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As far as classes stand now, Barbarian is the only class that implies that somewhere out there, there is a culture out that makes this class possible. Maybe you were born under a certain sign, maybe you were given herbs and foods and training to invoke the rages, or perhaps it is something biological that your people interpret as a "gift." Whatever it was, the people you grew up with and saw you through to "adventurehood" most likely impressed upon you their customs and culture.

With cultures come things that seem mundane to the person doing it but might be seen as bizarre, interesting or grotesque by an outsider. What are some cultural idiosyncrasies our barbarians can have and what is the method to their madness? Superstitions, taboos, etc. And obviously non-barbarian chars can have their rituals as well, just wanted to use the Barbarian as the jumping off point.

1. When names are exchanged, they must be proceeded by the last three enemies one has defeated.
2. [Insert Color Here] is only worn by those in mourning
3. (A common one in many cultures, civilized and otherwise) Food must be eaten with the RIGHT hand.

Zousha_Omenohu wrote:

(What if you haven't defeated any enemies yet?)

4. You may not refuse an offer of food, regardless of what food is being offered.

5. You may not consume dog's flesh under any circumstances.

(These were the two geases of Cuchcullain, the Irish hero. His enemies doomed him to die by offering him dog's flesh to eat, knowing he couldn't avoid breaking one geas without breaking the other, thus damning him.)

6. It is bad luck to ride a black horse at night.

Maybe your name is not worth speaking until you have defeated three enemies

10. Elbows on the table! It is considered rude to place your hands under the table/on your lap when eating. Keep 'em where we can see 'em, basically.

11. It is considered bad luck for likenesses (paintings, cameo brooches, drawings, etc.) to be destroyed or marred; this happening is an omen of bad things to come for the person bearing the likeness.

14. Hands must be washed with salt water before every meal and before entering any religious establishment, in order to cleanse oneself.

15. Spirits and alcohol must be avoided at all costs, in order to keep the mind and body pure.

19. When you marry, your spouse must go through a period of solitude, during which they are fattened up. This is a symbol of prosperity and fertility (This is practiced in real-world cultures, mostly in Africa, and while generally it's the bride that recieves this treatment I figured it should be equal opportunity for these forums, especially if the barbarians are Amazons, in which case it would be more prudent for the women to stay fit).

20. When a child is born, they recieve a ritual tattoo that symbolizes what the shaman believes their destiny to be. The tattoo is always displayed prominently, and it is considered shameful to cover it up with clothing or makeup.