Daun (race)

This page is about the race. For the metal, see Metals.

The Daun are the humans of the Realms, varying from dark-skinned to pale, blonde hair to black, thin and willowy to husky and short. On average, daun reach approximately six feet even, with females of the species slightly smaller. Daun are separated by culture far more than physiology, though certain traits predominate within each cultural group.

They are generally warlike and possessive.  Thanks to a higher birth rate coupled with the ability to adapt to nearly any environment, the Daun control much of the Thrael's surface with their armies and  empires.

Curious and bold, daun are admired for their adventurousness by most of the other races, but seen as irresponsible risk takers by some. Above all daun value individuality and creativity, though physical prowess and beauty are much admired.

The Daun possess no specific physical or magical attributes other than those they create with their inventive explorations of the three spheres.

There are six sub-cultures of the Daun race, each one as rich and complex as the next:

Kivians are by far the largest and most wide spread of the daun, building empires in Kuthgaard, Indrejan, Peregorne, and Noskalv.  Running the gamut of builds, skin colors, hair, and eyes, it can be difficult to determine who is of Kivian stock and who is not.  The height of Kivian culture is currently found in the Peregornian Empire, ruled by an emperor overseeing various united kingdoms.

Murkhs dominate the eastern half of Ziguran, making their home along the ocean bays or living as nomads deep within the desert.  Vibrant clothing only adds to the exotic nature of this culture, where women are valued as status symbols in a male dominated society.  Ruled by a dey and his kalifah (successor), the government of the  Murkhish people is a mixture of a monarchy and a dictatorship.

Carabello daun call Quesalia their home, where the Thrael is rich, the wine is sweet, and the people are cultured and refined.  Playwrights, musicians, courtiers, and poets are generally Carabello, being a people where grace and flamboyance are equally respected.  Some Carabello make their home in the city-state of Isola, living under a complex republic, whereas others are content to stay within inland Quesalia where feudal traditions are still followed.

Sunjo are a fierce and tribal people who make their home in the deepest jungles and southwestern coastal areas of Ziguran.  With ebony skin, dark eyes, and tightly curled hair, the Sunjo are easily recognized throughout Thrael by their looks, their battle prowess, and their animal husbandry.  Sunjo society is ruled by thirteen members belonging to the House of Chieftains, who oversee all aspects of the culture.

Tesugans are the predominate, ruling race found in the provinces of Nagosan, Dhansang, and Kamalo within the Vashan Empire.  Considered extremely rigid and traditional, the Tesugan people are xenophobic and generally regard all other non-Vashan races as barbarians who lack culture and discipline.  Social status plays a big part in Tesugan society, with each person having a place within a hierarchy ladder leading all the way to the Emperor himself.

Bija daun are also a part of the Vashan Empire, claiming most of the tropical southern islands for their own.  Color makes it way throughout all of Bijan society, especially in their style of dress. Though never gaudy, the Bija value grace, eloquence, and a refined sense of taste above even wealth.  Currently, the Bija chafe under a tight economical and military hold put on them by the Vashan Empire's Tesugan rulers, who have replaced the traditional rajahs with military governors (daimyo).