Lakonian

''"There in the fields of Lakonia, I shall proclaim the sister city of Prolesia. Myzaea shall reign two continents, and will be the center of civilization; the only civilization." - Emperor Lukon Tzmantouros''

Origin
The Lakonian people come from the lush valley of Lakados. With the lake Zamka at the center, the Lakonian people were to thrive. Outside of their lush valley they were harassed and policed by the overwhelming Galatian tribes, and the Lakonians would be enslaved to these barbarians. Eventually they met the Asmarians. Their freedom from Galatia would come at a price of tributary, however their cultural integrity was reinforced during their time under the Asmarians. Their spread across the entire region played part as consequence of Ashurradon's Conquests, which resulted in the rise of the Targead Empire.

Generations later, the Prolesian Empire would battle the Targead Empire for dominance over the Mare Umbilicum, resulting in the Lakonians becoming subject to a foreigner once more. The Lakonian culture soon began to overwhelm the Prolesian identity.

Their identity was loyalty, and with the collapse of the Prolesian Empire they scrambled to reform it. From the city of Myzaea the beacon of restoration shines brightly, upholding Lakonians as the successors of the Prolesian Empire. Because of their desperation of restoration and tenderness to the city which their politics and culture center around, Lakonians are often referred to as "Myzaeans".

Military
Adaptation is key to survival, and in war a Lakonian believes it as such. Though dominating Prolesian culture, they were starkly different in language, and due to the cultural difference spanning across the Umbilicum sea, that divide would worsen. While Styrians and Lakonians may fight often, they are similarly surrounded by completely different identities, however the Lakonians implant extremes during forums. After their great victory against Ashurradon at the Battle of Tyana, the Lakonians began adapting their armies and stylization after the Asmarians. Though victorious at Tyana, cavalry was becoming growingly important. Though the Lakonians hadn't committed to cavalry yet, once their infamous pike formations were crushed by the Prolesians following the collapse of the Targead Empire, they had.

Horse-riding became important post-Lukon, and often were young Lakonian squires trained on horseback. Unlike all other cavalry in Edafos, Lakonian cavalry was infamous for being nigh unbreakable. Known as cataphracts, this unit has won countless battles, and numerous wars across Edafos. With victories under the belt of a renown soldier, come the rewards.

Under Prolesian law, it was expected after a course of fifteen years of service that a soldier would be given land fit for a family. As Myzaea expanded, and wars grew more common, the service expectancy was twenty years. Lakonians needed only serve twenty, while foreigners would serve twenty-five.

Veterans of numerous campaigns would be expected to either settle down, or become a politician. Many veterans, regardless of their sacrifices are often discredited as civilian life and military life was drastically different. This divide still exists, and with the expectancy to give one's youth away for a cause one may not believe in, it has provoked reformists.

Domestic
While military is important to some Lakonians, most indulge themselves in the arts of expression. Poetry is as important as fighting, and spiritually the Lakonians believe in balance; Mind and Body. One may write often, and assume great titles from their works, but found to care little of their body. Often across Lakonia the saying of "Book to a Mind, as a Sword to a Whetstone".

For those who ascend beyond their priesthood, they could see themselves an integral part of Lakonian society. With religion at the forefront of their empire, the Emperor established the Council of Clerics, which is led by the Patriarch. This Council is the acting body of the church. Priests and bishops across the Empire are potential candidates to the Council, and often does this council participate in political affairs as often as it does theological affairs. This body within the Myzaean Empire, and Lakonian society, usually associated with witch-hunting and the destruction of magic in the region.

Many Lakonians are literate, and rarely is one found ignorant. Because of their high standards, Lakonians are often viewed as self-centered, and this perpetuates Lakonians as xenophobic. That however this is simply not the case for most Lakonians. As often is expression important to their society, so is humility and the recognition of mortality. This leaves the Lakonians as more humble than not.

Sculpting, painting, and designing beautiful architecture comes from the commitment of faith. Faith is extremely important to the a Lakonian, and rarely if ever is Liskarranism, and by extension Aftos challenged or insulted within Myzaea. Their unique style of art has left a permanent imprint on the world, and many Lakonian scholars, poets, and architects are highly sought after across Edafos.

Appearance
Lakonians are not often tall, and usually wield a tanned pigment depending on their location. Though not often tall, Lakonian men and women are still starkly different in size. The further east one goes, the darker the Lakonian. Rarely if ever are Lakonians blonde, as they are usually found brown or black of hair. Unlike most other races, Lakonians are exceptionally hairy, leading to exuberant beards. This has indulged a culture favoring beards over clean-shaven faces.

Lakonian names are arguably the most unique when comparing. Most Lakonian names usually hold an "-os" such as "Konstanos", however this suffix is masculine whilst "-es" or "-ene" is feminine such as "Konstanes"/"Konstanene". Like their first name, their surname wields similar connotation however are more freeform. One's surname may refer to the occupation, place, or even personality. Most surnames for Lakonians usually begin as monikers, or nicknames.