Astarians: People of Survival, Family and Song (Astarians: Salvos, Familej et Sang Mensker)

The Astarian people, due to their millenia-history, have come to be called over time the People of Survival, Family and Song, or, in their own language: Salvos, Familej et Sang Mensker.

Salvos (Survival): When the first Viking settlers set foot on the shores of Maine back in the 10th century, in 950, they were exhausted by the long trip they had endured across the Atlantic Ocean. Still, hardened by the harsh conditions endured during so many time at sea, the settlers set themselves to tame their new land, by all means possible.

During decades, they would face harsh winters, hot summers, wildlife and hostile Native tribes, but despite some losses (heavily sometimes), they would always prevail.

These first years, which would lay the basis for the future Empire of Astares Amauricanum, would also associate durably the Astarians with the concept of survival.

It would also show in other ways. For example, Astarians are known to have a knack for personal protective measures (For example, they wear long-sleeved shirts and pants most of the time, even when it's hot, in order to avoid a dangerous projection of any kind hurt their skin, whether it be wood splinters, agressive or corrosive substances, etc.

Another famous example are women who wear some sort of armor at waist level under their dresses, the material being sewn in the fabric. This is done in order to avoid being stuck by a knife in their genitalia, which would render them sterile.

This habit originates from the Asalia-incident, where in the 10th century, one of the Magnam Stoher (Grand Duke) Elbert Melnik's daughters, Asalia, was struck in the womb with a knife, and she died of septicemia some time after.)

Familej (Family): For Astarians, family has akways been a key factor in society. The grandparents, parents, children would all live inder the same roof, and if not, not too far from each other.

Aside from school, the elders would also teach the younger generations, instilling values in them, so that they can become better persons and not forget the mistakes of the past.

Even though nowadays, families don't always live next to each other anymore, they always keep in touch very often.

Sang (Song): Ever since the Empire's foundation, singing has always been one of the favourite activities, if not THE favourite activities of Astarians.

Singing is present in all aspects of society. Families, neighbors, relatives,... would gather and sing songs during winter, for example.

Or at work, the foreman would start a song, soon followed by the rest of his men.

And let's not forget the army, where soldiers would sing during their marches.

Nowadays, this trait is still present in modern Astarian society, as strong as ever. It's not unusual for people walking in the street singing or humming, to have the people around them sing along.