Paysan

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Eilian, Eleri, Bronwyn, Elwyn, Maeryn, Lilwen, Caryl, Morwenna, Gweneth, Aneira, Aerona, Meleri, Alys, Cerys, Eriwen, Glynnis’ Beca, Tegan, Gwynn, Rhona, Catelyn, Isolde, Rhiannon, Morwen, Sulwyn, Tonwen, Rhoswen, Morvudd, Rhoslyn, Cristyn, Elin

Masculine names

Gawain, Gwalter, Howel, Rhys, Tryst, Arnall, Iago, Dai, Morgan, Garnoc, Macsen, Merlin, Talisesin, Owin, Harri, Llywelyn, Idris, Oswallt, Glanmor, Steffan, Rhydian, Gwenallt, Simon, Caradoc, Berwyn, Brys, Owein, Huw, Rodric, Glanmor, Niclas, Rhobert

Family names

Paysan humans tend to go by a single name. If they need to differentiate themselves further, they will often add the “ap” (meaning “from”) followed by the name of the village, eg., Owain ap Sarron. Alternately, they will use a parent’s name followed by the suffix “son” for men and “dhotr” for women. As there is no standard tradition of which parent to choose, this can be confusing for outsiders or strangers to follow.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Imperial is the generally-spoken language among the Paysan across Valais, although some will have a working knowledge of Lalange due to their religious duties or interaction with nobles.

Culture and cultural heritage

The Paysan were once a dozen or more peoples with a similar heritage, but each with their own name and unique identity. The Matelot invasion of their homeland, combined with intermarriage between the shattered peoples, wiped out many of these differences. The individual Paysan tribes are remembered now only in song.

Shared customary codes and values

Their culture is based on oaths of friendship and loyalty and the principal of hospitality, the latter extending even to enemies so long as they obey the age old customs and laws governing hospitality. Paysan mages prefer song magic above all others. Of the many Paladins worshipped (see the section on Religon), Dame Athelis and Sir Roland are most favored.

Common Etiquette rules

The Paysan have long obeyed the laws of hospitality, though it is not exclusive to them. Most civilized races follow the basic tenets, with only minor cultural differences. Characters who break these ancient laws receive a –2 penalty to Charisma for the next month, not only because word of their deeds will spread, but because the gods look badly on those who cannot follow simple courtesy. The basic laws of hospitality are as follows.

• Guests must be welcomed at any hour.

• Hosts are responsible for the welfare of their guests.

• Guests must be given a minimum of bread, water, a blanket, a roof over their head, and entertainment.

• Guests may not bring their host into disrepute while under his protection, nor raise arms against him, nor speak of him badly. This also covers his family.

• Guests may stay for up to three days without being required to gift their host. After this, it is considered extremely boorish to remain under your host’s roof without recompensing him in some manner worthy of his status. Gifts within the first three days are optional.

Common Dress code

Paysan men favor loose woolen tunics and leather trousers. Boots are worn high, strapped to the leg with cord to provide a snug fit. Women wear long wool dresses fastened at the shoulder with ornate clasps. Cloaks are common among both sexes. Paysan average just under 6 feet in height and have brown or blonde hair, blue or light green eyes, and pale skin. Men grow moustaches and beards, though there is no social bias to these, and wear their hair long.