Ith Nuliphar - True Daughters

Journal entry, Florianus, imperial scholar, in the 23rd year of the fifth age, on the topic of the Ith Nuliphar at the beginning of the first age.

In the ancient times of the first age, the Ith Nuliphar were known as the "True Daughters" and they were revered for their strong connection to the ocean and their adherence to traditional values. Their society revolved around the Church of the Tides, and they were deeply devoted to the worship of Iormfar, God of the Oceans.

The Ith Nuliphar were one of the three distinct ethnicities that emerged from the Iormfar Nuliphar - Ocean Daughters after the Hive Wars. They have a rich cultural heritage that has been passed down through the generations, and they take great pride in preserving their traditions. Many of the High Mother, who rule over Ata'Garmfar, are chosen from their ethnicity due to their strong ties to the Church of the Tides and their unwavering loyalty to Iormfar.

The Ith Nuliphar resided on Ata'Garmfar, the central peninsula that is shared with the first of the Demigar. The two races had formed an alliance to conquer in the name of the gods, and Iormfar commanded that they mate to strengthen their alliance. This has resulted in the birth of powerful offspring.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

As True Daughters of Iormfar, they held their heritage and connection to the ocean above all else. Their customs and traditions refleced this deep reverence for their father and his domain. They honored the High Mother of the Church of the Tides as the keepers of their sacred knowledge and the stewards of their people. They valued strength, courage, and loyalty, and they hold themselves to the highest standards of honor and integrity. Their music and art reflected the beauty and power of the sea, and their water-based magic was a testament to their connection to its forces. They faced many challenges throughout their history, but they remained united in their devotion to their God, their Church, and their people.

Common Dress code

As a member of this all-female ethnic group, they could say that their dress code was centered around modesty and practicality, with a touch of ornate design for ceremonial events. They were dressed in form-fitting, functional clothing that allows them to move easily and perform their daily tasks, but for special occasions, they add intricate patterns and designs in colors inspired by the ocean to celebrate their culture and heritage.

While they did not have strict rules on modesty in terms of covering up, they do value the concept of dressing appropriately for the occasion. They understood that revealing clothing can have an effect on men from outside their culture and they knew how to use it to their advantage in diplomacy and trade.

For them, tattoos and permanent markings were a way to display their 'Family Creast' and kinship symbols, which were passed down from generation to generation. These markings were also used to show ownership of indentured servants or slaves. Overall, their dress code is a reflection of their values of modesty, practicality, and cultural pride.

Art & Architecture

The architecture of their cities and buildings was a marvel to behold. They incorporated the natural elements of the ocean, coral, and Mother of Pearl, into their designs. Their buildings close to the coast and even within the waters are grown out of a magical coral that was coaxed to grow by the skilled hands of their builders. Their cities were traversable by canals, which added to the beauty and functionality of their architecture.

As for their art, it reflected their close relationship with the ocean. Their artworks featured coral and aquatic scenes, as well as other oceanic motifs. Their skilled artists used Mother of Pearl to add a touch of elegance and opulence to their artworks. Their wealth and prosperity as a region were evident in the beauty and intricacy of their art and architecture.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

When a 'True Daughter' was born to a family of the Ith Nuliphar, it was a joyous occasion that was celebrated by the entire community. The birth was announced with great fanfare and a feast is held in honor of the newborn. The feast was a time for family and friends to come together and share in the joy of the new arrival.

After the feast, the mother and child are taken to a sacred pool of water, where the baby was submerged and then lifted up towards the sky. This ritual is believed to have brought good luck and blessings to the child and ensured her safety and health.

Once the baby was blessed in the water, she was presented with a special garment that has been woven by the women of the community. The garment was made from the finest materials and is embroidered with symbols that represent the baby's family and her place in the community.

Finally, the baby was given her name, which is chosen by the family and the community elders. The name was believed to hold great significance and was chosen with care, as it would shape the child's destiny and identity.

Overall, the birth rites of the Ith Nuliphar were a celebration of new life and the importance of family and community. They were a way of welcoming the new baby into the world and ensuring her success and happiness in life.

Coming of Age Rites

As a member of the Ith Nuliphar, they experienced the different stages of coming-of-age rituals that are celebrated within their society. These rituals mark important milestones in their lives as they progress from childhood to adulthood and eventually motherhood.

The first stage of their coming-of-age rituals was marked by the collection of their names. At birth, they were given a first name, but as they grew older, they collect additional names that reflect their achievements and personal growth. These names were a source of pride for them and reflect the stages of their lives as they progress from childhood to womanhood.

As children, they learn basic skills such as reading and writing, mathematics, and the knowledge of herbs and the ocean environment. These skills were essential to their survival and are celebrated as important milestones in their lives.

As teenagers, they are taught skills such as hunting, combat, and even magic. They learn how to traverse the ocean with sailboats, swim and hunt in the ocean, and navigate the dangers of the sea. This period in their lives is marked by becoming a woman and displaying the traits of their femininity, and when their hair reaches their waistline, it is celebrated as a symbol of their journey into womanhood.

When they decide to pray to Iormfar for their first child, it marks the final stage of their coming-of-age rituals. This ritual celebrates their transition into motherhood, and they are prepared for this journey with great care and reverence. If their God chooses to grant them their wish with a pregnancy, it is celebrated as a great joy, and they were filled with gratitude and pride.

In all of these coming-of-age rituals, they were celebrated as individuals and as a community, and they were reminded of the importance of their cultural heritage and traditions. These rituals were an integral part of their society and reflected their values and beliefs as the Ith Nuliphar.

Funerary and Memorial customs

When a member of their society passes on from this world, it was a time of great sorrow and mourning. They believed that their spirit journeyed onto Htan - The Sea of Souls, but they also honor and remember them through their funerary and memorial customs.

First, the body of the deceased was carefully prepared and dressed in their finest garments. It was placed on a small boat, which was then set adrift on the waves of the ocean. They believe that the sea is a sacred place and that by returning the body to the water, they were allowing the person's body to return to the realm of the divine.

As the boat sailed away, they sang songs in honor of the departed. These songs may have been sad, but they were also a celebration of the person's life and legacy. They remember their deeds and accomplishments, and they gave thanks for the time they shared with them.

In the days and weeks that follow, they observed a period of mourning. They wore black garments as a symbol of their grief, and they gathered together to share stories and memories of the deceased. They also marked the anniversary of their passing with a special celebration. On that day, they sang songs, lit candles, and shared food, and drank in honor of their memory.

Throughout their lives, they keep small tokens and heirlooms to remind themselves of those who have passed on. These objects may be simple, like a seashell or a feather, but they held great significance for them. They reminded them of the people they loved, and of the ways in which they shaped their lives.

For them, the passing of a loved one is a time of great sadness, but also of great reverence and respect. They honored their memory through their customs and traditions, and they held them in there hearts always."

Common Taboos

The following was a description of the taboos that their society, adheres to. These were important customs that guide their daily lives and ensured that they lived in harmony with each other and their environment.

Outsiders: It is forbidden to have children with outsiders or to marry them. Any children born out of such a union are not considered part of our community and are disowned. This taboo is to ensure that our bloodline remains pure and that our culture is not influenced by outsiders.

Disrespecting Ancestors: Our ancestors are highly respected and revered in our culture. It is considered taboo to dishonor them in any way, such as speaking ill of them or not performing the proper rituals in their honor.

Use of Fire: Fire is considered taboo in our society and its use is strictly limited. Cooking with fire is not allowed, and we rely mainly on raw food for sustenance. Metalworking without fire is performed using magical means.

Use of Certain Materials: Certain materials, such as wood, dry or sandstone, and colors associated with heat are avoided in our society. This is to prevent any association with fire and to avoid invoking any harmful spirits.

Disrespecting Higher Ranks: Respect for one's superiors is an important value in our society. Disrespecting or disobeying someone with a higher rank or status is considered taboo and can result in severe consequences.

Use of deceased Names: The use of the name of a deceased person in casual conversation is taboo, as it can invoke their spirit. This taboo is to ensure that the spirit of the dead is at peace and not disturbed by the living.

These taboos were integral to their culture and were followed by all members of their society. They helped maintain order and respect within their community and ensure that they lived in harmony with their environment.

Encompassed species