the original Abian group to be distinct peoples unto themselves.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Sif, Idun, Friða, Brunhild, Rúna, Ragna, Sigrún, Hildr, Skaði, Astrid, Gudrun, Asta, Bruna, Svanhild, Katla, Freya, Lagertha, Thora

Masculine names

Havor, Soren, Rahjar, Guðleifr, Olin, Frigdale, Hákon, Ragnarr, Yngvi, Halvarðr, Tófi, Bjorn, Eyvindr, Sigurd, Tyr, Loki, Alfr, Ofri, Alfr, Yngvarr

Unisex names

Ymir, Helgi

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

For men, large is the ideal. They are typically well muscled, but this is often undefined, bulky muscle. They are strong - often considered the strongest when discussing stereotypes - but that muscle isn't accompanied by a lean diet, and thus rarely results in a low bodyfat percentage. In addition to being well-built, Dumylan men are expected to grow full, thick beards that are well groomed and often adorned with beads. These beads typically hold great religious, social, or familial meaning, making them precious items. Some are even passed down from family member to family member. Hair can be any length, but is typically grown long. Though, it should be said that many Dumylans, male and female will shave the sides of their heads periodically to ensure they aren't getting lice. All these factors have led to Dumylans being referred to as "Bear Men". As for women, a full figure is most desirable. Distinct from heavy-set, a Dumylan woman should have wide hips and ample chest - symbols of fertility - but also be physically fit, as they are expected to be capable of standing beside their husband, be it in war, a forge, or a field. Their hair is generally long with decorative braids and beads added in. These are often the same beads that the men wear in their beards, as it's not uncommon for a young woman to inherit beads from her father, or to pass them down to her son. As the Dumylans are heavily skewed towards Human, Rus, and Chimera peoples, the preferred body shape makes a lot of sense. There is also the fact that the Dumylans eat a lot of fatty meats in the autumn in order to have some excess weight for winter when the food stores are more in their lean phase.

Gender Ideals

Aside from beauty ideals, the expectations for men and women are completely equal. This is rooted in their faith and the belief that husband and wife become one soul in two vessels. As a result, a man is expected to be capable of anything a woman can do and vice versa. This belief also leads to a deep understanding of sacrifice for love. Many other cultures expect a woman to become a housewife after marriage, but, not only is that not the expectation of the Dumyla, but the man may not even be the one keeping his line of work. While most will end up marrying someone they work closely with and thus don't have to change jobs, in the event that's not the case, either the husband or wife will change to their spouse's line of work. In the case of a warrior marrying a non-warrior, it is generally the combat spouse that leaves their work, choosing a more mundane life for their partner. By extension, this means that there really aren't "feminine" and "masculine" behaviors. Men are expected to be kind and nurturing to their children. Women are expected to be fierce warriors. It isn't a matter of gender for the Dumyla; it's a question of vocation. However, even that is flexible. Since a warrior may very well become a baker after marriage, they are supposed to be whatever they were meant to be.

Parent ethnicities