The Lischin People (LISH-in)
One of the largest of Aotra's ethnic groups, the Lischin people are hardy desert-dwelling folk widespread throughout Oristhane. Strictly speaking, Lischin people are human, but millennia of intermixture with the nomadic Axatla dark elves has lead to some blurred edges between the groups. Some groups of Axatla dark elves have, over time, settled and established themselves within the region's predominantly-Lischin cities, and it is not uncommon for dark elves whose families have spent generations among Lischins to consider themselves culturally Lischin. In general, these self-identified Lischin dark elves are similarly recognized by the community around them as being Lischin, regardless of their elven heritage.
Lischin Names
Traditional Lischin names are similar to those of the Axatla dark elves, largely on account of both cultures' historical ties with the Ceth Tseket; though much of the influence of Tseketon culture has worn away with time, aspects of it stick around in naming practices, among a few other traditions. Lischin names make heavy use of sibilant and fricative sounds. One's surname comes from one's mother's name, plus the suffix "-th" or "-ath", which essentially means "born of". Rarely, an individual may take their surname from their father's name instead. Given names are generally unisex, though the final letter determines a masculine or feminine affect: names ending in a vowel or a nasal consonant (m, n, or ng) are feminine, while names ending with other consonants are masculine. The gender of one's name is not tied to an one's own gender. Rather, tradition dictates that a name's gender is important only for balance; a family with mostly-feminine names might desire a masculine name for their next child to restore that balance, for instance. Some common Lischin given names and their meanings include: Alorin (bird of prey), Cirith (fleet-footed), Elistha (Istha's glory), Harsav (stone), Kasha (radiant), Loring (hunter), Reshen (treasured one), Sythavi (fearless), Taseok (moonlight), and Vaya (dancer).Cultural Values
Shared faith unites the Lischin people: nearly 98% of Lischins identify as worshippers of Istha. The Cult of Istha was born among the Lischin people, and now, centuries later, its hold over the culture is stronger than ever before. The core tenets of that faith shape the social mores of Lischin society, which then identifies the Lischin people as different against the background of the Dichotomist norm. Lischin society is known for being vibrant, a trait which holds out as a virtue under their faith. By the somewhat-restrained standards of Dichotomist society, Lischin folk are dramatic, extravagant, and excitable. Entertainment and showmanship are vital parts of the lives of Lischin folk, and no one does entertainment like they do. Wild carnivals, unique fashion, and elaborate performances of everything from music to acrobatics to magical stunts are the highlights of life in a city of Lischin folk. Enthusiasm and openness are two traits that Lischins most value.Artistic Traditions
Modern Lischin people are the inheritors of a millennia-long artistic tradition of pottery-making. Deposits of a unique variety of clay are plentiful around the lakes in the southeast of Oristhane, and Lischin artisans have made storage vessels, dishes, and tiles from this clay for centuries. Many Lischin families have "heritage" dishware and storage vessels passed down through their families for generations Lischin pottery is known and desired worldwide for its exceptional quality. The unique qualities of the clay render Lischin ceramics unusually durable, even when shaped into vessels as thin and delicate as those made by Lischin artisans. The best Lischin pottery is thin enough that, in bright light, vague shapes can be seen through it; it is said of Lischin water vessels that one can see the level of water within it without removing the lid. Many Lischin artisans keep their ceramics unglazed or clear-glazed so that this property will remain evident, though some (usually lower-quality) Lischin pottery is glazed with various colors. The best of ceramics are of immensely high value. Many dealers and independent buyers travel regularly to the hotspots of ceramic production, like the free city of Khara, to ensure their ceramics are authentic in order to avoid spending their money on the lower-quality fakes that are relatively common outside of Oristhane.
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