Micine (My-seen)

Cave dwellers who reside in a humid, fungal environment. Slender and thick headed, they do not fare well in the dry wastes beyond their home. They are known as experts of carving and stonework, fishing, and medicine. At a young age they learn swimming, and surviving in the dark, quiet environment of their home caves. Wary of outsiders, they spend most of their lives secluded within the long lava tube caves that are semi-flooded and support a diverse ecology of fungal and animal life. The harsh environment and blazing suns of the outside world are an alien environment to these hermits.

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

They see themselves as the remnants of the last surviving humans, and outsiders as strange cousins doomed to extinction. Despite this, they are humble and do not shun outsiders.

Shared customary codes and values

Touching the ground with one hand and bowing the head is a sign of deference and respect. Showing the underside of the chin is a sign of hostility and equates to "I'm watching you".

Average technological level

Adept stoneworkers and medicine makers, they lack mechanical knowledge.

Common Etiquette rules

Any visitor is expected to bring some food to their host, no matter how humble; typically a common cave mushroom will suffice if simply as a customary necessity. Micine never shout unless there is a serious danger. Touching the fingertips of one hand is a polite farewell gesture.

Common Dress code

Adults and adolescents wear a loincloth, and sandals made from a very light but strong and waterproof wood that is drilled with small holes for drainage.

Art & Architecture

They carve intricate treasure hoard and meeting hall caves deep beyond labyrinths which confuse thieves. Broad, flat and gently curving lines, spirals, clusters of orbs, and smooth columns dominate the style.
Meeting halls consist of a grandly carved arched cave usually with three equidistant lobes with a bare smoothly polished floor. Furnishings to the hall consist of long, low tables of a hardwood.
Personal chambers consist mostly of a small room with a loft bed alcove heated below if needed by a very small fire. A rug, chamber pot, stoppered water jug and small stool are the sparse furnishings here.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Warriors mark their faces with luminescent paint derived from a glowing plankton.