Najer (Cultural Group)

Najer is a cultural group present in the north of Rathnir, with a variety of subgroups and offshoots across multiple continents. It has developed over many thousands of years, and while once also a single race, the Najer culture has come to encompass people of many races and species.

Origin
The exact origin of the people who became the Najer are incredibly vague and hard to pinpoint. They were an ancient nomadic people who wandered all across Rathnir who left very little documentation of their culture or history, but it is theorized that the Najer were one branch of this group that took root in Northern Nieden.

Their location would become formative in their development, as the hot climate and mountain ranges to the south would unite and force cooperation between various tribes living in the Wandering Deserts. In addition, these geographical features would prevent contact between the early Najer and the Niedene civilizations that were spread across southern Nieden.

Qwarakan
The various tribes would remain sedentary for thousands of years, living off of the land through hunting and foraging, until around 10,000 BB. It was around this time that agriculture would gain traction in the Wandering Deserts, giving rise to the city-state of Qwarakan (ӾФƗɅƗӾƗY in the Najer script). Many tribes (ƋӨЦ, or "pom" in Najer), lived here and it became a massive hub of industry, culture, and economy. The first Najer governmental and monetary system was developed here. This is also where worship of the Lost Gods became standardized and wide-spread across the Wandering Desert.

This state lasted for several thousand years, until due to a growing population, over-farming, and changing weather patterns, people began moving away. Eventually, the city was abandoned, and fell into ruin, but is still extant in modern Najer. After this, small, impermanent villages became the norm. It was around this time that the ancestors of the Asikh people migrated to Plagos and became the Asarāvijāyans.

Post-Qwarakan Civilizations
Around this time, an intense series of drought and heat waves hit northern Nieden. Worshipers of the Lost God of Heat, Ajvudah, were blamed for this, and were driven out. A man named Tejarel gathered them and together they founded a new city, which they called Nahrayn.

Later still, the Mahait and Lizardfolk Seyohdoms became prominent as well.

WIP

Lifestyle
The Najer retain a unique combination of nomadic and sedentary lifestyles - both being instrumental to their heritage. As such, many stay in large cities: tending to their civil and religious sites, as well as preserving cultural artifacts; while many others choose to relive the nomadic past of their ancestors by traveling the continents and collecting exotic goods. While traveling, they can often be seen carrying books with them, as a way to pass the hot desert afternoons while in camp.

Those that live in cities, although removed from their nomadic past, live much as those in other countries. A few large cities support the majority of industry in Najer lands, with massive farming, mining, and textile industries. The transient tendencies of the Najer mean that many smaller settlements will bloom and wither in a short time as its people move on when the circumstances feel right.

Baths
Despite their nomadic roots and despite, or perhaps because of, their arid homelands, the Najer have a deep love for baths and bathhouses. They are not a place to scrub off dirt and dust, but rather are important social and recreational areas for the community. They are often large and lavishly decorated, a point of pride in many Old Najer cities.

Cleaning is typically done before entering the baths, often by pouring a bucket of water over oneself or via sweat baths.

Diversity
The original Najer were a distinct ethnic group, and indeed, many of this group are still distinctly extant. However, Najer's accepting and peaceful culture has led to the adoption of many other human ethnicities and sentient species into the Najer system. While not always perfect (most disunity in Najer arises from competing values), this has led to a varied social landscape.

Humans make up the most significant portion of the population, with smaller groups of testificates, lizardmen, Vulpur, and even a few Elves also present. As such, this has led to a common practice of cultural adoption within the people: Any that choose to adopt and live the traditional customs are considered as much of a Najer as any who were born to it.

Human Race
The original Najer bloodlines typically possessed a few key features. Dark black or brown hair was the most common, and skin could vary widely, often in a range of bronze tones. Eye color was the least consistent trait, although black was a common color.

Over time, various races have become intermingled within Najer. Not only human either, as there are some in Najer with mixed Niedene heritage, typically along the eastern coasts where frequent Niedene travel to their colonies in Plagos led to more than a few settling down in the region.

Clothing
Najer clothing is typically very light and simple- a shirt, trousers, and sandals are enough for most. The robes worn by the Najer are iconic and distinct, and are best known from the many Testificate Najer who travel the world. While generally a rich shade of blue, with a bronze trim, other colors also exist. Robes are often passed down as heirlooms throughout the generations. They are considered important cultural touchstones, and as such are prized and protected. Foreigners who wear Najer robes are frowned upon.

The warriors of Najer also notably keep a lighter aesthetic- armor is light and simple, allowing them to attack better-armed forces and swiftly withdraw, a tactic used most famously just after the discovery of the Buried Bells.

Modesty
The Najer are not an exceptionally modest people, but neither are they sensual. Excessive frivolity, whether prudish or amorous, is viewed as immature. Chests are often bared in the privacy of the home or with close family, but lower halves are always covered. This applies for both genders. It is thought that the harsh life of early nomads led to a very practical cultural view on nudity and clothing.

Food and eating
In Najer, food tend to rely heavily on fruits, vegetables, and other savory plants. Rabbit is considered a delicacy, while most other types of meat are mostly unknown. Meats such as beef and pork are uncommon and considered exotic. Spices and herbs are often used to great effect in Najer food, including in the well-known Kijaro baked potatoes and in Najer spiced bread.

Alcoholic drinks are generally unpopular, with most preferring other drinks like Tea, Cocoa, and Coffee. Many Najer will drink alcohol during festivities or special occasions, but frequent drinking is looked down on.

Meals in Najer are informal, as well as important times for socializing and rest. Traditionally, meals are eaten sitting on the ground around a low table, where all food is shared and passed between members of the group. Food is either eaten with the hands or with simple wooden utensils. The use of utensils in Najer has increased drastically in modern times, having been adopted from other countries.

Customs
The Najer value sincerity, and have great disdain for deceit: While they do keep secrets, they prefer open discussion in all matters of life. As well, the Najer are well known as being gracious and generous hosts known for never letting anybody go hungry if they can help it

Due to the Lost Gods' emphasis on beginnings and ends, they typically wave with their left hand as a greeting, and say farewell with a wave from the right. When meeting people for the first time, the Najer can be expected to gift something of value to the stranger, as a sign of good faith.

Given Names
Najer names are commonly based on something found in nature- whether that be a flower, a celestial body, precious minerals, or an animal. Oftentimes a name will be tied to an object that holds cultural meaning and ties into the circumstances of the persons birth.

Marriage and Surnames
Both marriages and surnames are traditionally rare among the Najer, although this trend has begun to shift in recent years.

In the Poma system, individuals were identified by their parent (typically the father) and the tribe they came from, in the style Given name Parent name-faj niv Tribe. For example, "Zira Yoran-faj niv Tirjak." Nowadays, it is common to see people adopt their tribe as their surname.

Marriages were uncommon due to nomadic traditions that meant formal unions and permanent households were uncommon. The constantly traveling nature of the tribes made such things difficult. On occasion, a woman would elope, abandoning her tribe, but more often a man and a woman would enter a relationship for as long as their circumstances were allow- in other words, before their tribes went separate ways again.

In a similar fashion to surnames, however, as times change and more Najer have settled into cities, permanent spousal unions are becoming more common, although formal, legal marriages remain rare.

Calendar
The Najer reckon time from the discovery of the Buried Bells and the Lost god Menkauhor in 5 TE (Traveler's Era, Elder Calendar), or 1572 by the Soleannen calendar, designating it year one. There is no year zero. All years before that date are listed in descending order with the designation BB (Before the Bells). Correspondingly, all years after are designated with AB (After the Bells).

Another difference in the Najer calendar is the time by which years are measured. Each Najer year is equivalent to 1.75 years in the Elder Calendar (One week in real-life time. Each year begins on the Friday of each week, and ends the following Thursday). There are seven months: Fidan, Sepan, Sian, Muan, Tazan, Unan, and Tian. Each month has 72 days.

Due to a laid-back attitude towards schedules and business, most Najer care only to designate the year something happened, and occasionally the month. Anything beyond that is regarded as superfluous.

Literature and art
The Najer also have an expanding repertoire of folklore, including The Wanderer, whose heroic deeds have since been put to paper. A number of Najer folk stories also exist, demonstrating key cultural values, such as The Black River and The Sorceror.

The most iconic works the Najer have produced are their temples, which can stand for thousands of years, and are decorated with detailed stonework. Although most temples are ancient, new ones are still being built in areas like the Najer heartlands. Acting primarily as storage, both for valuables and food, they dot the land as places for nomads to take shelter in and rest.

Many old Najer sites contain highly intricate carvings and stonework, and this tradition endures today, with many Najer being immensely proud of the architecture of their towns. Modern cities like Wobambi-on-Sea and Nahrayn echo past designs while putting a newer and grander touch on them.

In addition, many sites have been discovered that contain intricate cave paintings, indicative of a rich artistic tradition dating back thousands of years. These are well preserved and offer an intriguing view into the past of the Najer people and the past inhabitants pf the Wandering Deserts.

Religion
The Najer follow the Lost Gods, and while many do so more out of cultural heritage rather than true belief, the veneration of these deities has seen a resurgence in modern times. Many Najer have also adopted Noxism as part of their personal belief system as its guidance led to the conclusion of the first Great Rain of Rathnir.

The accepting nature of the Najer also allows many minority religions to thrive, such as that of Tauros.

Cultural Symbols
There are a number of especially prominent symbols in Najer culture that represent important concepts, ideas, or themes.
 * Silver
 * This semi-precious metal was key in defeating the werewolf attacks that plagued Rathnir over 100 years ago. As such, it has become ingrained in the cultural mind as a symbol of northern heritage, cooperation, and tenacity.
 * Bells
 * Due to the mysterious "Buried Bells" discovered in Najera'jad during its founding (uniting the Najer tribes in the process), and their association with the tutelary deity of the Silver Age, Menkauhor, bells have become a strong symbol of divine providence, prosperity, and harmony.
 * The Sun and Moon
 * The Najer respect for the sun and moon is less than in other cultures, but both celestial bodies play a role in Najer symbolism and storytelling. The sun is notable for representing power, conflict, and hardship, while the moon is known for representing serenity, rest, and cooperation. The moon is especially respected for its ties to Noxism.
 * Stars
 * Stars were often used for navigation by night in the nomadic tradition, and as such are potent signs of guidance and destiny.
 * Dusk and Dawn
 * The twilight hours are regarded as signs of closure and new beginnings, respectively. Their cyclical and unending nature also brings to mind for many the Najer epithet "we remain."
 * Zonds
 * Zonds are an especially ancient mythical creature, ones long thought to be guardians of the desert who bless those who see them with luck and favor.
 * Llamas
 * A constant companion of the Najer throughout the generations, llamas are thought of as symbols of hard work, perseverance, and stubbornness.
 * Owls
 * Owls are regarded as an omen that something bad will happen to you if you do not fix some error you have made. Hearing their cries is a minor ill omen, and seeing one in person is a sign of imminent disaster.

Poma and the Seyoh Council
Due to their origin as a loose group of desert-dwelling tribes, the traditional authority of the Najer was derived from a tribal oligarchy.

The citizens lived in "Poma" (tribes, in the Najer language); small self-identified groups each represented by a "Seyoh" (Lead Scout). Seyohs held recognized authority within their Pom, but outside of their community retained no governance. Despite this, they are respected by all Najer. Seyohs had no internal hierarchy, together they formed a council which served to govern the Najer on a local and inter-city level.

Monarchy
After the formation of the Silver Coalition, and during its eventual morph into the Sterling Crownlands, Najer became a monarchy. The people united under a crown and selected mayors for towns, adopting the traditions and other trappings of Sterling Culture. As such, the Pom and Seyoh system rapidly declined in use. Even after the fall of the Sterling Crownlands, Najer retained the monarchy and mayor system. Although this paradigm had been firmly integrated into traditional Najer culture, the erasure of old traditions was criticized by some. Under the rule of Emir Hirudo Talvos and his focus on Najer culture, the term Seyoh was re-applied to mayorship, with the Seyoh council becoming a semi-representative body of prominent figures.

As such, the current Najer government is the purest still-extant remnant of Sterling Culture and authority. The King, called the Emir, is aided by a body of competent and trustworthy individuals who manage various aspects of their dominion, from the land, to the culture, to the infrastructure, and more. This is the system they still use today.

Settlements

 * Najera'jad
 * Wobambi-on-Sea
 * Kigea'jad
 * Kijaro
 * Hicto
 * Nahrayn
 * Shahbah
 * Ohjan
 * Ajek Point
 * Mirwa
 * Sigtuna

Trivia

 * The Najer Salute with their left hand rather than their right


 * Najer is not a entire desert state like Yimmu Audul or Hutica, but rather made up of 3 small deserts.


 * Najer is full of wildlife and has many different animals that are still being discovered to this day!


 * The Najer robe is considered something only a Najer could wear. Most Najer robes are passed down through generations and if a regular person is spotted wearing a Najer garment they are frowned upon.