Oceonoi (Oh-see-oh-noy)
Sea-going Gnomes of the Western Islands
The Oceonoi, also called salt gnomes, are the sea-faring merchant people of the island of Sarcrist nestled in the strait between North and South Göthemir.
The island of Sarcrist is an island of natural defenses. It has never been invaded, because it would be suicidal madness to do so. The island is surrounded by sharp rocky reefs, jutting out of the sea in many places, and hiding just below the water line in others. Navigating them would be tricky enough, if it wasn't for the fact that they're all obscured by a perpetual fog that rings the island at sea level.
The island is home to the First Bank of Sarcrist, the dominant financial institution in Rhyduania. Letters of credit, deposit receipts, and promissory notes from the Bank are the medium used in the majority of trade above a few hundred coins on most of the continent.
The Oceonoi people came to Sarcrist as a result of a gradual diaspora over centuries that led some gnomes out of Noctabia, passing through Orbarrow, Nehemen, and The Karthin Cities to eventually settle their island home. As a result of the role the Torvar dwarves played in this migration, it is not uncommon for some salt gnomes to have a bit of dwarven ancestry that at times manifests in a slightly stockier build than the average gnome.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The Oceonoi have developed a dialect of the gnomish language that is still mutually intelligible with the Nomoi parent dialect, but includes some influences absorbed from Torvari dwarven, Göthemiri and Norveen.
Shared customary codes and values
Profit is considered a large motivating force of Oceonoi culture, but profit is seen as a thing to be gleaned from other peoples and lands and brought home to improve the lives of people at home.
Clean, orderly accounting is viewed as worthy of respect on par with how strong leadership skills are viewed in many human cultures.
Common Dress code
Oceonoi clothing is almost always rain proof or thin enough to dry quickly. Exposed skin other than arms and face is rare. Hats are almost non-existent, due to seawinds being a factor. Seal skin and wolf fur are favored by sailors along southern runs, northern runs feature more linen and other breathable fabrics.
Art & Architecture
Bronze sculpture is the most developed form of art. Painting is not as widespread as in other cultures, but a distinct Oceonoi style is recognized by art scholars, characterized by a stylized and limited color palette influenced by which dyes are easily accessible on the island. Artistic woodworking is sought after for shipbuilding.
Architecture emphasizes elaborate multi-tiered roofing and inviting facades.
Foods & Cuisine
Angelshark filet, cod, tuna, swordfish - grilled with bell peppers and kelp
Salicornia - branching succulent "sea beans," sauteed in goat/sheep butter imported from Normaer
Dulse - red algae, dried, used to season potatoes and meats; pan-fried into chips, served with salsa; baked with cheese; ground and included in bread
Carrageen Moss - red algae, cooked into a jelly, flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, topped with a rum sauce
Sea purslane - beach succulent, served pickled
Abalone - sea snails served as a delicacy on special occasions
Funerary and Memorial customs
Funeral customs consist of sponge bathing the deceased with salt water, recitation of memories of the deceased, and then unceremoniously dumping the cadaver in the ocean.
Major organizations
First Bank of Sarcrist
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