Haen

The Haens have a long history of internal conflict and war. Most of their traditions and social protocol revolve around wartime cycles. They are a superstitious people and are wary of outsiders. Though they have remained consistently behind other cultures in technology, their internal struggles have created a warrior culture powerful enough to resist foreign expansion.

Social Protocol
Understanding the power dynamics of Haenish culture is key to social interactions. If one individual is clearly dominant (ie. Father-son, employer-laborer, commander-soldier, ect) the less dominant individual is expected to avoid eye contact.

While being spoken to by one that is dominant over you, your hands should be empty and clearly visible.

When first greeting a dominant individual, the dominated is expected to retain a gaze at the mouth of the dominant until dismissed. A dismissal is generally a hand on the shoulder.

When showing loyalty or creating an oath, the dominated falls to one knee and holds their weapon above their head, resting on both hands. In acceptance, the dominant takes the weapon, brings the dominated to their feet and returns the weapon to it's sheath (or the main hand of the dominated if no sheath is available).

Warriors are expected to carry a dagger at all times. Being caught without a dagger is generally seem as a disrespect to one's commanding officer. If a Haen wishes to challenge their authoritarian, both men engage in combat with whatever is at hand.

Physicality
The Haens are an ebony hue, their eye colors include blue, brown, and hazel. They are generally short with the average height of an adult being 5'6.

Leadership
Throughout their history, the Haens have overthrown countless kings. Combat prowess is the determining factor when determining leadership.

Often, when opposing forces have met, each leader has engaged in single combat with the other.

An individual's guilt in a crime can also be determined by combat.

Religion
The Haens worship the Sorrows as eternal beings. They most often engage in prayer, rituals, and celebrations relating to Edia.

The tradition of determining victories by having leaders challenge one another to single combat is known as The Awemother's Trial.