Thalassite

Thalassite is a ethnic group originating in the Yor Sea that inhabits many of its western end and the Adoros River valley, sharing the common Thalassite language (NotGreek). Some of them follows the Silnarian religion and other their own native gods. They have a long history of sailing and seafaring, hence their name.

General Information

• Primary Faith: N/A
• Language: Thalassite / South Silnarian
• Locations: Salvainian Empire, Karkisias, Yor Sea
• Races: Mostly Water Macen
• Inheritance Law: Gender Equal Primogeniture.
• Slavery: Slavery is universally accepted and is considered an important part of the economies, although there were manumissions and it is frequent, the institutions continue on. Slaves are generally acquired by war, piracy, or by kidnapping or sales of children into slavery.
• Name Generation:
  • Thalassite: https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/ancient-greek-names.php
  • Adoric: https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/irish-names.php

Cultural Traits

• Power Structure: Thalassite prefers governance by a mixture of aristocracy and democratic assembly, and elders are respected for their wisdom. Where there is monarch, their right to rule is upheld strongly and their divine right to rule is emphasized - different substratum of Thalassite cultures have different views on the pros and cons of rule by royalty, oligarchy and democracy.
• Family Structure: Thalassite families center around the nuclear family rather than extended clan structures. Matrilineal traditions are respected, especially when it comes to transmission of family wealth and name, following from the reverence of goddesses in their mythology.
• Gender & Sexuality: Gender roles are somewhat rigid - with most seen as either male or female, adoption of traits traditionally seen as masculine or feminine are considered fine, however. The culture embraces liberal views on sexuality and relationships, taking the views that if the gods act like that - so could ordinary men.
• Hospitality: Guests are honored with libations and offerings of barley cakes and wine, poured to half of the cup's capacity to signal moderation. Guests tap the table to show gratitude, a ritual to invoke the gods blessing on the household
• Artisanship: Renowned for their craftsmanship in pottery, sculpture and textile production. Silk is a highly luxurious textile and Thalassite engages in sericulture.
• Religion: Household shrines are dedicated to a variety of gods and goddesses, with particular devotion to gods of wisdom and wars. Amulets are often worn and believed to carry blessings for safety and prosperity.
• Charity: Acts of charity are seen as a duty to both the gods and the community. Wealthier citizens and temple caretakers distribute food and money during festivals, which double as times to honor the gods and support the less fortunate.
• Conflict Resolution: Justice is seen by debates and legal proceedings in public forums or court. Physical forces is generally seen as a last measure in defense of the polis or the community against outsiders.
• War: War should be conducted under codes of honor and justified by consultation of the public interests. However practical warfares have always diverged from the philosophical ideal, as with many other culture
• Magic: Thalassites are highly adept with magic due to a focus on providing educations in many of the polis. Necromancy is practiced but strictly regulated to ensures no unintended consequences arises.
• Greetings: “May the gods guide you" is a common salutation.
• Nature Reverence: Nature is deeply respected and god of agriculture and wildlife is widely worshipped. Offerings for fruitful harvests and prayer for protection from natural calamities is important.
• Celestial Observations: The culture places a high emphasis on astrology and celestial events and believe they influence politics and agriculture.
• Festivals, Games and Art: Thalassite holds festivals that are not only religious and also celebrate athletic prowess and artistic achievements - it is seen as a peaceful way to display human excellence and the acknowledged hegemon of the Thalassites are generally responsible for funding and hosting it - with great prestige that come with the title.

Cuisine

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_cuisine

Thalassite cuisine are obviously based on that of the Greek itself (As is the entire culture). However, there's some differences - especially when it comes to the cuisine of the Adoric subculture. While Thalassite cuisine in the northeast and in Karkisias largely stay true to Greek cuisine in our timeline. Retsina is very popular across both Thalassite and Adoric land - particularly driven by a desires to set their own culture apart from the Silnarian from the north.

Thalassite and Adoric cuisine incorporates two waves of different influences - first, Silnarian influences brought in pasta and large amount of leavened bread into the Thalassite palate, with pasta being commonly eaten in Adoric land and even part of Thalassite land. When Haslan Salvain succeeded the South Silnarian Empire, he brought in Siuian influence and also widespread rice cultivation in the Adoros Delta. As a result, Adoric cuisine, especially in the south, incorporate a large amount of rice into their diet as a staple. Other than traditional Greek way of preparing rice - Siuian influenced way such as cooking with saffron together with meat for a biryani-like preparation is common, and certain Adoric family also adores the burnt rice.

Subcultures

Adoric

The Adoric culture arose in the Adoros River Valley - which the Thalassite settled and spread all over, stopping only at the Wynland basin that was already inhabited by the Wyndish people. When the Silnarian came over and conquered their land, the Adoric branch of the Thalassite people ended up adopting their language over centuries - although Adoric Silnarian (Or South Silnarian) is a rather distinctive language. For example place names are structured in a more classical, Thalassite like manner, such as Eoforia instead of Tir Eofori. There are also many underlying Thalassite loanwords or vocabulary in their languages - making it quite easy to tell apart a speaker of Adoric Silnarian from a speaker of northern Silnarian languages.