# Cultural Values - **Family** - Family is one of the core tenets of Séllurian society. Your last name and heritage are two of the most important things about you. It is expected that your actions are in the best interest of your family which is not always in the best interest of your occupation. The senior members of a family are the ones that call the shots and must be respected. - **Tradition** - Tradition in Séllurian society includes honoring your place in society and preparing your children to take up the same role. The farmers are essential to helping the kingdom so a farming family must not deviate lest there be no more farmers in the kingdom. Everyone has a part to play in Séllur's greatness and that must be honored and appreciated. - **Honor** - Honor is one of the key pillars that keep Séllur together. The Houses are all honor bound to House Jacquemond, knights are honor bound to their houses, and people are honorbound to their promises. Once the foundation of honor and truth erodes it becomes chaos. Dishonorable people are often shunned from Séllurian society. - Faith (Séllur, the Major Gods, condemnation of lesser gods) - Sélluria has given Séllur her blessing and helped it grow to one of the best kingdom's in Vallaera. Without her none of this would be possible and Séllur's prosperity would diminish. This means that Sélluria's worship is a key part of every citizen's life. With the recent Moondrop Rebellion it has become more important than ever before to condemn the Moonlit Gods to honor Sélluria. # Species & Ethnicities - **Human**: Humans have called the lands of Séllur home for centuries, even before the era of the [[Thescryan Empire]]. Humans are the most populous species in Séllur, being the dominant species of 5 of the [[Houses of Séllur|7 Houses]]. Humans are adaptable and reproduce relatively quickly leading to more divergence in their populations. - **Strunian**: Strunian is a human ethnicity found largely in the [[Crownlands]] and [[Dawn Counties]], stretching across central and western Séllur. House [[Jacquemond]] and House [[Verfille]] identify as Strunian with House [[Marleau]] claiming both Strunian and Feldevan ancestry. Strunian people are fair skinned with hair ranging from red to brown to blonde. They have a storied warrior culture and trace their origins to [[Rothmund's Hills]]. Auguste, Louis, and Jacque are examples of Strunian names. - **Lurrish**: Lurrish is a human ethnicity found largely in Séllur's eastern reaches, the [[Dusk Counties]] and around the [[Silvermorn Forest]]. Lurrish people have complexions ranging from olive to brown, and black hair. Lurrish people are known to be great storytellers with a long written and oral tradition. House [[Lansois]] is the only Lurrish Housse in Séllur. Bonifacio, Sacrament, and Romeo are examples of Lurrish names. - **Feldevan**: Feldevan is a human ethnicity found largely in the [[Day Counties]] and southern [[Crownlands]]. They tend to have blond hair, fair skin, and to be quite tall. They celebrate an agrarian lifestyle and history. House [[Midinet]] identifies as Feldevan with House Marleau claiming both Feldevan and Strunian ancestry. Rudolf, Ludwig, and Marian are examples of Feldevan names. - **Calypsan**: Calypsan is a human ethnicity found largely in the very Eastern border of the Dusk Counties. Calypsan is the dominant ethnicity in the [[Sacred Lands of Gainier]] and a minority within Séllur. Calypsan humans in Séllur are often people displaced for one reason or another from Gainier. Calypsan people tend to have brown or red hair, fair skin, and distinct pointed features. Milo, Lara, and Thessaly are examples of Calypsan names. - **Elven** - **Lantid**: The Lantid Elves were an ethnicity of High Elves that were once found throughout Séllur. The Lantid Elves once ruled over the modern Dawn and Day Counties but were wiped out by the [[Thescryan Empire]]. Most Lantid Elves were either killed or fled the lands of Séllur after their empire was conquered leaving only ruins and small secluded communities today. Baldewyn, Aethered, and Jermenya are examples of Lantid names. - **Havani**: The Havani Elves are an ethnicity of High Elves that come from the Divine Empire of Haven. Many Havani Elves immigrated to Séllur following the fall of the Thescryan Empire in 384. Queen [[Josette Jacquemond I]] is of Havani ancestry through the royal union of her father and a member of the Haven royal family. - **Thescran**: The Thescran Elves were the unique creation of [[The Hierarch]] during their reign over the Thescryan Empire. They were the result of twisted magical experimentation on Lantid Elves. These experiments led Thescran Elves to take on reptilian features and able to adapt to any challenge. Thescran Elves were wiped out during the [[Petaled Revolution]], although rumors of Thescran sightings come up every couple years. - **Drow**: The Drow famously came to Tavra following the explosion of Drokai before the Day of Deliverance. The Drow of Tavra are mainly focused in the Markessian Triumvirate, but have communities across the continent. The Drow of Séllur live in the eastern regions encompassed by the [[Dusk Counties]]. Many of the mountains, like the [[Smoothstone Mountains]], have large underdark settlements. - **Wood**: The origin of the wood elves in Séllur is still disputed with theories ranging from descendants of Eladrin to the children of [[Séllurian Pantheon|Ralyon]] and Lantid elves. Regardless of their origin, the wood elves of Séllur live largely in and around the Silvermorn Forest. Their communities are pretty isolated and not very accomodating of outsiders. They are known to have strange practices and rituals that keep their culture isolated. - **Sea**: The Sea Elves of Séllur consider themselves to be the children of [[Sinnan]], the mythical daughter of the gods [[Séllurian Pantheon|Aquitare & Lunéria]]. They look to a spiritual leader known as a Wavespeaker to lead them which led to historical tensions with the rulers of Séllur. The [[Moondrop Rebellion]] resulted in the loss of over 50% of the adult sea elf population and led to major stigmas surrounding their communities today. Most Sea Elves live in the subaquatic city, Zartenstil in the [[Darkwave Bay]] although there are small communities across Séllur. - **Orcish** - **Rodt'Kai**: The Rodt'Kai Orcs of the Haldern Mountains live in the very Eastern reaches of the Kingdom. They have communities stretching across the [[Divine Empire of Haven]], Séllur, and the [[Sacred Lands of Gainier]]. The Rodt'Kai tend to have short black hair and greyish green skin. The Rodt'Kai are known to be as tough as the mountains they call home. Harl, Gora, and Brun are examples of Rodt'Kai names. - **Taryn**: The Taryn Orcs of the Smoothstone Mountains live in the mountain range that spans the Crownlands and Dusk Counties. The Taryn Orcs have large tusks, black to grey hair, and are shorter than their Rodt'Kai cousins. The Taryn Orcs have a unique druidic tradition that harkens back beyond even the Thescryan Empire. Karrud, Mantinak, and Umidia are examples of Taryn names. - **Faefolk**: Séllur had a strong connection to the Feywild before the Silvermorn Door. When that portal to the Feywild closed it stranded many fey in the Material Plane who had no choice but to either look for ways back home or settle in Séllur. The descendants of these fey settlers are the modern Faefolk. The Faefolk is one of the most diverse "species" in Séllur because it applies to so many different people. Due to their vast differences they are most often classified by where they live rather than what they are. - **Sunset Coast**: The Faefolk of the [[Sunset Coast]] include Firbolgs, Satyrs, Changelings, and Nymphs. These Faefolk are considered more civilized and closer to humans and half-elves. [[Leverge|House Leverge]] traces its ancestry back to these faefolk settlers which makes them more acceptable to the average person. - **Silvermorn**: The Silvermorn Fae include Eladrin, Hags, Unicorns, and Changelings. The [[Silvermorn Forest]] is the location of the original portal to the Feywild which means there is a higher concentration of fae here than anywhere else in Séllur. [[Lansois|House Lansois]] holds the Silvermorn Fae in high regard and incorporates them in many of their rituals and practices. The Silvermorn Fae are considered to be separate from society and not meant to fit in. - **Foxhold**: The Faefolk of the [[Foxhold Woodlands]] include Pixies, Sprites, Redcaps, Formorians, and Harengon. These faefolk are thought to be tricksters who play pranks on travelers and even steal their food and goodies. The Foxhold Fae mostly live in small secluded communities that don't appreciate outsiders. There are some small communities of these fae, mostly Pixies and Harengon, that live in major settlements but they are very rare. These Fae face the most prejudice out of the three. - **Beastfolk**: The Beastfolk trace their ancestry back to the Savannas of the Safazar Sultanate in Kalistis. They migrated to Tavra centuries ago, becoming a staple in the modern tapestry of the continent. The Beastfolk take many forms and can apply to many races but the major ones in Séllur are the following. - **Leonin**: Leonin are mainly found in the Day and Dawn Counties. They have fur ranging from a burnished bronze to rich gold and stand taller than other humanoids. Stemming from the original Leonin Prides they value a more meritocratic system in their familial structures. This causes them to differ culturally from most of Séllur where they value ability more than seniority, having the most successful members of their families lead them, and also stepping aside for members that deserve the role more. The Leonin people put a strong emphasis on honor though, holding brave and honorable warriors in the highest regard. - **Minotaur**: Minotaur are mainly found in the Crownlands and Day Counties. A large portion of the Minotaur population works in [[The Blanket]], using their natural strength to pull plows and labor over the farmland. Similar to Leonin, Minotaur family systems prefer the strongest among them to lead. These practices have evolved to Minotaurs finding proof of their strength in local tournaments where they can gain glory. - **Tabaxi**: Tabaxi are mainly found in the eastern Crownlands and mountains of the Dusk Counties. Tabaxi in Séllur often live in boreal mountainous environments. They grow longer fur than their Kalistan cousins and are better suited to climbing rocks and trees. Many are involved in [[Séllurian Guilds & Organizations|The New Path]]. - **Smallfolk**: The Smallfolk have called the lands of Séllur home for millenia. They are industrious and adaptable, making themselves useful wherever they are. The Smallfolk often inherit their trade or business from their ancestors, meaning that many Smallfolk families are important foundations of their communities. - **Gnomes**: Gnomes are found across Séllur but often concentrated in large cities. They are not known to be the most capable fighters but are incredible at magical tinkering. Many Gnomes become arcane educators, engineers, scholars, and magistrates. - **Halflings**: Halfings are also found across Séllur but have no preference for settlements. Halflings often find themselves leading organizations like [[Séllurian Guilds & Organizations|The Wagoneers]] that generate commerce. Halflings are considered the less magnanimous cousins of Gnomes because they tend to be more mischievous and sneaky. - **Monstrous**: The monstrous races are too many to count. Ranging from goblinoids, to trolls, to were-creatures, the monstrous races of Séllur are generally looked down upon. While some members of Monstrous races have made tit big, such as Sir Zelvier of the [[Fleurier Order]], they are the exception to the rule. # Sayings - "They're chasing the sunrise" = Foolhardy, chasing a fantasy - "Let the sun set" ="Call it a day" or "Let it go" - "Wagon Wheeler" =Someone who is a coward, of weak moral fiber, dishonorable. - Originated during the Moondrop Rebellion when rich families would pay to exempt their children from conscription and the wagons would pass their houses. # Religious Celebrations/Festivals *For more information on the gods see [[Séllurian Pantheon]]* - **Spring Equinox**: The Spring Equinox is a very important day for the Faefolk of Séllur and a major holiday for Sélluria. The border between the Feywild and Material Plane diminishes, allowing for the Fae to walk amongst the people of Séllur. People in Séllur will leave out small offerings and participate in the special services of Sélluria that help placate these fae. Sélluria shines for her longest duration on this day and any Lux Spire holds a special service. This service includes singing, speciality foods, and special prayers. This tradition of singing and feasting encourages the fae that have crossed over to join or at least partake in the food, placating them and hopefully preventing too much mischief. - **Autumn Equinox**: The Autumn Equinox is the most important day for Lunéria worship and conversely a dreaded day for Sélluria worshippers. It is believed that on this day Lunéria weakens the borders between the Shadowfell and Material Plane when Sélluria is at her weakest in order to punish the good people of Vallaera. The Autumn Equinox has weeks of preparation by the people of Séllur where local Lux Spires are transformed into fortresses where people can wait out Lunéria's invasion. - **Solar Eclipse:** A Solar Eclipse is belived to be Lunéria fully attempting to usurp Sélluria's throne. Her army of demons are able to come forth and ravage Séllur, weakening the prayers and worshippers and aiding her usurpation. The [[Seven Orders]] are fully activated and work to banish the demons while the faithful worship lest Lunéria's plot succeeds. Séllurian belief is that one day Lunéria will succeed and the world will devolve into hellish chaos unless they continue to believe and strengthen Sélluria's court. - **Prosper Day**: Celebrated across the Day Counties and some of the Crownlands and Dawn Counties, Prosper Day celebrates the harvest with a large feast. The Great Harvest Order aids with The Blanket's harvest and takes some to Marinhall for the biggest feast of the year. This is a day where people don't have to work and instead celebrate their bounty and prosperity all evening. Prosper Day is traditionally accompanied by a service to the goddess Pancela and a token of gratitude by the head of House Midinet. - **Festival of Petals**: The Festival of Petals honors Séllur's founding in 384 AD. It is celebrated every year on the 15th of Stormbridge. Towns and temples are decorated with lanterns and large petals from Bosquia. Shops are not open on this day so people can spend time with their families and say their prayers to Sélluria. It is the responsibility of local rulers to sponsor feasts and celebrations in their holdings. It has become something of a competition to hold the most extravagant festival to impress both the Jacquemond monarch and the rest of Séllur. - **The Contest**: The Contest is the largest tournament of arms in all of Séllur. It is held only once every 4 years. hosted in Bosquia and honors Sir Ethneur. Knights from across the realm are expected to participate and demonstrate their prowess. Winning The Contest awards unimaginable glory and the victor's name on the August Plate in Sir Ethneur's shrine. Those that etch their names on the August Plate are considered to carry Sir Ethneur's blessing forevermore. Sir Henri was the last victor in the 619 Contest. # Ideas of Nobility *For more information see [[Houses of Séllur]]* **"Anciens" vs. "Notables"** - The Anciens are the historic noble families. These are the Lesser and Greater Houses. All members of these houses are noble and their status is inherited. Merely having the last name is enough to put them at the top rung of society. - Notables are above commonfolk but not true nobility. Their status as a Notable is very individual and neither this status or their position can be inherited. Notables are people like lowborn knights, wealthy business partners of the Houses, and high ranking magistrates. # Cuisine - Lots of Cheese - Lots of Wine - House Midinet takes pride in their vineyards but many family brands, like Pierot and Van Haussen are widely considered comparable. - Snowfoot Stew - Snowfoot Hares can only be found in the Silvermorn Forest. They are said to be descended from fae and thus have a taste that can't be replicated by anything else. - Pezípan - Pezípan is the most popular dish in the Dawn Counties, especially Chamtreu. It is comparable to a fishcake. People in the Dawn Counties go crazy for them but they are less accessible in land locked settlements. - Dewhorn Venison - Dewhorn are found in the many forests of Séllur. Their venison is renown for its rich juiciness. More rough and tumble people believe how you get your venison cooked says a lot about you. - Golden Leaf Boulette - The Golden Leaf Boulette is a very popular delicacy across the Crownlands. Most often eaten with a savory sauce and a very nice garnish. This is mainly eaten for special occasions, like hosting a friend you haven't seen in a while or celebrating a promotion. - Roundtin Pie - Roundtin Pie is a large, sweet pie that is 2-3ft in diameter but can be bigger. Roundtin Pies are often baked with the help of the whole community or neighborhood who rotate in and out to watch the oven. Everyone's involvement makes eating the Roundtin Pie a special communal moment. If a group lets you have some of their pie it is a sign of their acceptance.