Freerunners
The Free to Run Movement
Freerunners are a collective of individuals located in the South and South-East of Eirinn who believe in the concept of charity and supporting the weak in cultures that are otherwise cruel to the poor, sick, or other form of prejudice. Freerunners are a minority subculture in these parts of the world, and came into being in response to the increasing number of legislations that diminished the rights of others based on wealth, gender, sexual preference, and perceived monstrosity. In addition, acts of charity and compassion were considered weakness, and weakness was considered both vulgar and undesirable. The Freerunners at first openly pushed back against these ideals, emphasising ideals of altruism, equality and cooperation under the name "the Free to Run Movement", but found themselves openly targeted by Removal Squads, often shot and killed in broad daylight without warning. For that reason, Freerunners took their rebellion underground, operating in the shadows to resist the ever oppressive regimes that took the regions, seemingly one after another.
The majority of Freerunners assist in the operation of secret charities, safe houses, and the protection of those undergoing abuse. They also seek out and appeal to the progressive natures of some of the more culturally outspoken members of Higher Society in a bid to introduce legislation that better protects the vulnerable, though this activity has been met with mixed success.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Freerunners tend to be polyglots, speaking Common along with many of the regional dialects of the South and South-East. Many also make an effort to learn the languages of so-called "monstrous origins", such as Serpensian and Goblinoid.
Shared customary codes and values
Freerunners believe that compassion and charity are paths to a stronger, more cohesive community, and heavily reject the notion of "survival of the fittest", particularly in regards to wealth. Altruism is considered a virtue among Freerunners, and the belief that nobody should be persecuted for their status, gender, sexual preference or heritage holds particular sway.
Freerunners do not leave the suffering to struggle alone, and will quietly offer support where they are able, particularly when the majority community turn their backs on them. They believe that if you are in a position of privilege or power you should do everything you can to help support the communities below you, rather than seek to oppress or destroy them.
Freerunners also believe in the freedom of choice and expression, encouraging their members to accept themselves and others as they are and wish to be seen. They do not enforce the strict Religious restrictions of the regions, and actively reject all forms of gender and sexual identity discrimination.
Common Dress code
As Freerunners are technically in hiding, they tend to abide by the dress codes applied to their social station when mixing with the general public.
However, in Freerunner safe zones, they are encouraged to be more expressive with themselves, and to dress in a manner that feels most comfortable for them. Freerunners often wear Bashita Beads, which are carved into interesting shapes before being painted with bright colours and patterns. They are most often threaded onto finely woven threads and worn as bracelets, necklaces, or sometimes as belts. These beads are often hidden beneath regular clothing as a symbol of quiet resistance and resilience, waiting to be revealed.
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