... Yeah, sorry guys. I know that right now there's only the two things happening - fluff, or pictures of Warmachine... well, I'm mostly working or painting at the moment, so it's gonna be pretty much just that for a while. I'm going to a tournament next month though, and we're working on starting up Iron Kingdoms again, so... there's that to look forward to...
... Please don't leave.
Anyway, this post follows on from
Cosmic Retcon, so I'd probably advise reading that one first. Or, if you have, but can't remember much about it, skim through it, or this won't make too much sense to you.
Basically, it's a little description of the ethnicities of LeVehn, in the style of
Gods, Nations and Kings, of which I have been reading far to much recently. But, it got me into the idea of writing about the various peoples who live in the country, and a bit more about their culture, fashions, broad personalities... that sorta thing. Be thankful - it was originally gonna encompass Aran and Dornuk too, but my editor was ill and/or lazy recently... so, have a read, have a think, and hopefully enjoy it. Volodanti out.
[Note: Obviously, this is at the end of my campaign, as opposed to the start of the next... dunno how the civil war will have changed things. Will the Plosheni have thrown their lot in with the rebels in order to gain some revenge? Or perhaps the Brerriki will have flocked to their call, along with the Numorrans, leaving the Plosheni and Dolnac in a strange marriage... anyway, lets find out.]
Cultures of LeVehn
 |
Just for anyone who is interested
In the divides... this is roughly right. |
LeVehn is a land that has served as something of a melting
point for millennia – in the long past it was where Elf, Dwarf and Man first
met, and in more recent times it is often the first port of call for
travellers. Despite this, it has its own strong cultures, which are rightly
proud of their shared – and sometimes contentious – history.
‘Native’ to LeVehn there are four main cultures, though each
possess a variety of branches and internal divisions – although few outside
that particular demographic would be aware of them, even if they were pointed
out.
In order of precedence, they are the Numorra, the Plosheni,
the Brerriki, and the Dolnac.
The Numorra
The Numorra are the inhabitants of the northernmost reaches
of the nation; traditionally defined as north of the Low Umpton or anywhere
above the River Hettan, with their capital the Port-City of Dho Marinum. They
make up approximately one third the population of LeVehn, and tend to dominate
internal politics.
Whilst the coastline they inhabit is no more level than the rest
of the nation – with the notable exception of the south-east, which is
notorious for its high cliffs – the Numorra are consummate sailors, and place
much emphasis on the sea for food, commerce and defence. From a number of
narrow coves and rocky bays, they set sail in their Caravels – in recent times
to trade but their warships were once feared as far abreast as the River Lyos.
Numorrans generally consider it an important part of growing up to take to the
seas, and in some parts an important rite of passage is the first time your
hometown dips below the horizon.
As a rule, Numorrans are neither wiry nor stocky – they tend
to have wide shoulders from swimming and muscles like the ropes of their ships.
Hair tends to be somewhat lighter than elsewhere in LeVehn, though reds and
blondes are still uncommon, and is usually to be bound back and accompanied
with short beards. With regards to clothing, they prefer shirts over the more
common tunic, high boots, and thick coats to keep out the cold winds – usually
in greys, blues or greens.
As a rule, they tend to be more serious than their
neighbours – whilst a Plosheni is more focussed on their duties, and Brerriki
are ever concerned with their standing, Numorrans are more aware of everything
expected of them, and which they expect of others, leading to an occasionally
terse impression, or else a very straightforward approach to any situation –
from bartering to political intrigue to personal relationships.
Within the Council of LeVehn, the Numorra often hold a
majority of votes – primarily due to their close relationship with the Dolnac,
though should they push too heavily toward internal favouritism they will
swiftly find their bloc dispersing. Thus, they have learned to temper the
inherent favouritism one shows toward their own with the need to maintain a
strong counter to the Plosheni.
The Plosheni
From the mountainous south, the Plosheni are one-time
enemies of the other peoples, now allies by necessity – though, they see it
otherwise. To a Plosheni, the relationship is more along the lines of a rivalry
turned to a union of convenience. They do not remember the past wars between
them and their neighbours with bitterness so much as a minor folly of their
forebears.
Coming from one of the least hospitable areas of LeVehn, the
Plosheni are the most militaristic of the ethnic groups – which, they are quick
to remind does not make them warlike in any sense of the word. They are no more
eager to kill than any other, simply they hold less reservation when it is
required. Likewise, they are usually more willing to follow orders – whether
from an officer, noble, or simply an individual of higher status – without
question. To them an order is just that – not a request, but something they
should act upon immediately or not at all.
The Plosheni expanded from the city of Dho Masun – well
known for its defensible position and proximity to both granite and
iron. These, more than anything else, were the source of their earliest
victories; allowing them to defend themselves and expand their boundaries much
better than their opponents.
Physically, the Plosheni are short, but stocky – a general
lack of nutrition growing up combined with hard work makes them stronger than
one would expect. The have an uncommonly high proportion of red-heads amongst
their ranks, and almost none with black hair. The hair in question tends to be
cut short, and their faces shaved regularly. Their fashion sense tends towards
a short tunic, close-fitting breeches, and heavy boots – often supplemented
with a heavy cloak due to the height of their lands.
Politically, they are the major opposition to the Numorra;
with their population a little over a quarter of the country. Where the Numorra
openly favour the north, the Plosheni seek to bring much needed development to
the oft-forgotten industries of the south. In this endeavour, they are
occasionally supported by the Brerriki, though rarely often enough to create
any real progress. Some reckon that, were it not for the arrival of outside
forces, the First Accord by Hand would have failed within a century. As it is,
the Plosheni are content instead to push for what changes they can, and accept
what edicts they must.
The Brerriki
The eastern shores of the Sea of Vas are home to the
Brerriki – less a single people than a number of cities unified by shared
culture, geography and need for defence. In times long since passed they were
well renowned for their exploration of that inland sea, and equally for the treasures
they brought back with them.
Their land is amongst the most fertile in LeVehn, with many
of their cities hugging wide rivers and gentle coasts. Their capital – Dho
Valents – sits on the northern bank of its namesake, and benefits both from the
silver ore shipped downriver from the mines and also from the trade passing
through it to- and from Dras Vul. It is amongst the most splendid of the cities
in Jugisium – soaring towers or marble and wide colonnades decorated with
cherry blossom, though visitors often bitterly point out that much of their
architecture is aped from the imperial ruins in the Sea of Vas.
As a people, the Brerriki are regarded as the most relaxed
of LeVehn. Lacking the hardships of the Plosheni, or the competors of the
Numorra, they instead turned their minds to the arts, philosophy and politics.
They are obsessed almost to a point with etiquette, and can frequently delay
any council meetings by days attempting to subtly turn a Meet to their
interests – efforts often lost on their more utilitarian neighbours. Outsiders
often see them as aloof or condescending, which may be true but they are also
much in touch with their emotion and capable of much generosity. They also
regard themselves as the premier sailors of LeVehn, and insist they are engaged
in a fierce, but friendly rivalry with the Numorra – who generally have no idea
of this fact, and often laugh aloud when told.
Physically, the Brerriki are the tallest in LeVehn, but
often predisposed towards being slight. Their skin is often darker than their
neighbours, with hair to match. Men generally grow their hair to shoulder
length, but accompany it with long, well-groomed beards, whilst women prefer to
grow their hair as long as is physically possible, even if it requires
extensive effort to keep it out of the way. Most prefer shirts and
tight-fitting breeches, or else a long skirt, frequently accompanied by a half
cloak, though more fore fashion’s sake than comfort.
The Dolnac
Oft-forgotten, the Dolnac are the inhabitants of the
heartlands of eastern LeVehn; the plains surrounding the Capital and the woods
to the west. Once simple farmers and woodsmen, they came together for mutual
support and trade opportunities, and later aligned themselves to the Numorra in
face of the threat of the Plosheni. Today, they represent the voice of the
people to a greater extent than the other powers.
The region they inhabit is, without a doubt, the most
bountiful in LeVehn. The plains are warm, and receive regular rain, whilst the
Great Forest is filled with game. The vast majority of the population are
employed in such roles – farmers, hunters, loggers and smiths, they find a
simple pleasure in their works which their neighbours can lose sight of in
their ambition. Though their region includes the nation’s capital, it is not
their historic capital – that was Dho Lynac, though the city was destroyed
centuries ago. The ruins were later incorporated into the city of Dho Zhenna,
which has functioned as the de facto meeting point for any internal meetings.
Physically, they are neither tall, nor thick – though they
can be strong from hard labour, they are naturally slight. Though lighter than the
Brerriki, their long hours of work under the sun often leaves them tanned and
ruddy, but often bleaches their hair from the common brunette to blonde. Hair
is kept short – as long hair can get in the way of work. Beards rarely pass the
point of a goatee, but is almost never clean-shaven. Their trends in clothing
mirrors this – a short tunic, loose-fitting trousers, and thick boots, coupled
with a simple coat should the weather turn foul.
The Dolnac are often seen as rural, and simplistic –
uncultured the Brerriki would say. Equally, they are often accused of
passiveness, verging on cowardice, but that is not truly fair. The Dolnac are
simply practical – they represent the smallest population in LeVehn, and have
the fewest votes in the Meet. With that being said, many can attest to the
skill of their hunters, and the dedication which they bring to defending their
interests. In any case, they rarely think of things so high – for them, it is
the here and now that matter; providing for your family, and helping your
neighbours – not the grand politics of the realm.
So, what's it consist of? Well, Nemo of course - though you've already seen him earlier. And Ol' Hammy as I like to call my 'smith. But, you can now add in a Squire (which I finished last week, but didn't feel like dedicating a post to) and my first firefly... very happy with how he's come out. The silver-brass-lightning works on him as well as it did for Nemo, so I reckon that could work for the Stormguard I'll have to sort for June... but, more on that later!
Right, you've seen Nemo and the 'smith, so I'll just give you a quick reminded... there we go. How's that? Right, moving on.
