Nomoi
Cosmopolitan Gnomes of Noctabia
The Nomoi are a race of gnomes from Noctabia, a nation in the southeastern corner of Rhyduania. They were once the politically dominant race of Noctabia, but their civil war with the Thanamoi has left them with solid control only of the western half of the nation.
The Nomoi are a cosmopolitan race of gnomes who adore engineering and architecture. Their cities are famed across the continent for the subtle, yet pleasant architecture of their homes and shops.
Nomoi are generally a friendly and amiable bunch, who never hesitate to say hello to a stranger on the street. However, they make a strong distinction between public and private affairs. They're very reserved about sharing personal matters with anyone but the closest of friends, and "minding your own damned business" is considered the highest of virtues in Nomoi society.
Nomoi cuisine is mostly composed of sandwiches called "poppies" (alfalfa and roast beef is quite popular), stews and soups made of roots and herbs, and pickled vegetables. Pickled and salted meats are also popular items. More than anything, though, Nomoi love exotic food from far away lands. A corner stall selling Norveen or Nehemeni food is the fastest way to make a fortune in Noctabia.
Noctabia is currently embroiled in civil war. Several years ago, the largest clan of kobolds from the neighboring region of Druugheim found themselves on the wrong side of a power struggle between the two most dominant clans of orcs. Facing extermination, they fled to seek asylum in Noctabia. Prevailing opinion in the predominantly Nomoi government was to allow the kobolds a chance to be a part of civilization. Since Thanamoi settlements have always borne the brunt of kobold raids and attacks, this didn't sit well with the Thanamoi, and the situation rapidly devolved from there.
Culture
Shared customary codes and values
Traditional morality among the Nomoi emphasizes community over individuals, honest dealings in commerce, and a deep distaste for unnecessary violence.
Historical figures
Klellbass Gebnic was a general who fought to defend Noctabia from a Nehemeni invasion during the Golden Famines. A grand statue of him resides at the center of a well maintained park in the heart of the gnomish capital, which depicts him on one knee, steadying himself against the shaft of a spear while weeping. The statue bears a meticulously maintained plaque with the inscription, "He faced every death with sorrow, and won every victory with compassion. May we never require his like again." Gnomish legend claims that he openly wept over the death of every gnome he lost, and includes many stories (some likely apocryphal) about his clever strategies with nets, pit traps, and other means to win battles in ways that spared as many lives as possible, even those of the invaders. Generally, only professional scholars can name a battle he actually lost off the top of their heads.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Prominent noses and round chins are favored facially. Body standards are "actively" subjective, with romantic literature idealizing the idea of couples being attracted to each other for social, intellectual or emotional reasons, and then praising what beauty they find in each other afterwards. The compliments rendered are considered to be very idiosyncratic, that is, unique to the person delivering them. "I like how slender your hands are" or "the curve of your ankles intrigues me" or "when you walk, your arms sway in a way that reminds of the lilac bush outside my window as a child."
Gender Ideals
Intuition and humor are praised as masculine traits, and level-headedness, logic, and competence are praised as feminine. Nurturing behavior and community participation are considered universally virtuous and non-gendered. Combat prowess is also not traditionally associated with any particular gender, and historically glory is assigned based on clever tactics that save lives and reduce bloodshed.
Courtship Ideals
Romantic literature suggests that Nomoi culture idealizes courtship experiences that involve prospective partners introducing to each other the things that bring them joy. Favorite foods, restaurants, hobbies, pastimes, etc.
Relationship Ideals
Jealousy and demands of monogamy aren't considered immoral and toxic, they're considered aberrant and unsettling, like filling your bathtub with wood screws, or running a kebab cart with no trousers on.
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