Greatsman

The Greatsmen, a displaced culture from another world, have faced the immense challenge of adapting to their new environment in the Aegis Colony. Despite the hardships of being forced from their original home, they brought their traditions, knowledge, and above all, their resilience, which have become their identity's cornerstone. This integration has its challenges. Still, the Greatsmen have managed to create a harmonious and thriving community by blending their heritage with the unique circumstances of their refuge. 
Upon arriving in the Aegis Colony, the Greatsmen faced a landscape vastly different from their original world. The crash of the Aegis Convoy Shielding Vessel IV marked the beginning of their new life, forcing them to salvage and repurpose what they could from the wreckage. This necessity fostered a culture of innovation and adaptability, where every resource was precious, and collaboration was crucial for survival. 
Despite being from various races and backgrounds, the Greatsmen united to build a new home. This unity, a testament to their shared purpose, was critical as they navigated the complexities of their new environment. The colony's governance by The Great Company, supported by the leadership of the Aegis Protectorate, provided a structured and stable foundation. The Protectorate's role in maintaining order and guiding the colony through its formative years was pivotal in establishing the Greatsmen's sense of community and shared purpose. 
Cultural integration has been a continuous process, with the Greatsmen drawing from their past while embracing new influences. Their traditions, from birth rites to funerary customs, have evolved to reflect their heritage and the realities of life in Aegis Colony. This blending of old and new, while adapting to their new environment, is evident in every aspect of their society, from the practical designs of their architecture to the communal nature of their celebrations. 
The Greatsmen also developed a unique social fabric characterized by an egalitarian approach to gender roles, a strong emphasis on education, and a collective commitment to the colony's welfare. Their ability to harness local resources, like the geothermal energy from the Heart of Stendaaris, and adapt advanced technology has ensured the colony's sustainability and growth. 
Through resilience, innovation, and a deep sense of community, the Greatsmen have transformed Aegis Colony into a thriving refuge. Their journey from displacement to adaptation is a testament to their enduring spirit and capacity for overcoming adversity, shaping a new legacy in the World of Stendaaris.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The primary language of the Greatsmen is Common, with several dialects influenced by the various races within the colony. There are also remnants of their original language, preserved in traditional songs, rituals, and scholarly works.

Culture and cultural heritage

Greatsmen culture blends their displaced heritage with the new influences from their refuge. Cultural heritage is preserved through storytelling, music, and festivals celebrating their history and achievements. Education is highly valued, with a focus on practical skills and the arts.

Shared customary codes and values

Greatsmen share values of unity, resilience, innovation, and communal support. They adhere to codes of conduct that emphasize honesty, integrity, and mutual respect. The community strongly emphasizes education, continuous learning, and collective well-being over individual gain.

Average technological level

The Greatsmen have attained a high level of technological advancement, blending salvaged technology from their original world with innovations developed in the Aegis Colony. They have advanced geothermal energy systems, sophisticated defense mechanisms, and cutting-edge medical facilities. Their ability to adapt and integrate various technologies has been vital to their survival and prosperity.

Common Etiquette rules

Etiquette in Aegis Colony includes greeting others with a respectful nod or a firm handshake. Respecting personal space and maintaining cleanliness is essential. Punctuality and reliability are highly valued, reflecting the community's organization and efficiency. Elders and those in leadership positions are addressed with formal titles.

Common Dress code

The dress code is practical and functional, designed for comfort and utility. Typical attire includes durable fabrics, protective gear for specific trades, and personalized items such as guild insignias. Ceremonial occasions call for more elaborate attire, often incorporating traditional patterns and colors that reflect the colony's heritage.

Art & Architecture

Greatsmen art blends practical design with aesthetic appeal. Architecture is influenced by the salvaged materials from the Aegis Convoy, resulting in a unique fusion of industrial and organic styles. Art often depicts scenes of their journey, survival, and the integration of various cultures within the colony. Public spaces feature murals and sculptures that celebrate technological achievements and historical milestones.

Foods & Cuisine

Cuisine in Aegis Colony is diverse, incorporating ingredients from local flora and fauna and traditional recipes from their original world. Meals are often communal, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences. Familiar dishes include hearty stews, baked goods, and preserved foods that reflect the colony's resourcefulness.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Common customs include communal gatherings for major decisions, festivals celebrating seasonal changes, and rituals marking significant life events. Traditions are maintained through the oral history passed down by elders, formal education, and public ceremonies.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

Birth rites involve a community gathering to welcome the new child. Elders bestow blessings, and the child is given a name reflecting their heritage and hopes for the future. Gifts of handmade items and practical tools are standard.

Coming of Age Rites

Coming of age is marked by a rite of passage that involves a challenging task or quest, symbolizing the transition to adulthood. Successful completion is celebrated with a ceremony recognizing the individual as a community member. The new community member may receive a symbolic item, such as a tool or jewelry.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Funerals are solemn occasions where the community gathers to honor the deceased. The body is typically cremated, and ashes may be scattered in a significant location. Memorials often include plaques or markers inscribed with the individual's achievements and contributions to the colony.

Common Taboos

Taboos include betrayal of the community, theft, and acts that endanger the colony's safety. Disrespect towards elders and leadership is also frowned upon. Maintaining harmony and mutual respect is paramount, and actions that disrupt this balance are strongly discouraged.

Common Myths and Legends

Greatsmen myths and legends often revolve around their journey from their original world to the Aegis Colony. Similar stories include heroic leaders, wise elders, and the spirits of the land. Legends include tales of the Aegis Convoy's crash and the colony's subsequent survival and adaptation.

Historical figures

Protector Harold
Known for his strategic mind and diplomatic skills, Harold successfully navigated the colony through intense external threats. His tenure is remembered for establishing key trade alliances and fortifying the colony's defenses.

Protector Eadric
A former military leader, Eadric focused on security and technological advancement. Under his leadership, the Shadow Company was established, significantly enhancing the colony's manufacturing capabilities and defense systems.

Protector Aldwin
Renowned for his compassionate leadership and focus on social welfare, Aldwin expanded educational and healthcare facilities, ensuring all colony members had access to essential services.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Greatsmen value resilience and practicality in their beauty ideals. Physical fitness and health are highly regarded, reflecting their need for survival and adaptability. Cleanliness and grooming are essential, as well as focusing on neat, functional hairstyles and well-maintained attire. Scarification and tattoos that signify personal achievements or affiliations with guilds are considered attractive.

Gender Ideals

Greatsmen have a largely egalitarian view of gender roles. Both men and women participate equally in governance, defense, and labor. Strength, intelligence, and capability are valued over traditional gender roles. Leadership roles are determined by skill and experience rather than gender, reflecting the colony's pragmatic approach to survival and prosperity.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship among the Greatsmen emphasizes mutual respect, shared goals, and compatibility. Relationships often begin through collaborative work or community projects, allowing individuals to demonstrate their skills and values. Courtship rituals may include exchanging tokens of appreciation, such as handcrafted items or personalized gifts, symbolizing commitment and thoughtfulness.

Relationship Ideals

Relationships are built on trust, mutual support, and shared responsibilities. Greatsmen prioritize partnership and cooperation, with both partners contributing equally to household and community duties. Open communication and emotional support are vital to a strong relationship, reflecting the community's collective spirit.

Related Locations

• Aegis Colony