Grave Tree Culture

The Grave Tree Culture, the Luwida Culture, or the Old Aetheran culture, was a prehistoric civilization which flourished in central Aethera from 3500-3000 years before present and lasted until the 2700-2500 years before present. It is considered to be the first culture that is attested in the archeological record. It is rather characterized by the practice of the grave tree burial, the deceased being buried on top of oak trees.
Little is known about these people(s), as their hieroglyphic language is mostly undeciphered, and their material culture is scant. Their ruins are most abundant in modern Mistwood and Ebonreach, though archaeological finds have been found all throughout Aethera. It is believed they called themselves the *Luwida, as attested on several inscriptions.
We do know that they were a rather polytheistic, chthonic, and animistic culture, having the tendency to revere particularly the Stag-Bull, who alongside other figures are carved/shaped into the trees.
They are believed to have lived in clans, and primarily used copper and broze-alloy tools, though their relics are known to be very potent in magic, being engraved with their symbols, and being fueled by the essence of living things. It is widely believed that the lost art of chimerism originates with the Grave Tree culture.
It is unknown what happened to the Old Aetheran culure. Some hypothesis argues that extreme climate changes caused them to flee from Aethera altogether, or that their gods slew them all. There is a belief that at least some chimeras are of human (and therefore Luwidan) origin. But by the time of the subsequent settlements, all traces of this civilization have all been long abandoned, leading to the belief that their lands are cursed, a sentiment that has remained to present day.
Monuments of this lost culture are regularly maintained and revered, laregly in fear of whatever happened to this culture happening to themselves.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

It is unknown if the Grave Tree culture has any distinct ethnic groups, though there may have been an east-west splint based on burial practices.
The Luwidan language is known to be primarily a Syllabary consists of around 100-200 characters. The application of Luwidan hieroglyphs appear to have been mostly confined to stone monuments or grave trees, though other writings, had they existed, would be long lost.

Shared customary codes and values

It appears to be customary for the blood of animals to be offered onto Grave Trees, as blood and food have been discovered near or on these trees.

Art & Architecture

They are believed to have used stone buildings, though much of their buildings have long fell into disrepair. These buildings are primarily characterized by their imposing size and frequent use of stylized art. Many monuments revolve primarily reliefs of animal hybrids, which may or may not depict the various monsters in Aethera.

Funerary and Memorial customs

The Luwida are believed to have performed a very strange burial method. Firstly, the deceased are stuffed into a jar with a ritualistic item of some sort, and a burial mound is created on their bodies. Lastly, a seed is placed into the mound, and a tree springs from their bodies. A pit is created so the tree can recieve offering (mostly dead animals, often mixed with fertilizer)
These clonal oak trees, colloquially known as Grave Trees, are believed to be revered by the Luwida, placing offerings on the roots of the tree, of which it would absorb. These trees are maintained and furnished by local residents who see these trees as holy.
Furthermore, these trees are carved with hieroglyphs which protect it's tree from fires, lightning and cutting. It is also said that cutting such trees would curse whomever disturbs it.

Common Myths and Legends

They are particularly known for the reverence of what Luwidan archaeologists call the Stag-Bull, being a bull with large antlers on it's head. This is believed to be the central deity of the Luwida, likely associated with fertility, weather, wind, and the nature, as depicted on stone reliefs
The Stag-Bull is sometimes shown slaying a Six-headed snake, which is associated with darkness.

Historical figures

The Grave Tree Culture do not have any important figures that are known to us.
It is believed that the Chimera, are of Luwidan origin. These monsters are widespread in the innermost regions of Aethera, making travel difficult if not impossible, and necessitates travel by boat for much of the region. Due to their nature, not only are they long-lived, they reproduce quite quickly, creating the need of adventurers and mercenaries to hunt them down.
Thr most prominent of these creatures is the Epeneivic Bull, a snow white wild bull with long prominent horns of the deer, most commonly seen a distance away from Sleetpoint. The Epeneivic Bull is believed to be a depiction of the Stag-Bull, the patron god of the Luwida. It's remains are highly prized, as managing to kill one of these bulls are said to be practically impossible.