The Grenzi

[Mirtok 2853]

The Grenzi

 

~ Map of Grenz, 1842 ~

Table of Contents

     I. History
     II. Physical Traits
     III. Cultural Characteristics
     IV. Language and Names

I.    History

~ The Battle for Sargoth, led by Hochmeister Gaius Marius, 1328 ~

 

The Grenzic people find their earliest roots in the realm of Aegis, having formed from the collective populations conquered by the Teutonic Order under the reign of Hochmeister Gaius Marius. The majority of the people brought under the banner of the Order were mostly of varied Northerner descent, or more commonly known today as Highlanders. With the creation of the Realm of Hanseti in the 1340s saw the new cultural identity of Hansetian form.

 

Following the escape from Aegis to Asulon in 1351 as a result of the fall of Iblees, the Hansetians settled in the Southern reaches of the continent as plotted by an early expedition force sanctioned by Hochmeister Samuel Bealcrest. Shielded from the mainland by an extensive and nearly impenetrable mountain range, Hanseti found purchase among the snowy rolling hills, frozen rivers, and rocky coastlines of their Realm. From the spot of their initial settlement in the South grew the capital city of Dresden, and all through the frozen wastes so too did other communities form such as Argos, Sorovitz, and Wachterstadt. Over time, the harsh landscape the Hansetians found themselves in were affectionately regarded as the Motherlands.

 

Upon the ascension of Hochmeister Mirtok DeNurem and the creation of the Duchy of Hanseti under the First Holy Orenien Empire, the local traditions and values that had come to define the Hansetians truly began to take shape. Through necessity and harsh governance of the Teutonic Order all citizens of Hanseti foundselves impressed into service by the Order in some active capacity. As the ambitions of the Empire grew, and the realm continuously rallied to the call of war, Hanseti was awarded a Kingdom. However, the overwhelming influence of the 1st Empire did little to change the natural tendencies of the Hansetian people and throughout this period the old ways of Hanseti persisted. As well, a series of natural disasters that prevented free travel within the realm saw the Hansetian peoples mostly isolated from the outside world.

 

Though when Asulon was stricken with a great flood in the year 1414, the Hansetians under the care of the Teutonic Order and the Empire loaded up onto ships and sailed for the lands of Anthos. Hanseti was landed in the Northern region of the Empire upon arrival in the new world. Yet another imposing mountain range cradled the Kingdom to the North while the South bordered several other communities such as Kralta, Salvus, and Kaedrin. Upon the facade of the mountain, near the great maw that led into the untamed wilds of the Greater North, the legendary Castle Greywynn was carved from stone. However, at this point in the history of the Kingdom, virtually all Hansetians were fully fledged Sariants of the Teutonic Order. As such, no other Hansetian settlements were founded as the entire population lived within the Castle and it’s grounds. This ethno-military state caused a further shift in the Hansetian culture towards an even stronger sense of duty and martial calling that was strongly influenced by the tenants of the Order.

 

~ The Crow defeats the Cross, 1450 ~

 

After the Kingdom was toppled several years following the defeat of the Order at the Battle of the Dreadfort, the Hansetian peoples found themselves under uncertain circumstances. The Order itself was forcibly disbanded by the Emperor and their homes dismantled by their old enemies. This caused several contingent groups to form within the population that slowly drifted away and integrated in other regions of the Empire. However, there were some still who maintained their traditions true to old ways formed in the Motherlands of Asulon. For a great number of years, the Hansetian peoples remained scattered within the Empire until the final invasion of the Scourge drove the descendants from Anthos in 1457.

 

When Hochmeister Mirtok DeNurem allegedly resurfaced in Athera after his mysterious disappearance in Anthos, a great number of Hansetians descendants of Sariants from the Teutonic Order rallied to his call to reform the Realm of Hanseti- now separate from the Empire. It was in the Northern most region just before the great dune mesas that the Hansetian city of Snowdrift was settled. In the decades after, the Order established a Highlander commonwealth which brought several subcultures of Humanity into the fold. The Hansetians in typical fashion kept to their own within the main holdings of the Order, donning the tabard of a Sariant or toiling in the fields in service to the Hochmeister. In the year 1472, Hochmeister DeNurem decided to officially retire the Teutonic Order and hand control of the Realm to its civilian population- effectively dismantling the military stratocracy that had come to define the Hansetian peoples.

 

~ Ale Hansete migrants, 1587 ~
 

Some continued to live and operate the Realm following the departure of the Order while others chose to assimilate into nearby communities- such as Aesterwald. One such contingent of Hansetians, mostly descendants of past Teutonic Sariants, stuck close to House DeNurem, following the family in its sabbatical through the ages and across multiple voyages to new lands. This arrangement persisted over the next couple centuries with DeNurem nobles lording over a population of Hansetians of their own along the fringes of Human borders. As the other related cohorts of the Hansetians melded and mixed with nearby Human cultures they formed new peoples like the Haeseni; however, these holdovers maintained the olds ways of their Motherland- thus earning them the moniker of Old Hansetians or Ale Hansete in their native tongue of Old Marian. But in the two centuries that passed since the retirement of the Order, even the Ale Hansete could not hold onto every aspect of their ancient traditions. Due to the lack of a stable homeland and an evolving idea of what mattered to the people that followed House DeNurem, a cultural shift began to slowly form through time causing even the Old Hansetians to become distinct from their ancient ancestors.

 

When members of House DeNurem began to migrate into the Holy Oren Empire during the 1740s in Arcas, the Old Hansetians followed suit. Most found safe homes and stable work on an island in the North-Eastern territories of the Empire under the stone shadow of the nearby Curon. Throughout the 9th Nordling war that plagued the Empire during this time, the Old Hansetians were left virtually untouched by the conflicts. Choosing instead to focus on the simplicities of life and to live peacefully with their families. As well, without the guidance of the greater House DeNurem to compel them towards a shared goal, the Old Hansetians chose to occupy themselves with humble work and relatively primitive infrastructure compared to the Petrine cities where most Imperial citizens lived.

 

After aiding in establishing their first settlement in the North-Eastern territories in the year 1743, the then young Alren DeNurem enlisted into the service of the Imperial State Army. Over the next several decades he managed to carve out an impressive military career that resulted in his ascension to Chief of War and Fieldmarschal of the entire Imperial forces. His work proved pivotal in the modernisation of the Empire's primary military organization, as well, his leadership carried the nation through multiple devastating conflicts- later to include the war with the Inferi. In response to Alren DeNurems efforts, Emperor Peter III awarded him the County of Mordskov in 1781- a title once held by a distant relative of Alren a century prior. Though in the midst of the Inferi crisis, the new Count had not found the time to properly settle his county for the people he brought over from his ancestral home.

 

~ The “Ale Hansete Company” of the ISA battling the Inferi, 1790 ~

 

As the conflicts of the world grew too great with the invasion of the dreaded Inferi, the Old Hansetians were forced to abandon their isolated lifestyles and join in on the fight. Many enlisted into the ranks of the Imperial State Army, hoping to find protection in the framework of the Empire for their families. Their island village had increasingly experienced strange anomalies as the war raged on, eventually accumulating in it’s destruction as an Inferi detachment attempted to enslave its inhabitants. Luckily, the mighty Eye of Man Imperial fortress constructed over the abandoned city of Avalain provided secure accommodations and ample protection from the apocalypse. It was here the remaining civilian Old Hansetians stayed until the final days of Arcas.

 

For much of the 7th Empire's history, the Highlander population was mostly concentrated under the banner of the Kingdom of Haense. In 1794 the Kingdom was expelled from the union of the Empire following several decades of diplomatic friction and failed obligations on the part of the vassal nation. This expulsion resulted in a dramatic emmigration of the primary Highlander demographics from the Empire, most obviously the Haeseni but also the few sub-cultures that were ethnically similar. However, some of the Haeseni and even some distinct Raevir peoples remained within the Empire, choosing Imperial loyalties instead. Prominent noble families such as the Othamans, Rutherns, and the Carrion-Tuvyics were among those who maintained Imperial allegiances, anchoring with them their associated peoples and ancestral traditions. As well, a curious family of Highlanders by the name of the Vuiller also chose to remain. But as the war with the Inferi dragged on and the stability of the world was thrown into complete chaos following the conclusion of the Inferi war, these Highlanders were left scattered as refugees while the Imperial Government transported countless citizens to the Eye of Man in the last days of Arcas.

 

Upon landfall in the realm of Almaris at the turn of the 19th century, swaths of Imperial lands were given out to the various peers of the Empire. The County of Mordskov was officially settled in the Northern alpine region, atop a mountain bluff that overlooked the Haeseni border. House DeNurem under the direction of Count Alren DeNurem constructed a hardy stone manor in the styles of Old Hanseti from the 15th and 16th centuries. During this early period, the common folk of the Empire were housed in the capital city of Providence as the lands around them were explored, tamed, and settled. When word had reached the Old Hansetians of what House DeNurem had built, a migration into the North began. This initial mass wave of settlers compelled the rest of the isolated Highlanders to follow suit. One such group of people called the Woldzkiy, otherwise known as Old Raevs, joined together in the establishment of the first official settlement outside of Providence, Dobrov.

 

~ A Logging Village in the Grenz, 1805 ~

 

The lands to the North of Providence, near the border of the Kingdom of Haense, came to be called The Grenz. The region within the Empire became a gathering place for many Highlander peoples due to its agreeable climate and familiar natural elements. The municipality of Dobrov was also a major attraction as it provided a beacon of Highlander society in an otherwise wild North. Many Old Hansetians settled into the Grenz alongside their Woldzkiy and Haeseni neighbors, building quaint cottages out in the woods or finding residence in the humble village homes of Dobrov. With the reintroduction of a reliable homeland and an emboldened affection towards the Holy Orenien Empire, those who had previously identified as Old Hansetians began to adopt the new identity of Grenzic. For the next 40 years that followed, the ideals and traditions of the people in the Grenz began to blend together, borrowing aspects and elements from the rich and storied histories of each group and various noble families. Barring pockets of distinct subcultures within the region, the peoples in the Grenz began to homogenize with each new generation, forming new traditions and .

 

As a new chapter in the history of the Empire unfolds, the future of the Grenzi- seems optimistic. An ancient lineage of peoples, scattered by hardship spanning across centuries, have once again found community amongst themselves, and a homeland to call their own within the prosperous fold of the Holy Orenien Empire.

II.    Physical Traits

~ Portrait of Sir Alren DeNurem the White Bull, Count of Mordskov, 1770 ~

 

Grenzic Nobility and Aristocracy
Modern Grenzic nobility is mostly comprised of members of House DeNurem, an ancestrally Old Hansetian noble house hailing from the 1st Empire. However, the members of House DeNurem are distinctly different from a typical Grenzic commoner or aristocrat in that they exclusively have snow white hair and green eyes- a condition that has persisted for six centuries of recorded history. Other noble Grenzic lines include House Darkwood of the Old Hansetian stock, and House Ruthern which hold roots in Haense but have assimilated into the Grenzic culture through the decades.

 

The typical Grenzic aristocrat shares a similar phenotype with their commoner counterparts, being of large physical build. Though they tend to have a lighter brown or even auburn color, with relaxed waves or even straight hair. Though much of the Grenzic culture favors laboriousness, the lifestyle of the aristocracy has given rise to taller skeletal frames and sharper facial features. Most male Grenzic aristocrats are 6 feet tall, peaking at 6 foot 3 inches at the tallest; while females are usually 5 foot 6 inches, 6 feet at the tallest.

 

Grenzic Commoners
Grenzic Commoners exhibit many of the stereotypical traits of the classic Highlanders as well as those of the Old Hansetians they descend from. A burly, hardy and resilient people; Fair skinned with darker colored wavy hair, most commonly found with grey or green colored eyes. On very rare occasions, a Grenzic person may have red hair and sparse freckles. Typical Grenzic males are bulky in mass and tall by nature, peaking at around 6 feet; While females do not reach such height, peaking at about 5 feet 7 inches with a similar distribution of mass by comparison. Their physical traits make them very adaptable in cold or winter climates as well as mountainous and tundra regions.

 

III.    Cultural Characteristics

 

Common Callings
The Grenzi overall have a shared sense of pride in service to the Empire and celebration for hard fought battles. Always seeking a challenge, most enlist in the Imperial State Army in order to curb their overwhelming sense of duty. Their appreciation for warfare and powerful physique make them excellent infantry soldiers, usually specializing in two-handed or other heavy weapons. In addition to a martial calling, the Grenzi have always been pioneers in industrialization, discovering innovations and building machines that replace the need for physical labor whenever possible. These are both traits that harken back to the Old Hansetians and the Teutonic Order.

 

~ An Old Hansetian panhandler prospecting at Hogspeak, 1807 ~

 

Many Grenzi alternatively find suitable work as miners, loggers, and farmers; as well skilled work in blacksmithing, engineering, and beast mastery. But all those who devote themselves in service to their community and the Empire are honored by the Grenzic culture, regardless of the work they choose to pursue.

 

Cuisine
Grenzic nobles and commoners alike tend to congregate in taverns and feasting halls to engage in merriment and drinking. Their large body mass allows them to handle quite a bit more ale than their Heartlander cousins and comrades in the Empire, but they prefer the taste of mead over a hard drink. They also derive great joy from the tastes of food, with much of their customary dishes being heavily salted savory dishes- high in protein and rich with caloric value to supplement their active and rugged lifestyles.

 

The Grenzi covet meat and fish as their primary source of calories, especially that which is personally hunted or caught. Due to the mountainous terrain of the Grenz, there are many creeks and waterways that flow down towards the river to the South. As well, the great lake that is shared with the nearby Kingdom of Haense. Both sources of water are also bountiful sources of fishes like salmon, trout, and cod which are among the most favored. In addition, because of the climate in The Grenz, starchy potatoes, pulpy pumpkins, and sweet cabbages are also mainstays in Grenzic cuisine.
 
Fashion
Due to the cold climate of the Grenz, the Grenzi prefer to wear thicker set clothing which can usually double as protection in a fight. Featuring articles such as fur lined hooded cowls, a heavy gambeson in place of a tunic, long and thick woolen socks, and reinforced leather boots. Even the aristocracy prefer bulkier and warm cloths, choosing to display their status through finely made hats and cloaks or objects of delicate ornamentation like pocket watches, tobacco tins, buttons and buckles made from precious metals.

 

It can be said that the Grenzic do not have a large fixation on the fine clothes that can be found in places like the Imperial Capital. Instead, they choose garbs that are often either very comfortable or possess utilitarian value for their environment. Grenzic folk, both active and veteran military members, often continue to wear their service uniforms as a badge of honor even when no longer on duty or through retirement.

 

Facial hair is very common among the Grenzi, with particular emphasis on large beards and groomed mustaches. Normally only the young or aristocratic are clean shaven, though sporting a mustache with no beard is seen as very fashionable.

 

Disposition

~ Tavern Life in the Grenz, 1832 ~

 

Most Grenzic people are cheery or jolly by nature and consider it very normal to greet strangers of all sorts. When not in their homes, they can be found gently warming themselves by a roaring fire, talking with neighbors, and enjoying a pint. They have a strong sense of community with those around them and are generally nationalistic towards Oren and the Empire at large.

 

However, the Grenzi are also quite competitive and relish a good fight or to conquer an obstacle. Minor feats of strength, skill, or smarts are incorporated into casual interactions between Grenzi- usually in the form of friendly games. The Grenzi love to celebrate victory and appreciate boasting when it is earned, though cast no shame to those who are bested so long as a valiant effort was offered.

 

Religion

Though the Old Hansetians under the Teutonic Order were not particularly religious, the Grenzi find great comfort in the words of Canonism and the veneration of Exalted Godfrey. They also choose Saint Wilfriche of Hanseti, and Saint Joren of Paradisus, and Saint Harald Vuiller of Vuillermoz as their preferred patron saints. A shrine of any can be found in just about every Grenzic home, usually near the hearth or where a family typically spends most of its time.

 

Notable Grenzic People

• Alren DeNurem: Patriarch of House DeNurem in the 7th Empire. First Count of Mordskov. 3rd Field Marshal of the Imperial State Army. 4th Generalissimo of the Empire. Modernized the Imperial State Army and defended the Empire as General in the 7th & 8th Nordling wars, Chelovek Rebellion, Schyfling War, Merryweather War, and the war with the Inferi. Organized the collective militaries of the descendant races during multiple battles with the Inferi. Grand Cross of the Lion Knights Chapter. Led the progenitor Grenzi- Old Hansetians- into the fold of the Empire in the 18th century. Arranged the settlement of the Old Hansetians into the Grenz at the turn of the following century. Served as the first Governor of Grenz.
   
• Drasus DeNurem: Grandson of Alren DeNurem. 7th Archchanceller of the 7th Empire. Pioneered the recognition of the Grenzic people. Advised the Crown in the creation of the Grenzic Country. Served as Home Secretary under the Sarkozic Ministry, helped lay the foundations of Dobrov. Constructed several infrastructure improvements in Grenz which ignited industrialism in the area.
   
• Velhrun Darkwood: Patriarch of House Darkwood, first Baron of Darkwood. 5th Field Marshal of the Imperial State Army. Defended the Empire as General during the 8th & 9th Nordling wars, and the Sedanite Rebellion. Knight Commander of the Lion Knights Chapter. Rose from an Old Hansetian commoner to an Imperial peer through martial prowess and leal service to the Crown. Served as Magistrate to Dobrov, helping settle the North frontier.
   
• Erik var Ruthern: First Count of Kositz. 6th Field Marshal of the Imperial State Army. Knight of the Lion Knights Chapter. Served as Lord Speaker for the House of Lords in both the 24th and 25th Imperial Diet. Served in the Scyfling Invasion of Hanseti-Ruska, Inferi War, Sedanite Rebellion, and Tenth Nordling War. Maintained allegiance to the Empire for House Ruthern following the expulsion of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska in Arcas. Shared important social and cultural practices with the Old Hansetians that were adopted into the fabric of the Grenzic people.
   
• Johan Vuiller: Patriarch of House Vuiller. Son of Saint Harald Vuiller, First Knight-Regent of the Canonist Church, founding member of the All-Saints Holy Order. Led the Palatine states of Vuillermoz and Aquila in Arcas. Fought for the Empire in the 9th and 10th Nordling wars, as well the Sedanite Rebellion. Knight of the Black Sepulcher, Served with the All-Saints and Imperial States Army during the Inferi war. Rescued countless Imperial refugees during the escape from Arcas. Imperial Chaplain and personal advisor to Emperor John VIII and Philip II. Introduced the Old Hansetians to the virtues of Modern Canonism, instilling the patronage of Saints into the common cultural practices of the Grenzi.

 

IV.    Language and Names

 

Imperial Common 
The most commonly used language by humans spawned from countless years of usage and adaptation. Virtually all Grenzi are bi-lingual and in instances where Old Marian does not have a word, Common may be organically inserted and understood. Old Marian has a much harsher and thicker accent than Common which tends to blunt certain Common words with a distinct throaty accent when spoken by an Old Marian speaker.

 

Old Marian
The Grenzi speak the language of their forefathers in the original Realm of Hanseti, today referred to as Old Marian. A combination of the ancient Hansetian Language introduced by the founder and first King Gaius Marius and a Nordic dialect brought in by the absorbed northern Aegis peoples during the Teutonic Orders campaign for Human consolidation. Throughout many centuries, the language has maintained true to its original form with newer entries being added to its word stock as needed.

 

Dictionary

 

 

Traditional Given Names

 

Male:
Alaric, Alren, Alwin, Amalrich, Arnand, Bachanz, Bertholdt, Clause, Derek, Dimitri, Doromy, Drako, Eckhard, Eldak, Endris, Erik, Everard, Fenruus, Fredvard, Gaius, Garrig, Garrus, Gertoldt, Godfrik, Godwin, Grun, Gunthen, Haldrik, Halgrim, Hargied, Helmut, Jorgen, Klaude, Kohl, Konrad, Landus, Lukah, Luther, Maur, Mark, Martar, Merrick, Mikell, Mirtok, Nicolaus, Petrovik, Praxedis, Radard, Rainier, Reinhardt, Segari, Siggard, Sigisoro, Sollanz, Svaerd, Tesawa, Ultricht, Vanrik, Vanus, Velhrun, Viador, Viktor, Willholm

 

Female:
Adeline, Alexis, Allison, Anna, Belize, Britta, Caroline, Dasha, Dnuiv, Earla, Eis, Eliza, Erika, Eva, Fae, Faina, Fiora, Heidi, Hildrad, Ingrid, Johanna, Jadwig, Kaja, Katrine, Lida, Lotte, Lynn, Malo, Marta, Nadine, Naomi, Nyla, Rae, Reina, Silvia, Sigrid, Sorrow, Sonja, Sprava, Tilla, Titania, Trude, Vatar, Vatra, Vira, Winter, Yvonne, Yennefer, Zose

 

Surname Conventions
Grenzic surnames are usually compound words. Through centuries of adoption and utilization of Imperial Common, these surnames had tended to use Common words as opposed to Old Marian ones. However, some families have hybridized their surnames to make them sound more congruent with their mother tongue. Examples of this are: Darkwood, Wyncliff (Windcliff), and Songsteel. It also isn’t uncommon for surnames to be simple words or unique names that hold meaning to the family it belongs to.

 

Grenzic last names also make use of the origin particles of “De” denoting a family's city or regional genesis. The first example of this can be observed through House DeNurem with their family history beginning in the Teutonic city of Nuremberg- of Nurem, DeNurem. Uniquely to Grenzic culture are the stylings of “DeSurname” as opposed to the more common “de Surname” found elsewhere in the Empire. 

 

In addition, other particles such as “von” have also been observed among Grenzic nobility, originally introduced in the 15th centurty by the "von Schlictens" of Hanseti and reappropriated through Haeseni and House Ruthern influence via the "var/vas" particle usage. These particles are rarely seen among commoners as they denote legal noble lineage. Surnames employing the “von” particle utilize it to mean “of Surname” or that they are simply from that particular House rather than a location.

~ Culture Questions and Contact ~

Spoiler

This is an ever evolving project that will undoubtedly change over time and as others add to it. If anyone is interested in getting started with this culture set for their families or characters, or if you have any questions, you are more than welcome to contact me on discord at Markosi#3008 or here on the forums.

 

[Imperium 3495]

Erik Ruthern smiles as he and his family settle in their lands after nearly a generation.

[Harald 2875]

Johan Vuiller would smile the suns smile, finally could they call themselves something more then Highlanders officially within their loved home the Empire. He looked to his family with a bright smile while he sat outside in their family's estate gardens resting in his chair while they enjoyed some traditional Grenzi foods.  "Finally.. we are niet any longer only Highlanders.. we are Grenzi." he'd raise a glass to all those present a bright smile upon the one hundred and one year old man. "For a better time and life to come my children.. may St. James II warm our hearts and St. Harald Vuiller guide our minds and ensure we act fair and just!" he took a sip from his drink as conversation went on around their table.

@Lojo613@tadabug2000@Aworldwithoutdanger@Cjmate8 @Weebmaster36 @Parce Domine @MeteorDragon

[tadabug2000 4918]

On 10/17/2021 at 9:58 AM, Harald said:

Johan Vuiller would smile the suns smile, finally could they call themselves something more then Highlanders officially within their loved home the Empire. He looked to his family with a bright smile while he sat outside in their family's estate gardens resting in his chair while they enjoyed some traditional Grenzi foods.  "Finally.. we are niet any longer only Highlanders.. we are Grenzi." he'd raise a glass to all those present a bright smile upon the one hundred and one year old man. "For a better time and life to come my children.. may St. James II warm our hearts and St. Harald Vuiller guide our minds and ensure we act fair and just!" he took a sip from his drink as conversation went on around their table.

@Lojo613@tadabug2000@Aworldwithoutdanger@Cjmate8 @Weebmaster36 @Parce Domine @MeteorDragon

Ravn Vuillers gaze panned out to reach her fathers, Johan Vuiller, smile warm as she took in his happiness at such an event. The woman only ever wanted him happy, pouring his next drink carefully before continuing with the conversation around the table. Flustered embarrassment as the siblings made fun of each other, discussions of business and food and poking fun as one does with their family. It'd been a good time overall. She did finally know something, though, past that of St. Harald Vuiller and her initial heritage: She is Grenzi.

[Mescaffier 6197]

"We'll be becoming apart of the 'Grenzi' soon!" one Dame grinned to her eldest son. "I can't wait to put down the manor. I'm astonished no one's taken the chance to ****** the island."

[Samson Option 9652]

Alaric de Konigsdamm leaned into the rocking of his boat as it sailed within sight of Kositz. His saturnine demeanor cast grey over his face as he looked upon the land with a pessimistic determination. His lineage, in its origin, manifested like the birth of a star whereas the remainder of his family history ran its course through the timeline without accomplishment or legend.

 

"Warea ze soea farra? Weo ze soea u daes lent?"