San Todernans
Humans of the Eastern Strait
A painting of early San Toderna - unknown
Preface
Hailing from the Unknown Eastern regions of the world, across the vast midtime sea and through bitter storms, the San Todernan people arrived in Annwn. After the people had become shipwrecked due to such bitter storms and with the unprovoked genocide of humans, humanity had nearly collapsed. Many were forced to flee central hubs until the City of San Toderna was founded. Those who have found themselves to seek refuge here aspire for a new life and to revive their once flourished culture.
San Toderna is a vibrant city-state nestled in the heart of the Eastern Strait. Renowned for its maritime heritage, the city has since grown into a major, thriving trade hub and cultural hub for humans.
A member of the Messina Company
Culture
San Todernan's culture is rich, and composed of steadfast traditions and beliefs. The culture is centered around three "Pillars", or central values; Honor, Community, and Warfare. These tenets are the core of the San Todernan lifestyle and dictate how a San Todernan may typically behave. Honor reflects every aspect of San Todernan society, serving as a guiding principle that governs an individual's conduct and relationships. Rooted in a deep sense of personal integrity and moral righteousness, honor compels individuals to uphold their commitments, act with honesty and integrity, and demonstrate loyalty to their vows. Whether on the battlefield or in the marketplace, the pursuit of honor is revered as the highest ideal, driving individuals to strive for excellence, and righteousness in all their endeavors.
The community lies at the heart of San Todernan culture, fostering bonds of kinship, solidarity, and mutual support among its inhabitants. Embracing collective responsibility and a shared destiny, the people of San Toderna view themselves as members of a larger family, bound by ties of blood, tradition, and religion. In times of celebration or adversity, the community rallies together, offering assistance and companionship to those in need. Through acts of compassion and collaboration, the spirit of community thrives in daily life in San Toderna with a sense of belonging. Warfare occupies a prominent place in San Todernan culture, embodying the city-state's legacy of valor, and martial prowess. From the epoch of the "Toderna" to the modern-day expeditions of The Messina Company, warfare has been a crucible of triumph for the San Todernans. It is not only viewed as a means of defense, but conquest is also a testament to the indomitable human spirit and unwavering resolve of the people. Guided by their sense of honor, San Todernan warriors embrace the hells of war with discipline and courage that stand as wardens of their city-state's sovereignty.
A common depiction of Prometheus
Religion
In San Todernan theology, the deity Prometheus holds a revered place as the god of humanity, embodying the virtues of humanity. According to ancient myth and legend, Prometheus bestowed the gift of fire upon humankind, igniting the flames of civilization and kindling the spark of progress that would illuminate the path of San Toderna's ancestors.
The people of San Toderna venerate Prometheus as a divine patron, attributing to him the wisdom to navigate the atrocious waters of the Midtime. Through his divine intervention, Prometheus is believed to have bestowed upon Anton the knowledge to follow the sun Eastwards as it rose. Since then it has grown that he has granted the people of San Toderna the knowledge and skill necessary to tame the untamed seas, harness the power of the winds, and build a thriving civilization.
A picture of Fortress Cadazio
Government The government of San Toderna operates under a hierarchical structure led by the Crowned-Governor, the absolute authority and head of state, with the Lieutenant-Governor serving as the second-in-command and principal deputy. While the Crowned-Governor and Lieutenant-Governor hold significant executive powers, they also value the input and counsel of the royal family and royal councilors in matters of governance. The royal family, as custodians of San Toderna's heritage and traditions, provide invaluable insights and perspectives on matters of diplomacy both foreign and internal. Royal councilors, drawn from the ranks of San Toderna's esteemed citizens, serve as advisors, offering expertise and guidance on a wide range of issues affecting the city-state. Through regular consultations and deliberations, the government fosters an approach of collaboration and consensus-building, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders are heard and considered in the creation of policies and decisions.
The Sun is our Birthright
Sol primogenitura nostra est