Depen

Common Etiquette

Those of the Depen are raised with an approachable culture, and oft are kind, soft spoken, and friendly. They can seem almost meek or passive, but in truth are merely quiet and reserved, trusting their ears and eyes and that which they observe as much if not more than the spoken word. Actions and body language are just as much integral to them as spoken language, something assimilated by ball, but most notable with the Woad Elves, the first inhabitants of the region. This cultural artifact is a defining truth for all of the Depen, a naturalistic empathy to the world and living things around them, but it is most notable and strongest in those of elven blood. In this way they share a lot with their northern neighbors, for similarly they believe manners and gratitude are shown more than spoken, though unlike the Dwarven tongue, Elthain does include words for the likes of 'please' or 'thank-you.'

They are taught to trust their senses, it is a passed down cultural norm, and that they have but one mouth, whilst having two ears and two eyes for a reason. To observe twice as much as they speak. They do not jump to conclusions easily if at all, and are oft reserved, quiet, thoughtful, always processing their surroundings and the behaviors and actions of those around them. This etiquette extends to how they interact with others on an emotional basis, as they will offer unspoken comforts, a subtle touch or a hug, to those whom are grieving or mourning almost on instinct.

They are a sociable people however, with strong bonds and strong ties, and this extends even to such simple day to day things as food and drink. It is considered deeply rude to ever prepare or otherwise acquire food and drink for merely yourself, especially amongst friends and companions and thus they always offer to share. Coming from a place as food rich as Depenwood, it makes some sense how this cultural norm in etiquette could develop. Food and drink are not merely subsistence activities to those of Depen nationality, they are social activities, chances for bonding.

Dining alone, whilst not taboo, is reserved for times when one needs to reflect, or sort through deeply personal thoughts of some kind, otherwise it is considered abnormal and even frowned upon. In this they share some cultural artifacts with the Suranthi , in that if you are a guest at someone's table you are expected to share news and stories, be it local or from your travels. Another unique rule in regards to meals, the person whom suggests or calls for the meal is always served last, allowing all others to take before themselves. Those whom prepare food in a given situation, whatever that might look like, always are provided for first, such is the rites of the Woad.

Cultural Garb

Less to speak of a dress code, though many groups within Depen culture might have such a thing, however there is a sort of 'style' or 'fashion' if you will amongst those of Depenwood, and it shares some similarities to their Suranthi neighbours. One will find other plant based fibres and things like cotton or silk, though expensive imports, are not unheard of, however much more common are clothing of various layered make, often utilizing plant fibres, saps and animal hides and leathers such as those of bear, wolf, deer, elk or moose. Similar to Suranthi culture, layering of clothing is common, to accommodate the wide temperature range that is possible, and outfits and styles are built from lesser layers for the warmer weather with options for over top for when things get colder and more harsh.

Culturally, dyes are more common and more available here, with a wider variety of available pigments in the natural world to work with, and it is common to wear at least one piece of clothing that marks and denotes which tribal region one calls home, bright almost gem toned pigments marking such a thing. This garment can vary, some perhaps wearing a jerkin or tunic or vest, others preferring something such as a hat or hood and cloak. Whatever it might be, it does stand out, usually a focal point of garb by color, standing out the most.

Arts and Architecture

The Depen are a people in tune with their natural realm and much of what one might see is equal parts in unison with the environment as well as hands on skill. The architecture here, though small single examples, even some moderately large ones, exist in other regions of the world, nothing truly compares to the Heartwoods cities and towns of the Depen. Equal parts built and grown, cultivated and shaped within the canopy itself of these massive, larger than life groves of mega-flora, monstrous trees alive and writhing with magickal power. One cannot truly appreciate it without seeing it with their own eyes, experiencing it.

As to artistic pursuits, one will find no lack of such things, with a strong culture of tale-weaving, painting, whittle-craft and more. Art is an expressive extension of emotional expression, an extension non-conversational communication, and most anyone of Depen heritage will have, just culturally, some sort of artisanal skill and discipline they practice and enjoy, whether professionally, or just as an enthusiastic hobby.

Customs and Traditions

Like all on Valerick, they recognize the various holy-days that make up the holidays of the Ascension Calendar, though of particular cultural focus and significance, given the direct connection Depenwood has with Talia, the lady of the Leaves, is unsurprisingly the celebration of Ostara in the month of Agun, that is the Rebirth. When the world awakes from a cold winter, when animals return and plants begin to bloom, this is the most important holiday in Depen culture.

Interestingly however, no real cultural importance or traditions surround birth or doing anything to 'welcome' a newborn into the world in some ceremonial fashion in Depen culture, but something does exist for the mother giving birth. Known as the gift of Soil and Sap, this specific mixture of loamy soil and sap from the ever fertile Ice Pear Tree is applied over the belly of a mother as she is in labor, believed to bless the birth to go smoothly, and to encourage further fertility, should she so wish it. Interestingly it does seem there might be some medicinal benefits, as it would seem Ice-Pear tree-sap has a sort of numbing or muscular calming effect, allowing less tension and less extreme pain during labor and the process of giving birth, though doing so without seeming to otherwise affect the mother's cognitive ability to respond to or communicate with those aiding her in this process, unlike most any other type of pain relief one might think to give, such as milk of poppy.

Conversely however there are cultural views, traditions in a fashion, surrounding death. Amongst the Depen, and especially those from more rural areas, the idea of being buried, particularly in a tomb or casket, is abhorrent and offensive. To best explain this reasoning, I would offer the context of a quote from a community elder I had the pleasure to speak with at length in a village near the Depenwood-Raechin border;

"Of course we have memory stones, but your term headstones is not appropriate. This isn't a graveyard, no dead bodies lie under the soil here or none as you might imagine them. Caskets of objects are sometimes buried by families as a proxy or the like, but no bodies rest contained removed from nature. For that is wrong, it is not sensible. People do such things then wonder why the horror stories of graveyards coming awake, restless dead rising, occur. The bodies we inhabit are meant to return to the cycle just as our spirits are, young Rafiq. One as well studied as you should understand this!

We are no different than any other animal or plant in the world. We are just smarter, and were blessed with thumbs and more complex teamwork skills than most of our contemporary members of the fauna side of the world. But ultimately we are flesh and blood and bone. We are animals. So thus when we die, the world is supposed to reabsorb us. Be it scavengers, insects or as food for the soil and plants, or a bit of all three, we are meant to return this shell to the world just as our soul returns to the Aetherweave. It is the same thing. So we do not bury our dead in shells or contained stoneworks. We simply bring them out into the forests, and bury them within the woad somewhere, open, no casket, no tomb. Talia, blessed she be, will see to the rest, with the help of her husband Boran, the lord of beasts. Between the two of them and their servants, we return this borrowed mass and energy to the world where it belongs."

Wisdom of an elven elder, Yir'sella Avanirs, that I was offered in my conversation with her whilst inquiring about funeral customs amongst the Depen peoples.