Naming Conventions
Laicar:
Laicar names are particularly reflective of their race and history. First names tend to be drawn from myth and legend, with the most widely used often being the names of great heroes and heroines. Last names in Laicar culture are representative of their somewhat war-like history, with strong syllables and aggressive or assertive meanings. Simpler names tend towards single, strong adjectives written in the old tongue, though more elaborate surnames can reflect a family’s source of livelihood or historical profession, particularly when relating to military service or battle.
An interesting aspect of Laicarian culture is the inclusion of “war names”. Individuals who are viewed as being of particular importance -- great commanders, warriors, and heroes -- are often given an additional name whose meaning reflects their deeds. A war name is considered to be a great honor; a summation of ones life and accomplishments. It is these names that are carried into legend for future generations to revere -- an enduring legacy that extends through the ages.
Example:
Urias Medardo
Urias was an ancient Laicar hero and martyr who died in battle. Medardo means “Brave” or “Hardy” in the old tongue.
Salvete “Urias” Ferrarius
Salvete was a legendary ascetic warrior-priest. “Urias” is a war name given to the individual (in this case posthumously) as recognition for his military service. “Ferrarius” means blacksmith in the old tongue.
Enlil:
Somewhat of an oddity among their contemporaries, Enlil have eschewed the common trend of Araevis’ denizens to incorporate the common or old tongues into their cultural identity. As such, Enlil’s true names are often written and spoken only by their family or kin. For ease of communication, Enlil will also adopt common names in more widely-spoken tongues. This is different from their counterparts however, in that these names are often self-imposed rather than given at birth. As such, their meanings and significance can vary greatly from individual to individual. The lax attitude towards common names in Enlil culture has lead to an unusual gestalt of names drawing from many histories and cultures, and is somewhat reflective of their permissive values.
True names in Enlil culture, unlike common names, are given at birth by an individual's parents. A somewhat unusual convention exists, in that Enlil parents often name their fledglings based on their first perception of them, using short, two or three words phrases as descriptors for the individual. As such, these true names can appear somewhat polarizing or unusual when translated into the common tongue; resulting in names like “missing feathers” or “small wing”.
Examples:
Common name: Caelum Raperio, True Name: Ch’utin Ixk’iaq, meaning “Short Claw” (pronounced with rostral obstruent).
Velen:
The naming conventions of the Velen are somewhat more subdued when compared to their counterparts. Typically, a Velen’s name is composed of two parts, a given name and a patriarchal name taken from the father’s lineage. Given names tend towards softer syllables and are often reflective of traits the parent wishes for in their child, while patriarchal names are usually geographical or representative of a historical profession. Contemporary Velen names are generally written and spoken using the old tongue, particularly because the Velen’s native tongue is largely incomprehensible to the other denizens of Araevis who do not have the physiology required to recreate the nuances of the language. As such, the naming conventions appear to have shifted towards a more widely-accepted lexicon, most likely a result of the mercantile history of the Velen.
Reflective of the Velen’s cultural piousness, individuals inducted into priesthood are required to forsake their patriarchal names and adopt nomenclature that reflect aspects of the entities they serve. While this is meant to denote their deep connection with their gods and their faith, it also serves to represent the severing of their linage, as those in the priesthood are forbidden from marrying or fathering children.
Examples:
Cordatus Saloccidens
Meaning “Sagely” or “Wise”. Saloccidens is a patriarchal name meaning “From the Western Sea”.
Aecus Euribya
Meaning “Patient”. Euribya is the name of an ancient sea god and servant of the Vis.
Demvir:
To the Demvir, who are born blank and empty, naming is a deeply important and personal event that the machinae culture views with a great deal of gravitas. It is both a right of passage and a declaration for the Demvir; an acceptance of their individuality and a proclamation of their sovereignty. For a great many Demvir, the taking of a name is one of the first true expressions of free will.
Conventions within Demvir society tend towards names with layered meanings that are reflective of their owner, and often have hidden or nuanced interpretations; though the depth and and complexity of these names varies greatly from individual to individual. While these deeper meanings may be deciphered with some effort, it is rare for a Demvir to openly share such details. To do so is considered a sign of deep trust between individuals. Usually these names are devised in the old tongue of the Vis and spoken as such, rather than being transcribed to the common tongue. Perhaps as a holdover of their time in servitude of Araevis’ biological races, Demvir tend towards both first and last name.
Examples:
Duros Veteribus
Name Meaning: Stern Old Ways. Rearranged, also makes “Devious Brutes”
Cines De Excol
Name Meaning: Advancement from Ruin. Rearranged, also makes “Scion of Ascension”
Note that conventions are merely meant as guidelines, not rules. However, we ask that use common sense when it comes to naming your characters with these conventions in mind. Also note that names from other copyrighted properties are unacceptable.
