Tathar
The Tathar ethnic group holds a unique place in the rich tapestry of the Tatharian Empire, with roots deeply embedded in the Tath River Delta. Over the generations, the term "Tathar" has evolved significantly, expanding from a narrower definition to a broader, cultural one that captures the entire essence of the Empire's inhabitants. Today, being Tathar refers not just to ancestry but to a cultural upbringing within the expansive lands of the Tatharian Empire. Below is an exploration of the various aspects that define the Tathar people—from their names to their values, customs, and traditions.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Feminine names often possess a melodic quality, reflecting the cultural emphasis on elegance and fluidity. Names such as Elysara, Thalina, and Anatheya are popular choices, evoking beauty, grace, and the fertility of the Tath River. Rather than using gendered suffixes, Old Tathar names reflect qualities such as natural harmony or familial connection, often through their rhythmic and flowing sound.
Masculine names
Masculine names emphasize strength, resilience, and leadership. Names like Vekalor, Rhalios, and Ilamar draw upon ancient heroes or aspects of nature, such as the river or mountains, symbolizing the protective and sturdy role of men in Tathar society. The sounds are often harsher and more abrupt, conveying the sense of power inherent in traditional gender ideals.
Unisex names
Unisex names like Zorran, Nemedros, and Iganthor are becoming more widespread, especially among families that wish to emphasize egalitarian values. Such names may reference Celestial bodies or elements of the natural world, indicating the shift toward more fluid and inclusive gender roles within modern Tatharian society.
Family names
The family names of the Tathar reflect a deep connection to lineage and regional pride. Surnames often incorporate elements linked to the land or significant ancestors. Common family names include Atrashir, Thamnirek, and Iklador, which reflect attributes such as strength, wisdom, or ties to a particular village or river bend. Many of these surnames were established generations ago, passed down with a sense of honor that ties the bearer to their ancestry.
Other names
In addition to given and family names, Tathar individuals may also carry epithets or titles that signify accomplishments, geographical origin, or even familial roles, such as Aremak the Bold or Icaghor the Antediluvian. These serve both as markers of personal achievements and as ways to distinguish between individuals with similar names. Since the Empire is culturally diverse, some Tathar children occasionally bear foreign names or foreign surnames, due to intermarrying and cultural overlap.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Old Tathar remains a ceremonial language, particularly among noble families and the landed gentry. However, Modern Tathar is spoken widely as the Common tongue, with regional dialects reflecting local customs and histories. The Tath River Valley dialect is considered the standard, but coastal regions often have a distinctive cadence, influenced by trade with neighboring cultures.
Culture and cultural heritage
The Tathar take great pride in their cultural heritage, from the oral storytelling traditions that preserve their history to the festivals celebrating the river's bounties. The Festival of the First Flood, marking the beginning of the agricultural year, is one of the most significant cultural events, filled with music, dance, and rituals honoring Mother Rolara, the Deity of life and fertility.
Shared customary codes and values
Among the Tathar, community and family loyalty are of utmost importance. Honor and generosity are highly valued, as is the notion of "ayrel" or hospitality—welcoming travelers and guests as extensions of the community. It is considered a moral duty to assist those in need, especially within one's local community. "Assist First" is the motto of the Tradition of Health, an organization that provides magical healing to citizens with financial support from the Empire, through the Pantheobule. This principle resonates deeply with the broader Tathar ethos and is a key value for Tatharians in general.
Average technological level
The Tathar have achieved notable advancements in irrigation, thanks to the engineering marvels along the Tath River. Since the Reignition of the Stars of Power, Tatharian technology has rapidly advanced, with the magical power of Aetherite crystals fueling much of that progress. The Reignition marked a dramatic turning point, and the wise men and women of the Laboratorium led the way in pushing technological boundaries. Their efforts in harnessing Aetherite have cemented Tatharia's influence on the world stage.
Common Etiquette rules
Respect for elders is central to Tathar etiquette, as is deference to those in positions of religious or social authority. A common greeting involves touching the forehead and extending a hand outward, symbolizing the sharing of knowledge and goodwill. Interrupting others or showing impatience during conversation is seen as deeply disrespectful.
Common Dress code
Clothing styles are adapted to the warm climate of the Tath River Delta. Linen tunics and robes, often dyed in soft earth tones, are popular. Jewelry is commonplace, particularly amulets believed to provide protection. Modesty is valued, with most garments designed to cover the most of the body, though not restrictively. Ceremonial dress is more elaborate, incorporating Gold thread and colorful embroidery symbolizing one's family or guild. Currently, elaborate gowns are fashionable, and simple hairstyles have replaced the more intricate up-dos of previous generations.
Art & Architecture
Tathar art draws heavily on natural imagery—the river, moon and sun, and flora are recurring motifs. Sculptures made of river clay and murals depicting mythic tales adorn both public and private spaces. Marble and stonemasonry are skills Tatharians are well known for artistically expressing themselves as a group, with statues and intricate stonework often seen in temples and communal areas. Architecturally, Tathar settlements are designed around communal spaces, with homes often built from stone or brick and tile roofs, featuring open courtyards that foster a sense of community.
Foods & Cuisine
The Tathar cuisine is rich with dishes made from grains, legumes, fish, and fruits native to the river delta. Flatbreads and stews are staples, often accompanied by fermented drinks. Honey-glazed dates, roasted fish, and a dish similar to hummus are considered delicacies, typically reserved for festivals and celebrations. Notable specialties include the Tatharian Pickle, a tangy fermented vegetable mix, and Tathar Beer, a popular fermented barley beverage enjoyed throughout the Empire.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Seasonal festivals are a vital part of Tathar life, each one tied to a particular aspect of the natural world. Harvest festivals, weddings, and birthdays are celebrated with communal feasts, and traditional songs are sung to mark key events in the cycle of life.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
Newborns are introduced to the community in a ceremony called Ankhet, where the child is symbolically bathed in water from the Tath River, believed to bless them with strength and health. A small woven amulet, symbolizing the family, is placed on the infant to protect them from harm.
Coming of Age Rites
Upon reaching the age of 17, young Tathar take their Choice of Three, where they are expected to demonstrate their rudimentary education and proficiency in a trade. The rite involves showcasing knowledge, skills, and commitment to their chosen path, whether scholarly, artisanal, or otherwise. Success is celebrated with a feast, marking the young person’s entry into adulthood and their readiness to contribute to the community.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Tathar funerary customs involve interment in graveyards, with mausoleums for the wealthy or heroic. Regardless of which Deity they follow, Tathar tradition broadly follows this approach. Bodies are anointed with oils and wrapped in linen before being placed in a grave. Memorials are simple stone markers, and each year on the Day of Ancestors, families gather to honor those who have passed, leaving offerings of flowers and food. Individual deities may have specific rites or customs that differ from these general practices.
Common Taboos
Loyalty, order, and economic growth are deeply valued among the Tathar, and their taboos reflect these ideals. Betraying one's family or community is considered one of the highest offenses, often leading to social exile. Disrespecting established authority or disrupting communal harmony is equally taboo, as it threatens the sense of order that the Tathar cherish. Economic sabotage, such as theft or deliberately hindering trade, is also seen as a serious violation. While disrespecting the river remains a significant taboo due to its importance to the community, other taboos focus on actions that undermine the strength and cohesion of Tatharian society.
Common Myths and Legends
Tathar mythology is rich with tales of Icaghor, the first unifier of Tatharia, depicting him as a wise and just leader whose spirit is said to guide the Empire to this day. Myths tell of Icaghor's incredible strength and cleverness—one popular story recounts how he single-handedly defeated a marauding beast that threatened the Tath River settlements, using both brute force and cunning strategy. Another legend describes how Icaghor outwitted a rival chieftain by constructing an elaborate trap, luring him into a false sense of security before striking decisively. Though his methods could be destructive, Icaghor was known for acting in the interest of unifying and protecting his people, embodying both fairness and an unyielding sense of purpose.
Historical figures
Icaghor stands out as the legendary figure who brought the disparate tribes of the Tath Valley together, establishing what would become the Tatharian Regnum. Myths often depict Icaghor as a figure of immense strength and cunning, blending fairness with an unyielding will. He is said to have wrestled great beasts and rival leaders, using both physical power and strategic brilliance to forge alliances, but also to break those who threatened unity. Empress Naram-Sin, more recently, has transformed the Empire through religious and administrative reforms, solidifying the Tathar cultural identity.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Beauty among the Tathar is fluid, changing with each generation. Currently, mustaches and elaborate gowns are highly fashionable, while simple hairstyles have replaced the elaborate up-dos favored by previous generations. Light skin, particularly that which reflects a life spent along the fertile river valley, is often idealized, though this is beginning to broaden as the definition of Tathar identity expands.
Gender Ideals
In centuries past, gender roles among the Tathar were quite defined—men were seen as protectors and providers, while women were revered for their roles as nurturers and cultural bearers. These ideals are evolving, however, with both men and women increasingly participating in governance, trade, and even military roles. The importance of wisdom, regardless of gender, has become a key cultural value.
Courtship Ideals
Courtship in Tathar society has always been a complex dance of subtle gestures and public displays. Gifts are exchanged, often featuring hand-crafted items, such as woven baskets or jewelry fashioned from river stones, as a symbol of dedication. It is considered customary for the prospective partners to take walks along the river, a sign of their compatibility and willingness to share in each other’s journey. Additionally, the concepts of courtly romance and knightly chivalry are common, with suitors often engaging in poetic declarations or acts of bravery to prove their devotion.
Relationship Ideals
Relationships among the Tathar prioritize unity and collaboration. It is important for couples to share similar values, particularly with respect to family honor and communal responsibility. Monogamy is traditionally expected, and marriages are often arranged with the wellbeing of both extended families in mind, although love matches are increasingly common in modern times.
Encompassed species
Related Organizations
Languages spoken
Related Locations
Comments