Niedene

Overview
The Niedene (Homo niedenensis) or Ignii in Soleannen when referring to full-blooded or ancient Niedene, are a native near-human group found in eastern Rathnir. They claim to be the natives of most of Rathnir, before the Human Migrations after the Jagdasian collapse pushed them back.

They are most prominent on the continent of Nieden and are known for their empires in the east. The Niedene are known for their magical affinity of which the type of magic used is often determined by an upbringing in the tribe in question. The Solarii who lead the Soleannan Empire are the reason why fire magic is so beloved among Niedene in most places. The Niedene consider themselves the natives of Rathnir, which they named Hèmnerei. Half-Niedene are always always infertile, and those who arent typically have more human than Niedene traits. Due to this, they are shunned, and their children will almost always be identical to full blooded humans.

The first Niedene lived all across Nieden and Sparwood in tribes. The greatest of these tribes were the Escharii, the Solarii, Gentarii and the Imaskii. The Gentarii and Imaskii lead a tribal confederation in the north of Nieden while the Soleannan Empire rose in the south of Nieden.

It is said that there were 4 main groups of Niedene, with the most populous being the Asterii and Vasterii. It is said that the Ukorii Niedene from Plagos went extinct following the Ascension, as there is very little trace of them with the exception of the city of Gunggum.

Practices & Traditions
(The following info is largely derived from The Niedene Project, an outside-of-Stoneworks lore project. As such, due to the organic nature of lore, culture and worldbuilding on the server, the information shown here may not accurately represent in-game practices and traditions at any given point.)

The arts and culture of the Niedene are reflective of the general attitude and religion of the people in the country. In murals, the Imperial Eagle and Wolf are often shown as they are important to their history and religion. The Imperial Eagle is often used as a symbol to show the realm as a protector spirit. The Imperial Wolf is another protector spirit, but one specifically of the Imperial House.

Painting and Art
Painting and arts are often prevalent as pastimes among the upper classes. Work often focuses on religion, nature, and scenes of life. Abstract art is often shunned and not valued very much at all. Because Niedene can see a few more colors, painting and art is very much valued in society with prominent artists being treated with immense respect. Often blights would be depicted, as triumph over a blight brings legitimacy to the Empire.

Carving
The carving of wood and bones was something prevalent. Often it would be lanterns and ornaments that would be made representing people or things in nature. The practice was often done by shamans in the tribal days, but now is a fun thing for many to do around holidays such as the Seltanzrii (New Year) or to ward off spirits.

Eating and Diet
The eating of food is often seen as something more casual, although there are certain customs to take in regard when considering food. There are several types of food in regards to their customs, there is food which should only be eaten while seated at an establishment or while sitting down, this includes things like noodles. There is food that can be eaten while on the move, this is often stuff like bread or crackers, then there is food that needs utensils and food that doesn't.

It is very rude to chew with your mouth open, however slurping your soups or noodles is not considered rude or gross. It is considered highly offensive to pass food to others utensils directly, as this is often associated with other ceremonies.

Before eating one should always say “Eaurima” and bow slightly, which is a thanks for the food and asking for a blessing from the spirits so that the food will be nourishing.

Diet is often heavy in dairy, grains, meats, and seafood. The most common meals in Niedene cultures would consist of Cheeses, Fowl, Breads, Fish, and Noodles. The upper classes would be much more likely to indulge in luxuries such as chocolates and more wines.

Manners and Gestures
Niedene cultures have many different manners which occur commonly. When an action is taken or an event occurs there are many appropriate responses to use or actions to take. When greeting for example, or referring to a superior it is common to bow.

When one sees a Monarch or Officer it is common to salute by extending one's arm at an angle and place their palm behind their eye. Another variant is with the arm extended out, which comes from Soleannan Emperors performing the gesture while riding by citizens. (See Here)

When one sneezes the correct response is “Iwerra” which was shortened for “My friend, are you okay?”

Clothing
The clothing of the Niedene has been forged by the environment that the Niedene are native to. Common materials are silks, furs, and various cloths and linens. Clothes vary drastically across regions and subcultures however general style stays the same and many patterns as well. Niedene in colder climates often wear longer garbs which protect them from the sun and keep them warm. In warmer climates looser tunics are often worn which allow the body heat to escape a bit.

In hot climates the skin and eyes especially are covered so that the skin isnt burned and the eyes will not go blind due to the excessive rays of the sun. In these climates Niedene often adopt nocturnal lifestyles anyways.

Pets
Pets are often given to a child once they hit the age of 9, usually as a dog or horse. The child will grow up with the animal and have an attachment to it. This animal will be a best friend for life, and when the Niedene dies, they will be buried alongside their pets.

Owning of Items
Items owned by someone for a while are often seen to be either an extension of their soul, or more commonly possessed by an independent spirit. An example of an extension is the sword, an exchange of swords is one common cultural practice among friends.

Weddings, Marriage, and Harems
Upon the joining of two houses, the old name could be scrapped and a new one entirely made; this can lead to related families with separate names entirely.

Common wedding gifts are swords, rings, armor, gems, and expensive foods.

The culture highly values honor to a great extent, honor is something that affects the house to an extent along with the individual. Death is often preferable to dishonor. In addition to this, monarchs are permitted to hold harems. In the case the primary spouse is a male, a harem is expected of the monarch.

Same-sex marriage is not permitted, but at the same time same-sex couples are not shown any distaste or bans. Same-sex relationships are uncommon, but same sex-activity is not uncommon among young adults for flings.

Lucky Numbers
The number nine is a lucky number in the culture. In addition to this, two is a good number. Two is shown as a good number in the legend of an honorable warrior named Ferras who takes only one wife, and there are only two people in said relationship, of which two kids are born. This story is shown to be an ideal family as nobody gets too overwhelmed and the relationship flourishes.

Music
Music among the Niedene often has various instruments and vocals. The upper echelons of society often focus on strings and piano music. Folk music often uses a lot of wind instruments, pipes, and drums.

Values
The Niedene traditionally hold many values dear to them, such as a belief in community or the intense emphasis on honor. Honor is prevalent due to its role in religion and the community as a whole.

Constellations
The Niedene traditionally connect constellations with the patrons, the patrons an individual has depend on the month that they are born in and their house.

Gender and Sex
The Niedene traditionally have 4 genders. Men (Arizos), Women (Ariza), Iritsos, and Arinna. The Arizos and Ariza are standard and are simply basic men and women. Arinna are biological women who prefer to do menswork or dress as men. Iritsos are Men who prefer to appear beautiful and youthful, and may act or dress in a way that women do, although this is less common. They are still often grouped by sex, with the two other genders being more specific. Each gender is assigned to one of the two biological sexes.

Magick
The Niedene traditionally are a society that place heavy emphasis on magicks and the general sort of craft. While many Niedene no longer are able to be born with the ability to use magick from birth, it is possible for them to harness it using tools created over the millenia. One such ceremonial tool is the Liqtrager (Light Bearer) and is used by religious figures and warriors.

Noble Court
The Noble Courts of Niedene lands are often full of intrigue and diplomacy, as well as recurring titles and figures. Some figures include the Sorradi servants of many courts that act as nannies and servants. Upon entry to a court and when in presence of a higher noble, he who is entering should bow. If they are entering the realm of the Irastre or Daiaqerei it is custom to stand before the Emperor before kneeling and reciting “Tano, Zeraiane Ante Vir.” Meaning “My lord, a long life for you.”

Honor
Honor is an integral part of Niedene societies and has been since as long as scholars can recall. Honor is the basis of much of Niedene society as many terms including the religion’s name are evolved from the word for honor. To save honor, duels are often fought and on occasion to the death. Death is seen as a way to cleanse oneself and preserve honor, especially when it is on the battlefield. Honor is often what drives much of the behavior in Niedene society. To go against honor brings a great amount of shame in a person, of which is the main reason honorable suicide and sacrifice are encouraged as to not live with the shame.

Things that are Honorable:

Serving your family or lord, fighting in war, defending the weak, performing your job, etc.

Things that are Dishonorable: Fleeing punishment, changing lords, losing a battle, cheating on a partner, etc.

Death Writing
When a Niedene is soon to die or gravely injured they will often write a short note or poem about their life or whatever they wish. Some examples follow:

"In honor I followed

Loyal to crown

From the eastern isles

To the western pines

My ancestors welcome me

In the sands past the sea."

“Fan Ahren Iqemet

Ettie Vi Kasre

Fan Ile Aster

Ni Kietre Vaster

Soraqi Iq Eqommet

Fan Stranna In Mari” -Isidor an Astrefels, Battle of Urnu-Arrak.

"My life began

I grew up

My life ends

Life goes on" -Auras Iunnier

"Born in the east

With a life of a hundred

Destined for twenty

I served my part" -Ioannis an Normarei

Festivals
The Niedene traditionally love festivals and have many depending on the time of year and occasions. Festivals often have a large amount of lanterns out through the streets, a huge amount of street food, fireworks, banners flying, and parades.

Arusian March
One of the largest festivals is the Arusian March. When an army returns from campaign victoriously, the Arusian march will commence. The beginning of the festival begins with the returning soldiers marching through the center of town led by their captain or monarch if it’s the capital. Upon the conclusion of this a dance will begin to the military drums playing traditional songs, this lasts for a few minutes before a feast is prepared. The next 2 days people take time off their jobs when they can to partake in the feast, where parades will march through town, lead by dancers in costumes of historical war heroes.

Sovrea Zonnenwen
The Sovreawenn is celebrated on the Summer Solstice, a religiously significant day for the Niedene. It is seen as the holiest day of the year due to its association with Anetos and the creation of the world. Gifts are often exchanged and parades are often held, often gold is exchanged in contrast to Nissurewen which was more Silver oriented. In Niedene realms a great festival would be held either at the capitals or an agreed upon location by the realm’s leaders, where the best warriors and athletes compete in a series of competitions to gain honor and prestige. Those who cannot make the journey often hold small games and festivals in their own towns.

Nissea Zonnenwen
The Nissurewen is often associated with warding off evil spirits as it is when the light of the world is least prevalent. Silver gifts are often exchanged between individuals who can afford it, while a feast is held inside the clan patriarch’s home. In the morning the meals are prepared as a community to song and dance. As night falls, some adults dress up as evil spirits and patrol the streets to scare children into behaving. They often will visit homes and check on the family, where they will be invited in and meet the home’s children and at times bestow gifts if they have been well behaved.

Errarraz
The Errarraz is a day when the first child of the ruling family is born. It is celebrated by all those across the nation as a sort of fertility festival, where picked flowers are put on a small raft going down a river along with water lanterns to honor the Imperial family and help guide lost souls (miscarriages) from the nation back to the Luminarium.

Soraqi
Soraqi is the biggest festival in Niedene cultures, one that honors the spirits of ancestors and the dead. Almost every town center springs to life with lanterns, drums, dance, and more. The river lantern tradition from heir’s day is also repeated, however at this time horsemen with lanterns hanging from long sticks ride around the countryside between towns to try and guide souls back to their family so they may find peace. The festival occurs over three days where people are expected to travel to family graves and maintain them a bit, as well as pay respect. Outside the town in a clearing, or inside the town in a prepared area a great wooden statue of a knight is prepared and burned. This is done so that spirits can see where the towns are and may return home at this time. Offerings are also given at the edge of water and outside the home, common offerings include meals and letters to the spirits. The center of town (or the festival area) has a platform where a drummer and dancers are. They go along to traditional songs and dance and are generally around where most events are such as food stands, fishing, sporting, etc

Language
While there are many Niedene languages and words, the standard for the Escharians was Asteri (Akere), which is still used in many parts of the world and has its own alphabet.

Escharii
Niede: An Escharian group found near the eastern coast and plains of the Escharian home region. Known for their scholarship and politics. They are from the town of Lileanen most notably.

Riede: An Escharian group found in the swamps, distinct from the regular Niede due to their isolation. They are often found near the town of Rieds, which gets its name from the Riede.

Hocii: An Escharian group found in the forests and hills of Escharia, known for their woodworking and music. They are known to inhabit the area of Lileanen, as well as the countryside near Felkerr,

Huwalen: An Escharian group found far in Norhem and by Pferdburg, known for their horses and farms.They are often found in the northern plains near Huwaldorf, as well as the town of Vorpedorf.

Locetians: A group found north of the Escharians. Known for their love of water and their architecture. They are the founders of the town of Locet north of Lileanen.

Solarii
Solerii: A Solarii group known for their love of fire, founders of the Soleannan Empire. They are found near the ruins of the city of Soleanna (now Firezzo)

Castrionians: A Solarii group that founded the fort Castrio, eventually it was sacked and they dispersed to the countryside of Litoci where they took up winemaking.

Litocii: The inhabitants left after the sacking of Castrio, who are known for fishing and their love of the sea. They are found in the town of Litoci where they make up a bulk of the population.

Amenner: A Solarii group that comes from the northern areas of Soleanna, known for their cuisine, pride, and extravagance. They are found in pockets around the Sea of Pearls and the Nieden Valley.

Kaseii
Welhafne: A group found to the west of Locetia, known for their forts and odd styles.T hey were found most often in the town of Wealthhaven which was the founding nation of the U.C.C.C, before its absorption into the Escharian Empire. Where they remained loyal subjects until the end.

Fantesii: A splinter group of the Welhafne, known for their small countryside hamlets and farms. They are known for the hamlet of Fantasia, east of Wealthhaven as well as a colony near Wyngale.

Serrenese
Juneans: A hardy group found in the southeast, known for their farms and ironworking. They are most notably found in the area of Junea, in the Escharian Empire's southern borders.

Brysselkens: A group found primarily to the east of Junea, but they have spread across the empire. Especially into Escharia proper where they immigrated to Rieds and Pferdburg.

Kollner: A group of mixed Junean-Hoci-Soleannan stock. They are known for being found in the south by Kolln, as well as the border with Tatonia.

Whassalians: The fanatic group found near the ruins of Flammastahl temple

Varmerii (Thadii)
Thadii: The Thadian tribes are a mix of tribes that migrated from the old Soleannan empire following its collapse to found the city of Corthaidh and eventually the Kingdom of Egalia in western Nieden, they are a related tribe to the Wyngalans.

Rekarii
Raykarii: The Raykarii tribes (grouped here for convenience) are northerners who are known for their skills in merchantry, theyre often found in Raykara.

Rulagii
The Rulagi are a group native to the region of Varmerien.

Coltmarii
Coltmarii: The Coltmarii are a group native to the islands of Coltmare, founded after Thadians sailed westwards.

Gentarii
Gentarii: The natives to the Nieden valley who fought off the Soleannan Empire's incursions into the area. They are known for their nomadic Lifestyle.

Imaskii: The peoples native to the mountains between Egalia and Escharia, known for migratory behaviors and llama hunting.

Mimarii
Mimarii: A group of peoples native to Plagos, where they were known to build on mountains and small forts.

Sylerii
The Sylerii are native to Sneedistan. They are notable for being the most alien when compared to other Niedene groups when it comes to culture and appearence.

Lausarii
Kjastii: Once the largest group of the Lausarii before the central river town of Kjásthejm was sacked and destroyed, with their people scattered. They are known for their metalworking and masonry, previously hosting the most advanced architecture and government of all the Lausarii tribes. They are known as well for their many seafood based meals. Like all the Laus tribes the Kjásthejmr are often seen as extremely generous to guests and very welcoming to outsiders, as well as upholding a strict code of honour.

Farene: Currently the second largest group of the Lausarii, they inhabit a small spruce forest settlement in the middle of the mountains inhabited by the Shelaqii to the south and the Costarii to the North. They are know for their woodworking and are excellent hunters.

Selaqii: Currently the Largest group of the Lausrii, they are the tribal inhabitants of mountainous regions of the Lausrii homeland. The Selaqii are known for their hardy lifestyle and versatile farming techniques.

Costarii: Inhabitants of the northern coast, the Costarii are of course known for their sailing ability and seafood based cuisine.

Amearii:The easternmost Lausrii tribe, the Amearii are known as the greatest hunters and horse archers of the Lausrii and are usually a nomadic people in contrast to their sister tribes.

Anospharii
The Anospharii are a group native to the Eastern sands of Yimmu Audal and the Western reaches of the Sea of Pearls.

Delvarii
Normager: A migratory group that came from Syltor and mixed with Niedene, known for their winemaking and Arbalests. They are often found in Lileanen, Vorpedorf, and most prominently in Delgrenzvar.

Neurûnic: An extinct mixed group that took influences from both Gentarii and Shirûnic culture, known for their love of horses and archery. They were often found near the town of Amilais.

Numetarii
Numetarii: A hybrid culture decending from the Sutherii, Delvarii and Serrense. Known for all sorts of things such as blackstone buildings, wine and metalworking, they reside primarily within the areas of Veraseer and Numetrea.

Ostiarii
Ostiarii: The Group of Niedene native to Plagos and the Osterium

Arkhaii
Mimari: A word for any other Hybrid Niedene Group, or part Niedene.

Reyerii
Rejerii: The Reylleans are known for their architecture and nations in the south.

Hikarii
The Hikarii are natives of the region north of Valdreach, known to have a Niedene city in the region active after the fall of Soleanna.

Valdrii
The Valdrii are the natives to Valdreach and the surrounding territories, who migrated in after the fall of Soleanna.

Shirunii
Shirûnic: A migratory group that came from the south of Sparwood, came northwards in an event similar to the Normager's migration. They are related to the Neurunic peoples.

Timeline (History)
ASC -60000 Archaelogical sites suggest the first Niedene emerged in the region of Vale'dunor in the northern reaches of Nieden.

ASC -5500: According to Niedene texts, Solaris and his wife Sylene created the first Ignii on the shores of the northern Sea of Pearls.ASC -3960: The Ignii have spread out across the lower Nieden continent, Sparwood, Alteniksus, and parts of Syltor. They go on to form separate tribes based off the elements.

ASC -2530: The Ignii begin to linguistically and culturally become distinct. The worship of Solaris becomes rare in most tribes except along the Sea of Pearls.

ASC 0: Fluvoria is founded on the river Flumes, a small river on the continent of Nieden.

ASC 27: Fluvoria grows and becomes a smaller town in the region.

ASC 54: Fluvoria becomes a prominent city state and absorbs its neighboring towns, becoming the city of Soleanna.

ASC 72: Soleanna consolidates most of the area around it from Litocea to Arrun. It is declared the Kingdom of Soleanna by King Aremi I an Aesperii.

ASC 114: Soleanna subjugates the neighboring Escharean tribes and renames the region to Esarea. This is due to the efforts of Cesare Svaerus who led a campaign into the region, defeating the Escharean tribes at Zatrewal (Schwarzwald).

ASC 143: Soleanna Subjugates many of the tribes in the region of Suderen and Argentor, founding important towns such as Maropoles, Arejune, Kaheren, and Veromea.

ASC 143: The Soleannan Empire reaches its greatest territorial extent with the conquest of northern Speerwal, Northern and Eastern Alteniksus, and much of Nieden. The Emperor Sevoreus declares a state named Pax Soleanna.

ASC 180 : The language of Soletsch is created by combining Selt-Escharean, Selt-Soleannan, and other old Niedene languages.

ASC 268: Niedene arts, technology, and culture peak at this point in history.

ASC 928: The Empire begins to dissolve due to infighting, foreign tribes, weak rulers, and corruption.

ASC 971: The city of Soleanna is hit by a fierce storm and is swallowed beneath the Marses Aracerea

ASC 996: The Empire ceases to exist as an entity and the old faith begins to lose worshippers in the hinterlands and outside of Nieden.

ASC 1012: The Thadians migrate to Northwestern Nieden.

ASC 1050: Pagan religions take hold among many of the Niedene, bar the Soleanna and Escharean regions.

ASC 1137: Soletsch evolves into Arretsch.

ASC 1298: Alfrikr I is born in Altiste, a town in Escharean.

ASC 1300: Escharean undergoes a spelling change to Etscharien, later into Escharia.

ASC 1321: Wulfdietrik is born as the heir to Alfrikr.

ASC 1327: Alfrikr converts to Soleannen and adopts the name Auberon I, his son Wulfdietrik follows and becomes Dietrich I.

ASC 1328: Auberon I defeated his rivals and united the region of Escharia and founded the city of Lileanen.

ASC 1325: Auberon I conquers the Riede to the south and seizes what remains of Soleanna, now named Firezzo.

ASC 1349: Auberon I abdicates and lets his son take the throne. Dietrich begins to centralize the realm into a proper kingdom and encourages the arts and cultures once more.

ASC 1402: Following Dietrichs death, the great blight strikes southern Nieden, a coalition of Niedene countries is defeated by the demon Vriszchack. The new Emperor was slain. The demons advance into Nieden from Speerwal before their defeat at Gentumar by Saint Miria and the crown prince Alphonse I (who survived the first battle among the dead). The two would be married and the Auroran Order established.

ASC 1525: Ioannis ascends to the throne and begins sending colonial endeavours everywhere, from here he allows the Wirker family to colonize Fernheim.

ASC 1550: Alseret II ascends to the throne, his father Ioannis abdicates

ASC 1552: Severie I is born, his Soleannan name is Arminius I. He was born under a comet while the rivers and sea turned the Imperial Crown Blue.

ASC: 1568: Alseret II is assassinated while Severie was in Speerwal on an expedition, Severie returned home and took the throne. Despite the civil war, Severie reencouraged the arts and culture and started projects in Lileanen (then Kaiserslicht) with his friend Ortwin.

ASC 1569: The Empire finds a lost Escharian colony named Zwatreia (Schweizia). It is reincorporated into the Empire before its citizens migrate to the empire and it is abandoned in 1571.

ASC 1570: The Turtlonian wars begin while the civil war is still ongoing. The Turtlonians are invaded and defeated on Tessel. Following this Lileanen is besieged 4 times by Yimmu-Audal, Rebels, and the Turtlonian remnants. Severie claims the title of Imperator of the East following this and defeats the rebels with the aid of Solaris. The battle for Kaiserslicht occurs, where the Escharians decisively defeat the Turtlonians and colonize their island. The pit is closed at this point.

ASC 1571: Pax Escharia is declared and many projects commence such as the Misurian way to Castrillo and Litocea being restored. Kaiserslicht is formally renamed to Solaria, then Lileanen. The Imperial forces begin to look outwards.

ASC 1573: The Imperials reannex Whassalia, Mladupol, Locet, and Welhafn.

ASC 1574: The Niedene are repulsed from southern sparwood entirely. The Auroran Order is sent to Tessel to keep the pit closed and deal with werewolves. The Naverechniyans migrate back to Mladupol following the collapse of the Nieden League. Mondmare converts to Soleannen and the religion spreads. The Imperials begin to ally their neighbors, reestablishing formal contact with the Kingdom of Varmerian (Egalia)

ASC 1575: The Imperials begin to expand rapidly and convert others to Soleannen. Arkhai nomads are given citizenship in the Empire.

ASC 1576: Imperial cities are repeatedly sacked by Audalidae raiders, but they were evacuated beforehand which led to no casualties. This led to the Imperial armies marching throughout Speerwal and defeating the bandits. The Imperator then supports an uprising in Yimmu-Audal, which gets nowhere due to their surrender.

ASC 1577: A foreign spy kills an Imperial citizen, leading to the Imperator demanding the Audalidae Empress submit. They do so and Severie I marches upon an enemy capital and claims the throne, this is rejected by some of them for their cultural and religious differences. Theionikos joins the Imperial cause in secret and is elevated to duchy by Severie. The Audalidae Empress gathers a gigantic coalition which is defeated by the Imperials and their Allies. The enemy country is annexed by Escharia.

ASC 1578: Varmerian joins the Empire. Escharia declared the Soleannan Empire was reborn. New expeditions began and the temple of Flammastahl-Hitaschei is reestablished in Suderen. Severie begins mystic teachings here.

ASC 1579: The Empire reaches Pax Soleanna, a period of great peace and culture. Summits are held in Lileanen while great festivals occur once more.

ASC 1580: The Empire begins experiments in using Magma power for their city, this succeeds in the Felkerr Project. The Expeditions discover Jedasalem, warranting the Solkka to be brought back to the Empire. This leads to the Imperial Palace Ikkabuli being constructed in the deserts of Theionikos. It becomes the Imperial stronghold in the region. The Solkka becomes a pilgrimage site and Arkhai nomads begin to occupy the fort as guards.

ASC 1582:  The Imperial Navy colonized much of the Osterium sea and began expanding into Plagos once more after old Niedene tribes there submitted to the Empire there once more.

ASC 1584: Many Kingdoms became protectorates of the Empire, leading to the Imperial State becoming the largest in history.

ASC 1585: Raykara joins the Empire. However the Empire’s old allies turn on her and prepare to invade. To prevent the loss of life, Severie begins the Ascension ritual which led to most Niedene leaving.