Ardelan
The Ardelan
Distinguishing characteristics: Ardellis lays within the heart of the Known world. Its people are diverse in their ways with different cultures and races adapted into the Kingdoms own over time, no set physical attributes distinguishing its people and they have the ability to excel at whatever they please, with no limitations on focus or skill.
Homeland: Ardellis
Expanded
The Ardelan, hailing from the politically neutral kingdom of Ardellis, embody a unique blend of diversity and adaptability.
The Ardelan people are shaped by the specific regions within Ardellis that they call home.
This internal diversity leads to a society where customs, dialects, attire, and values can vary widely from one part of the kingdom to another. This many varied traditions makes them uniquely suited to peaceful relations and diplomatic exchanges with neighboring lands.
Each community within Ardellis might develop its own festivals, dialects, and ways of life, making the Ardelan culture rich and complex. This cultural fluidity allows Ardelans to relate to many different races and backgrounds, as their upbringing emphasizes an understanding of multiple perspectives. The kingdom’s neutrality also encourages tolerance and compromise, values that are core to the Ardelan identity.
Though culturally diverse some core beliefs and values unite the people Ardellis. Their collective identity is built on tolerance toward outsiders, which has evolved through centuries of contact with travelers and diverse populations within their borders. This open-mindedness is matched by a respect for a structured social hierarchy, believed to be essential for preserving Ardellis’s stability and neutral political stance.
This belief in hierarchy doesn't necessarily imply rigid social immobility; rather, it's an understanding that each role—be it leader, artisan, or scholar—contributes to the kingdom’s harmony and continuity. These shared values create a foundation for unity among the Ardelan people.
Guidelines:
General Traits of the Ardelan Race:
- Curious: Ardelans have an inherent curiosity about the world around them. This curiosity often drives them to learn new skills, explore unfamiliar concepts, or engage with travelers from distant lands.
- Respect for Social Structure: Ardelans value the social systems that have allowed their kingdom to thrive. They see these structures as the foundation of their nation’s stability and neutrality, thus holding them in high regard.
- Pride in Acceptance: Ardelans take pride in their capacity to tolerate other races, often seeing this tolerance as a hallmark of sophistication. Prejudices like racism and bigotry are generally viewed as archaic and narrow-minded.
Regional Differences:
Haven Ardelans:
- Belief-Driven Yet Open: Residents of Haven are deeply rooted in their personal beliefs but are also open to engaging with newcomers, especially if they show respect for local customs.
- Protective of Local Economy: While they are welcoming, those of Haven are protective of their town’s economic stability, particularly when it comes to local jobs and trade.
- Focused Curiosity: While curious like most Ardelans, Havenites often channel their curiosity into specific interests, such as trade, craftsmanship, or the lore of the Lyss Lake.
Aerith Ardelans:
- Live and Let Live: In the bustling city of Aerith, the dominant attitude is one of personal freedom. Ardelans here adopt a “do what you will, believe what you want” philosophy, a culture of acceptance where diverse beliefs and lifestyles coexist with minimal judgment.
- Urban Sophistication: Aerith’s residents are accustomed to a fast-paced, cosmopolitan environment, which makes them adept at navigating the complexities of city life. They tend to be more relaxed about social norms, allowing for greater individuality.
- Less Protective, More Adaptive: Unlike the more insular Haven townsfolk, Aerith Ardelans are less concerned with protecting local interests and more focused on adapting to new trends, ideas, and innovations brought in by travelers and traders.