Bamardi
The Bamardi people are those who reside in the dark forests between the Shin Empire and the lands of the Circle Sea. Bamardis are best known as a highly superstitious people with an innate sense for when something seems strange or suspicious. They are considered by most others to be typically paranoid, but this is unsurprising, as throughout most of the Bamardi people's history, they have been conquered by various forces in the regions surrounding them. Each invading force has left its mark upon Bamardi culture. Orc and goblin hordes, Jakonian armies, and Shin legions have all marched across the Kingdom of Bamard, and Bamardi culture has grown to embrace a sense of nihilism, expecting the worst of everything, because it often happens to them.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Sorinah, Erika, Relia, Ilena, Aurelia, Imanuela, Brigita, Teofila, Constanta, Flori
Masculine names
Costin, Iosif, Horea, Remus, Calin, Bogdan, Marin, George, Stan, Nandru Luca
Family names
Kogalniceaunu, Grasu, Gilca, Cretu, Blaga, Munteanu, Szilágyi, Tatarescu, Puscas, Luca
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Common is the only language truly spoken among the Bamardi people. Centuries of Jakonian rule heavily enforced the use of Common among the Bamardis. Some will occasionally speak a variety of other languages, but only for purposes of trade with isolated communities. The Bamardi dialect of Common is most heavily influenced by the Shin over other languages.
Culture and cultural heritage
Bamardi culture revolves the most around the concept of the underdog and the person who fights against incredible odds. Bamardis appreciate artwork and music created by those who have struggled and fought, whether against external influences or the demons within. They believe that the best works of culture should demonstrate the struggle of life and living throughout the harshness of the world. They are also known writers and political thinkers, and have a great deal of respect for people who manage to rise up to leadership positions throughout any organization.
Art & Architecture
Bamardi architecture is best known for its drabness, with occasional bursts of color around temples and churches. Most people in Bamard build very simple structures out of bricks, as brick construction is fairly cheap and simple, while providing more comfort than a wooden home. People rarely make the expense to decorate their homes beyond a handful of light adornments. The homes of wealthier aristocratic families and churches tend to be a completely different story with their vibrant colors and onion dome towers standing out among the typical red and gray bricks of the rest of Bamardi towns.
Ideals
Gender Ideals
Men and women hold roughly equivalent roles in Bamardi society, as is expected from a culture which has seen a variety of outside influences over the centuries. From the Jakonians, they have established clearly defined gender roles, as men are viewed as rulers, laborers, and rulers, while women are viewed as housewives, light workers, and child raisers. That said, it is not uncommon nor unexpected for men and women to step out of their typically defined roles, and while they may be unusual, they are certainly not remarked upon in polite society.
Relationship Ideals
Monogamy is typically expected among Bamardi people, with relationships best known to be between men and women. That said, same-sex relationships are not unheard of, and are typically not discriminated against, unlike in some others cultures. Most Bamardis are flexible in their beliefs in this respect, as they are well aware that next year's band of conquerors may have new rules or ideals. For the most part, Bamardis believe that a good relationship helps both members to be happy, in a world that can all too often strip away that happiness in an instant.
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