Telmun (tɛl.muːn)
The Telmun originated on the Telmun Islands in the Southeastern Region. During the heyday of the Telmunic Empire, Telmun communities were founded as far north as the Kaphtor Islands, and as far west as Lahat. Today, Telmuns are the largest human group in the Southeastern Region, with the majority of their population in the Telmun Islands and the Sabaen Archipelago.
When the Malika of Saba began to build her armies, she began in the Telmun Islands. While the Telmunic Empire had been much reduced from the days of Hundaru of Telmun, they still embraced a martial tradition and longed for a return to imperial glory. The Malika allied herself with the Emperor, promising to use her magical abilities to support his ambitions. The Telmuns became the core of the Malika's army, and made the conquest of Saba and overthrow of the Nagarajya possible.
Physical Appearance
Telmuns typically have skin tones ranging from olive to light brown, with dark eyes and hair. Some Telmuns have bright green eyes, which is seen as a mark of greatness. Famously, Hundaru of Telmun was sometimes referred to as 'Ekur-Napharum', or 'Emerald-eyed'. Men among the Telmun are typically around 5'6" in height, while women are a liitle shorter at 5'4".
Common Dress & Style
The Telmun prefer loose, flowing clothing made of lightweight fabrics. Men and women typically wear a long robe or cloak over a long-sleeved shirt and loose trousers. Hoods or veils are used to protect the wearer from the harsh sunlight. Silk and cotton are the most common fabrics used, and they prefer light colors, usually with decorative patterns along the hems and cuffs.
The Telmun are fond of jewelery, and most will wear bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. They make their jewelery of gold and silver, and adorn them with gemstones such as rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. The Telmun disdain white diamonds, preferring gems with more color to them.
Religion & Folklore
The gods and spirits of the Telmun people are known as the Anunnaki. The most important of the Anunnaki are Ninzikla and Ensag. Ninzikla is the goddess of the seas that surround the Telmun Islands, and is the spouse to Ensag, the god of Menâme. They are worshipped together, never separately. The center of their worship is the Egalgula, a temple located in the city of Mina Hunda on the island of Menâme; the Egalgula is built upon the shore of the island, and the waters of the sea wash over the temple floor at high tide. The most significant festival in the Telmun culture is the celebration of the Ninzikla and Ensag's marriage, under the first full moon of the year (using the Sabaen Calendar. By tradition, Telmun couples all marry on this date as well, and the celebration of their unions become a week-long party.
The Telmun also honor the great Hundaru of Telmun, whose Eidolon has ascended to become the god of Hundaru's Lighthouse on Menâme. Hundaru's birthday is celebrated each year by a series of competitions and war games held in the conqueror's honor, and the winners are treated as heroes for the year thereafter.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Foods & Cuisine
Seafood makes up a major portion of Telmun cuisine, along with rice and dates. Flatbread is served at almost every meal as well. One classic Telmun dish is Makbous, which is heavily spiced goat stew served over rice. Each family has their own spice blend for making Makbous, which will commonly include flavors such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and coriander. Classic Makbous will also contain saffron, which is rare and expensive. Makbous is commonly served at holidays, or as part of a celebration.
Major organizations
Main Article: Telmunic Empire
The Telmunic Empire, founded by Hundaru of Telmun, was a major power for hundreds of years, until it finally became a protectorate of the Malikate of Saba several hundred years ago. It slowly lost power after the death of Hundaru, but the Telmun people never forgot how far it once extended.
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