Medai names have a rigid structure with given name, surname, and progenitor/clan name. The article et leads the surname and the article an leads the clan name. Medai of the caravans observe this rigid structure in everyday speech and introductions, but the Medai who have settled among other races follow the usual custom and omit the articles and the clan names unless they speak with other Medai.
Sample male names: Kronus, Valirus, Temious, Seth, Crassus, Junius, Zanath, Quintus, Fibius, Sonorus, Ereth Sample female names: Ilma, Liseya, Taraya, Elizna, Aelia, Drusa, Helvia, Sabina, Trovia, Cylia Sample surnames: Peria, Trizia, Larax, Arkys, Diornys, Sarx, Voria, Andia, Nertys, Ronia, Zarthys, Jax
All Medai speak Teyn, the most common tongue in Vitallia. They agreed to learn it so as to fit into this world’s peoples. They do not teach their children non-Vitallian languages, and so the languages they spoke before entering this world are no longer of importance. Scholars and Gowros mystics also speak Panthea. Apart from Teyn, Medai learn the local languages of the domains where their caravans wander.
All Medai share certain traits that are cultural rather than genetic:
Stoic. Medai are reserved people whose passions smolder rather than burn like those of humans and Brutgor. Although they are metaphorically described as cold-blooded by other races, this is a false assumption. Medai do have feelings and convictions that run as deep as those of other races. However, they are not given to swift changes of temperament and are usually reserved because stoicism is a cultural imperative ingrained since childhood.
Lawful. The rule of law is very important to all Medai, whether they are caravan nomads or settlers. This is a religious imperative that stems from the need to eradicate the influence and worship of Voracitus. The existence and influence of this deity is a secret known only to a few and it is neither written nor discussed. The rule of law serves as a proxy belief with the ultimate aim of rooting out and eliminating worshippers of Voracitus. Such individuals invariably engage in despicable and criminal acts, so discovery and punishment of crimes ultimately results in the religious cleansing of the Medai from this cancer in their ranks and hearts.
The Medai mostly revere the Veil, the Sentinel, and the First Phoenix. However, their method of worship is private and rather limited compared to the fervent faith of the native races of Vitallia. Their faith is often superficial and tentative. They are a people who have suffered greatly from divine forces and do not yet fully trust them.
In truth, the Medai devote their deepest reverence and worship to their own surviving gods, the Gorgonids. Those who claim atheism refuse to revere any Vitallian deities and place their faith exclusively in the Gorgonids. This is a closely held secret of the Medai Nation, enforced by peer pressure. They lie to outsiders regarding their faith and enforce secrecy among their own people, hoping for a final resolution concerning the Gorgonids’ presence in Vitallia.
The Medai worship two Gorgonid gods that survived the war against the Polydek. They are secretive about their gods and never allow outsiders to witness rituals and prayers. Elders perform large gatherings in secluded locations where they offer sacrifices and entreat the Gorgonids to relocate to Vitallia.
Male deity of strength of body and spirit, endurance in adversity, law, and order. He judges a Medai’s life after death. Holy days: 16th June and 20th January. New-moon periods involve dietary restrictions and fasting. Burials and remembrance fall under his purview. Stoicism is one of his highest virtues and is widespread in Medai culture.
Female deity who protects dimensional travelers and caravans, guardian of tradition and children. Invoked on the road, after successful childbirth, and at meals. Holy days: 1st March, 12th August, 24th December. Blood sacrifices are offered before journeys and births.
The survival of one Polydek deity, Voracitus – the Voice-In-The-Dark – is a secret within a secret. He embodies madness, pain, and revenge. A very few Medai fall to his worship. The Polydek curse lingers in the Medai psyche; those who succumb hear his whispers, beginning with insomnia and escalating to madness and violence. Some accept him fully and become enemies of their own kind.
An order of Medai healers who treat both physical and mental illness. Masters of the Order secretly guard knowledge of Voracitus, granted by divine inspiration from the Gorgonids, and work to counter his influence within the Medai Nation.