Issues of Race: The Hassan

Continuing on my exposition regarding the two primary races of Men upon the continent of Nod. . .

The Hassan

The Hassan are one of the three Tribes that settled Nod. The Westmen settled upon the western shores of Nod, whereas the Hassan -- according to their Songs of History -- settled upon the southeastern shores on what would come to be known as the Wastes of Asad.

Side note: The third Tribe that would settle Nod are known to reside within the Silent Kingdoms far to the north and east of the continent -- separated by a large mountainous expanse. There is very sparse information regarding the nature of that land, except that the Rulers and Thralls of that land are mute, speaking to one another in a silent manner. The lack of any written language from that region complicates the matter further. It is known that the Rulers of that region know how to speak the ancient Trade Language -- Mannish.

The Hassan are a nomadic people by history as the land they settled upon was more dangerous than the land west of the Barrier Mountains and The Wall. Their villages and towns exist as large caravans and mobile dwellings. The more fantastic variations of which are within the Waste of Asad proper as they can not be transported through the Barrier Mountains. The Hassan are experts in Animal Husbandry and Engineering, so that they can maintain the Great Oxen and Grand Carts.

The Hassan speak Mannish in all public dealings and for commerce as it is the Ancient Trade Language. Their own language is an extremely private matter that is never used for day-to-day conversation. Mothers and fathers teach the language to their children. It is also the language of their music, religion and the basis of their names. Some Hassan phrases and terminology have crept into the speech of the Westmen through the interchange of cultures.

In appearance, the Hassan have jet-black hair with eyes that range from golden-yellow to deep brown. Their complexions vary from caramel to chestnut. All Hassan have distinct patterns of freckling upon their face and bodies that is of a deeper tone than their base complexion. These patterns are inherited and are used to identify different family lines. E.G.: One family may have a diamond-like freckling upon their forehead. Another family may have freckling from the scalp around to the back of the neck.

The Hassan have a deep sense of kinship with one another. In the Wastes, when traveling villages encounter one another (or if a caravan happens upon a temporary settlement), this is cause for great celebration that last many days. Children are married off, resources are exchanged and there is much song and dance. This tradition and attitude towards difference extends to the Hassan who immigrated to the Mother Empire. The first Hassan families who settled were quick to integrate with their Westmen cousins, creating a glorious blend of cultures. This has also led to an integration throughout the Westmen of many Hassan sensibilities. The clearest example of which are the Black Westmen.

In the Modern Age, the Hassan are accepted amongst the Mother Empire as citizens if they wish to convert to the Messianic faith. These Hassan have settled permanently within the Cities, though they have retained their traditions, names and privately practice their Old Faith and customs. Many Hassan have risen amongst the Westmen as great Military, Civic and Guilded leaders -- even within the upper echelons of the Messianic Church can be found Hassan who have fully embraced the Messiah and Her worship. Other Hassan families continue their nomadic lifestyle through the country, temporarily settling outside the great Westmen Cities and doing their business within the Free Markets.