Humans of Talingrad
The human race is by far the largest ethnicity in Talingrad. They make up the leaderships of the army, the clergy, and the nobility. They are just as likely however to be rank and file soldiers, farmers, merchants, or laymen. As is the case in much of the world, humans come from all walks of life and of every shade of good to evil to morally ambivalent. What perhaps makes humans of the island unique is that they are not the native residents of Talingrad. Rather most humans came to talingrad millennia ago as parts of historical evacuations, political upheavals, or desires for colonization. Ethnic groups therefore raise from descendants from Varisia, to Karlsguard, to Balyntine or even as far away as Bengion. These ethnicities however have largely disolved away over the ages, replaced instead with a national and cultural heritage, that of members of Talingradi society.
Small subsections of human do exist to the north of the Watchwall, but they are of far lesser numbers than in the heartland of the nation. The largest of these populations exists in the lands of the Yutak. The population here is primitive, and nomadic, a result of their isolation from the major trade networks on the island proper. While they possess a rich oral tradition, their lack of geographical importance keeps them isolated from the majority of Talingradi affairs, with the exception of occasional trade missions for the whale fat and furs that they collect.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Elizabeth, Judith, Victoria, Beatrice, Mabel, Eve, Macey, Esther, Melissa, Philippa, Brooke, Isabella, Clementine
Masculine names
William, Richard, John, Henry, Edward, Ethelred, Jude, Luis, Percy, Gabriel, Julian, Christopher, Lewis, Charles, Nathan, Finn
Unisex names
Marley, Alex, Harley, Avery, Denny, Leigh, Lesley, Glen, Caden, Taylor, Steff, Harper, Mel
Family names
Talingradi names are divided typically into three parts, with an informal first name, a middle name for an existing family relation (oftentimes a parent or grandparent), and a familial last one.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Talingradi (common)
Culture and cultural heritage
The earliest human settlers are said to have arrived on the island of Talingrad shortly before the end of the first era. These colonists were sent from the empire of Thassilon in what is now modern day Varisia to build cities upon the eastern border of the island in service to Xanderghul, Runelord of pride, Satrap of Cyrusian and first among equals. While Talingrad was not directly impacted by the events of earthfall, the mainland of Thassilon was. During the chaos, the runelord of pride recalled most of it's leaders and military officials, essentially abandoning the colonists present. They would not return. Today the Thassilon influence is mostly remembered in architecture, and in the few structures still standing around modern day Ghastenhall. A number of their walls also still stand, especially near the fort Balla.
The remaining colonists quickly fractured and found themselves in wars with the halfling and elven natives to the island. Centuries of conflict followed, but the land the humans possessed in the south and east proved fertile, and allowed for growth, which in turn allowed for greater numbers. Overtime, superior strategy and force combined to carve out permanent settlements for the nascent kingdoms of humanity.
While a number of wars would be fought during Talingrad's ancient history, culturally it continued to absorb other colonists and settlers into a diverse human population. These consisted of natives of Karlsguard, raiders who settled on the island or warriors who founded kingdoms during the "skald law". It also included settlers from the then empire of Aesino, persons from the southern edge of the continent who arrived during the initial worship of the island to the worship of Aroden. For both populations, over the centuries, the settlers abandoned their old cultures and assimilated into the Talingradi customs, until descendents could not trace their history back any further than the island nation.
Shared customary codes and values
The nature of order persists throughout Talingradi society. Maintaining ones place in line is encouraged. The idea of "first come first serve" is commonplace. Laws are enacted and followed with regularity by the consent of the governed. Just as order applies in hierarchy, so too must it apply in everyday life. Similarly, respect for authority is paramount. It is rare to find a dissident speaking openly against the monarchy in public, save for times of extreme crisis. While complaints against a duke or baron are more commonplace, it is still considered social taboo and must have a good cause.
Whether among peasants or nobility, Talingradi citizens are expected to remain polite, honest, charitable and loyal in all dealings. Perhaps due to contact with dwarves, or perhaps because of their good nature, Talingradi citizens have a tendency to apologize for any perceived slight preemptively in order to avoid future conflict. Ps and Qs are essential within Talingrad, and many outsiders often find that their requests will be ignored simply because of the lack of a "please" in a request.
More than perhaps anywhere else in the northern hemisphere, the Talingradi judge a persons first impression based on a person's handshake. A good firm grip is a sign of hard work and dedication. Calluses on one's hands can represent proof of those labors. Some citizens claim to be able to tell a person's life story based upon their handshake, and certainly act like they can.
Average technological level
Talingradi knowledge is advanced but divided. In cities like Matharyn and Ghatenhall, one will line the latest innovations in gunpowder, shipbuilding, and construction tools, matching even the level of ancient Thassilon. In poorer areas of the borderlands or the west of Talingrad however, technological levels drop significantly, with much of the population being feudal in nature and illiterate in practice.
Talingrad does not have a high level of skill in arcane spellcasting, and the practice is discouraged by the church of the Inheritor. Arcana led to the downfall of Thassilon, the necromancy of the Snow Elves, Eldritch Horrors from the Caer Bryr, and the cursing of nations. Holy magic is far more advanced and a number of spellcasters are capable of calling on Iomedae's greatest miracles, even in the era of the silence.
Common Etiquette rules
Whether among peasants or nobility, Talingradi citizens are expected to remain polite, honest, charitable and loyal in all dealings. Perhaps due to contact with dwarves, or perhaps because of their good nature, Talingradi citizens have a tendency to apologize for any perceived slight preemptively in order to avoid future conflict. Ps and Qs are essential within Talingrad, and many outsiders often find that their requests will be ignored simply because of the lack of a "please" in a request.
Among the nobility, proper decorum is everything. The maintaining of wealth, and the appearance of it is paramount, since wealth is thought to be directly tied to how well one is doing as a ruler. It is not uncommon for nobles going through bad times to take out loans against their estate specifically to help maintain the appearance of prestige to their peers. Similarly, it is expected that those of higher social status will hold gatherings or balls over those of lower standing, and it is expected that the higher one is in rank in Talingradi society, the more elaborate those gatherings will be. Despite the desire for the appearance of wealth, Talingradis find it distasteful to discuss money directly, and it is generally avoided in polite conversation.
There are three ways to "break the ice" in Talingradi conversation. The weather is a polite topic that can be discussed without fear of breaking social norms, as the weather in southern Talingrad can be very volatile. The second is a good morbid joke. Talingradi society tends so much towards societal norms that humor is one of few ways that this rigidness can be offset. Sarcasm centered around real life, often painful observation is a quick way to get many of the commoners of Talingradi society on one's side. Thirdly, and closely related is the art of complaining. While society tends to shy away from complaining about the monarchy or certain members of the nobility, just about everything else is open season. Talingradi citizens live a life of duty, honor and service, and as a result, have more right than anyone to complain about it!
Common Dress code
Colors in Talingrad range from brown and green for most of the common citizens, to white, blue and gold for much of the nobility. There are exceptions to this, but many only wear red on very rare occasions, as it is a color thought to be observed specifically for Iomedae and her holy cloak. Naturally, Ghastenhall bucks these traditions, and a slightly darker shade of burgundy is currently the color of the moment.
Art & Architecture
Talingradi art is a war between two ideals, a desire for realism vs a desire to idealize the past. Modern day artistic expression among certain sects of the nobility is to show that Talingrad is in it's epoch. The term "the best of all possible worlds" is often used to describe the current unity under the dynasty of house Darius. They therefore enjoy embellishing the art surrounding King Markadian l called the Brave, and his historical achievements, depicting saints joining him within artwork, and creating imagery that draws on the ephemeral.
However, counter-movements are forming to this artistic idealism. Based out of Ghastenhall, the movement of "realism" is taking hold in art. Popularized by renowned painter James Hogar, these artists have taken to painting the city as it stands, or painting the hands of the peasants to show the realities of life within modern Talingrad, an artistic viewpoint they argue, is far more beautiful. "If this is the epoch of Talingradi history, let us show the nation as it is, so that other eras shall have a standard to compare it to", was the headline of multiple gallery openings across Ghastenhall within the last few years.
The most popular form of artistic commission is that of portraits of the nobility. Paintings of the patriarch or matriarch of the household can set a family back thousands of crowns, but it is considered a necessary expense for all noble families wishing to denote their lineage. The painting of family portraits is far less common, and is considered something of a taboo in Talingradi society. The reason for this seems to stem back to several plagues that would take members of all families, rich or poor prematurely, and the practice has survived to the modern day.
Separately funded but just as prevalent are sculptures and paintings of the Inheritor. Possessing a neo-thassilonian styling, the acts of the inheritor and artistic depictions of her ascension are often commissioned for newly created churches or priories, but are just as likely to be found on the outsides of important public buildings and the "inheritor's council" in parliament.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Chivalry is alive and well in Talingrad. Dating back to even before the Knights of Alerion raised their banners, stories persist of lords and ladies of the Quintarchy behaving in ways that rose above the base brutality of common soldiers.
This code of conduct has its basis in the teachings of Aroden, and was greatly expanded by the Acts of Iomedae. The idea espouses that might does not make right, and that rather the strength of a man comes from the strength of his character in the face of injustice. It is similarly necessary for the strong to protect the virtues and livelihood of the weak, and knights and warriors of the realm to behave honorably against their opponents in battle. It espouses a love of country, a sense of duty, a pledge of honesty, to yourself and to others. It is expected that those following a code of chivalry will offer mercy when requested, and generosity when unprompted.
Notably chivalry does not require celibacy. Stories abound in plays throughout Talingrad of shows of love and fidelity through skill with the sword or lance. Indeed it is perhaps these displays of romance that create the greatest criticism of chivalry, that a love of duty and country and partners that can blind one to reality.
It is thought that the tenants of chivalry converted the heathens of Karlsguard, saved the kingdom in the Second Great War, and continue to protect the realm from evil to this day. Perhaps the code of chivalry is best summarized in a quote by Knight of Alerion Sir. Walter Clark:
"I believe that naked truth and unconditional love will have the final word in Talingrad. Right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant. We shall not waver."
Birth & Baptismal Rites
Birth is a sacred event, though naming days do not typically occur until a child's first year due to the hardships of childbirth. Children stay with their parents until the age of ten, at which point they usually begin to assist in fieldwork or a form of trade.
Coming of Age Rites
Coming of age in Talingrad begins at the age of fifteen, when it is expected that a child will gain an apprenticeship or over form of patronage. This apprenticeship is expected to last until the age of nineteen roughly, at which point they are considered a legal adult in Talingrad.
Alternatively, many youths fifteen or older join the Talingrad military in search of honor, adventure, and knighthood. Some also join the first tier of the church of Iomedae in search of solace among the clergy, especially those of higher economic station.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Talingradi citizens are buried in church graveyards or priories. Funerals are a solemn affair, and it is one of the few occasions in Talingrad when the color red is permitted, representing a person coming home to Iomedae.
Funerals are often guarded by either clergy or a gravekeeper, in order to protect against necromantic threats. Thankfully necromancy and graverobbery is rare in Talingrad since the purges of the Zealot, and so these are often more honorary roles.
Common Taboos
The worship of any god other than Iomedae is considered taboo in Talingrad. During the peak of the purges of the zealot, open veneration of any other diety could be cause to be brought before the inquisition. Naturally it follows then, that those who openly prayed to The Fallen during that time were subject to execution by the mob. Even worship of benign deities such as Gozreh or Pharasma is considered a quick way to be shunned by the community. Worship of the Karlsguardian pantheon is met with suspicion, castigation, and in rare cases, a "trial by heat".
It is also considered a taboo to openly mock the monarchy, as it is believed the monarch is the divine representative of Iomedae upon the earth as decreed by church doctrine. Of lesser taboo, but still done cautiously, is mockery against a duke or earl, though it does occur, especially in taverns or in Ghastenhall.
Adultery, while frowned upon, is not considered a taboo if it can be proven that the claim was for true love, or if the party being cuckolded was deserving of the betrayal. The notion of righteous affairs is the subject of a number of famous plays, and is often commonplace among the nobility.
Lastly, arcane magic is considered taboo in most circles in Talingrad. Only court wizards are typically allowed to use arcane magic without suspicion, and even then they are often distrusted by the common people. Necromancy is chief among the evil arts in Talingrad society, for it disrupts the sanctity of the dead, curses the living, and is considered a tool of cowards unwilling to fight their own battles. Open use of necromancy is cause for imprisonment and often execution in Talingrad.
Historical figures
Iomedae, the Inheritor
King Markadian l called the Brave
King Markadian ll called the Scholar
King Markadian lll called the Mad
King Markadian lV called the Zealot
King Markadian V called the Victor
Queen Ericka l called the Ironbound (gillwoman)
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Men are expected to be clean shaven, hair for both genders is expected to be bound or shortened, and free flowing hair is discouraged. The exception to this rule is among the nobility, where free flowing hair is encouraged, as they can afford to keep it properly groomed. Proper hygene is to be maintained when possible, especially on days of piety, or when nobility is visiting.
Gender Ideals
In Talingradi society, the idea of gender norms is rapidly evolving. While ladies were once considered little more than tokens to be exchanged in political alliances or as part of familial trades for dowries, increasingly they are taking up larger and larger roles in the maintenance of the homestead, business, and the nation.
Parliamentary decree has opened the way to full access for woman to military services, going as back as far as the closing days of the "Skald Law" when woman aided in the repulsion of the last Karlsguardian Jarls from the island. Indeed, a woman currently sits on the throne of the nation, and a halfling woman stands as the highest ranking admiral within the military.
Courtship Ideals
Ideals concerning courtly love are also advancing, and woman are becoming more forward in their attempts at courtship. Those initiating courtship among the nobility often do so in formalized affairs involving letters through attendants and servants between the two parties. Romantic tales in Talingrads history tell of knights wishing to rise above their station taking seemingly impossible quests as a sign of their love and devotion. Even in the current day, knights of the Alerion often carry banners stating the name of their object of their desires on their person, or a token of their lovers favor upon their clothing. During much of the 4th era, the idea of "courtly love" was codified as a "love at once illicit and morally elevating, passionate and disciplined, humiliating and exalting, human and transcendent".
While the "game of love" is a subject of much gossip among the nobility, for the common folk of Talingrad, the reality is dramatically more simple. Since lives are often shorter, and there is less time for frivolity, the period of courtship among the common folk is relatively small. It is not uncommon for marriage alliances to be formed within weeks of the beginning of courtship, with ceremonies or engagements being announced on major feast days across the kingdom.
Major organizations
The kingdom of Talingrad
The Church of the Inheritor
Diverged ethnicities
Related Organizations
Related Locations
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