Aeber
The Aeber are a human ethnic group and nation from the far east of Falwood. Historically they are a nomad people, but some have settled along the coast of Akiva. To understand the Aeber is to understand that they are a thousand peoples, that they organize in tribes of hundreds and seldom tolerate the presence of outsiders. They largely keep to themselves, guarding their secrets and trails from any prospective scholars. Rather, Aeber lore shared to outsiders comes from those exiled or lost by their people, but even these are deeply informed by the creeds and nuances of their particular tribe, and thus nobody can say for sure just who are the Aeber. This suits the nation just fine.
The study of the Aeber is a hard and at times dangerous discipline, but nevertheless scholarly consensus has it that they have never truly settled, but rather migrate from region to region in accordance to their weather and creed. These decade-long travels mobilize thousands of people and their flocks, and upon arrival they are known to make home over mountainpasses, behind waterfalls, and where the wood canopy is so thick so as to hold stone. Aeber are known to attack trespassers that stumble on their dwellings, but prefer ambushing or even relocating over waging open war. This has endeared them little to their neighbors, who in turn learn to either leave them alone or first announce any business that might bring them close to their lands. And pay generously for it, of course.
Aeber keep trade among themselves, with the exception of fairies, gnomes and such magical folk, which they classify as duende - translated literally as 'ankle wisdom'. Shortness and magical capability are traits Aeber find endearing, and it is not uncommon for particularly ambitious individuals to curry favour with such creatures. Stories about these dealings abound, but even if caution is advised, Aebers have learnt to trust the duende.
Names
To outsiders Aeber naming conventions may seem complicated at first and even fickle, but there is a logic to it that relies on abstractions alien to any unaccustomed to the nomads. Because of this Aebers tend to be more forgiving with those that don't know better, while taking such disregard from fellow members of the nation as a profound insult to oneself, their ancestors and their gods. It is sufficient for those that aren't Aeber to know the order of the four first - as in the most important - names. First the one given at birth by the tribe elders, then the one chosen when coming of age, then the chosen name of a prestigious ancestor or figure from their tribe (choosing that of a still living person is seen as morbid and bordering on grovelling by the part of the one who bestowed it), and ending with the name of a god one worships. As the listing of names is deeply ceremonial and at times cumbersome, when needed Aebers call only either the chosen or shortest name.
For instance, take the name of the late dancer Dvulga of Fallwood, as he was know to his fellow circus members and audience in Elbion. Before being exiled for pelting a satyr prince with fire dung, his first four names were Vólgua Muno Briga De, of which he was stripped and rendered nameless. In fact, his use of a corrupted name outside of their lands would be seen as downright dishonorable, and enough to exile him for a second lifetime.
Ward names are understood by scholars studying the Aeber as a protective measure against death, disease and possession, and they seem to constitute a good part of any given individual's name. As their usage taps into the core of Aeber creed, inquiring after them invites stern looks and firm requests for one to vacate the premises.
For instance, take the name of the late dancer Dvulga of Fallwood, as he was know to his fellow circus members and audience in Elbion. Before being exiled for pelting a satyr prince with fire dung, his first four names were Vólgua Muno Briga De, of which he was stripped and rendered nameless. In fact, his use of a corrupted name outside of their lands would be seen as downright dishonorable, and enough to exile him for a second lifetime.
Ward names are understood by scholars studying the Aeber as a protective measure against death, disease and possession, and they seem to constitute a good part of any given individual's name. As their usage taps into the core of Aeber creed, inquiring after them invites stern looks and firm requests for one to vacate the premises.
Population
History
Culture and Society
Aebers believe that names are a powerful thing, bestowed by others and just as easily by them taken.