THE
RHULRAN
MEN |
The Rhulran men are sometimes
called the most hospitable inhabitants of the rather cruel desert. Found in the
towns and cities around the Oasis of Nashrhul at the continent of Aeruillin,
they provide much welcomed supplies and company to travelers. The Rhulran are
known for their abilities to entertain. Their affinity to music makes bards and
other entertainers common.
Appearance.
Adult Rhulrans are relatively tall in nature, women included, standing an
average of about 2 peds.
These people are typically slender by nature but each individual’s physical
stature can depend upon the person’s way of life (a wealthy merchant as opposed
to a laboring farmer, for example). Their skin is naturally bronzed a cinnamon
brown, sometimes darker depending on how much
sun one allows themselves to get. The
skin itself is tough and nearly unsusceptable to burning, the flesh taking on a
leathery quality with age. In fact, a popular tale is that of an old man who
spent so long in the sun that his
skin became too hard for him to move and is told to children by parents to
bring them out of the dangerous heat. Light skin is favored especially by women
since dark tans can show how much time a person does, or must, spend outside.
Freckles are not uncommon and sometimes thought of as blemishes by women.
Hair is almost always straight, black and very thick, though dark brown can be
found and even chestnut, though rare. Women always have long hair, having it
braided accordingly to their age and status (see
Traditions). Rhulrans are easily spotted by their bright green or near
hazel eyes, commonly large and round with long lashes. The Rhulran face is
generally oval with a small, flat nose and full, dark lips. To outsiders, this
tribe appears exotic with an almost mysterious air about them, good business
for travelling bards and dancers.
Coat of Arms/Sign.
Still to be added.
Territory.
The Rhulran men are clustered about the Nashrhul Oasis, found in the center of
western Aeruillin and located on the plains between the Sveltash Desert and the
Desert of Ysthalinth. Several small townships have clustered around the oasis,
inhabited by the Rhulrans, but the main community is the city of Rhual located
just north of the lagoon. The oasis itself is an estimated one
stral by half a
stral. It is bowl
shaped, being deepest in the center, and is fed by a cool, underwater spring
from the center.
Rhual itself is very much like the other towns since it is hugely based on the
resources of the Nashrhul Oasis, though the city is run off the trade of
travelers instead of the simple towns around it. Those passing to and from the
surrounding cities often stop at the city for supplies, rest and good company.
For this reason, Rhual is stocked full of inns and supply shops, even equipped
with a large, year-round market.
People.
The Rhulran people are very friendly and hospitable, as well as festive. It is
in their culture to welcome kin and strangers alike into their homes, and to
try and be helpful in any way. They are not selfish, for sharing is strongly
encouraged, and necessary for these people. Only by sharing what resources and
information they have can the tribe survive the harsh desert and thus they
built the happy, thriving society they are today. For this reason, many Rhulran
structures lack window coverings or more than a curtain for a door. Secrets and
whispering is frowned upon and these people are sometimes seen as nosey and
loud by others.
The Rhulrans are extremely hard working people, but believe in making work
enjoyable. Songs and rhymes are not uncommon to their culture, passed down by
workers to make their daily labour any bit more enjoyable. The lives of the
Rhulrans are simple and happy. They work hard so they can play hard later.
Music and games are common in their daily lives, people of all ages
participating in anything from large neighbourhood tournaments to a tiny game
of cards.
A staple in Rhulran life is their family and community. Families are large and
close-nit as children are pressed into respecting those senior to them while
adults must also recognize that their children are the future. Families tend to
live together through generations on shared plots of land and it was once
traditional for an entire family to move after a marriage to create a stronger
bond of unity though it is becoming less and less practical among the younger
generations.
Jenevére of the
Aeoliran faith is the focus
god of the Rhulrans. Shrines to Jenevére
frequent the front yards or sleeping areas of most Rhulran homes while a large
temple to the Goddess of Spirit can
be found in Rhual with smaller, sister temples located in each town. To keep
with the Rhulran importance of unity, Festivals of Celebration are frequently
held together with the rest of the community (see
Traditions).
Housing.
Most homes, especially those located closer to the open plains of the desert,
are dome shaped and rarely extend over one story in height. This shape is meant
to protect homes from damage of harsh desert conditions such as flash sand
storms and heavy winds. Rhulrans do not
build their homes within the lush vegetation near Nashrhul itself since these
areas are prone to flooding, unstable land and pesky insects. The buildings
themselves rarely have more than two or three rooms, a large living area with
one or two sleeping rooms, depending on size of the family. At times, families
resort to branching a second, connected, room to adapt to a growing family. The
domes are constructed by first laying out a simple, flimsy wood frame and then
forming the dome itself with a sand/mud mixture. The dried mud is both
resistant to heat and even water once
completely dried. Strategically placed slots and holes are drilled through the
clay to provide both an interesting lighting system and ventilation. As to be
expected of clay homes, these are prone to be worn away by
wind and sand. Repairs are made often
and the Rhulrans are careful not to lean too far on a neighbour's home at risk
of pushing in a weak spot!
Homes are furnished sparingly since strong wood for furniture is limited.
Cushions stuffed with soft, dried leaves and coarse rugs of twine are commonly
used in homes since they can easily be put away and taken out. Pottery and
decorated rugs color the drab inside of the dome as hanging mats serve as
partitions for separate rooms.
The more wealthy citizens, more commonly found in Rhual where they can make a
profit of trade, have the luxury of flat roofed homes of two stories. Still
made of clay, these are fashioned of pale white bricks held together by the
simliar, cream coloured mortar. Roofs of these homes serve as both storage
areas and sitting rooms, the flat top acting as yet another floor on
cooperative days.
Clothing.
Everyday workers and citizens dress namely for comfort and practicality. Fabric
is made from the fibers of some of the plants found in the area, sometimes left
plain to retain it’s tweed-like colour and texture. Women wear long, simple
dresses or skirts while men wear short trousers or long shorts. Shirts are
usually sleeveless and loose for the best circle of movement. Clothes are
sometimes embroidered or dyed by family elders in simple geometric designs.
For festivals or celebrations, every Rhulran has a special outfit. These are
usually frivolous and colourful, often with bits of rather unnecessary material
hanging off (though the outfits of young women seem to be missing other,
seemingly necessary, material, much the joy of young men and chagrin of old
fathers!). Often worn with these outfits is some kind of hat, bandana or even
headdress. These costumes are the delight of most Rhulran youths and occasions
where they can be worn are sure to be looked forward to.
Diet.
The Rhulran diet consists, as expected, mainly of the flora found growing
around the Nashrhul Oasis. Fruits, such as the ciaxa (oineapple) and
dashefruit, are very popular when served in small slices. Village women and
children will travel into the oasis in search of fruit for themselves. As for
professional merchants, workers will go into the oasis area and collect a good
amount of fruit to bring back and sell in the market.
Small family plots of land, usually located just outside the dense flora of the
oasis yet still close enough to make use of the fertile soil, are used to grow
vegetables and even some grain. The land, though fed by thin, underground veins
from the oasis, is very delicate and must be managed properly to properly
produce. Tubers and other
root-plants are popular as well as the coarse, grassy fibers used for clothing.
Though this grass will grow in the wild, picking them is difficult and is much
better to be cultivated in small areas.
Some game is also hunted from the oasis, though large prey is hard to get and
rarely eaten fresh, save for special occasions such as festivals and weddings.
Meat, because of its difficulty to keep in the hot climate, is usually lightly
spiced and dried, hung in kitchens, back rooms and even small warehouses for
storage.
Weapons.
Rhulrans are a peaceful people, believing firmly in community, family and
respect. Though, when circumstances beyond their control arise, methods of
protection are needed. Young boys are taught, often by relatives or older
family friends, basic self-defense. Some young girls are taught this fighting
form, known as Leránta, but not as extensively as it is to the males. More
traditional households believe that fighting is for the men while women should
keep to their homes, things like embroidery and dyes are more fitting for a
young lady. This form of hand-to-hand fighting stays true to the Rhulran ideal
of peace and focusses on dodging and mild offensive. When watched from afar,
Leránta is very agile and quick, almost acrobatic and resembles a dance.
When weapons are used, staffs, spears,
small blades and even whips are weapons
of choice as they can easily be tied into the quick paced combat. There is
almost never official training in the small villages surrounding the oasis, but
in Rhual, city officials pace the streets casually, watching for unrest.
Occupations.
Rhulran peasants, especially those in the smaller towns, must work especially
hard to provide for their family in the harsh and difficult environment. Men of
the household go out to the small plots of lush farmland to work the land.
Heavy labor in the hard climate of the desert is hard work, and Rhulran men
commonly experience back, shoulder and leg pains. Women and children do their
share of work as well. Most housewives will go into the jungle-like environment
of the oasis to pick fruits, herbs and even hunt for small game found there. It
is usually the children’s job to collect
water from community wells, tote supplies to and from home and do the house
cleaning.
Music, already being a large part of Rhulran culture, is a popular line of
work. Whether it is through an instrument, dance or singing, children are
taught rhythm and beat at an early age. Bards, musicians and dancers frequent
the streets and taverns of Rhual, performing to earn a living and often
venturing beyond their borders to adventure and make a living elsewhere.
Rhulran music is very lively and upbeat; popular instruments including the
lute, fiddle, small drums and wind
instruments of all kinds.
Teachers of the musical arts vary; one may learn from a tutor or mentor, a
family friend or perhaps pick it up on one's own. The Hall of Arts is the only
professional school in the Rhual area. Here, musicians and dancers alike come
to learn their trade from the stoic masters of the arts who live there.
Teachers will help all who wish to come and learn, though only the selected few
gifted ones will have the honour of becoming an apprentice of the scholars.
In the city of Rhual or the larger towns nearby, inns and shops are staple
occupations. Year round, travellers from other cities come into town for
supplies and rest. Certain streets in Rhual are lined with only inns and
taverns and others with supply shops. Most employ their own family or close
family friends to help around the business. At the year-round market in Rhual,
most popular in early winter, tradesmen from all over the Rhulran region come
to sell wares such as cloth, pottery, jewelry and food.
Government.
The Rhulrans are a very intense community and family oriented people. Small
towns are run by majority decisions made by respected people in the community.
In Rhual, city councils are held frequently to hear the voices of citizens and
for them to voice concerns and suggestions.
When a council of leaders is selected, it is a decision made by the community
as a whole. Council members are nominated by citizens at the town meeting, and
from there are later selected by a quick vote. The leader council makes the
important decisions which cannot be settled by community vote. The council
members themselves are usually the wealthy, educated and well-liked, nominated
and elected by the citizens themselves. Over time, these council members may
become celebrities of sorts, the position promising high pay and respect.
Serious crimes and disagreements, even from outside the city, are taken before
the council of Rhual for a final ruling. For any out of city ruling, an
official representative of the town accompanies the party to Rhual for
moderation.
Production/Trade.
The Rhulrans are well known for their haven shops in the middle of the harsh
desert. Shops offering food, supplies and goods litter the streets of Rhual,
while almost every family in the smaller villages has a trade shop operated
from home.
One of the major items of trade from the Rhulran people is their clay pottery.
The sticky clay found around the oasis is excellent for producing easily molded
and dense products which are fired in large, shared kilns. Paints can be made
from the various types of soil and plant life around the oasis and items are
colourfully decorated with simple and geometric designs. Children find it
especially fun to paint pottery for themselves, such as personalized bowls or
beads.
Embroidery and dying of the coarse, fibrous fabrics is a popular trade and
pastime among the people, something usually passed down from mother to
daughter, each family having their own techniques and styles. Dyes are made
from the various flora surrounding the oasis which is harvested by the women or
children, and very rarely cultivated by a few groups. The making of these
mediocre dyes is a long and repetitive process of crushing, melting and drying.
In return for their goods, the Rhulrans import many things. Spices and herbs
not found in their oasis are brought in from the Ordions. Cloth, jewelry and
metal tools are also imported as well as the occasional meats or fish.
Natural Resources.
As is to be expected, the Rhulrans rely mainly on the oasis and the things
growing and living around it. The lagoon itself is used mostly for drinking and
washing, but the abundant life growing around it is vital to the survival of
the desert tribe.
Fertile soil is rare in the desert, though around the oasis the soil is very
good for growing. Land is conserved and strictly organized into, most often,
family plots. Though the Rhual market is a popular place to sell surplus crops,
harvests are usually used up entirely by the family since plots tend to be
small to conserve space. The people try to limit irrigation, as they believe
that the lagoon may dry up if they abuse the gift of the gods.
The natural flora around the oasis can be used for anything from medicine to
food to dyes. Nearly everyday, it seems, a new use for a common plant is found,
whether it’s a new recipe or a healing paste. Wood is a luxury and the trees
that surround the lagoon are strictly used for small things like tools and some
furniture. Trees grow slowly in the harsh climate and the cutting down of them
is nearly taboo.
Traditions, Holidays,
Festivals and Observances.
The most important festivals among the Rhulran are as follows:
The
Festival of Celebration
The Festival of Celebration, a religious festival of
Jenevére, is held by the community
as a whole to celebrate their goddess. Each town or city holds at least one
each year and many out of town Rhulrans will actually travel to other cities to
attend their celebrations as well. They are large and joyous, full of food,
music, laughter and friends. This is a festival where traditional costumes (see
Clothing) are worn and showcased. It continues well into the night, even after
young children have been brought home after a long day of games and fun, until
finally all company eventually disperses. It is usual for the day after the
Festival of Celebration to be a very lazy and quiet as people sleep off the
festivities (and perhaps certain alcohol induced illnesses).
The
Day of Marriage
Arguably the most important part of a
Rhulran’s life is his/her day of marriage. As celebrated through their goddess,
Jenevére, a marriage celebration is very public and usually a joy for the
entire community.
For the bride, it is a day that not only begins her life as
part of yet another family, but also ends her life of a child. Her hair, having
always been worn down and loose, is now braided. For the wedding, all of the
bride’s hair is braided by her mother (or another female guardian) into one long
braid to signify the unity of the husband and wife as one. A married woman’s
hair is almost always worn in one braid afterwards, except during times of
grief or mourning where it once again hangs loose.
For the groom, his day of
marriage is a proud day for him and his family as it unites his family with yet
another. It is traditional for the groom to prepare a large meal for his
bride’s entire family the night prior the wedding. As for preparations for the
wedding itself, this is done completely by the community and rarely even
includes the couple to be wed.
History. Still to be added.
Myth/Lore. Though it seems as the cool, spring-fed oasis would
be a popular spot of relief from the hot desert conditions, it is quite the
contrary. Travelling too far out over the
water is taken very seriously and never done; most Rhulrans even refuse
to enter more than their hands and feet into the
water. The
reason for this fear is the famous legend of the Nashrhul Banshee.
A banshee is the ghost of an elfmaiden,
often haunting a certain location in particular, that can cause a coma or even
death simply by hearing her terrible wail. A
water banshee
is said to live under the surface of the
water in the deepest, most central part of the
lagoon. She was once the most beautiful
Aeolrhan elf to walk the land, gifted with beautiful pale skin and snow
white hair. She travelled with her
elven kin, her entire party dying from
having run out of water.
The elfmaid was led away from her party to
the oasis, long before the settlement of Rhulran ancestors, by the gods
themselves. There she drank until healthy and was ready to travel once again to
save her kin. But selfish was this elf and
she refused the god’s wish to tell her people of the oasis. She died that
night, but was cursed to remain, neither dead nor alive, trapped within the
boundaries of the oasis she loved so much. The banshee is believed to be
extremely touchy and irritable. At times she can be reasonable, quietly living
within her watered land. But she is
also incredibly moody, and does not like it when people come and go around her
oasis and take her water. And so,
those who venture too deep into the Nashrhul Oasis will be killed by this
banshee, and enslaved below the waters
for her own amusement.
Where this myth began, it has not been completely agreed, though a popular
theory among scholars is that it was started by worrisome parents to tell their
children so they would not swim too far from shore. It is also speculated that
this legend began to keep people from wasting their precious
water source.
Information provided by
Luca the Thief
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