The first human inhabitants of Hârn, the Jarin tend to be slightly shorter than the Harnic norm, and tend to have darker hair and eyes. Jarin culture is clan based, and largely decentralized; a marked distinction from the Kingdom-building Harnic people. The Jarin are individualistic and creative, and although brave, this individuality has prevented them from being effective at war. While the Jarin are usually a peaceful people, they can be fierce warriors when led by an effective leader. In many ways the Jarin are similar to the Celtic culture of Terra.
The Jarin have had a much longer exposure to the elder folk than other races, and have a certain mystique about them as a result of this exposure. As a result of this, they are sometimes viewed with distrust by other humans. Some of the peaceful traits of the Jarin are also a result of their longtime relation to the elder folk.
Jarin, at least those living in Orbaal (Jara), hate Ivinians with a passion, as they have been oppressed and in many cases enslaved by the Ivinians throughout what once was their own kingdom. There are several independent Jarin settlements in Orbaal, however, and Jarin in other parts of Hârn are of course free. As proof that the Jarin and Ivinians do not get along, there was a rebellion, which failed, from TR 701-703. Needless to say, situations now are far from stable, and the fear of another rebellion is always on the minds of their Ivinian conquerors.
The “pure” Jarin tends to be slightly shorter in stature than the Hârnic human norm. Their complexions are somewhat darker; curly black or dark brown hair and dark eyes are usual. The Jarin are considered a creative and imaginative race, and is somewhat attributed to their having lived among the Sindarin and Khuzdul before the Atani Wars. This contact for six centuries resulted in the Jarin acquiring a special mystique that has tended to set them apart from other humans on Hârn. This has earned them some distrust from more pragmatic peoples.
Jarin are highly independent and extremely proud, which has at times caused them practical or political difficulties, such as the Ivinian conquest and rebellion of 701-703. On both occasions, Jarin organization was hampered by their independent nature.
The Jarin are essentially peaceful, a trait some interpret as cowardice. This view is an oversimplification and ignores many incidents of almost foolhardy courage during the Atani Wars and the Ivinian conquest of Jara. As a general rule, chroniclers who have belittled Jarin bravery confuse their lack of violent social imperatives with cowardice.
The traditional Jarin legal system bears some resemblence to vendetta law but has several subtle differences. Known as Trehaen Law, it evolved from pre-Hârnic Jarin custom with modifications and influences from contact with the elder races and other human peoples. As of 720, it is now in use only in the Jarin-controlled regions or Orbaal.
Jarin practice fostering, whereby children can be sent to live with other parents for a time. Boys often stay with their foster parents until they are 15 and girls until 13. Ties with one’s foster parents and siblings are often as strong as between natural relations.
Jarin society is based around the clan. They put great stock in loyalty to each other, the clanhead, and their overlord.
Jarin feasts are central to their social lives.
The centuries of contact with the Sindarin and Khuzdul had significant effects on Jarin craftsmanship. The skills learned from the Sindarin and Khuzdul, coupled with fertile Jarin imagination, results in intricate designs, particularly in metal and wood work.
Jarinese may be a dying language. Dialects are still spoken as a second language by about fifty percent of all Jarin and as the only language by about ten percent. Its influence on Hârnic and Orbaalese is substantial. Spoken Jarinese has sort consonants and a pleasant rythmlc sound.
Jarin generally practice the following trades: apothecary, charcoaler, hideworker, litigant, miller, ostler, timberwright, thatcher, trapper, all maritime and agricultural trades, and labourer.
Aenghysa (een-GY-sa) Is the name for the secret Jarin underground.