Hellic

Written by David_Ulph

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Anna, Bertha, Gertrude, Frieda, Margarethe

Masculine names

Karl, Friedrich, Heinrich, Otto, Wilhelm

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Hellan is the major language of the Hellic peoples as they are a culture centred around the Hellaland region. Hellan spoken by the Hellic peoples however is slightly different to other Hellalander dialects. As the Hellic culture is the most welcoming of other cultures, being in the middle of Elgerlor has led to their language accumulating dozens of other languages' words and pronunciations.
As a major ethnicity in the Great Western Empire, official documents are written in Common Speech, which the upper classes are taught to speak, read and write as a second language.

Culture and cultural heritage

As a culture mainly based in Hellaland, the Hellic culture is closely descended from the archaeological Helmii ethnicity and tribes that populated these lands first.

Shared customary codes and values

When a child reaches the age of education, it is still customary for the family to allow Acolytes of the Diamen Pantheon, usually the eunuch caste, to be allowed into the house to raise the child. This allows for the child to grow up respecting the Church and ensure that it's worship is not fully taken over by the New Religion. The style of education the Acolyte is taught to bring is an active one, rooted in travelling and interaction with other cultures.

Common Etiquette rules

As being in the middle of Elgerlor, Hellic peoples are usually very inclusive for other cultures, with racist attitudes being very much taboo. However, the beastblood (such as Satyrs and Were-people) that live in deep Elgerlorian forests such as in the Hellaland region are not fully seen as people. So, beastblood found and captured by scouts that wander outside or too close to the edges of their mysterious forests will be dragged into the walls of Hellic settlements. Beastblood are mocked and beaten in public, and forced into either torture and execution, slavery, or made into local livestock like other animals.
Hellic etiquette is also very open about emotions and feelings people have for one another. Due to this, public affection and courtship is highly encouraged to be open and honest. Sexual intercourse as well, is thought to be open for others and so, encouraged to be done in groups or orgies. Buildings and businesses dedicated to public or group fuckeries are both successful and commonplace in Hellic settlements.
Due to most individuals being taught by Diamen Pantheon Acolytes, Hellic etiquette shows a great deal of respect and conservation of the older generations. Often in predominantly Hellic settlements, the desires of a younger generation will be ignored or cast to one side to maintain the practices of old.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Marriage

Traditionally, marriage is not practised between Hellic lovers. Instead, after a years time of courtship, whether forced or healthy, the "groom" should step through the doorway of the "bride's" home carrying an exotic fruit such as a Myconthren Fig. After handing the fruit to the father of the "bride", it is exchanged for the "bride" herself. Then, the "groom" picks up and carries the "bride" out of the house and all the way to his carriage or mount, displaying the strength he has to take care of his partner. Usually, this will occur on Stag's Day on 14th of Gerrary.

Cuisine

Meats such as pork, beef and poultry form the spine of Hellic meals, all mostly eaten in a sausage form. Breakfasts are seen as the greatest meal of the day where the family must treat themselves to the fullest, a lunch should be large and filling, then a dinner will just be a light snack.
With the Hellaland region being in the middle of the other two Elgerlor regions, cuisine options has been heavily influenced by other cultures.
It is also known for meals to be so culturally important for Hellic peoples that in important meetings and debates, a shared meal is always offered. This offer is always extended to enemies, before combat or litigation.

Alcohol and Drugs

While vineyards are popular amongst the wealthy on the Hellaland coast, beers are consumed at an extent comparable to Korgs. Hellic peoples usually have a high tolerance for alcohol.

Festivals

During the month of Duvlary, on the run up to Midwinter celebrations, the festival of Mitteschnee is extremely popular. On the fourth week before Midwinter, a wreath is placed on the front entrance of a house and candles are lit on every windowsill. These will all stay up until after Midwinter.
On the third week before Midwinter, children are encouraged to leave out old boots for a mythical creature they know as the Nikkeltaug. This week is seen as a herald of what judgement the children will have at Midwinter. If, at some point in the week, a cane of birch sticks appears in the boot overnight, it is a sign that the children will be gifted with small luxuries on Midwinter's Day.
On the second week before Midwinter, Mittesmarkt (or the Midwinter Market), is set up in settlement squares across Hellic areas. The grandest of these markets are on the Hellaland coasts, especially in the city of Hammerforge. Locals and visitors are free to set up and browse through stalls, entertainment and Midwinter foods and mulled wine.
On the last week before Midwinter, richer Hellic families will buy a tree to put up in their homes. Unrelated to the actual Mitteschnee festival, these families have rivalries about how grand their Mitteschnee Trees are and their overall decorations.
Then finally, on Midwinter, families gather together to celebrate being halfway done with the long dark of Winter and gift presents to one another if the Nikkeltaug decided they were worthy.

Funerary and Memorial customs

To keep the memory of those that have died, it is customary for Hellic peoples closest to those who passed to keep one or multiple finger bones on their person at all times. This has the added benefit that doing so is supposed to protect the individual of insect bites.

Related Organizations

• The Great Western Empire

Related Myths

• The Legend of Bernulf, Missionary to the Blind