Duntrekker people

Duntrekkers are an ethnic group of Dundorfian descent, inhabiting various areas of Majatra, Seleya, and the northern continents. They are known for their simple lifestyles and skill at farming and building. The Duntrekkers left Dundorf for other parts of Terra in the 16-1700s, for a variety of reasons. They have remained as a distinctive ethnic group to this day. Contents [hide]

* 1 History * 2 Culture * 3 Language * 4 Names

[edit] History 19th-century leader Jans Bezuidenhout. Enlarge 19th-century leader Jans Bezuidenhout. In the 17th and 18th centuries, many Dundorfian Protestants (especially Calvinists) felt religious persecution under local Catholic rulers. Many barons and dukes throughout Dundorf were Catholic at this time, and attempted to restrict the economic and political influence of their 'heathen' subjects. The commoners in these fiefdoms possessed a unique language and culture, much different from that of Oderveld and the South. These Protestant farmers, who resided mainly in Dunlake, eventually began to consider an exodus to other regions of Terra. In those nations - many of which were sparsely populated and lacked real governments - they could build new lives as rural livestock herders.

In what became known as the Groote Duntrek, the Protestants departed via Rutania, Aloria, and Kirlawa under the leadership of Piet van Merwerzuider. They sailed to various locations across Terra, notably Saridan, Likatonia, Pontesi, and Malivia. The Duntrekkers settled into their new homes, forming small, tightly-knit farming villages in their new homelands. These settler were staunchly religious, practicing their Calvinist-Protestant faiths and attempting to spread their beliefs into their new home nations.

Dundorf cut off most ties to these exiles, uninterested in the affairs of overseas refugees. They began to develop an even more distinct culture as a result, with a new language forming and a totally separate set of political and religious beliefs in place.

The Duntrekkers lived in peace for the most part, though during the late 1800s there were problems in many of their homelands. Around the turn of the century, several nations hosting the Trekkers engaged in small-scale warfare with the exiles, hoping to take their profitable farmland. Some of these conflicts were successful for the Trekkers, though many were failures (the colonists were skilled guerrilla fighters and knew the land well). Chief among these conflicts was the Trek War in Malivia. A group of Duntrekkers fought a sporadic guerrilla conflict against the Malivian government from 1886-1899 (see main article).

They have remained in many of these nations today, still living self-sufficiently on small community farms. They retain their conservative religious beliefs to this day, practicing strict Calvinism and Protestantism. [edit] Culture The Duntrekker flag. Enlarge The Duntrekker flag. As mentioned earlier, the Duntrekkers are staunchly religious Protestants. Many practice beliefs unpopular in their ethnic homeland; this contributed to their exodus in the first place. They try not to associate themselves with outsiders too much, but often attempt to spread their beliefs as missionaries. No Trekker village is without at least one church.

The Trekkers are skilled farmers, especialy regarding livestock. They raise all kinds of animals, depending on their homeland. Cattle, sheep, pigs, and even poultry are raised in their farms. Some grow crops, but this is a rarity among most settlements.

They dress in very simple clothing. Men wear wide-brimmed hats and neutral-colored jackets, usually made by their wives or sisters. They usually wear thick boots and long trousers. Almost all possess thick beards. Women dress conservatively, preferring old-fashioned hoop skirts and simple dresses to modern styles.

Trekkers are often extremely racist by nature, and this has earned them disdain in many of their home countries. They often try to distance themselves from locals, preferring to maintain their own culture while giving little trust to their hosts. [edit] Language

Duntrekkers speak a totally unique language, combining Dunlake accents and dialets with local phrases and words. This language, called Duntrekaans, is easily recognizable. Each national group of Trekkers has their own dialects, however, and it is one of the most difficult languages to learn in Terra for this reason. [edit] Names

Several extended families make up much of the Trekker population, though numerous smaller ones exist as well. Family names often begin with Van or Van Der (meaning 'from'). A place-name, often located in northern Dundorf, will follow. Some families changed their names to suit their new homes. Some of the best-known last names are:

* Van Tassel * Van Der Grootfontein * Bezuidenhout * Von Dungrau * Groetelzuiderhein * Mernderwar * Weisserderrand