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Ageans |
Ageans are a fairly cultured Nordec sub-group who traditionally
favour diplomacy over war. Although each region of the Nordelands has its own
sovereign deity, the worship of the Tirade and the Etoh are particularly strong
throughout Agea. Ageans are given to being statesmen very easily, and also make
excellent gunners and cannoneers.
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Arslanians |
Arslanians make up a huge part of the Nordec race. Partially
Bharatan, partially Norde, Arslanians can be picked out by their Nordec features
and tan complexions. Strangely however, they speak a mixture of Vinar and Bharatan, rather than Bharatan and Nordec. Reputed as excellent musicians, Arslanians enjoy singing,
dancing, and especially poetry. Many of their saints are also famous poets. They
concern themselves more with the worship of the Enthroned Mother, her son Heru-pa-khered, and the Cosmic Dancer over the regional gods.
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Dhargapas
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Dhargapas are a Targathan sub-group known for their spiritual
pursuits. Many Dhargapas follow monastic traditions and enter into retreats for
long periods of meditation and prayer. As such, they are regarded as the guardians
of Targatha, having obtained mystical foresight and other such empowerments. One
of the most well-known Dhargapa talents is the ability to make weapons such as
swords fly about on their own, something most magicians have a difficult time
with. Dhargapas are also known for their brass work, and produce some of the most
beautiful statues and ornaments in all of Solest.
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Dolpopas |
The Dolpopas are the most hardy of all Targathan sub-groups.
Renowned for their abilities in mountain climbing, they're often hired as guides
by both native travelers and foreign parties. The Dolpopas engage mostly in salt
trade, their primary source of income due to the high mineral content in their
region. Dolpopas aren't well educated, but they excel and hunting and mountaineering.
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Edeans |
Edeans are a viciously warlike people who populate the
northern Nordelandic regions of Edea and Sigurd. Swift to anger, their temperaments
have earned them the reputation of being berserkers, and they take great pride
in being some of the most ferocious warriors on the face of Solest. Edeans are
also deeply loyal to their clans and their nation, and often consider themselves
apart from the rest of the Nordes. As such, although extremely powerful and hardworking,
it is rare to find an Edean venturing abroad or working as a mercenary.
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Hopi |
The Hopi are one of the more aggressive Sadhu sub-groups,
concerned with territorial expansion. Their dislike for other Sadhu mark them
out as odd and unnatural, but the Hopi feel it is their destiny to conquer, and
often take great pride in defeating another tribe to use as their work force.
The Hopi, while powerful in military affairs, are also particularly weak when
it comes to magical abilities due to their uncontrolled tempers.
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Marathi |
The Marathi are a profoundly religious sub-group of the
Bharata. They take great joy in celebrations devoted to the deities and have built
up a far-reaching network of temples that also serve as schools and dormitories.
Unlike some other religious groups which could be termed fanatical, the Marathi
are extremely positive about their faith. Although they don't always agree with
outsiders, they also don't shun them. Their central doctrine states that guests
must be treated with a measure of tolerance and respect, regardless of their customs.
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Mukundi |
One of the more prominent Bharatan sub-groups, the Mukundi
are known for being fairly anti-social, yet extremely powerful. They devote long
hours to meditation and study of spiritual exercises, and many refuse to associate
with foreigners. There are sub-groups within the Mukundi which are quite fanatical
and known to attack foreigners, but this is rare. Most Mukundi work as priests
and alchemists, preferring to stick to themselves and their trade over interfering
with outsiders.
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Ngawi |
Ngawi are the only Vinar-Arya sub-group known for territoriality.
An Ngawi generally won't let a person within so much as five feet of themselves
unless they are from the same tribe. This often causes a great amount of social
disruption with Ngawi venturing abroad. Brilliant as archers, they have some of
the best inherent eyesight and can notice even the most insignificant details
at a glance.
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Northern Yagyu |
Northern Yagyu are are sub-group of the Yagyu known for
their open-mindedness towards diplomacy. Although their warrior culture is deeply
ingrained in their society, the Northern Yagyu prefer to talk first, fight later
if possible. This has earned them the reputation of being excellent diplomats
and tradesmen, and many work in the fine arts as well. Northern Yagyu woodblock
prints are of the highest quality found anywhere, and sell for a great amount
even in foreign markets.
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Sapthans |
Sapthans are a regal people with a deep attraction to
mysticism. A sub-group of the Arya, the Sapthans are often viewed as being arrogant
and haughty, and such an assumption is often correct. Sapthans believe in becoming
the masters of nature and thereby all of Solest. Their magic tradition has been
to extract magic from natural organisms through artificial means, a practice which
has unfortunately lead to the corruption of their metaphysical energies and thereby
shortened their life span. Although still great magicians and statesmen, Sapthans
rarely live longer than 50 years.
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Satyakapas |
One of the Bharatan-Targathan sup-groups, Satyakapas
are the foremost warriors of either region. In Targatha, Satyakapas are thought
of as unnecessarily headstrong, yet also highly respectful when at peace. In Bharata,
they are hailed as great warriors and well-versed in the arts of archery, grappling,
and swordplay. The Bharatan weapon of choice has always been the bow, and Satyakapas
are masters of sharp shooting. They generally follow a strict code of etiquette
and ethics, and are renowned for their good manners.
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Sheng
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Sheng are a Chi'en subgroup known for their warrior culture. Many Sheng are spiritual adherents of one school of thought or another, referred to quite often by the term "Wu-shia". Wu-shia generally implies that a person has a deep sense of ethics, even in battle. As such, many Sheng warriors are remarked as being "Sword Scholars", a title they strive to uphold. Even those who commit murder and other brutal acts of malice adhere somewhat to the Sheng codes of behaviour, and their sincerity in battle has earned them widespread respect.
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Sillas |
The Silla are a sub-group of three different nations:
the Yagyu, the Chi'en, and the Sosurim. In both Yagyu and Chi'en, Sillas are treated
as outsiders. In Chi'en, the problem isn't so apparent, but in Yagyu, racial tension
runs high. To remedy the problem, the Silla formed their own nation in Southern
Yagyu and established Sosurim. Sillas are well educated in infantry-versus-cavalry combat, specialising in dehorsing riders. They are also known for their unusual cuisine and, since most Sillas grow up speaking two or three languages, excellent translators.
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Southern Yagyu |
Southern Yagyu are a sub-group of the Yagyu and known
to be fearsome warriors. Generally stern and aggressive, many Southern Yagyu become
warriors early on, and practice the code of Bushidai-ou with great fervour. As
tradesmen, the Southern Yagyu are best suited to being swordsmiths and poets.
Their swords are of the highest caliber, and their poetry reflects their frugal,
somber mentality.
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Sürtas |
Sürtas are a sub-group of the Sadhu, and known for their
deep meditation trances. Although not warriors, they have a natural affinity for
the mystical arts and have proven to be the foremost bulwark against the rampaging
Hopi. The Sürtas are deeply religious and communicate with the deities through
their meditation. As a result, many Sürtas are able to foresee general events,
a talent which has often helped them in repelling Hopi attacks.
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Thien
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The Thien are a Chi'en sub-group known for horsemanship.
No finer cavaliers can be found anywhere else in the world, and many Thien
soldiers can fight on horseback even while seated backwards or leaning off their
steed. Excellent at husbandry and animal rearing, the Thien are also prestigious
cooks and armourers, responsible for creating 40% of all Chi'en armour. Friendly
and outgoing, many Thien venture abroad to open trade routes, but most also
return home, unhappy if they stay away from their families for too long.
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Tsang
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Tsang are a sub-group of the Chi'en with the reputation
of being statesmen. Formal, respectful, and well-mannered, the Tsang are easily
given to politics, philosophy, writing, and other scholastic pursuits. Even their
martial practice reflects their statesmanship, one of their unique schools being
that of the Sword-Scholar, focused on developing well-educated, cultured individuals who are capable of defending themselves. The Tsang are also the foremost translators next
to the Silla, even more so when it comes to official documents.
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Tsulu |
The Tsulu are a peaceful sub-group of the Vinar. Opposed
to conflict, they are fully capable of fighting, but prefer to avoid it. Their
primary occupation is magic, especially when it comes to elemental invocation
and medical alchemy. Tsulu also tend to meditate wherever they go, be it while
sitting, walking, or lying down. As such, they're often seen as a quiet, but friendly
people. Due to their meditation habits, they have the inherent ability to assess
a person within a few minutes of conversation, and are also reputable apothecaries
and physicians.
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Vasus |
The Vasus are the great architects. A sub-group of the
Bharata, the Vasus are inherently attracted to technology. A common joke is that
the Vasus, eager to jump ahead, invented the wheel before they could even speak.
It is largely due to their efforts that Bharata has jumped ahead so quickly in
technology. They also work with the Marathi to maintain the temple system, particularly
in regards to schooling and medical treatment.
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Vinnites |
Vinnites are one of the Arya subgroups which share the
features of both races. Short and wide-eyed like the Vinar, they bear the pale
complexion of the Arya, as well as a much shorter life span than most other Vinar
subgroups. Vinnites are excellent artisans and tailors, Vinnites embroidery having
become almost legendary throughout Solest. A very positive people, Vinnites are
extremely approachable and make friends easily. However, they can be very indecisive
and contract a lot of stress due to their dilemmas.
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