The Attian Humans
| The Attian Humans | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Nicknames | Westermen, Imperials |
| Languages | Common, High-Attian & Low-Attian Dialects |
| Average Height | 1.72m - 1.83m (5'8" - 6'0") |
| Average Weight | 75kg - 90kg (165lbs - 198lbs) |
| Homeland | The Hadrian Empire |
| Capital | Adelsburg |
| Stat Bonuses |
+1 Strength +1 Defense +1 Agility +1 Intelligence |
Introduction
Attian humans are the largest population of humans inhabiting Eden, versatility being their main strength. Attians come in all shapes and sizes and have perfected the art of doing everything through the centuries, never being a step behind their competition.
The Attians pride themselves upon their sense of order and justice, their walls high and their towers always trying to reach their Lord and Saviour, the almighty Maker. Their bastions offer shelter to races of all kinds, sheltering them from the wrath of the Dark Gods of Lilith and countless other horrors beyond mortal imagination. The Attian, or Imperial humans, pride themselves on being the beacon of strength and reason in the lush Western reaches of the continent Eden. An ambitious kind, Attians are always looking to put themselves one leg up on one another. May it be through trading or gaining titles for their family, the Attian never ceases to try and elevate their status.
They are a race currently in the middle of regaining their once-lost glory after witnessing the wrath of the Dark Gods first-hand. Their ancient homelands washed away and their people scattered across the lands, the modern Attians now believe stability and order is the key to their survival and inevitable rise to ancient grandeur.
The Attian population is naturally welcoming to most, if not all, races. Yet visitors may be caught off guard by the strict rule of law inside the cities. Although intimidating, the streets are filled with laughter and cheers emanating from all corners. One could easily forget they were not at home when hearing the bustling from inside the busy taverns filled with the clanking of cups and songs of many a tale.
Appearance
The Attians inhabit the lands in the western parts of Eden. Attians are known for being relatively tall in comparison to other humans, with males ranging from about 167 (5’5) centimeters to 189 (6’2) centimeters and females ranging from 159 (5’2) centimeters to 174 (5’8) centimeters.
The Attian humans are fair-skinned and thus have a much lighter skin tone compared to their cousins, the humans known as the Khadan, who live further south in the deserts of Anjyarr. Their eye colors are very diverse, ranging from browns to greens to blues. Hair colors for these humans can vary depending on their heritage, but among the entire population, the most common colors are brown, black, and blonde. Attian humans usually style their hair according to the latest court fashion, with men opting for shorter cuts and women letting their hair hang loose or braiding it.
Languages
Among the Hadrians, the common tongue is the driving language, having developed some dialects through the years. The dialects are usually not thick enough to be incomprehensible in comparison to the general common tongue, though they would take some time to get used to. For instance, Attians usually say words differently by making a ‘z’-sound instead of a ‘th’-sound. Along with throwing in some lower Attian words here and there by saying ‘Ich’ instead of ‘I’ or ‘Du’ for ‘You’.
High-Attian also exists within the Empire, yet is truly only spoken and read by those of the clergy. It serves as the driving language of the Maker and has more of a ceremonial role in Hadrian everyday life.
| Greetings | |
|---|---|
| Low-Attian Dialect | Common |
| Grütte | Greetings |
| Föhrwell | Farewell |
| Freund | Friend(s) |
| Races | |
| Elfe | Elf |
| Hoch Elfe | High Elf |
| Wald Elfe | Wood Elf |
| Dunkel Elfe | Dark Elf |
| Deinur | Denur |
| Mensch | Human(s) |
| Faulhaut | Faulskins(s) |
| Teiflinge | Tiefling |
| Titles | |
| Kaiser | Emperor |
| Kaiserin | Empress |
| Prinz(ess) | Prince(ss) |
| Herzog(in) | Duke/Duchess |
| Graf(in) | Count(ess) |
| Herr | Lord |
| Dame | Lady |
| Adelige | Nobleman |
| Hochmeister | Grand Master |
| Ritter | Knight |
| Hexenmeister | Mage/Spellcaster |
| Geistliche | Priest(ess) |
| Süster | Sister/Nun |
| Brüder | Brother/Monk |
| Medizinmann | Doctor |
Culture and Society
Demographics
The Attian humans have been around for centuries without end, originating from the north-western parts of Eden called Magna Attia. The humans that now make up this vast group were once two separate cultures, depending on where they originated from. These were the Attians and the Northmen, both with their own distinctive features and customs. These groups eventually came together through means of cooperation as well as violence, forming what is now known as the Attian human, the Northmen becoming intertwined with Attian culture through the years.
The Attians make up the bulk of the population, having fair skin thanks to their origin lying in Magna Attia, now the swamps north of Adelsburg. They have darker hair colours like brown and black and most males have short beards. They are tall on average, yet not quite as tall as the Northmen and have a better affinity for jobs like animal husbandry, farming and cooking as well as excelling at administrative work and are the pioneers in philosophy. The Attians were the main contributor to what is now the Attian dialect, brought the current sense of order to the land and have had the most influence on the blended culture through the years.
The Northmen are proud and seemingly tough folk from around the northern borders of what once was the Attian Empire. These men and women lived in their small and tight-knit communities for a long time. The southerners referred to those northern communities as the savage tribes. Eventually, these communities began merging and formed the kingdom of Rádymie, vassal to their Attian overlords. The Northmen have always been strong in their belief in the Maker ever since they integrated into the Empire, yet it is not unheard of to have individuals still worship their old gods, believing their perseverance against the hard climate was a gift from those now long-dead deities. These rugged men and women have mastered hunting, building and being artisans in their own right. Known for their hard exterior, being broad-shouldered and the tallest group of all modern Attians. They would often be sighted with white-blond hair, although Northmen are famously more prone to be born with hair in a shade of red. The descendants of some tribes can still be seen dressed in traditional cloaks with patched patterns in the colours of their respective families while the Northmen who lived closer to the border with ancient Attia were deemed more civilized by Attian standards as they more or less abandoned their old tribal beliefs and embraced parts of Attian culture before the others, creating an interesting blend between the two.
Celebrations
- Day of the Squire
The Day of the Squire serves as a way for any willing Attian to prove themselves worthy of being Squire to a Knight by going through a series of tests and challenges. Local farmhands, workers, serfs, and all other citizens can participate freely in the trials. A chosen jury of Knights will accompany the Kaiser and will judge the trials, deciding who may proceed through the rounds. The winner of the Day of the Squire is granted a hand-written recommendation from the Kaiser himself to bring to a Knight of their choice, in an attempt to serve them as their Squire. The Kaiser also grants them a so-called ‘Golden Griffin’, which is a coin that serves as memorabilia and as proof of authenticity. Each rendition of the event offers its own new set of challenges and trials, ranging from jousts to melees or battles of wit, as all aspects that make a Knight must be put to the test.
- The Gryphite Victory Tourney
Once every four years, a tournament is held at the Imperial capital, Adelsburg. At this renowned tourney, people from all over the continent are invited to witness the various knights and soldiers of the Hadrian realm compete for honour and glory in their most prestigious armours decorated with colourful clothes and large plumes. The tourney’s content is vaguely based on the events of the heroic victory achieved at the battle of the Heartland pass. Here knights of the Order of the Griffin hold a parade through the streets of the capital followed by their personal retinues, bearing the banners of their houses. After this show, all attendants gather at the tourney ground where they will simulate great duels from the battle. These go paired with jousts, archery contests and single combat duels between the lower Knights. The tourney is intensely followed by people all around the world, and bards usually take much inspiration from its happenings for their songs and tales.
- Festival of the Ashes
Originating from the day the Attians founded the first Kingdom of Hadriana after the great collapse of the Attian Empire, followed by the journey south led by Kaiser Onnodrith. On this day, the Empire celebrates by dressing up in the old garments and cultural styles of their ancestors. The Attians do this as a way to remember the olden days before the downfall. Here they play songs, dance, and feast in the capital for the entire day. Certain people who are often referred to as street actors and jesters, wear monstrous masks to play the role of terrors and demonic beings. These actors try to emulate the happenings of that fated day, as the festival doubles as a day of remembrance as well as celebration
- Krügerfest
It is a tradition within Attian societies to celebrate when the first leaves drop from the trees, which they call Krügerfest. During the day and the following night, all public drinking laws in Attian settlements are lifted, and people celebrate in unison all through the streets. It is customary that drinking competitions are held, eventually crowning someone ‘King Krüger’ for the night. The holiday originates from the tale that a man bearing the name Krüger visited a northern village on the first day of the Amber Dawn, dragging a cart filled with ale, mead and whiskey. The villagers drank deep into the night as the celebrations carried on, this northern tale has now been accepted as fact by most of the Attian population and is celebrated every year.
- Geistertag
Geistertag, commonly known as the ‘Day of the Dead’, is a special day on every Attian’s calendar, for it is the day the Eseron and Lilith cross one another. There have even been sightings of Lilith itself, clear in the night sky on this day. Lilith’s influence over the mortal realm is believed to be at its highest point, which has many unforeseen consequences. Attians believe that if you were to step outside during this day, deceased relatives would come back from the dead to get a hold of their potential host. Every year, unforeseen disappearances are reported to happen commonly on this night in particular, fueling the legend of this day. A common countermeasure against these spirits used by the Attian populace is to surround one’s house with carved pumpkins and keep all doors and windows tightly shut. If one were to possess any portraits or paintings which depict a deceased relative, all of them must be turned around so that they cannot be seen, seeing as they are witnessed as portals the entities from Lilith use. After the conclusion of this night, all of the Attians come together in their respective communities for a shared breakfast, along with a ritual pumpkin burning to rid the last of the spirits, sending them back to the realm of the dead.
- Hexensnacht
The Hexensnacht is the celebration of the commencement of the new year in Eden, this night is usually filled with drinking and eating the signature dish of the evening: the Oliebal, a ball of fried dough with raisins imported from Anjyarr. For the occasion, special balls of coloured powder are produced that can be mounted on arrows. Attians shoot these balls into the night sky, watching them explode into a colourful explosion which lights up the grim winter night. These celebrations go all through the night, as the Attians believe anyone that sleeps shall be tortured by terrible nightmares depicting their own demise, or that of their loved ones.
Romance and marriage
Marriage is seen as a grand occurrence in Attian society, with as many people as possible being invited to join the celebrations. Be it a marriage of love or one arranged for political gain, the Attians do not discriminate in their wish to celebrate. All the attendees bring gifts for the newlywed couple as a way to wish them good luck in their matrimony. It is customary for the groom to set in the first dance of the night, together with his bride.
Arranged marriages are rarer than those born out of love, though not an unfamiliar sight to the common Attian. These marriages usually happen between members of the noble families in Attian society, with young men and women going out to find suitors to increase their social standing.
Marriage ceremonies usually take place within churches and cathedrals, being led by a man of the cloth. The bride and groom exchange vows and swear fealty to one another in sickness and in health, topping off the ceremony with the customary exchange of rings. These rings are heated up by the clergyman in a ceremonial fire, after which they are placed on the ring finger of both the bride and groom, binding both flesh and metal. They do this because Attians believe marriage to be sacred, as well as eternal. There is no such thing as a divorce in Attian society, as once a heart is given, it can never be taken back.
Life & Reproduction
Attian life is mostly centered around a strong sense of duty, in which putting in an honest day’s work is seen as one of the keys to a fulfilled life. The Attian way of life is never short of exercise and proves to breed strong, healthy men and women. Attian cuisine can be described as easy and nutritious. Most of the dishes consist of various vegetables like potatoes, carrots and peas paired with meats like venison, beef and chicken.
Attians usually come from larger families, with parents usually deciding to have about four or more children. Despite the mostly healthy lifestyle the Attians follow they do not live nearly as long as some other races that inhabit Eden, with their lifespans extending up to about 60-70 years in their entirety.
Attians are able to reproduce all throughout the year. Pregnancies take 9 months after which the families usually come together for the birth, together with a doctor to aid during childbirth.
Death & Funerals
The Attian people have a general belief that death is not the end, yet merely the beginning of a journey to the next realm. It is because of this reality that death is both seen as a deep loss, yet also a celebration commencing the beginning of their loved one’s new journey. Funerals are used as a space of mourning and reminiscence over their life and deeds while inhabiting the mortal plane, while a tame celebration is held sometime after to cheer them along on their journey.
The common Attian would be buried at their local cemetery, along with the other deceased members of their family. A resting place is usually reserved for about 70 years, after which a new member of the family shall take their place in the grave. High-born Attians are buried within crypts and catacombs beneath their estate, their bodies preserved with ointments and pastes. As a way to reward Knights who have attained great glory or shown valor on the battlefield, they would be buried within burrows on the site of the battlefield, serving as both a resting place and a monument to the past battle.
History:
See:
- The United Provinces of the Hinterlands
| Races | |
|---|---|
| Human Races | Attians · Khadans · Hinterlanders |
| Elvish Races | High Elves · Wood Elves · Dark Elves |
| Dwarvish Races | Denur |
| Orcish Races | Orcs · Goblins |
| Other Races | Halflings · Tieflings |