Nodseimanne
Nodseimanne (the people of the North Sea) are the people of Nodyund and Danyund. Isolated from other Humans for centuries after The Fall from the Stars, they formed a distinct ethnic group, with identifiable characteristics, culture, and language heavily influenced and shaped by the harsh environment in which they live.
Physically, the Nodseimanne are distinguished by their thick, blond hair (though that is by no means universal), generally pale skin, tall and robust physique, often deep set blue or green eyes, high foreheads, and relatively prominent noses. Socially, they are known for having tight-knit communities that are very hospitable towards other community members but don't necessarily warmly welcome outsiders, and for generally being law-abiding and hard-working. Female Nodseimanne, though they usually have a lighter build than men, often are nearly as tall. They are also often quite strong compared to women of other Derkomai ethnicities, such as women of the Senmanne and Azmasanmanne.
Living in the regions surrounding the North Sea (Nod Sei), Nodseimanne are adapted to the harsh and cold environment, both physically and socially. The environment encourages individual skills and competence, while their close-knit societies encourage cooperation and cohesion, as uncooperative and anti-social behavior can threaten the survival of the entire community. Nodseimanne laws punish anti-social and uncooperative behavior severely.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
There are no distinct naming rules for Nodseimanne girls, but there are a number of traditional given names.
Masculine names
There are no distinct naming rules for Nodseimanne boys, but there are a number of traditional given names.
Family names
In the distant past, children of Nodseimanne families were given a personal name with a family name derived from their father's personal name, e.g. a baby boy could be named "James" and if his father's personal name was "Erik," the baby boy's full name would be "James Eriksen" or "James Erikson" - meaning James, the son of Erik. Girls' names would end with "dottir" or "dotter." So a girl might be named "Martha Eriksdottir" - meaning Martha, the daughter of Erik. In recent generations, this naming practice has fallen out of favor, and a single family name is being passed down to all of the children of that family. Rather than "son" or "dottir" being appended to the father's name, and the "family" name being changed at each generation, "son" or "sen" was appended to a father's name sometime in the past, and then that same name is used as the family name for all children in all subsequent generations.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The Nodseimanne people speak Nodkou. There are regional differences in pronunciation and vocabulary, with Nodyund pronunciation being significantly sharper than that of Danyund. The isolated people living on Seagate Island speak a distinct dialect of Nodkou that is almost unintelligible to the people of Nodyund or Danyund.
Common Dress code
The harsh, cold of winters in the far north dictates that the clothes of the Nodseimanne are typically sturdy, warm, thick, and well-made. Wool, leather, linen, and fur are the most common materials used. However, in the warmth of the short summers, the Nodseimanne wear much thinner and lighter clothes of linen (and for the wealthy, some imported silk and cotton). During the summers, bare legs and torsos aren't uncommon (but not outright nudity). During the colder months, the weather requires heavy clothes to be worn while outdoors.
Art & Architecture
The Nodseimanne people are known for the beauty of their art and architecture, which features elaborate carving on their wooden houses, beautiful and delicate silver jewelry (which is in high demand in countries as far away as Senyon and Chessa), and elegant furniture with graceful lines and comfortable yet sturdy construction.
Foods & Cuisine
Nodseimanne cuisine tends to be simple, plain, and bland. Spices are rare in the far north, and the food reflects that. The Nodseimanne diet is primarily based on fish, game, and hardy tuberous vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, radishes, and so on).
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
In Danhabn, on the first, second, and third days of each new year, the people celebrate The Blessing of the Tree. In Nodyund, the Blessing of the Tree is not celebrated, but First Day (Yat Yat) is an important holiday. The people of both Danyund and Nodyund celebrate the Hundredth Day Festival, as the spring equinox marks the end of the dark, gloom, and storms of the winter months and the beginning of fairer weather. Many communities of both countries also celebrate Summer Forge. Coming at the height of summer at the time of the warmest weather, Summer Forge is one of the most widely celebrated holidays of the year. A big festival is held for Summer Forge in Nodhabn.
Common Myths and Legends
In the lore of the Nodseimanne people, one person stands above all: Nils Ericsson. Father Nils, as he is known to the Nodseimanne people, is a legendary figure, a Nodseimanne that is said to have brought all of the Human people from their home in the stars to Derkomai on a great ship. Sailors, fishermen, and shipwrights all pray for blessings from Father Nils, the great sailor of the stars.
In Danhabn, the Lady of the Tree is revered as the savior of the people of Danyund.
Historical figures
Haakan Larssen is viewed in Nodyund with a mixture of disdain and admiration; disdain for fleeing Nodyund and not standing to fight his brother for the crown, admiration for his incredible feat of sailing his fleet of Dragon Ships and longships over 6000 miles (10000 km) from Seihabn all the way to Southport in what is now Sudland. During the reigns of Haakan Larssen's father, Hallgrim Larssen, and his brother, Ulrik Larssen, the people of Nodyund were oppressed by the royalty and nobility (which was the source of Hallgrim's and Ulrik's conflict with Haakan), so they are hated by the people of Nodyund. The oppression of the people by Hallgrim and then Ulrik Larssen led to an uprising and civil war, which was eventually won by an army based in Seihabn led by Oskar Tharaldson, who was named King of Nodyund. Oskar Tharaldson is revered as the savior of Nodyund.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
There are no specific beauty ideals for Nodseimanne people other than those generally common to most Humans: a symmetrical face with relatively full lips, a nose that is not overly prominent or large, clear skin and large but proportionate eyes, and a slender body, but not overly so, with well-developed musculature. For boys and men, well-defined, large muscles of the arms, legs, and abdomen, while for girls and women, a full bust and a narrow waist with a flat abdomen, are viewed as the ideal physical form.
Major organizations
The Nodseimanne people are found in Nodyund and Danyund, and some on Seagate Island. A few Nodseimanne travelers and adventurers might be encountered here and there throughout Derkomai. A significant number live in Sudland, descendents of King Haakan Larssen and his men, but culturally, they have been assimilated into the multicultural Sudmanne people.
Amalie Nilsson, a stablemaid in Liliakinyosa by Peter Nelson (Zero Sum Games)
Amalie Nilsson, a Nodseimanne
King Albert Mortensen of Danyund by Peter Nelson (Zero Sum Games)
King Albert Mortensen, a Nodseimanne
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