Shimo (She-moe)
"The transgressions of her kin are not hers, they do not permeate the blood. She is one of ours, she is welcome here. Follow me sister, let me show you your home."
Blood, family, and community are what the Shimo hold most dear. The Shimo are one of the oldest cultures on Lanfe, most of them can trace their lineages all the way back to the demon lords of the abyss before the Planar Convergence. The Shimo are predominately Fiendborn (Tieflings) due to their tight familial bonds but contrary to popular stereotype they are welcoming of "outsiders" as long as they assimilate to the culture.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Most Shimo speak the native tongue of Lanfe but many more speak Abyssal also known as Asan or Null Tongue. It is not uncommon for some Shimo to speak Infernal as well, due to their interactions with other Fiendborn.
Shared customary codes and values
The Shimo are very big on community, family, and blood ancestry. Most of them are descendants from the demon lords of the abyss and even though they do not particularly associate with demons, they do believe that the blood in their veins makes them natural heirs to the territory they call home.
There are strict rules in Shimo culture, lying to family, betraying the community, denouncing the blood are all liable to get on exiled not only from the culture but from the territory. Violent crimes are punishable by death but most opt to exile because they don't want to cause harm to their fellow Shimo.
Coming of Age Rites
"Only you decide who you are, not your parents, not us, not even your memories, you decide."
When a Shimo child reaches adulthood around 16 years of age, they partake in a ritual that is truly a test of will. The Shimo believe that one can be whoever they want to be and nothing not even all they have learned up to adulthood has the right to shape them unless they want it.
First the intention to take up the ritual is shared with the elders, then the community is told, all must attend unless unable to due to external consequences. Then the child is sent to fetch a pail of water from the Styx, this endeavor is dangerous as the nearest source is outside of the territory boundaries. Upon return the child partakes in a ritual drink in which their mind, body, and soul are tested. It is only after they have returned and stated their name, are they considered a full adult.
This ritual has the possibility to change a person completely and one rule that is upon the community during this time is that none can disparage the choice the ritual taker makes, even if it means exile.
Common Taboos
The Shimo believe due to most of their shared lineage, that the territory they own is under the protection of an ancient demon who made a pact with their ancestors. Therefore they believe their land to be scared ground and any who willing forsake the community or are exiled are no longer under the protection.
Ideals
Gender Ideals
Gender is a construct that the Shimo adhere too but do not radically enforce, if one during their coming of age rite wanted to declare themselves another gender then all would accept the choice.
Relationship Ideals
The Shimo are a tightknit people and their lack of diversity shows it, but they are not purist in the traditional sense. They believe that anyone can be apart of the culture and therefore one can love who they want, as long as the love interest learns the customs and become apart of the culture. This however does not happen often due to the stereotypes associated with the Shimo.
Comments