Creative Corner

1030

July 04, 2021 20:11:43

. : bitter ice, cold stars : .

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» Within the secluded valleys and peaks of the clan, lies secrets hushed and tucked away from the eyes of outsiders and the deities. Where they have spilt out of careless tongues, is a simple reminder: keep silent, or be wary of the wrath of Them.

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history • clan territory • culture • the gods • the library

Last edited on Jul 10, 2021 20:11:14 by Leyii

. : history : .

_______

history • clan territory • culture • the gods • the library

_______

and then there was.
The clan had started out as a simple piece of land in the far past. It was a land that flourished with life; a place where many ancient species of dragons and beast came to live together underneath the scarce sun and plentiful food that thrived with what light that peeked through. For a millennia, it had remained peaceful.

When the Shade had reawakened, the patron deity of these lands was the Icewarden. His chilly breath and freezing claws razed the lands. Where there had once been prosperity had now become a battlefield for the gods and the Shade. While he fought tooth and claw against the new evil, his claws dragged across the lands, tearing them into the solemn fjords seen today. The giant chasm that ripped apart the land and drove the remaining land upwards is known as the Winterwill Scar. Any life that did not freeze to death eventually evolved into hardier, more resilient species, becoming the beginning of a new subtype of Icefield plant.

Any new items found in the clan is to be sent to an archivist, where it will be catalogued and stored away until the final ice is melted and the frost fails to return.

_______

pin-marks of light in the vast void.
In a darker area, was the birth of a minor deity. From the Shade and Light and Arcane magic, the Stargiver was born. Her eyes twinkled with facets of starlight and her sleek body was reminiscent of the northern lights that occasionally graced the Icefields. Though she was an amalgamation of magic, similar to the true Eleven, her powers were weak and she could barely survive. Thus, she worked among the dragon population. Her magic blessed some to have stars that danced along their bodies. Once they revealed their glowing stars, they eventually left their original clans to join her in a new cult: the star-blessed.

At first, this was small, perhaps fifty dragons or so. Yet, this grew. Whenever her magic was passed down, the new hatchling would leave its nest in search of her. The Stargiver's clan was growing.

This enraged the deities. They disdained those who refuted their teachings in favour of her blasphemies. The only thing she had provided were stars on their bodies! She had not protected them from beasts, or shield them from the shade. She had leached off their efforts for too long.

They slaughtered her. Without her magic flowing through the star-blessed, they lost the glowing refulgence on their bodies and sank into despair. In desperation, they turned towards the deities' lands, where they were offered ways to appear as if they still had stars in their bodies. Within a few generations, she was forgotten.

The last of the Stargiver's magic was sealed away into scrolls. Over time, they would lose their potency and eventually become safe for most dragons to use. Though, a select few would bring back her clan, directionless and easily influenced. They were now a vulnerable group that was easily taken advantage of, and they were.

_______

the sands of time do not stop.
In a distant desert, far, far away from the gaze of the gods, lay a stunning oasis. It was vast and beautiful, full of only the riches fruits and cleanest water. Water rarely dried there and the trees surrounding it provided a dense canopy to shield the main source from the sun's harsh rays. It was a small haven nestled in some of the harshest desert conditions known to any civilization.

What protected the oasis was a thick, unruly sandstorm. It twisted around the oasis, protecting it from the probes of nearby Beastclans. Centaurs were frequently dispatched to search for the rumoured "Golden Oasis", but most perished in the storms. Those that did make it never returned to their original herds, for the oasis provided more than their herds could even dream of.

There were few records of when the first dragons infiltrated the oasis. Legend says that a golden drop of sunlight penetrated the sands, allowing for a dragon born of the sun to get through.

_______

witness the sky bend to his glory.
In an uncharted island between the Southern Icefields and the Windswept Plateau, there lay a vast mountain range. Its habitat was too dangerous to sustain any meaningful life. Cold, sharp winds tore through the peaks and freezing waters rushed from the scarce waterfalls.

Only those that were resourceful enough could make it. Dragons of many heritages and affiliations that came to the island had one thing in common: ruthlessness. Snap judgements, quick actions, weak bonds. All dragons refused to form permanent allegiances, causing multiple clans to feud over the limited territory.

Three clans in particular had the most power. The Eridwyth Clan, the Sundin Clan, and the Poldar Clan had many dragons contractually pledge their allegiance. Lucid of the Eridwyth was known for her particularly powerful magics that could knock even the bulkiest of Snappers out. Her deep violet eyes seemed to know everything about everyone. No secrets were safe beneath her omniscient gaze. The Sundin clan hailed a mighty dragon named Asteron. He was ferocious and unrelenting. Those that supported him feared his wrath. They did not want to be on his bad side once alliances would inevitably fall apart. The Poldar clan was the most mysterious. Their leader was an enigmatic dragon named Myr. Nothing was known about them, except for the fact that they seemed to be able to control something far more powerful than the gods could let exist.

This all ended when a dragon rose up to unify them all. His power was unmatched and his influence reached the far peaks and gullies. They called him the Grand Patriarch. He was their tentative ruler until someone else would be able to dethrone him.

Leyii

1030

July 04, 2021 20:30:47

. : history : .

_______

history • clan territory • culture • the gods • the library

_______

and then there was.
The clan had started out as a simple piece of land in the far past. It was a land that flourished with life; a place where many ancient species of dragons and beast came to live together underneath the scarce sun and plentiful food that thrived with what light that peeked through. For a millennia, it had remained peaceful.

When the Shade had reawakened, the patron deity of these lands was the Icewarden. His chilly breath and freezing claws razed the lands. Where there had once been prosperity had now become a battlefield for the gods and the Shade. While he fought tooth and claw against the new evil, his claws dragged across the lands, tearing them into the solemn fjords seen today. The giant chasm that ripped apart the land and drove the remaining land upwards is known as the Winterwill Scar. Any life that did not freeze to death eventually evolved into hardier, more resilient species, becoming the beginning of a new subtype of Icefield plant.

Any new items found in the clan is to be sent to an archivist, where it will be catalogued and stored away until the final ice is melted and the frost fails to return.

_______

pin-marks of light in the vast void.
In a darker area, was the birth of a minor deity. From the Shade and Light and Arcane magic, the Stargiver was born. Her eyes twinkled with facets of starlight and her sleek body was reminiscent of the northern lights that occasionally graced the Icefields. Though she was an amalgamation of magic, similar to the true Eleven, her powers were weak and she could barely survive. Thus, she worked among the dragon population. Her magic blessed some to have stars that danced along their bodies. Once they revealed their glowing stars, they eventually left their original clans to join her in a new cult: the star-blessed.

At first, this was small, perhaps fifty dragons or so. Yet, this grew. Whenever her magic was passed down, the new hatchling would leave its nest in search of her. The Stargiver's clan was growing.

This enraged the deities. They disdained those who refuted their teachings in favour of her blasphemies. The only thing she had provided were stars on their bodies! She had not protected them from beasts, or shield them from the shade. She had leached off their efforts for too long.

They slaughtered her. Without her magic flowing through the star-blessed, they lost the glowing refulgence on their bodies and sank into despair. In desperation, they turned towards the deities' lands, where they were offered ways to appear as if they still had stars in their bodies. Within a few generations, she was forgotten.

The last of the Stargiver's magic was sealed away into scrolls. Over time, they would lose their potency and eventually become safe for most dragons to use. Though, a select few would bring back her clan, directionless and easily influenced. They were now a vulnerable group that was easily taken advantage of, and they were.

_______

the sands of time do not stop.
In a distant desert, far, far away from the gaze of the gods, lay a stunning oasis. It was vast and beautiful, full of only the riches fruits and cleanest water. Water rarely dried there and the trees surrounding it provided a dense canopy to shield the main source from the sun's harsh rays. It was a small haven nestled in some of the harshest desert conditions known to any civilization.

What protected the oasis was a thick, unruly sandstorm. It twisted around the oasis, protecting it from the probes of nearby Beastclans. Centaurs were frequently dispatched to search for the rumoured "Golden Oasis", but most perished in the storms. Those that did make it never returned to their original herds, for the oasis provided more than their herds could even dream of.

There were few records of when the first dragons infiltrated the oasis. Legend says that a golden drop of sunlight penetrated the sands, allowing for a dragon born of the sun to get through.

_______

witness the sky bend to his glory.
In an uncharted island between the Southern Icefields and the Windswept Plateau, there lay a vast mountain range. Its habitat was too dangerous to sustain any meaningful life. Cold, sharp winds tore through the peaks and freezing waters rushed from the scarce waterfalls.

Only those that were resourceful enough could make it. Dragons of many heritages and affiliations that came to the island had one thing in common: ruthlessness. Snap judgements, quick actions, weak bonds. All dragons refused to form permanent allegiances, causing multiple clans to feud over the limited territory.

Three clans in particular had the most power. The Eridwyth Clan, the Sundin Clan, and the Poldar Clan had many dragons contractually pledge their allegiance. Lucid of the Eridwyth was known for her particularly powerful magics that could knock even the bulkiest of Snappers out. Her deep violet eyes seemed to know everything about everyone. No secrets were safe beneath her omniscient gaze. The Sundin clan hailed a mighty dragon named Asteron. He was ferocious and unrelenting. Those that supported him feared his wrath. They did not want to be on his bad side once alliances would inevitably fall apart. The Poldar clan was the most mysterious. Their leader was an enigmatic dragon named Myr. Nothing was known about them, except for the fact that they seemed to be able to control something far more powerful than the gods could let exist.

This all ended when a dragon rose up to unify them all. His power was unmatched and his influence reached the far peaks and gullies. They called him the Grand Patriarch. He was their tentative ruler until someone else would be able to dethrone him.

Last edited on Feb 11, 2023 01:07:05 by Leyii

. : clan territory : .

_______

history • clan territory • culture • the gods • the library

_______

The main part of the clan resides within these towering spires of ice. Though most of the fjord is tucked between these columns, residential areas have been created in the most stable parts.

The weather is treacherous at times, with visibility at extreme lows during heights of the surrounding blizzard. This natural barrier is the reason why the clan is so isolated. Within the eye of the blizzard, the climate is much more forgiving, with highs at slightly above freezing, allowing for hardier crops to be grown.

Any residencies are deep within the ice and stone, where they are insulated by a combination of fire magic and animal pelts. This is not a fool-proof method of keeping warm, and there is an emergency warming station outside of the clan territory.

_______

These remote islands near the Tourmaline Archives are home to the clearest night skies available in Sornieth. With little to no extreme weather or light pollution, those of the Starlit Conclave claim their ancestral home as here.

Though peaceful and perfectly habitable to any dragon willing to live in the cold, the conclave fiercely defends these lands and take extraordinary measures to retain what is left of their deity and culture. Any trespassers are immediately sent back using illusory magic and ancient wards.

Farming and masonry are strictly prohibited and it is a mystery how these barren islands sustain such a diverse crowd of dragons.

_______

To be added...

Leyii

1030

July 05, 2021 13:03:00

. : clan territory : .

_______

history • clan territory • culture • the gods • the library

_______

The main part of the clan resides within these towering spires of ice. Though most of the fjord is tucked between these columns, residential areas have been created in the most stable parts.

The weather is treacherous at times, with visibility at extreme lows during heights of the surrounding blizzard. This natural barrier is the reason why the clan is so isolated. Within the eye of the blizzard, the climate is much more forgiving, with highs at slightly above freezing, allowing for hardier crops to be grown.

Any residencies are deep within the ice and stone, where they are insulated by a combination of fire magic and animal pelts. This is not a fool-proof method of keeping warm, and there is an emergency warming station outside of the clan territory.

_______

These remote islands near the Tourmaline Archives are home to the clearest night skies available in Sornieth. With little to no extreme weather or light pollution, those of the Starlit Conclave claim their ancestral home as here.

Though peaceful and perfectly habitable to any dragon willing to live in the cold, the conclave fiercely defends these lands and take extraordinary measures to retain what is left of their deity and culture. Any trespassers are immediately sent back using illusory magic and ancient wards.

Farming and masonry are strictly prohibited and it is a mystery how these barren islands sustain such a diverse crowd of dragons.

_______

To be added...

Last edited on Feb 11, 2023 00:48:38 by Leyii

. : culture : .

_______

history • clan territory • culture • the gods • the library

_______

Each subsection of the clan have wildly different celebrations and cultural views. While most appear to be fairly conservative and closed off, there is a small shift in views that is shaking the clan's core values to the very foundation.

the fallen fjords.

Social Structures and Norms: most dragons are split between nobility and commoners through birth right. These two groups are almost completely separate from each other and if it weren't for the fact that nobility require at least a few commoners in their lands, they would be two different entities. Land is passed down through the generations and can be bought or sold accordingly. If a commoner wishes to move up the social ranks, they can choose to join the military, gain a higher education, or in some cases, pay.

Social norms are more varied and widespread. Such include the respect one must pay to the Icewarden and to preserve his grounds until death. Nobles are in theory required to respect the law and prevent mass corruption, but this is falling apart and has failed to be upheld. Public spaces are also expected to be well-kempt. Leaders are meant to be held in high regard, but this too is losing its hold in society.

There are no definitive roles for gender or breeds.
Religion and Celebrations: most dragons worship the Eleven as their main religion, but some are quiet about having no faith. Religion is seen as a particularly large aspect of many lives and is often the basis for large movements, such as a political uprising or the appointing of a new leader. Celebrations are held during this time as a way to thank the Icewarden for allowing them to live in such an area.
- Winter Solstice: when Ice magic is at its peak, the denizens celebrate the winter solstice. Feasts are to be held and there is much dancing and singing throughout the night. Competitions based upon ice and magic are held. This acknowledges the waxing and waning of Ice magic, similar to how the night gets longer and shorter. Some scholars believe that Ice magic is tied to one of the moons in Sornieth's night sky.
- Last Frost: this begins when summer is near. The final thick layer of frost melts and streams of fresh water begin trickling through the area. Agriculture typically begins at this time. This is a quiet celebration where farmers will begin planting. Wealthier ones will hold a small party to celebrate warmer weather, but it is uncommon.
- Recollection Day: a day to celebrate the victory of the Icewarden over the Shade in the clan. This is more of a nod to the occurrence, not a celebration per se.
Marriage and Death: marriage is handled as a union between two factions in the case of nobility, and for commoners, it is a mere affair that can happen as they please. Nobles will create grand celebrations and exquisite parties to display their marriages, whether politically motivated or not. Commoners have small celebrations with family. Knights and military officers usually do not celebrate and simply confirm with their superiors of their marriage. Polygamy is only permitted when consensual. Divorce proceedings are minor and typically swept by as quickly as possible in order to deal with more pressing issues.

When one dies, their body is frozen to such an extent that they will be shattered and sprinkled onto an iceberg. This represents their ties to the Icewarden who protects them. If the iceberg flips, this represents their soul being sent into a Beastclan to be reborn. If it remains upright, their soul is sent to the Icewarden as one of his loyal familliars. A newer practice is to scatter the ice into the wind, but it is seen as sending their soul to the Windsinger, and thus blasphemous.
Law and Enforcement: laws are enacted by the monarch of the clan. They are absolute, and must be followed. Those who oppose any new laws are to hold an audience with the acting monarch to determine an agreeance.

Laws are enforced by the military. The military falls into two main branches: the Silver Regalia and the White Crosses. The Silver Regalia (known as the Silvers) are meant to maintain order within the clan. They essentially act as law enforcement/police officers. The White Crosses (known as the Crosses) are the ones who go out and fight beasts. Their branch demands intense physical prowess and strict regulations. All of the Crosses can appear standoffish, but truly mean well for those they protect.

the starlit conclave.

Social Structures and Norms:
Religion and Celebrations:
Marriage and Death:
Law and Enforcement:

the sand's children.

Social Structures and Norms: society is split into three main castes: the Oases, Dunes, and Canyons. The ruling class are the Oases. They are believed to be descendants of the gods that protect their lands. Surplus from the lower castes are given to the Oases, even if they do not need this excess. Oases members do not work, but some participate in philanthropic activities in their spare time.

The middle caste are the Dunes. They enjoy many rights, but sometimes suffer beneath the whims of the Oases. They are just over half the population. Many work in commerce, trades, or textiles. The more affluent try to work as medics and knowledge keepers. They own land and typically hire Canyons to work for them.

The bottom caste are known as the Canyons. They are commonly seen tending arid lands for whatever farming they can achieve, building waterways that lead to the Oases' buildings, or participating in routine patrols near the edge of the sandstorm. Many are impoverished and scrape by in terms of living. They congregate in densely crowded slums, mere wingbeats away from the outskirts. Disease is incredibly common and many born in the deepest of the slums often grow up with several deformities due to several outbreaks.
Religion and Celebrations: the suntouched are an incredibly theistic group. They pray to the Divine Sun and Divine Sand. They believe that the Divine Sun comes back every few years as a monarch with golden blood and a breath that razes the land. Their rulers, the Solar Ray and his progeny, are believed to be the true descendants of the Divine Sun's first reincarnation.

The Divine Sand, on the other hand, is seen as a nourishing figure. The Divine Sand offers protection to the clans people and whispers prophecies to those who are willing to listen. The Divine Sand is worshipped by priests who dedicate their whole lives to listening to its whispers.
- Rite of Sand: this ceremony occurs rarely. When the storms that protect the kingdom begin to wane, priests offer their lives to bring back the sand's vigour. The ritual begins with the priest first chanting incantations into a parchment. This parchment is thrown into the sands and buried beneath dried flowers and soot. The priest then disrobes, folding them neatly for the next one that replaces them. They then head to the sandstorms. They walk through, dying either from exposure or dehydration. This satisfies the Divine Sand, leading to the storms regaining their old strength. However, due to the current princess' misdeeds, the sands begin to fade once again...
- Rainfall Festival: during the few winter months the deserts have, sparse patches of rain come and go. These rains are a time of celebration. The clan feasts on dried supplies, rehydrating them using collected rainwater. At the peak of winter, when rain is most abundant, wells are filled and lidded to last until the next winter arrives.
- Union of Valleys and Mountains: a newer celebration surrounding the princess' marriage to the ruler of the fjords. This is a time when the desert's children sent offerings of exotic foods and precious metals. They receive nothing in return. Many dissidents entertain the idea of halting the celebration, but fear a war will break out.
Marriage and Death: marriage is handled as a minor affair. There is no ceremony and can be broken off upon a whim. However, those of the Canyon caste are bound to their marriages if they are wed to an upper caste. They are punished if caught eloping. The Dune caste must honour their marriages to the Oasis caste and suffer consequences if they do not, but most of the time they marry within or below their caste. The Oasis caste enjoy the ability to form polygamous households, but many choose not to.

Death is seen as a return to the gods that brought life to the kingdom. All are treated equal during death, where funerary rites are done en masse. Upper caste members are stripped of their symbols of wealth. All are brought to a small sandstone tomb, where fire is used to cremate bodies. The ashes are thrown into the sandstorm as some sort of protection ward.
Law and Enforcement:

the divine.

Social Structures and Norms: most in the divine follow a strict social hierarchy of power. They follow a caste system. At the top is known as the True, the concept being that they are true deities walking among the rest of dragonkind. Any spoils from war or harvests are sent to them first to allow them to pick out what they please. The Awakened are a middle level. They are not rejected from society, but they do not gain any extreme benefits from being in the position that they are in. They are complacent and usually get what they want, as long as it is within reason of the True. The bottom level is the Concealed. Concealed are often shunned from society and left to pick at whatever is even left for them to take. They usually lose any chance of gaining power and instead either leave the divine or resort to mortal life.
Religion and Celebrations: the divine worship no one but themselves, which leads to many holidays and sub-religions being made in their likeliness. There is no official holiday that any of them can agree on, however, there are a few that seem to line up with each other.
Marriage:
Law and Enforcement: laws are no longer enforced by the divine except for Castitas and Tempermentia. Those from the rest of the land are allowed to live and act as they please.

Leyii

1030

July 06, 2021 17:01:49

. : culture : .

_______

history • clan territory • culture • the gods • the library

_______

Each subsection of the clan have wildly different celebrations and cultural views. While most appear to be fairly conservative and closed off, there is a small shift in views that is shaking the clan's core values to the very foundation.

the fallen fjords.

Social Structures and Norms: most dragons are split between nobility and commoners through birth right. These two groups are almost completely separate from each other and if it weren't for the fact that nobility require at least a few commoners in their lands, they would be two different entities. Land is passed down through the generations and can be bought or sold accordingly. If a commoner wishes to move up the social ranks, they can choose to join the military, gain a higher education, or in some cases, pay.

Social norms are more varied and widespread. Such include the respect one must pay to the Icewarden and to preserve his grounds until death. Nobles are in theory required to respect the law and prevent mass corruption, but this is falling apart and has failed to be upheld. Public spaces are also expected to be well-kempt. Leaders are meant to be held in high regard, but this too is losing its hold in society.

There are no definitive roles for gender or breeds.
Religion and Celebrations: most dragons worship the Eleven as their main religion, but some are quiet about having no faith. Religion is seen as a particularly large aspect of many lives and is often the basis for large movements, such as a political uprising or the appointing of a new leader. Celebrations are held during this time as a way to thank the Icewarden for allowing them to live in such an area.
- Winter Solstice: when Ice magic is at its peak, the denizens celebrate the winter solstice. Feasts are to be held and there is much dancing and singing throughout the night. Competitions based upon ice and magic are held. This acknowledges the waxing and waning of Ice magic, similar to how the night gets longer and shorter. Some scholars believe that Ice magic is tied to one of the moons in Sornieth's night sky.
- Last Frost: this begins when summer is near. The final thick layer of frost melts and streams of fresh water begin trickling through the area. Agriculture typically begins at this time. This is a quiet celebration where farmers will begin planting. Wealthier ones will hold a small party to celebrate warmer weather, but it is uncommon.
- Recollection Day: a day to celebrate the victory of the Icewarden over the Shade in the clan. This is more of a nod to the occurrence, not a celebration per se.
Marriage and Death: marriage is handled as a union between two factions in the case of nobility, and for commoners, it is a mere affair that can happen as they please. Nobles will create grand celebrations and exquisite parties to display their marriages, whether politically motivated or not. Commoners have small celebrations with family. Knights and military officers usually do not celebrate and simply confirm with their superiors of their marriage. Polygamy is only permitted when consensual. Divorce proceedings are minor and typically swept by as quickly as possible in order to deal with more pressing issues.

When one dies, their body is frozen to such an extent that they will be shattered and sprinkled onto an iceberg. This represents their ties to the Icewarden who protects them. If the iceberg flips, this represents their soul being sent into a Beastclan to be reborn. If it remains upright, their soul is sent to the Icewarden as one of his loyal familliars. A newer practice is to scatter the ice into the wind, but it is seen as sending their soul to the Windsinger, and thus blasphemous.
Law and Enforcement: laws are enacted by the monarch of the clan. They are absolute, and must be followed. Those who oppose any new laws are to hold an audience with the acting monarch to determine an agreeance.

Laws are enforced by the military. The military falls into two main branches: the Silver Regalia and the White Crosses. The Silver Regalia (known as the Silvers) are meant to maintain order within the clan. They essentially act as law enforcement/police officers. The White Crosses (known as the Crosses) are the ones who go out and fight beasts. Their branch demands intense physical prowess and strict regulations. All of the Crosses can appear standoffish, but truly mean well for those they protect.

the starlit conclave.

Social Structures and Norms:
Religion and Celebrations:
Marriage and Death:
Law and Enforcement:

the sand's children.

Social Structures and Norms: society is split into three main castes: the Oases, Dunes, and Canyons. The ruling class are the Oases. They are believed to be descendants of the gods that protect their lands. Surplus from the lower castes are given to the Oases, even if they do not need this excess. Oases members do not work, but some participate in philanthropic activities in their spare time.

The middle caste are the Dunes. They enjoy many rights, but sometimes suffer beneath the whims of the Oases. They are just over half the population. Many work in commerce, trades, or textiles. The more affluent try to work as medics and knowledge keepers. They own land and typically hire Canyons to work for them.

The bottom caste are known as the Canyons. They are commonly seen tending arid lands for whatever farming they can achieve, building waterways that lead to the Oases' buildings, or participating in routine patrols near the edge of the sandstorm. Many are impoverished and scrape by in terms of living. They congregate in densely crowded slums, mere wingbeats away from the outskirts. Disease is incredibly common and many born in the deepest of the slums often grow up with several deformities due to several outbreaks.
Religion and Celebrations: the suntouched are an incredibly theistic group. They pray to the Divine Sun and Divine Sand. They believe that the Divine Sun comes back every few years as a monarch with golden blood and a breath that razes the land. Their rulers, the Solar Ray and his progeny, are believed to be the true descendants of the Divine Sun's first reincarnation.

The Divine Sand, on the other hand, is seen as a nourishing figure. The Divine Sand offers protection to the clans people and whispers prophecies to those who are willing to listen. The Divine Sand is worshipped by priests who dedicate their whole lives to listening to its whispers.
- Rite of Sand: this ceremony occurs rarely. When the storms that protect the kingdom begin to wane, priests offer their lives to bring back the sand's vigour. The ritual begins with the priest first chanting incantations into a parchment. This parchment is thrown into the sands and buried beneath dried flowers and soot. The priest then disrobes, folding them neatly for the next one that replaces them. They then head to the sandstorms. They walk through, dying either from exposure or dehydration. This satisfies the Divine Sand, leading to the storms regaining their old strength. However, due to the current princess' misdeeds, the sands begin to fade once again...
- Rainfall Festival: during the few winter months the deserts have, sparse patches of rain come and go. These rains are a time of celebration. The clan feasts on dried supplies, rehydrating them using collected rainwater. At the peak of winter, when rain is most abundant, wells are filled and lidded to last until the next winter arrives.
- Union of Valleys and Mountains: a newer celebration surrounding the princess' marriage to the ruler of the fjords. This is a time when the desert's children sent offerings of exotic foods and precious metals. They receive nothing in return. Many dissidents entertain the idea of halting the celebration, but fear a war will break out.
Marriage and Death: marriage is handled as a minor affair. There is no ceremony and can be broken off upon a whim. However, those of the Canyon caste are bound to their marriages if they are wed to an upper caste. They are punished if caught eloping. The Dune caste must honour their marriages to the Oasis caste and suffer consequences if they do not, but most of the time they marry within or below their caste. The Oasis caste enjoy the ability to form polygamous households, but many choose not to.

Death is seen as a return to the gods that brought life to the kingdom. All are treated equal during death, where funerary rites are done en masse. Upper caste members are stripped of their symbols of wealth. All are brought to a small sandstone tomb, where fire is used to cremate bodies. The ashes are thrown into the sandstorm as some sort of protection ward.
Law and Enforcement:

the divine.

Social Structures and Norms: most in the divine follow a strict social hierarchy of power. They follow a caste system. At the top is known as the True, the concept being that they are true deities walking among the rest of dragonkind. Any spoils from war or harvests are sent to them first to allow them to pick out what they please. The Awakened are a middle level. They are not rejected from society, but they do not gain any extreme benefits from being in the position that they are in. They are complacent and usually get what they want, as long as it is within reason of the True. The bottom level is the Concealed. Concealed are often shunned from society and left to pick at whatever is even left for them to take. They usually lose any chance of gaining power and instead either leave the divine or resort to mortal life.
Religion and Celebrations: the divine worship no one but themselves, which leads to many holidays and sub-religions being made in their likeliness. There is no official holiday that any of them can agree on, however, there are a few that seem to line up with each other.
Marriage:
Law and Enforcement: laws are no longer enforced by the divine except for Castitas and Tempermentia. Those from the rest of the land are allowed to live and act as they please.

Last edited on Aug 08, 2023 22:27:32 by Leyii

. : the gods : .

_______

history • clan territory • culture • the gods • the library

_______

The paradigms of virtue. All of the gods were once benevolent beings that brought peace and order to the world.

Castitas: Kasia
Her rule was restrictive and tight, like a strict parent watching over their child. Her followers chose to worship her not out of love, but more out of necessity. Despite the peoples' fear of their goddess, she rewarded them with gifts the other gods could not provide.

Castitas' corruption came slowly. She had become tyrannical and absolute as a leader, going so far as to immediately eliminate potential rivals and usurpers. The disappearance of her enemies led her to earn the title of the bringer of imprisonment.

Tempermentia: Malika
Tempermentia's fall did not come from the hatred of her people. Rather, her relationship with Castitas caused political anguish between their people.

Caritas: Edvinas
Once one of the most giving of the gods, he saw greed consume the people he faithfully gave to. In his despair, he shunned them and rejected their pleas for help.

Successive generations never forgot his betrayal. He lost his old title as the martyr and soon became known as the bringer of pestilence.

Diligentia: Amery
Diligentia was a wise soul and a sage towards his followers. Instead of simply giving his people the solutions like his brothers, he chose to gently guide them. His people had progressed to the point where they no longer relied on him and began to abandon their faith towards him. They began to worship other figures, leading to the wasting away of Diligentia.

When the few devout saw Diligentia again, they feared his new form. Such a husk could not be worshipped unless they wanted to see their land waste away with their god. With that, Diligentia was forever cast aside, and soon became the bringer of famine.

Humanitas: Ari
Much like his brother, Caritas, Humanitas struggled with being too giving to his people. By constantly providing without receiving so much as his name on their lips, the repercussions of his good deeds eventually came back to haunt him.

Humanitas came to be known as the bringer of grief.

Patientia: Miran
She was a goddess who had all the time in the world for her people.

Humilitas: Dalia

_______

The gods had forsaken their duties as leaders, instead choosing to

Leyii

1030

July 06, 2021 21:11:45

. : the gods : .

_______

history • clan territory • culture • the gods • the library

_______

The paradigms of virtue. All of the gods were once benevolent beings that brought peace and order to the world.

Castitas: Kasia
Her rule was restrictive and tight, like a strict parent watching over their child. Her followers chose to worship her not out of love, but more out of necessity. Despite the peoples' fear of their goddess, she rewarded them with gifts the other gods could not provide.

Castitas' corruption came slowly. She had become tyrannical and absolute as a leader, going so far as to immediately eliminate potential rivals and usurpers. The disappearance of her enemies led her to earn the title of the bringer of imprisonment.

Tempermentia: Malika
Tempermentia's fall did not come from the hatred of her people. Rather, her relationship with Castitas caused political anguish between their people.

Caritas: Edvinas
Once one of the most giving of the gods, he saw greed consume the people he faithfully gave to. In his despair, he shunned them and rejected their pleas for help.

Successive generations never forgot his betrayal. He lost his old title as the martyr and soon became known as the bringer of pestilence.

Diligentia: Amery
Diligentia was a wise soul and a sage towards his followers. Instead of simply giving his people the solutions like his brothers, he chose to gently guide them. His people had progressed to the point where they no longer relied on him and began to abandon their faith towards him. They began to worship other figures, leading to the wasting away of Diligentia.

When the few devout saw Diligentia again, they feared his new form. Such a husk could not be worshipped unless they wanted to see their land waste away with their god. With that, Diligentia was forever cast aside, and soon became the bringer of famine.

Humanitas: Ari
Much like his brother, Caritas, Humanitas struggled with being too giving to his people. By constantly providing without receiving so much as his name on their lips, the repercussions of his good deeds eventually came back to haunt him.

Humanitas came to be known as the bringer of grief.

Patientia: Miran
She was a goddess who had all the time in the world for her people.

Humilitas: Dalia

_______

The gods had forsaken their duties as leaders, instead choosing to

Last edited on Aug 10, 2023 23:42:33 by Leyii

. : the library : .

_______

history • clan territory • culture • the gods • the library

_______

You shut a quaint door behind you. It's warm and cozy; a small fireplace crackles in the corner and you feel soft furs beneath you as you make your way to a small nook in the ice. Wooden planks line the corner and a bunch of blankets are shoved in. Candles light up and they illuminate a series of parchments and books. Shelves and shelves of books enter your vision and a drawer of parchments catch your eye.

You pick a few up and settle in for the read.

_______

Leyii