Cultures

[SotU]

Auduilah (ah-dool-ah)



The Auduiline (ah-doo-el-ine) are a people of science and math. They believe logic is more important than faith, spending less time on the gods and more on their own world. They're pioneers for new scientific discoveries, engineering, and medicine, and best known for their great artwork, mathematically calculated architecture, lavish attire, and for their introduction of black powder to warfare.

It is also said that the Auduilah discovered their magic while researching precious minerals for their alchemy. Under the ground, they found relics of power and ancient stones marked with the knowledge of a world that was before theirs. Using their advanced techniques they quickly translated a few of the heavy tomes.

The people of Anduilah value two things greatly, the study of the art (magic) and the study of the alchemy (that involves mathematics and the rest). Those who are not touched by the art do not stop studying it, since they will use their knowledge in order to create recipes for new creations that will lead to breakthrough in the world of magic. All of this so that the Anduilah can leave a more peaceful, and certainly easier life.

Yet, this all concerns only the world of technological advancement. Painting, music and other -une-arts (Unrelate-arts, like they call them) still attract a lot of people. For the Auduilah the need of improvement knows no limit and no specific domain.

While not at enemies with anyone, the Empire is greatly disturbed by their lack of faith in the gods, creating plenty of tension between the two nations. Fortunately, nothing has sparked the two into war.

[SotU]

Techung Hoi (teh-chung-hoy)



The Techung Hoin (teh-chung-hoy-en) are an extremely structured society, divided up into two distinctly different classes. The upper class lives in luxury and holds great power over the allocation of resources and governmental policy, but only to the extent that the power of the nation can still intervene, while the lower class lives a life full of filth, tedious labor, and serving the upper class. There is also a middle class connecting the other two together that comprises primarily of merchants and travelers. Despite the differences between living conditions of the varying classes, the Techung Hoin all strive for money. Unfortunately, they will go to dangerous lengths to ensure the financial situation of their families. Their society is well known for their capitalistic nature, including the darker aspects it brings with it.

It is politically incorrect to call them Techung, dropping Hoin with the intent of shortening the name, and is in fact considered an insult because the term quite literally means "King" in their language. Techung Hoi translates to "People of the King" but causes confusion between the name of their country and the people residing in it. To remedy this, outsiders added the "n" at the end of Hoi, but with no change in the meaning. They have deemed this new term acceptable to use. In addition to this, respect is important to show in their culture, even from outsiders, however difficult that may be.

Their religion is something under much debate by outsiders and it is believed that there is no single aspect of worship shared across the nation. The lower class people are mostly responsible for this as they're always constantly looking for new ways to bring hope to their struggle of living. The worship of their ancestors and relatives long past is a common practice however and there is one thing certain among the Techung Hoin and it's that they are all very superstitious. So much, in fact, that much of their society is purely dedicated to the practices of cleansing evil spirits from their daily lives, something that outsiders have difficulty comprehending.

They enjoy trading with the Auduilah and the Empire and have introduced many concepts to both including herbal remedies and various forms of alchemy. They're also the sole creators of black powder. Additionally, they have developed warfare into an art form, introducing unique fighting styles.

[SotU]

The Skaldic (Skahll-dik)



The Skaldic are not under the banner of a single nation but are instead a culture of clan-like people, comprised primarily of humans and dwarves, and based North of the Empire. They typically live the life of a warrior, constantly fighting amongst themselves, not only to prove themselves but also for the sake of fighting in itself. For this very reason, other people often look to them as barbaric savages. Contrary to this popular belief, their methods are actually quite civilized, if a bit difficult to appreciate. Honor is held with utmost regard when a clan enters battle and killing in cold blood is frowned upon.

A warrior's life is not always the chosen path for a Skaldi. In fact, many become sailors, miners, metallurgists, hunters, and much more. Regardless of what's chosen, a Skaldi keeps to his or her style of living with great pride and considerable effort. Because of this, the Skaldic people have produced some of Terral's finest metal tools and weaponry. The life of a pirate has also been a growing career path recently, raiding other clan's or the Empire's ships. Never call a Skaldi pirate a thief, however, since there is a clear difference between the two in their eyes as piracy entails battle while thievery does not.

Khaos is perhaps the most commonly worshiped among the Skaldic people, each clan trying to prove their worth in his eyes with their constant in-fighting. Seraine is also a common choice, especially amongst the sailors.