Bocraean
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Bocraeans are a people of Northern Aisoa, primarily found residing in Bocrae, Lenif and Aswana.
The majority of Bocraeans are humans, along with a small portion of halflings and half-elves. Bocraean humans largely take on Western Ociannic appearances with pale skin, hair of russet or dark brown, and blue or green eyes. They also tend to be known for being of broader, taller builds. Eastern Ociannic appearances are common as well, with many having dark brown skin tones and brown eyes from the east.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Marija, Ana, Tajana, Željka, Draha, Naděžda
Masculine names
Radek, Mihovil, Mikhail, Matija, Pankrati, Ljuban
Unisex names
Vanja, Zhenya, Saša, Shura, Motya, Matija
Family names
Berislav, Asya, Lavrenti, Pavel, Dunyasha
Other names
Bocraean names are inspired by a mix of Slavic and African names. Generate more here.
Culture
Shared customary codes and values
The Bocraean people are a resilient people accustomed to a difficult life in the northern boreal forests. Most are practical and hard working, knowing that nothing in life comes free. They are often slow to trust others, and form small tightly knit communities of reliable friends and family.
There is a distinct cultural divide between the Bocraean common folk and the more wealthy merchants and nobility that live in major cities. Most common folk do not trust politicians and see them as the lesser evil compared to potentially letting bandits have free reign over their lives. Generally those who work with money are seen are lazy, refusing to do hard work in favor of profiting off of others.
The high value placed on hard work means that failure is an accepted part of continuing onwards. Those who do not keep working through their failures are considered weak, lazy, or foolish.
Though inheritance is given to the first son of a family, it is frowned upon to rely on such a thing. Some end up forsaking using it entirely, to prove they did not need the aid. More than a few farmers likely have a small hoard of treasure in their basement from generations of men refusing to spend a single coin of it. In the worst of times, this multi-generational wealth is dug up to ensure survival more than quality of life.
Cultural Stereotype
Most other cultures view Bocraeans as a dour, joyless people that are not terribly nice to be around. They make for reliable business companions with a strong work ethic and the utmost seriousness about their craft, but few would want to grab drinks with them after a long days work. If one were to do so, it would probably be a night of quiet drinking in each others company, occasionally bringing up topics relevant to the next few weeks business. They are generally expected to come from little wealth, and are slow to rely on others. Those from more wealthy social circles often have a dislike of Bocraeans for their tendency to question nobility and merchants - and their willingness to do what needs to be done to protect their loved ones.Cuisine
Bocraean cuisine leans far more heavily on animal byproducts than crops due to the cold climate. Meat, eggs, and milk based products tend to find their way into every dish alongside carrots, potatoes, and turnips. Wheat and baked goods tend to be less common than in many other cultures, but a soft buttery bread roll is still a popular treat. There is a strong tradition of tender, slow cooked meats and stews. Pig roasts are frequent in villages, and most families maintain a slowly cooking stew eaten over multiple days. Heavily spiced foods are incredibly uncommon for the average person, and fresh fish tends to be considered a food for special occasions or the wealthy. Few people live on the far northern coast, and those that do tend to make their living shipping chilled fish south to the capital. Bocraean nobility tends to eschew the normal foods of the region and serve lavish meals with heavily spiced dishes and exotic meats.Common Dress code
Most Bocraean outfits function well as traveling gear, even those worn by merchants and nobility. Furs and heavy wools to keep warm in the winter are a staple. Bocraean formal wear is often just the same styled clothing made with higher quality materials.
Sayings & Cultural Touchstones
"Life is hard. There is no changing that." - Common Bocraean saying, especially to children. Used as a catchall for whenever something terrible happens that was out of their control. It is intended as a reminder that things can get worse at any time, and becoming complacent is not an option. "The Schism" - In high society circles, it remains bad form to refer to Aswana as a nation of its own. Most refer to the civil war as a schism, implying that Aswana is still part of Bocrae as a whole, even if it is in an antagonistic role. Commoners care little about this, and generally just refer to it as "the war". The loss of Aswana's income has made life in Bocrae more difficult for everyone, but many still view the Aswani people as kinsmen and find solace in the fact they are happy and successful. Patriotism - Few Bocraeans are truly proud of their country. Most view nobility as extraneous leeches that make their lives more difficult rather than helping them, but lack the strength or unity across the massive country to truly change anything. Others Opinion - Most view Bocraeans as a dour, joyless people that are not terribly nice to be around. They make for reliable business companions with a strong work ethic and the utmost seriousness about their craft, but few would want to grab drinks with them after a long days work. If one were to do so, it would probably be a night of quiet drinking in each others company, occasionally bringing up topics relevant to the next few weeks business.Major organizations
The Laav family is an old Bocrean family most known for their ties to the Three Point Kings criminal organization, which they control.
Parent ethnicities
Encompassed species
Related Organizations
Languages spoken
