Auvergne: Les Peuple Noble

[Chaqery 427]

A newly published book, and many copies of it, are distributed throughout the Imperium Tertius and beyond. It's content is as follows:

 

Auvernge: Les Peuple Noble

par

Jacques Lerain

Translated into common by

Marcel de Bretagne

 

 

Preface by the translator:

 

As the son of a sworn agent of the Emperor Godfrey I, the flight of Horen V, The Order of the White Rose, and much of the Imperial Privy council (and the subsequent deterioration of Imperial stature at the time) in what is now generally referred to as "The Exodus" meant that my family spent most of it's time locked and hidden away into the less publicly known locations of the realm. It was in one of these locations, the library wing of an old underground fortress, that I stumbled upon the following book. With wonder, I learned the inner workings of a culture that, being born into it, I presumed in my arrogance to fully understand. It was in the spirit of my own discovery that I set about to translate this work into common, that the Empire and indeed the rest of the world might know more of the Auvergnian people.

 

Furthermore, I hope that the spread of this knowledges might debase the rather absurd notion as of late that a certain noble house is the rightful leader of the Auvergnian people. Not only is this a self-centered and arrogant mindset, it would also imply that the existence of House Pascal, Brunswick, my own de Bretagne, or even the Bedevere family's existence means nothing. I believe we're all just as important... and likely more. May the translated pages ahead remind not only the Empire, but the rest of the realm what the Auvergnian people are truly made of.

Signed,

Marcel de Bretagne

 

Chapter I: Myths and Legends

 

Before I begin detailing the finer details and nuances of Auvergnian culture, I must take the time to explain briefly the core set of myths and legends inherent to the Auvergnian people. It is from these stories that much of their cultural inspiration is drawn, consciously or not.

 

I. Le Chanson de Baldwin

While not as dated as some other Auvergnian myths, this tale is easily considered the Epic of the Auvergnian people. Written in the "Chanson de Geste", dated Auvergnian for "song of heroic deeds" it details the saga of Baldwin, favored knight of the mythical King Lorant. I have merely summarized the work here, as an attempt to include it fully would only daunt the reader.

Baldwin is a brave, fierce and loyal knight of the King, responsible for the rearguard of the royal army. During the span of a long campaign against the Kingdom of Masile, the mythical enemies of King Lorant's ancient kingdom, Baldwin and his men-at-arms are ambushed by a vastly numerically superior Masilian force. In the face of such odds, Baldin and his forces charge into the enemy ranks. Despite their valiant efforts, Baldwin's men cannot possibly hope to defeat the Masilians. In his last moments, having been left for dead after taking multiple arrows to the chest, Baldwin prays to God that King Lorant might be warned of the impending army marching upon his rear flank. His prayer is answered in the form of a tiny fire fairy sent to him by above. As the legend goes, his last words before death were "Thank you", generally perceived as a thank you to King Lorant for allowing Baldwin to be his knight.

The fairy, Turpin, reaches Lorant with the news of Baldwin's death, sending the normally kind but stoic king into a deep lament. He turns his army back around, and crushes the Masilian forces with swift retribution, it is said with nearly one hundred personal kills in the battle. The Masilian General is captured, and spared for his noble blood. Though questioning, he reveals that Ganelon, Baldwin's jealous brother-in-law had told them of the location for the ambush and when Baldwin's men would likely be there. For his treachery, Ganelon is drawn and quartered by horses. Upon returning to his own lands, King Lorant promises Thierry, Baldwin's wife, that he shall protect and provide for her family in his own court.

To many Auvergnians, Lorant is seen as the patron of their culture. The characters and their respective actions in Le Chanson de Baldwin are seen as example of what all Auvergians should, and should-not aspire to be.

 

II. La Chute de Dana

Auvergnian culture did not just appear on day, fully formed. Auvergnians are proud of them ancestors, the tribal Gardaçons, a fierce people with a talent for metallurgy far exceeding what might be expected of their society. La Chute de Dana, one of the most ancient tales available, tells the story of how the Lundic Wars, the mythical Lundic Empire's invasion of the Gardac homeland of Langardalaire, began.

The story tells that a massive Lundic host, lead by Marcus Denitus, lands on the coast of Langardalaire and is discovered by scouts from the tribe of Dana. The tribe rallies every male capable to cut the Lundics down before they can finish offloading from their ships, in a valiant defense of their home. In the following melee, all of the Gardac warrior save the young Pentarix are killed. Waking up (after having been knocked unconscious in the fighting), the young man stumbles back to his village, finding only smouldering ruins and charred remains.

Given the title, "The Last Chief of Dana", Pentarix goes on to use his first hand experience fighting the Lundic armies to unite all of Langardalaire in a defense. While ultimately the Lundics are victorious, Pentarix is hailed as a legendary hero to Auvergnians.

 

Chapter II: Values and Traits

 

I. Etiquette and its Implications

 

A functional knowledge of the Auvergnian people cannot possibly be achieved without understanding the very real weight that their concept of etiquette contributes.

 

In the briefest terms possible, Auvergnian etiquette demands that every social interaction be polite and hospitable. Intentional giving of offense and generally crude mannerisms are highly frowned upon. Hosts are expected to be generous, guests to be respectful, and those of lower social status are to be treated with the attention and respect an equal might receive. Negative emotions like anger and sadness are reserved for the confines of privacy, while positive emotions like love, happiness, and humor are openly expressed. In essence, Auvergnians are always cordial.

 

II. Nobless Oblige

 

Literally meaning "Nobility Obliges", Nobless Oblige is a core belief structure to all Auvergnians, nobility especially. It is a system built around what is considered the sacred relationship between liege and vassal. Lords are expected to provide their vassals with protection, fair and just leadership, and ample opportunity to better their own reputation and prestige. In turn, vassals are expected to be unquestioningly loyal, to represent their liege well in affairs of the realm, and to provide ample soldiers to the realm's causes. The fulfillment of these responsibilities from both liege and vassal are considered only proper to Auvergnians, anything less is unacceptable.

 

Furthermore, Nobless Oblige serves as an idea that nobility or gentry of any status must strive to behave in a manner becoming of their station. Qualities like intelligence, courage, charity and at the forefront honor are valued, where qualities like belligerence, cowardice, greed, and cruelty are enough to discredit the worthiness of a noble. In essence, nobility are expected to act exactly that - noble.

 

III. General Traits

 

- Magic Tolerance: Contrary to the general sentiment of fear of hostility towards the magics, most Auvergnians hold no ill will. Magic is not innately evil, else God would not have allowed it to exist. Magic users who use their abilities to positively contribute to society are welcomed with open arms. Dark Magics, and immoral magic users are met with the same hostility that they could expect elsewhere.

 

- Romanticism: Love, being a positive emotion, is openly expressed in Auvergnian culture. Auvergnians are known as fervent suitors, lovers, and spouses. A fire burns in their hearts.

 

- Passion: The aforementioned fire of passion that burns in Auvergnian hearts blazes for far more than just lovers. Their passion can just as easily lead them to be fiery warrior, zealous believers, or ambitious courtiers. It was in an effort to control at least the outward expression of these passions that the strict codes of Etiquette were adopted.

 

- Family Orientation: Auvergnians place special value upon family and the relationships therein. Parents raise their children in a loving, mentorship role. Children grow up to realize themselves and their action representations of their family and parents. Siblings share a close bond. Betrayal of a family member is second only to the betrayal of a liege lord in term of putting a black stain upon an individual's honor.

 

- Honorable: The very foundation upon which Auvergnian society is built is honor. Your word is your best and only credit, and through living up to your oaths and promises you can further your reputation. Decency of character and know what's right are musts. Auvergnians pride themselves on being honorable. A loss of honor is enough to ruin an individual's life, and insulting someone's honor is a very quick way to make very fiery Auvergnian enemies.

 

- Cultural Affinity: Auvergnians, due to their relatively small population, are generally inclined to like one another. Their shared culture and heritage, not to mention the politeness exchanged when both parties are accustomed to etiquette, typically leads to fantastic relations between Auvergnians, and between Auvergnians and those of similar cultures.

 

- L'Esprit Gardac: Named after the mythical ancestors of the Auvergnians, the "Gardac Spirit" is the term used to describe the very uniquely Auvergnian sense of humor. High-brow satire, playful mockery, and oftentimes hinting at crude or lewd behavior combine to create what can only be described as "L'Esprit Gardac"

 

- Horse Culture: While Auvergnians are by no means Nomadic people, horses do play a crucial role in defining who they are. In war, Auvegnian heavy cavalry is renowned throughout the Empire as a symbol of Auvergnian power. Auvergnian horses are bred for strength over speed or maneuverability, so that they can both pull heavy plows or bear heavily armored men into battle. Auvergnian children are told that thunder is the hoof beats of God unleashing the heroes of Auvergne upon his enemies, and that lightning is the spark of metal as their lances make contact with Iblees' front lines.

 

IV. Cuisine

 

While the typical notion of Auvergnian cuisine brings to mind oddities like snails or the like, the truth is rather different. Auvergnian foods are taken from whatever is at hand locally and prepared in manners that bring out rich flavors. Hearty breads, meats of all kind, and whatever vegetables grow best locally blend to create meals that are tasteful and filling. It is only in ceremonial occasions that the exotic and odd cuisine makes an appearance.

 

((WIP))

[Chaqery 427]

((Reserved))

[CasualGhost 184]

Father Cordal Winter purchases one of these manuscripts and reads through it thoroughly. 

[Esterlen 4499]

((It was Horen V who went on the Exodus, not Horen IV.))

[Chaqery 427]

((Edited accordingly))

[Catarrh 720]

Is this still an active culture?

[Jonificus 2762]

((There are a few active Auvergnian families, don't know how many but a few.

[Catarrh 720]

((Alright. Thanks.))

[IrishPerson 693]

(( Very much still an active culture within Oren at least. ))

[Aetosion 2062]

((It had largely died out during the Carrion Vochna, but the return of the Rose from Aeldin brought several old minor common/gentry Auvergnian families to newfound prominence. Activity in the subculture is still confined mostly to the gentry and nobility, as high-status Auvergnian families reside almost exclusively in Kaldonia without stand-alone settlements to foster peasant activity. That said, a plurality, if not a majority, of privy councilors are of Auvergnian families, so the subculture has the means to significantly influence modern Orenian culture.))

[Catarrh 720]

((Ah. Thank you. My alternate character is half-Auvergnian, so I thought it'd be fun if he tried to learn more about his heritage IC. It may be tricky for him to contact Orenian gentry, but at least I know they're actually around.))

[Birdwhisperer 1174]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.