Utor
The Utor people are a group of humans who originated in Haraxim and migrated to Atux due to a major climate catastrophe caused by the Wellspring. Many Utor still live in Haraxim, but the majority of Utoric people live in the southern regions of Atux, primarily in territory either in or allied to the Kich Mepyukk. The Utor are thought to be descendants of the Naadi, with their origins theorized to be with Naadi sailors who had discovered Haraxim millennia ago. The native peoples of Haraxim were soon assimilated and mixed with the Naadi settlers, eventually forming the Utor culture. They are the second most populous cultural group in the western hemisphere, being outnumbered only by the Naadi. The Utor are at the top of most power structures in Atux and Haraxim, with Utoric lineages controlling most kingdoms in both continents. Utor peoples migrated to the continent of Atux after the wellspring's magic had turned their temperate and lush climate into a cold, desert wasteland. The Utor Migration, known as the Utor Invasion to many, saw the mass relocation of Utoric peoples into Atux and the conquest of Komtol and Hazcuo kingdoms by Utoric armies. Within a few decades, nearly the entirety of Atux was controlled by Utoric rulers. In the wake of their conquest, Utor rulers began to enact restrictions on the social mobility and freedom of the Hazcuo peoples, fearing their alternative religious beliefs and cultural traditions.
The Utor are tan-skinned peoples who typically bear brown, black, or red hair and are known for their tall stature. Most Utor people speak Dodeshi using similar dialects to those which the Naadi speak, though their dialect is more similar to older iterations of the language and includes phrases and words from the native people of Haraxim. The Utor primarily practice Dhunya Amarish, though some have adopted the Hazcuo people's religion and worship the Caxishi pantheon. Utor who practice Dhunya Amarish primarily worship Edis, the pantheon's goddess of the arts. The Utor value artistic and emotional expression to a great degree, believing that art and literature are true extensions of the human soul. They believe there is a genuine bond between the art one creates and the artist themselves. Utor architecture is often grandiose and extravagant, with massive palaces and marble buildings found most cities and towns. Key elements of Utoric architecture include the use of indoor atriums and flat roofs that bear gardens and walkways. The Utor of Haraxim largely wear loose fitting clothing with many layers due to the cold nature of the continent's desert but also the constant and overbearing sun. The Utor of Atux wear somewhat similar fashion, with loose fitting cotton and silk clothing being most common. Typically, clothing is dyed various shades of blue, yellow, or purple, with purple being more common among nobility. Facial hair is prohibited entirely but men are encouraged not to cut their hair. Rather, it is far more popular to braid one's hair or tie it into buns or other styles. On the other hand, it is far more common for women to cut their hair short. Utor cuisine is varied but consistently involves bitter spices and sour flavors. Tea, coffee, and Xumil imbued drinks are all common in Utoric cuisine as well.
Utoric cultural traditions are largely focused on one of two somewhat contradictory topics: the arts and rigid militarism. Many children, especially those of the middle and noble classes, are sent to academies after they turn fourteen to learn various arts. Magic and arcane teaching is also common, with the mastery of arcana and use of magic seen as an art itself. Similarly, some of the most respected and revered professions are those to do with literature, sculpting, and other forms of art. Authors, playwrights, and artists are celebrated and somewhat worshipped, if they are influential enough, due to their artistic or literary abilities. On the other hand, Utoric society is highly militaristic and authoritarian. Utoric kingdoms often field large armies and generally provide more rights and privileges to those who serve. Generals and high ranking officials are the most powerful members of society outside of the nobility themselves. Service is mandatory for all once they reach the age of eighteen, but special privileges are only extended to those who continue to serve for a decade or more. These include monetary bonuses, seats on political councils, and the consideration of one's family as a noble lineage. Being a member of the nobility is important even just in name. Nobles in Utor society, regardless of influence or political power, are given tracts of land, magical artifacts, free education, invitations to royal gatherings, and other benefits that lead to a more luxurious and free life.
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