Homeland: Vormain

Typical Vormaino Warrior garb

Vormaino Cultural Keyword
The Eternal Islands of Vormain are predominantly inhabited by pastoral farmers, ruled by feuding martial clans. Few peasants ever leave their ancestral lands, but the lower rank warriors will often become wandering mercenaries and adventurers; crossing Vormain to do great deeds and gain glory to increase their standing. Those warrior houses who descend from Emperors are known as the Imperial Aristocracy, and afforded with much respect, although they feud and fight as much as any other clan. Peasant farmers are not allowed to fight, but all other Vormaino are trained in the art of sword and spear; to serve their clans as fierce guardians.
Vormaino are short, with dark olive skin -- often with a ruddy complexion. Their hair ranges from brown, black, to red. Haircare is highly regarded, with each clan and mystic school having their own specialized techniques to clean and style their hair.  Foreigners commonly mistake the hair of Warriors and Peasants as being wild and untamed, not being aware of the many hours spent bristling and treating the hair to achieve such a look. In comparison, the Magician caste will often shave themselves entirely. Vormaino tattoo themselves with the runes and markings of their gods, clans, and mystic sects.
The Joserui are the gods and spirits of Vormain, the celestial ancestors who safeguarded Vormain against Nak and the other Anti-gods. Each of the great Joserui founded clans, whose ancestors still worship as their primary god, but all of Vormain worships the Joserui as a great imperial collective. Special priests known as Zenshin are trained from the Imperial Aristocracy, Warrior clans, and the Peasantry; ignoring their previous rank, they are seen as part of a Joserui's household, and are all equal in the eyes of the spirits.
The Vormaino speak a language called Imperial, which is related to both Kralorelan and the Tanyen trade dialect of the East Isles. Few Vormaino can read, with literacy being restricted to the Imperial Aristocracy and Zenshin.

Vormaino names reflect the importance of their clan of origin. All Vormano not of the Zenshin use their clan name, and then their personal name. For example: Jang Enrono.

Sample Clan Names: Bazhi, Githyo, Hairun, Hairunin, Hessa, Ho, Jan, Jang, Jayangar, Kanenaga, Kolmala, Kumanti, Loranaga, Mur, Sunda Kalapa, Surabaya

Sample Personal Names: Adara, Amam, Bogo, Brang, Daru, Enrono, Fen, Hensarava, Hin, Itagaki Jan, Jotomo, Kanamaru, Kuang, Kuyaku, Lun, Mado, Manusuko, Mevalu, Motoujo, Nombo Too, Vando, Vandero, Watha, Yimanu, Xersech, Xu

Sample Cult: Tskanth

Jayangar Nombo, Tskanth's favoured

Child of the wild waters and cold death, Tskanth is every bit as fierce as his parents. Tskanth was raised among the Barracuda servants of his mother, and did not even emerge from the ocean until his treacherous kinsmen flooded Vormain. Tskanth forswore his Anti-god heritage, and stood with his father to defend the islands. He took many brides and lovers, and fathered many clans of fierce warriors. He is now seen by outsiders as the god of piracy, for his clans are all sailors like their father; and see all who approach Vormain as enemies to be pillaged.

Death Rune: God of Rapacity and defender of Vormain's waters, Tskanth was trained by his father to be a warrior without mercy, giving him a connection to the Death Rune. His initiates can use the Death Rune to: aid victory in battle, fight with lightning speed, keep swords and spears sharp, and make leather and wooden armour as hard as bronze. Initiates strong in the Death Rune are vengeful and cruel.

Water Rune: Tskanth was raised by his mother the Sea Dragon, and from her he gains his connection to the Water Rune. Initiates of Tskanth can use the Water Rune to: becalm enemy ships, breath water, call and command barracudas, summon good sailing winds, and walk on water. Initiates strong in the Water Rune are energetic and proud.