The Shield Tribes
The Shield Tribes, as they're known, are people living on worlds near the CHG-LIR border with a highly militaristic culture, basically being at a constant ready for if the LIR attacks. The CHG is mostly happy to let these "tribes" exist, especially since their members make great meat-shields for actual soldiers if the LIR actually attacks.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Usually named after militaristic pagan gods/deities, with instances of said deity having a pp coming with the name being changed to sound more "girlish". For example: Thor -> Thora. But Athena would stay the same, or at least not be changed to sound "boyish". Otherwise the names of badass animals might be switched up a little to sound like actual names and used, but always with it "sounding like" the child's sex.
Masculine names
Names of militaristic gods, usually changed slightly within the realm of still being "boyish". Very rarely a female god being switched up to sound dude-ish, although there are more dude-war-gods to pick from anyway. Otherwise the names of badass animals might be switched up a little to sound like actual names and used, but always with it "sounding like" the child's sex.
Unisex names
The fact that both boys and girls get named after dude gods means that there are plenty of "neutral sounding" names that are used. Otherwise the names of badass animals might be switched up a little to sound like actual names and used, but always with it "sounding like" the child's sex.
Family names
The last names tend to be pretty badass and that's because the earlier ones to have started this culture deliberately got themselves new last names with the premise of them sounding badass, with such names being shortened over time. For example, current last names include: Wolfunta (from wolf hunter), Sormaster (from Sword Master), Sharpshooter (a rare case of almost nothing changing), etc.
Other names
Weapons sometimes get roped into the first name-business as well. Middle names will often have something to do with best weapon or a cool thing they did.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
As a wide-spread culture, there are some internal languages. English, French, Anglo-French, Franco-English (trust me, they're different), Spanish, Latin and New English are common languages among them.
Culture and cultural heritage
It's a completely artificial culture that arose from paranoia of LIR invasions mixing with gangster "gotta be hard AF" culture to make this abomination.
Shared customary codes and values
Actively trying to be as badass as possible in case the LIR attacks to the point of many being religious about it as members of the Church of Blades. Wanting humanity to be as tough of a nut to crack as possible for the LIR.
Average technological level
The CHG limits the technology available to the public, particularly dangerous tech like advanced AIs and inter-dimensional muckery, and these Shield Tribes are no exception. Sure they have their "bread knife that toasts the bread as it cuts it" and "self driving flying cars" but they sure ain't getting their hands on any plasma guns.
Common Etiquette rules
Most of the usual manners apply, except without the ones of "don't be a dick". In other words, "don't be gross" applies but "don't be an asshole" doesn't. Considering how one is expected to have a 1v1 fistfight with anyone who is a dick to them in this culture, conflict arises very often.
Common Dress code
Always wearing armour of some kind. Did I mention that these people are a minority within their worlds and looked upon as weirdos by everyone else?
Art & Architecture
Militarism, you're taking it too far, your houses look like barracks and is that a painting of buff Hitler fist-fighting buff Stalin and Churchill?
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Rule 1 of their Fight Club is to always talk about Fight Club. Like, constantly. Also yes they have some festivals and celebratory days, usually on the anniversaries of major victories of humanity against alien forces, and all coated with militaristic patriotism including contests of physical prowess and combat ability.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
*YEETs baby really high into air and catches it. If it cries YEET it again. Keep YEETing until it stops. Do this 5 times every day until it goes 3 days in a row without crying, then do it every Sunday.*
CHG whenever baby isn't caught: You weren't supposed to do that
Coming of Age Rites
Not considered an adult until you win in a 4 person tournament-style thing of 1v1 fights with bare hands followed by being on the winning team in what is basically laser tag at least 5 times without being the guy that held the rest of the team back.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Bury them with a fake weapon... ???
Common Taboos
Being weak, acts of basic kindness such as helping people up when they fall over as these are considered signs of weakness, not having at least 8 kids by the time one is 27.
Common Myths and Legends
They take all the real war hero stories and blast them up to ridiculous proportions and then make it so that the "bad guys" in any human vs human battle are actually aliens. ... ???
Historical figures
This started with Red Scare-style fear of LIR invasion dude. Their only major figures are individuals who joined the actual military and got things done there or those who joined the Church of Blades and got things done but in a bad way.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Physical fitness is a must. Scars are preferable. Tallness is very much liked. Tattoos are preferable. Not looking like you just had poison ivy pressed on your face is an unsurprising desire (that said, these peoples' kids are often total jerks and the bullying can even reach this point and further). Or at least that's what the culture puts across as there are plenty of individual likes and dislikes people have.
Gender Ideals
Higher expectations of strength and fitness for men than women. Women are expected to try to look attractive. Both are expected to have lots of and raise about-to-be-said kids.
Courtship Ideals
"Hey, son, you see that girl there?" "Yes, papi?" "You know how she's crying?" "Yes, papi?" "She's just been told that she has to marry you next week" "But papi I don't want to marry her I'm into this other girl-" "I EXPECT A GRANDCHILD IN LESS THAN 10 MONTHS YOUNG MAN!"
Relationship Ideals
Well, to have tonnes of kids to the point where there is no relationship as you each are constantly bogged down in attending to the needs of those children or you end up being neglectful to your children's emotional needs just so you can have a few minutes each day to breath, of course!
Major organizations
The Church of Blades is extremely popular among Shield Tribe members, meanwhile the CHG makes sure to completely disregard these people as ""a bunch of stuck-up bodybuilders who wouldn't last 2 seconds on a real battlefield" - President Schwomo, moments before a Shield Tribe member attempted to punch him but was easily beaten by one of Schwomo's bodyguards instead". They have some internal groups and often form unions together for work, although most companies will automatically not want to hire someone if they're a Shield Tribe member.
Related Organizations
Related Myths
Languages spoken
Related Locations
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