Firstborn
Hence their name, the firstborn race was the very first of mortal kind to walk the land of Ferrathar. Originally immortal, the sins of their ancestors in the ancient era brought death into the world and into themselves. Although all Ferrathar races can trace their ancestry back to firstborn, those that still call themselves such, are those who can trace their ancestry back to the specific group of firstborn that repented and came back to the Almighty before their cultures were split off from Herelin and pushed further out to sea.
The firstborn are known as the race of the proud, though to others, arrogant. Remaining the sole chosen people of the Almighty comes not with the risk of a swollen ego. Their dogmatic creeds and complex of racial superiority have made it exceedingly difficult to pursue peaceful resolutions in national conflict. Further fueling the fires of conflict are the warnings left for them in the holy tomes. These religious texts warn of a threat of extinction brought by the hand of the revitalized heretics that turned from the firstborn race long ago. The rest of Ferrathar brands them aggressors and conquerors while the firstborn see themselves as taking initiative in self defense. These conditions have formed the firstborn into a people of military might and invoking prowess and are regarded as mighty foes by the linish and novun.
The lifespan of a firstborn is typically 70-100 years. They are a brown eyed and dark haired people with a small minority having green. Their men have an average height of 6 feet while the women are between 5 and 5:5. Along with an inherent connection to the realm of serenity, many seem to have a natural talent as Ferrathar’s most brilliant and unmatched smiths.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Matilda
Eleanor
Emma
Margaret
Isabel
Masculine names
William
Henry
Edward
Richard
Robert
Culture
Shared customary codes and values
Courage is often seen as a key value in a warrior culture such as the firstborn. This includes both physical and moral courage, as well as the willingness to face danger and adversity.
Honor: Honor is another important value in firstborn culture. This includes the idea of personal integrity, the keeping of oaths and promises, and the willingness to stand up for what is right.
Loyalty: Loyalty to one's race and community is highly valued to the firstborn. This includes the idea of putting the needs of the group above one's own needs, and the willingness to make sacrifices for the good of the group.
Discipline: Discipline is seen as an important value in a warrior culture, both in terms of physical training and mental focus. This includes the ability to endure hardship and to maintain self-control in the face of danger or stress.
Respect: Respect for one's elders, leaders, and fellow warriors is often emphasized. This includes showing deference to those who have earned it through their actions and achievements.
Skill: The development of physical and invoking skills is often highly valued to the firstborn who are born with the ability to invoke. This includes not only martial skills, but also strength in manipulating the elements.
Common Etiquette rules
Respect for authority: In firstborn society, respect for authority is paramount. People were expected to show deference and respect to those in positions of power, such as royalty, nobles, and clergy.
Politeness and courtesy: Politeness and courtesy are highly valued in firstborn society. People are expected to be polite and courteous in their interactions with others, regardless of social class.
Modesty: Modesty was an important aspect of firstborn etiquette, particularly for women. Women were expected to dress modestly and behave with decorum in public.
Table manners: Table manners were an important aspect of etiquette, particularly for those in the upper classes. Eating with one's mouth closed, using utensils properly, and knowing how to use a napkin are all considered important skills.
Gift giving: Gift giving is an important aspect of firstborn etiquette, particularly for those in positions of power. Giving and receiving gifts was a way to establish and maintain relationships, and refusing a gift was considered impolite.
Proper address: Knowing how to address someone properly is of high importance. Using the correct form of address, such as "Your Majesty" or "My Lord," was a sign of respect and deference.
Funerary and Memorial customs
A special temple service and time of prayer would always be held for the dead. It was a solemn and mournful service that included prayers for the soul of the deceased and was often accompanied by music. The firstborn temple believes that burial in sacred ground was important for the soul of the deceased. Burial in a consecrated churchyard or cemetery was seen as a way to ensure the deceased's soul had the best chance of reaching serenity.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Fair skin: In many firstborn societies, fair skin was considered a sign of beauty and social status, as it was associated with wealth and leisure. People who worked outdoors were often darker-skinned, and therefore considered less attractive.
Long hair: Long, flowing hair was considered a sign of beauty in both men and women. Women often wear their hair loose or in braids.
Small waists: A small waist is often seen as a sign of femininity and beauty in women. Tight corsets and other restrictive garments were sometimes worn to achieve this ideal.
Clear complexion: A clear complexion was prized in both men and women, and cosmetics are used to enhance the appearance of the skin.
Courtship Ideals
Courtship was often governed by strict social and religious rules, and the ideals of courtship varied depending on the social class and cultural context. However, there were some common themes and ideals that were generally prized.
Marriage for love: While arranged marriages were common in firstborn societies, there was still a belief in the importance of romantic love in a marriage. Courtship was seen as a way for couples to get to know each other and develop a deep emotional connection.
Chivalry: The concept of chivalry, with its emphasis on honor, loyalty, and devotion, plays a significant role in firstborn courtship. Men were expected to be chivalrous in their treatment of women, offering protection, respect, and courtesy.
Social status: Social status and class were important considerations in firstborn courtship. Marriages between people of different social classes were often frowned upon or even forbidden.
Modesty and decorum: Courtship was expected to be conducted with modesty and decorum. Physical displays of affection were often discouraged or prohibited, and couples were expected to maintain a certain level of propriety in their behavior.
Parental approval: In many firstborn societies, the approval of the parents or other family members was necessary for a courtship to proceed. Parents were often involved in the process of selecting a suitable partner for their children and ensuring that the marriage would be advantageous from a social or economic standpoint.
Encompassed species
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