Maine (MANE)

the Dark Ones

Where the other Ismon people of the Thoamaine Peninsula, such as the Tinjin, are descendants of the Human migrating into Tinjir through time, the people of Mainor consider themselves the originals. These people have dwelt in the marshes and hills of their lands from before the ascension of the Areian Nations and the rise of the Kephic Empire. Tribes, nations and kingdoms rising and falling through time, but the Maine remain.

In Mainor mythology, their ancestors lived among the elves of Mya Toeman Mair until Karasaanu burned. Without the elven protection they were conquered by wizards of the now lost civilization called Benet. These wizards established Ashur Reshi, a nation of Magic that could keep even the ancient elves of Zalpula in check. These wizards saw the native women as little more than breeding stalk for their nation. Ashur Reshi would fall, like so many others, in the Black Collapse. Unlike most, we know what brought down this great nation, at least in part. Their traditions state that sometime during the Collapse, the first Qwn’yia witches rose to power. These were native women that had learned the ancient knowledge of the elves and Benet. They brought down the wizards that ruled, and would never be subjugated again.

Today the Maine live as their people have for most of time. Civilization is centered in fortress cities atop hills they call 'palatul'. Ha’mazan, women warriors, keep the peace in the land, while the men farm. Women that are not Ha’mazan or Qwn’yia fill the roles of all higher social classes. Men are given little consideration in Maine society, beyond farming, labor, or household care. Mainor marriage is where the man does have some freedom to have a say over matters, wife willing, of course. A Maine male that shows any aggression or combat prowess will be taken by the Qwn’yia as personal chamber guards, never to be seen again. There are many rumors of what happens to these men, but little evidence to show any truth. It is forbidden by law for a mainor man to wield magic of any kind, upon instant pain of death. Foreign men are shown some respect, and not treated as the Maine men are. If their visit is brief that is. Feoreign chosing to dwell in Mainor will be subjegated to the same laws as the natives.

The Ha'mazan warriors are feared throughout Tinjir, with legends about their prowess told in taverns worldwide. The numbers are small, however. To augment this for defense of their homeland, the Qwn'yia create Minotaur as guardians and warriors to protect Mainor. These creatures have a blind loyalty to the Qwn'yia and Ha'mazan they serve.

Maine women grow their hair long, though it is rarely seen as most are covered in shawls or vails. Women hair range between light brown to pale blonde or white hair. Their hair is dark when born, growing lighter as they age. Those that chose not to hide their hair in their vails will grow it long, rarely cutting it through their lifetime. Men's hair is nearly always black or the darkest browns. Men grow beards, and it is a joke among the Maine people about how the clean shaved foreign men seem to be more interested in looking like women than men. Both sexes, despite their deep ismon genetic roots, tends toward lighter skin tones. The men often sport tanner hues due to their activity outside. Women are pale from lack of long exposure to the sun. This is often augmented with makeup to give a near white appearance. Eye color varies, with any natural human color possible. When a woman becomes a Qwn’yia all color disappears from her eyes, leaving them white. Similar magic used in Ha’mazan initiation rituals turns those warrior eyes white as well. Womens eye are rarely seen however, with vails draping over the eyes being the cultural style. These vails are thin enough to see through for the common woman while still hiding their eyes. Qyn'yia and Ha'mazans however will sport thicker materal, seeming easily able to see through any fabric covering their eyes no matter the thickness. Men do not wear any sort of head covering, including cloak hoods. Male Maine clothing is often simple natural colors such as brown or green. Women always wear white, with the expection of Qyn'yia and Ha'mazans that will always be seen in black garments.

Name Samples:

(male) Alan, Bran, Farrys, Kelwyn, Nels, Romen, Stefan, Wysler, Xander, Zynger

(female) Alnya, Andrea, Dyva, Eona, Lynette, Marya, Sofya, Tryna, Wynter, Zyva

Surnames:

Maine have little need for the use of surnames. Few travel beyond their home city. Those that leave their lands behind simply refer to themselves as ‘of Mainor’ or ’the Maine.’ Such as Alan of Mainor or Trina the Maine.

Race: Human

Ethnicity: Ismon

Homeland: Mainor

Alignment: Maine live their lives rarely concerning themselves with the rights and wrongs of morality.

Age: Maine men live an average about 60 years, while the women live up to 100 and greater.

Size: (Medium) Maine, women average around 5 to 6 feet tall, while the men stand taller, averaging between 6 to as tall as 7 feet.

Language: Maine, more specifically Eastern Maine, is the primary language of the Mainor people. While higher classes citizens such as the Qwn’yia and Ha’amazan, often learn the Common Tongue, intelligence permitting, though the little contact with the world beyond their lands often see few bothering.