Menschen

Feminine Menschen name are taken from German Names or French Names.

Masculine Menschen name are taken from German Names or French Names.

Among the Menschen aristocracy, three ancient and illustrious High Noble Houses stand above all others: l’Argent (the House of Silver), von Kupfer (the House of Copper), and d’Ijzer (the House of Iron). Each of these venerable dynasties traces its lineage to the founding heroes of Akerlan, and their names are synonymous with privilege, power, and ancient honor.

From each High House descend a constellation of Minor Houses, whose members distinguish their lines by appending a heraldic beast or creature to the family name—such as d’Ijzer-Lion or von Kupfer’Steed—signaling both loyalty to their ancestral bloodline and the unique virtues or legends of their branch. These animal epithets often influence the house’s crest and sigil, and are invoked in formal address, ceremonies, and on the field of battle.

In contrast, commoners of Akerlan typically derive their surnames from their place of origin—adopting the name of their village or town—or from their ancestral trade. For instance, a family of blacksmiths may be known simply as Smith, while a baker’s descendants might bear the name Baker. These practical surnames reflect the enduring ties between Akerlan’s people and their local communities or inherited crafts, weaving together the kingdom’s rich tapestry of identities beneath the august shadow of the noble houses.

Chivalry and Honor: At the heart of Akerlish culture lies the ideal of chivalry. From an early age, children are raised on tales of heroic knights, wise rulers, and selfless defenders. To be Mensch is to strive for honor—on the battlefield, in council, and in daily dealings. The knightly orders—the Silver, Iron, and Copper—serve as paragons of virtue and discipline, their oaths and deeds echoing in every village and city. Tournaments and jousts are celebrated with fanfare, serving as both sport and spectacle, where valor and skill are displayed not merely for glory but to inspire the next generation.

Faith and Ritual: The Menschen’s reverence for The Pantheon of the Five infuses every aspect of life. Shrines and chapels grace crossroads, fields, and town squares, where prayers and offerings are made to Sol’nus for courage, Gaii’nus for abundance, Lun’nus for wisdom, Uro’nus for inspiration, and Exa’nus for solace in loss. Major festivals mark the turning of the seasons: the Radiance of Solstice, the Feast of the First Furrow, the Remembrance of the Fallen. Rites of passage—birth, knighthood, marriage, and death—are observed with solemnity, guided by the clergy and attended by kin and community.

Land and Heritage: The Menschen’s bond with the land is profound. Fields and forests are not merely resources, but the living inheritance of ancestors—places where heroes fought, families toiled, and the gods are believed to walk unseen. Each duchy and town cherishes its own customs, songs, and legends, yet all share a sense of belonging to the greater kingdom. Heraldry is a cherished art, with coats of arms and banners telling stories of lineage, loyalty, and deeds.

Art, Song, and Story: Akerlish bards and minstrels are keepers of memory and tradition. Storytelling is a communal art—whether around the hearth, at a village fair, or in the candlelit halls of the nobility. Songs recount the deeds of Silvia, the founding of the knightly orders, battles won and lost, and the mysteries of the gods. Poetry, illuminated manuscripts, and tapestries adorn noble homes and public spaces alike, blending artistry with history and faith.

Community and Festivity: Despite the kingdom’s hierarchy, Akerlish culture values solidarity and communal joy. Village festivals, harvest fairs, and holy days bring all ranks together for feasting, music, and games. The sharing of bread and ale, the lighting of bonfires, and the exchange of gifts forge bonds that transcend class. Hospitality is a sacred duty, and even strangers are greeted with courtesy and offered shelter in times of need.

Education and Tradition: While literacy and formal education are concentrated among the nobility, clergy, and some townsfolk, oral tradition is universal. Children learn from elders, apprentices from masters, squires from knights. Wisdom is passed down in proverbs, riddles, and the careful observation of custom. Yet, the Menschen are not rigidly bound by the past; innovation and new ideas—when respectful of tradition—are welcomed, often attributed to the blessing of Uro’nus, the god of inspiration.

Resilience and Memory: Centuries of hardship—war, plague, and adversity—have instilled in the Menschen a spirit of endurance. They honor the sacrifices of those who came before, tending graves and memorials with care. Remembrance is not sorrowful, but a source of pride and unity. The people of Akerlan believe that to uphold one’s duty, cherish one’s kin, and remember the old tales is to walk in harmony with the gods and the land.

Daily life in Akerlan is marked by a dress code that balances practicality, modesty, and the subtle display of status, all colored by the traditions of chivalry and faith. The Menschen’s attire reflects both their deep reverence for order and their close connection to the rhythms of the land.

For Men: Most men wear tunics of wool or linen, dyed in earthy tones—greens, browns, greys, and deep blues—cut to knee or mid-thigh length and belted at the waist. Trousers or hose are worn underneath, with sturdy leather boots laced up the calf for fieldwork or soft-soled shoes for indoor life. In cooler months, a cloak or mantle, fastened with a simple clasp or brooch, provides warmth and a touch of personal style. Craftsmen and urban dwellers might add a close-fitting vest or doublet, sometimes embroidered with the colors or insignia of their guild. On holy days or at festivals, men will don finer tunics, sometimes adorned with subtle geometric trim or the badge of their liege lord or knightly order.

For Women: The common dress for women is a long-sleeved gown or kirtle, usually made of linen for everyday wear and heavier wool for the colder seasons. Gowns are ankle-length, with fitted bodices and a modest neckline, often belted or laced at the waist. Aprons are common among villagers and artisans, marking both practicality and care for one’s appearance. Hair is typically braided or coiled and covered with a modest veil, kerchief, or decorated circlet—especially for married women or those of higher standing. Bright sashes, ribbons, or embroidered hems are popular ways to add color and individuality, especially during festivals or market days.

Children: Children’s clothing mirrors that of their parents, though cut looser for comfort and play. Young boys may wear tunics and hose, while girls wear simple gowns or pinafores. On feast days, children might don garlands of flowers, woven by their own hands.

Nobility and Formal Attire: The nobility distinguish themselves through finer fabrics—richly dyed wools, silks, and velvets—elaborate embroidery, fur linings, and intricate jewelry. Lords wear doublets, surcoats, and long mantles emblazoned with heraldic symbols, while noblewomen favor gowns with flowing sleeves, jeweled girdles, and delicate veils. At court or formal occasions, cloaks and hoods are common, and both genders wear gloves as a mark of refinement.

Knightly Orders and Warriors: Knights and squires, when not in armor, wear tunics bearing the insignia of their order: silver, iron, or copper badges sewn onto surcoats or cloaks. Spurs, belts, and the cut of a tabard mark rank and achievements. Even off the battlefield, martial pride is visible in the cut and color of their attire.

Clergy: Clerics and priests are instantly recognizable by their plain, undyed robes—white, grey, or occasionally gold for high ceremonies—bound with a sash or cord and marked with the symbols of the Pantheon. Higher clergy may wear embroidered stoles or circlets signifying their office.

Common Themes: Modesty is a universal value. Revealing attire is rare and generally frowned upon, especially outside the home or festive contexts. Functional beauty—cleanliness, mended clothes, and thoughtful ornament—is admired over ostentation. Jewelry, when worn, is simple: a silver medallion, a carved brooch, or a ring handed down through generations.

The arrival of a new child is seen as a profound blessing, a moment when the mortal world touches the divine. The rites that welcome a newborn into the circle of family, faith, and community are rich with symbolism and tradition, echoing ancient beliefs and the enduring presence of the Pantheon.

Birth and the Gathering: When a child is born, it is customary for close kin and a trusted midwife to attend the mother, while the father or a family elder quietly invokes Gaii’nus, the nurturing goddess, to watch over both mother and child. As soon as the infant’s first cry is heard, a candle is lit in the home’s hearth or at the family shrine, signifying the soul’s arrival and the household’s gratitude to the gods.

Presentation and Naming: Within the first seven days, the newborn is wrapped in a swaddling cloth—often embroidered with the family’s crest or a symbol of the Five—and formally presented to the community. In rural villages, this might occur at the central square or chapel; among townsfolk and nobles, it is a more private affair in the family hall or manor chapel. Here, the parents announce the child’s name, often chosen to honor an ancestor, a saintly figure, or a virtue admired in the Pantheon.

Baptismal Rite The most important ceremony is the baptism (known as the “First Blessing”), usually held on the eighth day after birth, though the timing may vary if the child or mother is unwell. The family gathers at the local chapel or shrine, where the Prêtre or, in noble households, the Archiprêtre presides. The rite begins with prayers to Sol’nus for the child’s health and honor, and to Gaii’nus for nurturing grace. The priest blesses a basin of pure spring water, into which a silver coin (for fortune) and a sprig of flowering herb (for life) are placed.

The child is then anointed on the brow, heart, and hands—symbolizing enlightenment, virtue, and action—while the priest recites ancient words invoking the guardianship of all Five gods. The godparents, chosen from family or loyal friends, pledge to guide the child in faith and virtue alongside the parents. The priest dips the child’s feet or hands into the blessed water, marking the entrance into the community of the faithful and the protection of the Pantheon.

Feasting and Celebration: After the ceremony, a modest feast is held—bread broken, honey cakes shared, and songs sung in gratitude. In noble houses, gifts or tokens are given to the child: a silver spoon, a protective amulet, or a tiny circlet woven from local flowers. The family also gives alms to the poor, believing that generosity at birth ensures the gods’ continued favor.

Commemoration: A record of the birth and baptism is inscribed in the parish register by the priest, and a candle is burned at the family shrine for a full day and night. Some families plant a tree or lay a stone in a sacred grove, marking the child’s entry into the living lineage of Akerlan.

The Menschen hold the passage from childhood to adulthood as a sacred and communal milestone, woven with tradition and guided by the ideals of honor, faith, and duty. These rites, known collectively as the Rites of First Standing, are designed to mark the moment when a young person is entrusted with new responsibilities, recognized as a full member of society, and blessed by the gods of the Pantheon.

Preparation and Vigil: In the months before the rite, youths—typically aged fourteen to sixteen—undergo a period of preparation. They learn the histories and virtues of their clan, the teachings of the Pantheon, and the skills expected of their station: sword and lance for the noble-born, craft or trade for townsfolk, and stewardship of the land for villagers. They are guided by parents, mentors, or, for the nobility, a knight or priest.

On the eve of the ceremony, each young person spends a night in vigil. This is often kept in solitude or with peers, held in a family chapel, a sacred grove, or before the hearth. The vigil is a time for silent prayer, reflection, and—among the devout—confession or the seeking of divine guidance.

The Ceremony of First Standing: At dawn, the community gathers—village, town, or noble hall—for the formal rite. The priest or priestess, accompanied by elders and family, leads the procession to the local shrine or great hall. Each youth is presented before the altar, where the priest offers prayers to Sol’nus for courage and clarity, to Gaii’nus for compassion, and to Lun’nus for wisdom.The heart of the rite is the Oath of Standing. Each young person, with a hand upon a sacred text or family relic, speaks aloud their vows: to uphold the honor of their house, the peace of the realm, and the virtues of the Pantheon. They are then anointed with blessed oil on the brow (for wisdom), hands (for service), and feet (for the journey ahead).

Symbols of Adulthood: Upon completion, each is presented with a symbol of adulthood. For the noble-born, this might be a sword, signet ring, or cloak bearing their family’s colors. Villagers and townsfolk may receive a tool of their trade, a key to the family home, or a token blessed by the priest. Girls, especially, may receive a ribbon or circlet signifying their new status and right to take part in community councils.

If the youth is to become a squire, apprentice, or enter holy service, their new mentor or knight steps forward to claim them with a formal pledge.

Feasting and Festivity: The rite is followed by joyful feasting, music, and dance. Gifts are given by family and friends—sometimes practical, sometimes symbolic. The new adults are toasted, and in some regions, may take part in a ceremonial dance, footrace, or contest to demonstrate their growing skills.

Recognition and Responsibility: After the rite, the young person is recognized as an adult in the eyes of law and faith. They may inherit, marry, swear fealty, and join the kingdom’s councils or guilds. With this new standing comes both honor and the weight of expectation—the Menschen believe that to be an adult is to serve family, faith, and realm.

When a Menschen passes from the world, the community gathers not in hushed despair, but in solemn reverence and vibrant remembrance. Death is seen as a final journey—a crossing from the mortal realm into the halls of Ava’rinn, where the child-god Uro’nus welcomes worthy souls to eternal feasting and merriment. Yet, to enter those halls, the soul must bear the weight of its own tale, ready to recite its deeds and joys to Exa’nus, the goddess of Death, who stands as guardian at the gate.

Washing and Preparation: Upon death, the body is gently washed by kin or close friends, anointed with scented oils, and clothed in simple yet dignified garments—often white or the colors of the family or knightly order. A token of personal significance—a ring, a lock of hair, or a small charm—is placed upon the chest, symbolizing the bond between the living and the departed.

The Vigil of Memory: For a full night, the deceased lies in state, surrounded by candles and fresh flowers. Family and friends keep vigil, telling stories of the departed’s life—their bravery, kindness, labors, and the laughter they brought. It is believed that the soul lingers close, listening to these tales, gathering the threads of their own story to carry into the afterlife. Minstrels and elders are often invited to recount legendary deeds or compose new verses in honor of the dead.

The Funeral Procession: At dawn or dusk, the body is borne in a solemn procession to the chapel, graveyard, or ancestral mound. The procession is led by the clergy, who bear banners depicting the Five gods, with Exa’nus’s sigil draped in mourning black and silver. Bells toll, and the mourners sing hymns that call upon all the gods—Sol’nus for hope, Gaii’nus for comfort, Lun’nus for wisdom, Uro’nus for creativity and renewal, and above all, Exa’nus for safe passage beyond the veil.

The Telling at the Gate: At the graveside or pyre, the heart of the custom unfolds: the Telling at the Gate. One by one, family, friends, and comrades step forward to speak aloud the achievements, virtues, and cherished moments of the deceased. No detail is too small—a kindness to a neighbor, a jest that brightened a feast, a battle fought bravely, a field well-tended. These stories are not only tributes; they are essential. The Menschen believe that each tale, spoken with love and truth, becomes a shield and a beacon for the soul as it stands before Exa’nus at the gate of Ava’rinn.

If the deceased was a knight, their sword or spurs are presented, and tales of valor are honored by the assembled order. For artisans, a crafted work or tool is set beside the body; for farmers, a sheaf of grain or a handful of earth is offered. Children are remembered with stories of their laughter and innocence.

The Prayer to Exa’nus: The priest prays to Exa’nus, asking her to judge the soul with mercy and to grant it courage to speak its story. All mourners join in a hymn of release, reminding the spirit that it is loved, remembered, and never truly lost as long as its story is told.

Burial and Memorial: The body is laid to rest—buried beneath a stone, entombed in the family crypt, or, rarely, committed to a funerary pyre. The grave is marked with the name, a brief epitaph, and often a carving or symbol reflecting the greatest telling from the funeral. Family and friends scatter flowers or earth onto the grave, making their final farewells.

The Feast of Remembrance: After the burial, a communal meal is held, filled with food, song, and shared memories. It is a time to laugh as well as weep, for this celebration ensures that the soul’s story endures. Each year, on the anniversary of the death, family and friends return to the grave, lighting candles and sharing more tales—a promise that the departed will never become one of the storyless, lost in the Fields of the Storyless.

For men, the most admired features are those that signal strength, health, and self-mastery. A tall, upright bearing is prized, with broad shoulders and a well-formed physique—neither brutish nor delicate, but tempered by the discipline of arms or honest labor. Fair or sun-kissed skin, touched by the sun’s golden light, is admired, as are clear eyes (often blue, green, or hazel) that shine with resolve and integrity. Hair, whether dark or fair, is worn neatly—short among knights, longer among poets or merchants, but always clean and well-kept. A strong jaw, a well-trimmed beard (for those of age), and hands calloused yet capable all speak to a life of purpose and honor. Scars, especially those won in defense of the land, are not flaws but badges of respect; cowardice, sloth, or excess are considered far greater blemishes than any physical imperfection.

For women, beauty is often described in terms of gentleness, health, and luminous vitality—an echo of Gaii’nus, the nurturing mother, and Lun’nus, the wise and serene. A graceful neck, clear and radiant skin, and eyes bright with kindness or wit are all admired. Hair is considered a woman’s glory, and is frequently worn long, braided, or adorned with ribbons and pins that reflect her family’s status or the season’s festivals. Cheeks touched with a natural blush, lips full and expressive, and hands skilled at craft or healing are all tokens of feminine beauty. The ideal form is neither frail nor overly robust, but carries the promise of fruitful life, resilience, and quiet strength. Modesty in dress and manner is esteemed among the noble and devout, though festival days allow for brighter colors and bolder ornament.

Regardless of gender, dignity, poise, and a bearing that honors one’s station are essential. The Menschen value cleanliness, fine grooming, and attire appropriate to one’s rank and occasion. Jewelry is worn as a mark of status or a token of love, not ostentation. Above all, true beauty is believed to shine from within: courage, faithfulness, generosity, and wisdom are the highest ornaments. In song and story, the fairest heroes and heroines are those whose outward grace mirrors the inner virtues blessed by the gods.

Masculine Ideals: The ideal Akerlish man is a protector, leader, and bearer of honor. Strength—both physical and moral—is paramount, as is the ability to defend one’s land, family, and faith. Courage in battle is esteemed, but so too is self-control, humility before the gods, and mercy toward the weak. The knightly code teaches that a man’s word is his bond and that loyalty—to liege, kin, and kingdom—defines true manhood. Men are encouraged to cultivate leadership, discipline, and a readiness to sacrifice for the greater good. Among the nobility, martial prowess and command are celebrated, but even a villager is judged by his stewardship, reliability, and willingness to stand firm in the face of adversity. Fathers are expected to be providers, teachers, and just arbiters within the household, reflecting the light of Sol’nus, the supreme god of order and valor.

Feminine Ideals: The ideal Akerlish woman is the heart and soul of family and community, embodying wisdom, nurture, and quiet strength. Inspired by the goddess Gaii’nus, women are honored as keepers of the hearth, healers, and stewards of tradition. Grace, modesty, and self-possession are praised, as is skill in managing the household, weaving kinship bonds, and offering wise counsel. Yet, Akerlan’s tales are also filled with heroines who show courage, resourcefulness, and even martial skill—echoing the legendary Silvia who founded the Silver Order. Thus, while gentleness and nurturing are lauded, so too are resilience and the ability to act decisively in times of crisis. Mothers are seen as the first teachers of virtue and faith, raising children in the ways of honor and piety. In noble circles, women often wield subtle influence through diplomacy, alliances, and the management of estates, while in towns and villages, they are the anchors of communal well-being.

Shared Virtues and Flexibility: Despite the distinctions, Akerlan’s gender ideals are not absolute barriers. The code of chivalry and faith leaves room for exceptional women to lead in war or council, just as it praises men who show gentleness and wisdom. The mythic tales of the Menschen celebrate both daring knight-heroines and wise, peace-making lords. The highest ideal is harmony: men and women fulfilling their roles with dignity, supporting one another, and together upholding the realm’s sacred order.

Deviations and Realities: Those who stray too far from these ideals—men who are cowardly or cruel, women who are neglectful or dishonorable—draw criticism, but the Menschen are also pragmatic. War, plague, and hardship have often forced women to take up arms or men to tend the home, and such acts are respected when necessity demands. The clergy, too, remind the people that all souls are equal in the eyes of the Pantheon and that virtue transcends gender.

Among the nobility: courtship is often a matter of alliance as much as affection. Marriages unite houses, strengthen claims, and secure peace. Suitors—whether knight or lady—are expected to demonstrate not only their devotion, but also their worthiness. Deeds of valor, poetic verses, and gifts of crafted finery are common tokens of intent. The art of courtly love is practiced at tournaments, feasts, and in the subtle exchanges of the great halls: a glance, a favor (such as a ribbon or brooch bestowed before a contest), or a whispered promise beneath the banners. Families, especially among the higher nobility, play a guiding role—approving matches, negotiating dowries, and ensuring that the union serves both love and lineage. Yet, even in such arranged matches, it is considered ideal for affection and respect to blossom between partners, with legends and histories extolling couples who find both duty and joy in their union.

For commoners: courtship is more direct but no less honorable. Festivals, market days, and village gatherings provide the backdrop for courtship rituals: shared dances, exchanged garlands, and displays of skill or wit. A young man might carve a token for his beloved, while a maiden might weave a charm or bake a treat to show her favor. Families are still consulted, and the blessing of parents and elders is sought, but matches are often made for love, companionship, and practical support. Propriety is expected—public displays of affection are modest, and a betrothal is a solemn promise before the community.

Across all classes: virtue and sincerity are prized above mere beauty or wealth. Courtship is seen as a proving ground for future partnership; constancy, honesty, and the ability to weather hardship together are essential. The teachings of the Pantheon, especially the example of Sol’nus and Gaii’nus, emphasize fidelity, mutual respect, and the sacred nature of the marital bond.

Chivalric romance: the wooing of a beloved through acts of service, poetry, and gallantry—is especially celebrated among knights and gentlefolk. The notion of a knight pledging his sword to a lady’s honor, or a lady inspiring a knight’s valor, is a cherished ideal, though such love is expected to remain within the bounds of virtue and faithfulness.

The Menschen hold the ideal of partnership as both a private bond and a public trust, deeply shaped by their faith, feudal traditions, and the legendary tales of their ancestors. The highest relationships—whether between spouses, kin, or sworn companions—are built on foundations of loyalty, mutual respect, and shared purpose.

Marriage is regarded as a sacred union, not only joining two individuals but also weaving together families and strengthening the fabric of the realm. The ideal partnership balances affection and duty: spouses are expected to love, cherish, and support one another, but also to advance the honor and prosperity of their house. Each partner has roles to play—traditionally the husband as protector and provider, the wife as nurturer and wise steward—but the greatest marriages are those where both stand as equals in spirit, sharing burdens and joys, and adapting to hardship with resilience and grace.

Fidelity is a core virtue, enshrined in both law and religious teaching. To betray one’s spouse, either in deed or intention, is seen as a grave failing, for it threatens not only the couple, but also their families and the wider community. Trust and open communication are prized, and forgiveness—when sincerely sought and deserved—is honored as a mark of true strength.

Partnership extends beyond romance and marriage. The Menschen admire the bonds of sworn brothers- and sisters-in-arms, the deep trust between a knight and their squire, or the unshakeable loyalty among childhood friends. Such relationships are celebrated in story and song, often elevated as examples of the virtues the gods cherish: sacrifice, steadfastness, and the willingness to place another’s good above one’s own.

Family is central; parents are to guide their children with wisdom and compassion, while children owe their elders respect and gratitude. Extended kin networks are vital, often gathering for festivals, rites, and the sharing of news or burdens. Among the nobility, marriage and alliance can be instruments of power, but true affection and solidarity are seen as the highest blessings a household can receive.
  Conflict within relationships is not ignored in Akerlan’s ideals. The Menschen believe that quarrels and misunderstandings are best met with patience, honest words, and a readiness to reconcile. Pride is respected, but so is humility—the willingness to admit fault, to listen, and to mend what is broken.

Above all, the Menschen believe that the best relationships are those that grow together through adversity: facing war, sickness, or sorrow not in isolation, but as united hearts. The old tales remind all that a bond forged in hardship is stronger than any vow made in comfort, and that the gods smile upon those who remain loyal through every trial.