Azens

One of the first ethnic peoples to join the ancient Union, the Azens are a tribal people who were united in their past by a woman chieftess. This has started a long tradition of strong matriarchal rule, which is best expressed through their faith. This ancient faith believes in powerful Goddesses born of powerful female spirits. While this faith has diminished and clashed in recent times it remains a powerful influence on Azen society, and the tenets of loyalty and oathkeeping that prove important in that religion also influence their relationship with the Solisian Union. They are the most loyal of all the ethnic people aside from the Solisians themselves. Only in the oldest of histories of the Union are there records of conflict.

They tend to have a natural intensity about them that allows them to excel at almost any task the Union asks of them. They study hard, fight hard, and are an essential cog in the Union’s machine.

They also tend to make themselves as reliable and trustworthy as possible with the Solisians, putting themselves forward as the first to act for the Union in the name of their people, the Solisians, and the Union.

**Azen customs, traits, etc**

In the land of the Azens and beyond, their identity as a people, Pre-Shift and Post-Shift, always was treasured. To be an Azen or to be counted among them as equals was truly a gift. While they do not look down on other ethnicities per se, they do view themselves as being the first among equals. This extends to most facets of their public facing efforts for the Solisian Union, with Azens prefering to serve in their own units or as leaders of others in the military among other things.

Azens are known for their great manners and behaviors, and they make a habit of  showing tremendous respect and deference towards their elders. This is well known across the Union, with a number of ceremonies from different tribes marking one’s advancement from an adult to an elder. This is not the only time the Azen people show deference towards one group or another, however.  Little sisters and brothers follow the lead of their bigger siblings. The development of child to teenager, teenager to adult, and young adult to fully realized adults are all followed with symbolic rituals and an increase in their social stature. Wives and husbands submit to the mother of their husband or wives. And towns often prefer female leaders than male ones.

Older people are expected to take care of the younger. And the younger are expected to provide for them in return. It is rude for younger people to ask older people to help with chores, especially if the older ones are unable to work or are otherwise hindered from helping. Older people who abuse the ones in their care are frowned upon and considered poorly. Azens also extend this to other peoples in the Union and outside of it. They tend to show greater respect to people older than them and often find it a duty to protect and care for those younger than them.

Families and closely knit groups of friends or villagers tend to make their relationships more physical. This is universally expressed through body paint and tattoos. The younger ones are always marked with more paint or tattoos. And the designs often are natural while hinting at the person or persons they show loyalty to. Older ones get their own tattoos and body paint. There are personal, familial, and tribal tattoos and body paint designs that are commonly seen, and all have important meanings.

When relationships become more intense and intimate, brands become a normal way of making a mark. The choice of who brands who is often a case of who is joining whose family- most of the time, the husband joining the wife’s, though this is far from universal. Often the brands are on arms or backs or bellies or legs. Like tattoos, they are designed with natural features but also with the clear symbol or name of the one who "owns" them. Such brands are used in many cases the same way rings and other marital symbols are used in other cultures.

Azens also tend to be very personal. They prefer first names over last names. They tend to touch and like being touched. They are sensitive to emotions. They also prefer face to face contact. And they are highly interested in making relationships better. They tend to  enjoy deep, long conversations with others, as debate and an honest exchange of emotions and ideas are highly prized. This can make creative discussions and gatherings very lively affairs- even their funerals and reunions.

Azens also treasure creativity, which they see as the purest reflection of the health of one’s spirit. Many Azens become writers and artists, singers and dancers, poets and performers. Azen arts and culture are not easily exploitable however, as they often pertain to very specific facets of their culture. This has not prevented several of the Union’s top artists and pop culture sensations from being Azen however, and the mark they leave on those who view their most splendid works are the equal of any other. It is also an incredibly positive thing for them to do, either on their own or together. They often find comfort and joy in expressing themselves. They too treasure the works of others, often encouraging other people to the arts. But at the same time, they can be critical of themselves and of others should they think that the expressions of others or of their own are done poorly or delivered poorly.

Azens also tend to be more public with their displays of love. And Azens, when having disagreements, are not afraid to make that obvious. Often, in Azen communities, it is not strange to see Azens kissing each other for long moments or to see them fondling each other. Even in formal events, it is not taboo for Azens to touch each other and feel for each other and also to, at times, if it is permitted by the host or hosts, make love somewhere quiet yet visible to others.

Another thing that factors in is hair. Hair is vital to Azen society. Bald people often are considered with much experience. Those who shaved their heads are told to be disciplined. Short hair means youth. Long hair means wisdom and age.

Many Azens often treasure their hair and the hair of others. They would cut their own hair regularly. They would comb them and clean them. And they would also enjoy doing each other's hair. Often, friends would have colorful or beautiful designs. Families too would have their own styles.