Vernan
The Vernan people were originally under Kalgitian rule, back in ancient times. There are several god's in the kalgitian pantheon, one of which was the iron god. Many of the slaves of kalgitia worshipped the iron god, in hopes he would break their chains and set them free.
The iron sect grew stronger and stronger until finally his followers rebelled. Slowly this rebellion grew outwards from its origin point in the Vernan capitol, a bloody war that threatened to overthrow kalgitia.
The Kalgitians used what slaves they still had to build great walls, stopping the rebellion in its tracks. A stalemate. The rebels lacked the means or manpower to breach the walls defending their oppressors lands. It took many years, with some short assaults on the great walls, guarded by well funded veterans. The free slaves declared independence and named their new country Verna, after the rebel leader who started it all; Aret Vernarius.
As for the iron god, he pretty much left with the rebels, becoming the center of a religion all on his own.
The rebellion would have been crushed though, if not for the ongoing war with an invading tribe of fierce warriors from the Rezakian continent. Their foreign tactics and hunger for land was proving quite troublesome for Kalgitia. Verna would go to war several times with these invasive warriors, called Mregians. Since the Kalgitians had walled themselves off, it was a mad scramble for the remaining lands they had left behind. But the Mregians were hungry for war and resources, they constantly skirmished into Vernan lands to attack military targets, or capture territory. Vernans learned to be strong, defensive, and smarter than their neighbours. Towns and cities were surrounded by massive walls, offering the inhabitants supreme protection against Mregian raids, Kalgitian slavers, and the occasional Rezakian Pirate attack.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Vernans wanted to distance themselves from their Kalgitian oppressors, so over the years a new dialect, language, and even a writing system was formed.
Shared customary codes and values
Vernans value defence a great deal, for a Vernan man, his home is quite literally his castle. Armour is highly prized, and many households have a suit, passed down from their ancestors. They aren't very useful in the modern age, but they hold a great sentimental and historical value to their owners.
Whenever a Vernan has finished making something, they'll give it a whack to prove its' strength. This can be anything from a suit of armour, a vehicle, to a loaf of bread hot out of the oven. It is a sort of good luck ritual, and many Vernans hold a superstition that any constructed object will fail before its' time if this is not done.
Common Dress code
The Vernan province isn't too hot, nor too cold. So they can wear comfortable and hard wearing clothes, smart and functional.
Art & Architecture
Vernan architecture is very heavy and brutalitist. Thick concrete or stone walls make up most of their buildings. Slightly slanted to further strengthen them. Many older Houses had a sort of open attic, perfect for defending the house using rifles. Nowadays this area is used more for leisurely activities rather than defence.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
The Vernans celebrate their freedom and founding on Vernarius day. People raise a glass of beer to Aret Vernarius and the other rebels that built the strong foundation the country now rests on.
Coming of Age Rites
Most Vernans love crafting things, so it is customary to craft your own makeshift armour, or shield when you reach a certain age. Then it must be tested. Not the safest of events, but a Vernan must trust in his armour, a custom that has become part of every finished crafted item.
Historical figures
Posaveng the immortal.
Aret Vernarius
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Vernan men are ideally strong, stocky, and tall. With a well groomed beard to match their impeccable posture.
Vernan women are similarly built. Only with less beard hairs and muscles. Their hair is usually shorter than most other ethnicities, and often is curly.
Encompassed species
Related Organizations
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