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The Mercatore Minority | The Culture of Mercatore Mercatororen Gutxiengoa | Mercatororen Kultura INTRODUCTION Unbound by borders and forfeit of state, there stood a people of wandering traders and joyous traditions, uncontested and unopposed for long before the times of the Second Age. Although tragedy strikes on all beings following the paths of life, the people of Mercatore found their tragedies at the hands of other cultures. Some opted to run, others stood and fought a fight they knew they couldn’t win. Guided by Mother Mercatore, those who yearned for peace named themselves the “M. R. A.”, believe in the very extremes of their ideology. When peace approached, the peace-yearners would time and time again feel betrayed by their closest allies. Regardless of affiliation, and regardless of ideology, the men of Mercatore, or the Mercatorii, remain close and brotherly, aiding themselves in times of need although dramatically different in essence. A single people, united by a motto; “Viva la Mercatorii, Erlojuak Mesede Egiten Digu, Mercatore!” (Viva la Mercatorii, The Clock Benefits Us, Mercatore!) TORRESK (Demonym: Torreskian) The people of Torresk, are what many call the modern-day Mercatorii. What was one a subsect of three cultural groups, soon became one amalgam in order to survive in the modern day. A people with a storied history of mercantile travel and their unyielding loyalty to a singular uniting cause. Once categorized as friendly, hospitable, and not easily angered outside of select circumstances, are now stereotyped as an aggressive race of unyielding terrorists. A Torreskian man, out on the farm. Torreskian Physique Torreskians, or Mercatorii, are most known for their thin frames, and slender facial structures. Slightly hooked noses are notable, and prominent chins. Their skin tone ranges from light olive to medium tan. Hair colour is typically a light to dark brown, with eyes being hues of brown and green. Curly hair is seen over straight hair, and men are renowned for their difficulty to grow a beard. A Torreskian woman will often reach an average height of 4’11 - 5’8, with a life-expectancy of 68 years. A Torreskian male will often reach an average height of 5’3 - 6’1, with a life-expectancy of 50 years. The height of a Torreskian depends heavily on their family backgrounds. The bloodline of farming families, and people who work in and around the main hubs of Merctorii life will be taller. While those of mercantile families will tend to be smaller. Unfortunately, many Torreskians are at risk of developing Rosacae. Mostly due to their diet, and frequent sun exposure. Many older Torreskians will fare the red scarring. Torreskian Music & Art Music Arimaren Muska, Music of The Soul, is an upbeat form of musical presentation. Traditionally using hand-crafted fiddles, metal-drums and the iconic Mercatorii trumpet. This is the most common, played at celebrations, weddings and parties. Mercatorren Valsa, The Mercatore’s Waltz, is a piece of music often played at Weddings, and funerals. Described as a celebration of love and life, it is a group dance. A man and a woman, to cast good luck upon their futures. Art Two prominent styles exist in Mercatorii culture. That being Milite, and Post-Milite. While Milite has begun to fade out of popularity with many new-aged Mercatorii, it is still used widely by classic painters. The Milite style of painting starts with a white canvas being painted grey, being left to dry, before painting resumes. Brushstrokes are refined, and smooth, with a solid color shape being formed first, then shaded. The first solid color shape will be the head, going down to the arms and torso, and so on. Milite style often only focuses on a singular person, with the little background being painted. The individual is focused on, with each brushstroke serving a purpose. "A Fine Lady," A piece used typically when talking about Milite works. The Post-Milite style involves yet again a painted grey canvas, however it is not left to dry this time. Quick unrefined brush strokes are used to hastily capture what is in front of the artist, or in their mind. Post-Milite styled paintings do not focus on the individual, instead using background and ill detailed persons to send a message, or describe an idea. "The Mercatorii’s Dance" A piece used typically when talking about Post-Milite works Torreskian Wear Women Women of the Torreskian culture are bound to a degree of modesty, however their clothes remain practical for the variety of roles they must play. Hair is rarely cut, and will always be tied back into a bun or a plait. Long white pieces of fabric are used to cover the top of the woman's head. Often, their shoulders will be adorned with a red shawl - tied around their front. Two young Torreskian women preparing for a day's work. One common dress for the Torreskian women is a white blouse with baggy sleeves and fitted cuffs. Optionally, the women may embroider the shirt with any patterns they deem fit. Atop this, is a black - or any darkly coloured - vest, that will rest on the hipline. Women will then don a red ankle length pleated skirt, white socks, and a set of abarkas (laced shoes). An alternate outfit, often seen in those who adhere to a farming lifestyle is the same loose fitting blouse and long skirt. However, it is missing the tight fitting vest and brightly coloured nature of its sibling attire. The skirt will often be a neutral colour, and aprons may also be placed over the top of these skirts. Torreskian youth getting dressed for Gurtza. Men Similar to the women, Torreskian men often wear concealing clothing. Hair is styled into a shortcut, with their face remaining clean shaven. Beards are seldom seen in Torreskian culture. Hair coverings, similar in nature to the women, are prominent too. The men often don red berets. Like the women, it is likely to see a man harbouring a red shawl over their shoulders. Two Torreskian voluntary soldiers prior to a raid. The most prominent clothing of the Torreskian men is the is a loose fitted, and white, shirt that is held in place by a ribbon like belt of varying colours. Greens and reds are mostly popular with the Torreskian youth, while older men may don a brown or black belt. White pants that reach the shin are tucked into a set of white socks. From there, brown, cuffed boots that reach the knee are to be worn. Optionally, the men may decide to pair the their clothing with a black, open vest. Often, those who do, will forfeit the cuffed boots for a pair of arbarkas. A father and son sharing a drink wearing the open vest. Torreskian Cuisine Food in the Torreskian culture is a vital component of their customs. Any and all celebrations are to be followed by a surplus of food and a grand feast. Friends are made at the dinner table, and family is strengthened through the art of food. Women are not the only gender to be seen in the kitchen, either. When Torreskians cook, the entire household is involved. The cuisine of the Torreskian people is varied, consisting mostly of fish, grilled through the use of hot coals. Meats are seldom used, however Lamb is a notable exception. Vegetables such as sweet chillies, red peppers and tomatoes are commonplace in any good Torreskian meal, and beans are a must have. A fresh catch being prepared. Notable Torreskain Dishes Oktasas A traditional Torreskian fish stew. The dish is made from stewed fish necks served with a white wine, garlic, flour, and olive oil sauce. Often the dish is served with a green sauce made from olive oil, flour, garlic, and parsley Sralo Sralo is a typical food similar to the traditional corn tortilla. Made of corn flour, water and a bit of salt. It is round and is cooked in a warm metal plank, named a talo burni. It can be eaten alone, with various toppings, and is also used as a wrap for various foods. Piperade Piperade is a typical Torreskian dish prepared with onion, green peppers, and tomatoes sautéd and flavoured with red Espelette pepper. It may be served as a main course or as a side dish. Typical additions include egg, garlic or meats such as ham. Religion Contrary to popular belief, the religion of the Mercatorii has not always been canonist. During the days of the MRA they subscribed to a different Cannon of the religion. However, historically and in the modern day, Modern-Torreskians partake in ‘Heriotza-Kultza’. The practise of worshiping the Patron saint of the culture, Mother Mercatore. After the conclusion of the third hour, many young Mercatorii returned to their traditional beliefs. Heriotza-Kultza focuses heavily on the idea that Death is not the end to the Mercatorii people, Mother Mercatorii once was felled by death, but it is through those who remember and know her that she continues on. LANGUAGE Basic Words & Phrases Despite the various subraces of the Mercatore people, they all share the same language. To the common folks ear, one may mistake Mercante for a Rosnian speaking Hyspian, however they differ greatly. Almost entirely unrelated to the common tongue, those who are not raised on the Mercante, have great difficulty learning the language. Kaixo - Hello Agur - Goodbye Eskerrik asko - Thank you Barkatu - Excuse me Topa - Cheers Eskutitza - A letter / Missive Bai - Yes No - Ez Once one has mastered the language, however, they must also take into account the phrasing many Mercatore people use within their language. Seldom will a Mercatorii, usually a member of the older generation, say what they mean directly. Instead, coating their speech in metaphors and poetic advice. Nola bizi, hala hil - How you live is how you will die. Aurrera begiratzen ez duena, atzean dago - Those who don't look forward, stay behind. Apaizaren eltzea, txikia baina betea - The priest's pot is small but full.