They live in the land of Barbanium, known as Duhais or Dakhaih in their own tongue. The Barbani (Daohin/Dakhain) are a proud and resilient people of unknown origin. They have developed a unique culture that incorporates many bygone customs compared to the Deciregna.
A great number of Barbani have strong ties to Giants and many have Giant's blood flowing through their veins. Those who exhibit many Giant traits are known as Half-Giants and are often leaders in their Clans as well as formidable warriors.
At the heart of Barbani culture lies a deep reverence for nature and the ancestor worship. They worship a pantheon of strange gods and goddesses unique to their culture, many of which are half beast. These gods are seen as the embodiment of natural forces, representing aspects of the physical and spiritual realms. The Barbani honor and seek favor from these deities through rituals, offerings, and the preservation of sacred sites such as stone circles, groves, and holy springs.
The Barbani firmly believe in the interconnectedness of all things, viewing the world as a web of life where every action has consequences. They strive to maintain harmony with nature and follow a code of respect for the land, its creatures, and the spirits that dwell within. Their ancestors are believed to dwell within trinkets and weapons that they carry and are able to call upon their power to perform magic unique to their kind.
The Barbani have a rich oral tradition, passing down stories, legends, and ancestral knowledge through generations. These tales recount the exploits of their gods, the heroic deeds of legendary ancestors, and the fables that guide their way of life.
Music and poetry are deeply ingrained in Barbani culture. They celebrate through lively festivals, where traditional songs, dances, and storytelling take center stage. These festivities often coincide with the changing of seasons, marking the cycles of nature and the bountiful harvests. Often animal and human sacrifices take place during these festivals call Blots.
In terms of craftsmanship, the Barbani are skilled artisans. They excel in woodworking, carving intricate patterns and runes into weapons, jewelry, and ceremonial objects. Their craftsmanship incorporates symbols of the natural world and the gods they revere.
Above all their customs revolve around raiding and violence. They have an ancient tradition of raiding each other's clans and taking captives for ransom or to fight in their ritualized fighting pits. These fighting pits have a culture surrounding them that unites all Barbani clans. Anyone who is able to fight their way to supremacy in the fighting pit is not only freed from bondage but also made a leader of a warband in the tribe that captured them. This mechanism of gaining freedom fuels their high regard for martial prowess.
The Barbani culture thrives on a sense of community and cooperation. They value kinship and loyalty, with extended families forming the core of their social structure, the Clan. Clan ties hold great importance, fostering a strong sense of identity and collective responsibility. When many Clans make a pact together from familial ties or for war, they create a Tribe. But any organization higher than that is anathema to their cultural beliefs. They hate kings and loath to follow one, though through the years there have been those who tried to unite all the Clans and Tribes. One such monarch was the Queen B*** who married Herrodan son of Merrodan upon the eve of his Great War. She was able to unite a large portion of the tribes under her banner through manipulating their hate for their natural rivals in Benselot.
Leadership within the Barbani is often held by chieftains or wise elders, called Druids or Shaman, who are chosen for their wisdom, valor, and ability to navigate both the physical and spiritual realms. Decision-making processes involve discussions within the community, striving for consensus and harmony, though sometimes it is governed by the sword. They meet at monthly and year councils at sacred places to each individual tribe. Men and women have distinct roles in some tribes and in others these roles are flipped with the women serving as the warriors and hunters.
The Barbani are known for their prowess in battle, drawing upon their ancient Giant heritage, that they are very proud of and will tell anyone they meet about. They believe in defending their lands and people, valuing courage, strength, and tactical acumen. Warriors are revered figures within their society, trained in various combat techniques and armed with weapons crafted with great skill.
Despite their warrior spirit, the Barbani also understand the importance of diplomacy and negotiation. They seek to resolve conflicts through peaceful means whenever possible, understanding that true strength lies in maintaining alliances and fostering mutual respect.