Eloysians
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Commonly known as “Bronzians” or “Bronzefolk,” Eloysians are one of the largest human ethnic groups found on the world of Oris.


The largest Eloysian populations are spread across the continent of Azoria, but significant ethnic minorities exist in Eldara, Kendar, Orel, Rennsfar, and Serathyr, as well as the city-states of Caldera and Sasserine.

Appearance


Eloysian men and women are usually tall and lithe, with soft round features. Eloysians have either black or very dark brown hair, copper-colored skin, and bright eyes of black, grey, or even maroon.

Only a few Eloysian men and women possess these dark-red eyes. The trait is called “Rubies of the Gods” and are quite desirable among Eloysian society.

Outlook


Eloysian culture is a highly stratified system of expectations and customs erected over the course of several millennia of immigration, warfare, and empire-building. Many nuances of proper social behavior are lost on outsiders; who are Aj’nabi in the ancient Duric tongue.

Eloysians of all social classes see no need to enlighten empty headed barbarians as to the intricacies of their own societal customs. Only if Aj’nabi, seek to do business with Eloysians, then it is in one’s best interest to educate oneself as to the ways and customs of the Eloysian society.

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As one of the oldest surviving human cultures in the world of Oris; Eloysians take a rather dim view of the cultures and peoples of Corwyn. When the ancient Civilizations of Sha’Dur and the Eloysian Empire were at their respective peaks; the civilized world on the continent of Corwyn was made up of scattered tribes; fighting with stones and bronze spears. It is difficult for Eloysians to see how these “barbarian” cultures evolved over the last three thousand years. While their attitudes might seem arrogant and conceited to others, Eloysians honestly believe their lands are the only bastion of culture and civilization in the world of Oris.

Few other ethnic groups on either Corwyn or Azoria are as proud as the Eloysians. Some say pride is their defining feature. Saving face and bolstering pride are of great importance in Eloysian society. Eloysian demand ot be treated as their social ranks allows for and as their public face deserves. Although they may be the cruelest slave masters, or the most cut-throat merchants; if they present themselves honestly and honorably, Eloysians expect to be treated in the same way. Protection of ones privacy and family affairs is almost sacred to Eloysians. This is especially important in a society where every social move is scrutinized by outsiders and everyone outside of ones own family is considered either a rival or an outright enemy.

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Language


Most Eloysians speak Duric; which is the original language of the lost civilization of Sha’Dur. For thousands of years it has been the spoken language of the Eloysians, and is commonly throughout the continent and various city-states of Azoria, the city-state of Tar Vielca, and even on western coast of the Continent of Za'har. This language is also widely spoken in the great seaports of Corwyn; such as Natharos, Wyn Falas, Ormath, Ordana, Rastios, and Tymor. Farther inland on Corwyn, the language is almost never encountered.

Names


Common Eloysian names include: Abu-Malik, Al’Dur, Al’Mir, Al’San, Al’Sid, Ansai, Ba’shir, Ben’jhen, Delario, Farshad, Hajji, Ha’Rhan, Hasan, Hozni, Khasann, Khomir, Ma’liq, Najir, Rha’jid, Ra’jir, Tariq, Taraji, Thon’Mir, Tulon, Xion, and Zathros.

Eloysian Characters


Eloysian men and women become adventurers for a variety of reasons. These reasons include: family pride, desire for wealth and fame, or simply to break away from the ingrained, familial structure of their society. Eloysians are naturally attuned to magic and many became wizards, clerics, or bards. Others with martial skills are natural fighters, swashbucklers, or even rogues. Very few Eloysians seek out the pursuits of Monks or paladins. These classes are almost unheard of in their society.

Social Classes


Eloysian society is divided into distinct classes. The Eloysian class system is pervasive; yet few speak of it openly or even acknowledge it. The unconscious knowledge of one’s place in society, allows most Eloysians to live out their lives in the manner that society expects them to without question. These class distinctions are often lost on outsiders, but native Eloysians do not stray from the boundaries of the social classes upon fear of social expulsion, enslavement, even arrest.

The lowest Eloysian social class is the slaves. They have no rights, and are given no respect; except from their fellow slaves. Even in this lowest of classes, there is stratification. There is a social distinction among Eloysian slaves, widely recognized by both slaves and owners. There are three distinct sub-groups of the slave population; laborers, personal slaves, house slaves and harem slaves.

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Laborers are the lowest of the low; their lives of toil are cheap and meaningless. Next, are the personal slaves; the body servants and attendants of the higher classes. Their status is higher because they are responsible for upper-class persons; keeping them clean, well-groomed, and well-dressed. House-slaves are considered quite valuable and trustworthy, especially in light of the fact that many of them care for the children of wealthy Eloysians. These Eloysian children often consider the house-slaves as nursemaids or even extended family. The highest status for slaves in Eloysian culture are Harem-slaves. They enjoy great privilege and often live lavish lifestyles better than many common free Eloysians.

The next social class level above slaves is the workers. Most workers are destitute and struggle as working poor. The members of this class include a variety of occupations; from common back-alley dung-sweeper, to a highly placed palace servant. What separates the members of this class from the slaves is freedom. The members of the worker class cling to their status as free citizens as a point of pride, even though slaves are actually better fed and treated in certain circumstances.

The next social class level above workers is the Skilled Laborers. This group includes artisans, craftspeople, scribes, and soldiers; as well as many other skilled tradesmen. Many of these folk are seen as quite socially valuable to the upper classes, for they possess important skills that are useful to them.

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Above the skilled laborers are the members of the Merchant class. This group comprises the broadest range of people and occupations; although the vast majority are simple merchants. On the lowest end of the spectrum are simple shopkeepers; who are treated little better than laborers unless they have acquired at least one other employee or one important noble client. The other, higher end of the spectrum is held by the Guild masters, or they are commonly called in Duric “Pasha.” In fact, guild members and guild-masters are held in such high regard, many senior members are considered part of the upper class. Between these two extremes are the professionals; scribes, apothecaries, healers, architects, engineers, priests, and so forth.

Above the skilled labor class are the military officers. These individual are considered equal standing to the merchant class, however, the military class is afforded slightly higher regard because of their keen role in the support and protection of royalty, and the ruling class. Because of memories of slave uprisings, the military no longer recruit slaves into their armies or pres them into conscript military service. Today, Eloysian soldiers are recruited only from free classes.

Above the military class are the Advisors. These esteemed figures are considered just below the actual rulers in Eloysian culture. Historically, these highly-educated and cultured men were called Hamanids or Vicars by the Eloysian Emperors of old. The advisors rule sectors of a large city, or tracts of rural areas, and hold much sway in local affairs.

Finally, the top social class of the Eloysian society is the Ruling Class. It is comprised of royalty and nobility of Eloysian society. The actual rulers; the Amirs, the Shahs, the caliphs, and the Padashahs are members of this small land elite class. The nobility hold absolute power, and there are very strict rules for inter-marriage within this group. For most ruling class Eloysians, nothing is more important than bloodlines and pedigrees.