Sudweg

A Sudweger at his home in 1854

The Sudweg or South Way was a vestigial Weranic cultural community which survived in the form of wealthy and middle class rural land holders during the early years of the Kingdom of Solstiana. The "Sudwegers" attracted various political issues during the mid 19th century including attempts by high members of the government to either suppress or popularize their lifestyles. They became central to debates concerning the national identity of Solstiana.

History

Sudwegers were a group of people who spoke Weranic languages and followed Weranian customs after the rise of local Solstianan cultural institutions. Many of the Sudwegers lived in rural, freehold estates, which insulated them from pressure to alter their language and adopt new religious institutions. Their rights were protected by Solstianan monarchs in part because they were conservative, Solarian Catholics.

While they seldom suffered from direct suppression from the central government, they declined steadily over the course of the Solstianan kingdom through intermarriage, conversion, and attrition from urbanization.

Sudweger Holds

Even after the decline of the Sudweger culture, their estates remained as legally unbreakable parcels with generous leases or freehold status. During the establishment of the Solstianan republic, these land parcels were the subject of great debate.