Ottermanni
Naming Traditions
Family names
Ottermanni last names are believed to stem from the professions their ancestors once held in the far off Sea of Otters:
Badi (Performer)
Badžo (Play)
Bihari (Music)
Džugi (Yoga)
Goral (Soldier)
Karela (Trader)
Jyotishee (Fortuneteller)
Maachu (Fisherman)
Mirga (Trader)
Naavik (Sailor)
Pahalav (Wrestler)
Culture
Culture and cultural heritage
Ottermanni are largely known and defined by their practice of wandering along bodies of water in familial flotillas. They most typically travel along large rivers and banks, and on occasion, in littoral waters. This is informed by their legendary expulsion from the long-lost and far-off lands of the Otterman Empire, where they believe they once lead a rebellion against its false gods. Whether or not this is true is the matter of some scholarly debate. Kolite tradition holds that part of this expulsion was the result of their having sheltered a young Al'Mudin. Scholars tend to be more skeptical of this notion.
Common Dress code
Within their own flotilla, Ottermanni rarely wear clothing, being protected by their fur, and needing the added flexibility for work on the flotilla and in the water. In formal ceremonies and when travelling to other flotillas, they tend to wear colorful clothing, especially garments of mixed pattern greens, reds, blues, and purples. They consider these to be the colors and the patterns of the sea, and wave motifs are most common in their clothing.
When travelling outside of Ottermanni society, their males generally wear clothing since most races consider it rude otherwise.
Art & Architecture
Ottermanni generally do not form permanent structures, and so their art is most clearly seen in and on their flotillas. Flotillas are often colorfully painted in the sea-like colors of red, blue, green, yellow, and purple, with wavy designs. Decks frequently have areas set aside for art projects. Elvish rock art is popular, though it is done with smaller stones and combined with some Ottermanni techniques. Also popular are traditional Ottermanni art pieces, typically done in shells.
Coming of Age Rites
When Otterwomen and Ottermen come of age, they are expected to leave the flotilla and travel outside it for a time, making some discovery of help to the flotilla before their return. These discoveries are generally philosophical or artistic in nature. Most Ottermanni return, but some settle instead in the wide world outside of the flotillas. Many find love during this process, and return to the flotilla with this news as their discovery, before the couple join the Otterwoman's flotilla.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Upon the death of an Otterman, they are placed into a small shoreboat and set loose from the flotilla. This has been the cause of some consternation among the people who live on the shores of thinner rivers where the Otterman often comes onshore.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
For both Ottermen and Otterwomen, a lean, muscular appearance is considered most beautiful. True beauty, however, is seen in the grace with which a potential mate swims and walks. Fast, deliberate, smooth, acrobatic, and graceful swimming is considered most beautiful.
Gender Ideals
Ottermanni are intensely matriarchal with family leaders called Grandmothers (regardless of technical relation) controlling most decisions made by a family flotilla. Men are viewed as gatherers, while women care for the flotilla. Both are expected to fight for the family when necessary.
Courtship Ideals
Female Ottermanni are expected to pursue potential mates, often by discussing the matter first with the male's Grandmother before making overtures. Overtures are often made through presenting gifts of colorful shells, fish, and flowers. Proposals are eventually made in the presence of the male's entire family through the presentation of a water lily to the potential fiance. The family of the bride is expected to pay a large groom price, proportional to the prestige of the bride's flotilla between when the proposal is accepted and the marriage.
Relationship Ideals
Upon marriage, Ottermen join the flotilla of their bride.
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