Vulcer Phar - Scorched Children

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

Today, I would like to tell you about a fascinating ethnicity: the Vulcer Phar, also known as the 'Scorched Children'. They resided on the northern coast of the Scorched Land, which includes a vast desert region, but they do not live directly in the desert. The Vulcer Phar had many cities and settlements, primarily along the coast, with a general split between living in the water and outside of it. Their cities were designed with canals running through them, and they had a tendency to have a few settlements and cities along a mountain range to the west of their territory and going even a bit farther South into the drier region of the Scorched Land then other ethnicities of their race.

The Vulcer Phar worshiped the same pantheon of gods as all people in this world did at that time, but with a greater reverence for three of them. Iormfar, God of the Oceans, is the highest above all in their culture, but the cults of Lothum - God of Earth and Miners and Luah - Goddess of Art and Craft also have their place amongst the people of this ethnicity.

It is interesting to note that the Vulcer Phar were known for their use of fire as a tool, in contrast to their cousin ethnicities. They were also renowned for their production of alcoholic beverages, and they could live in relatively harsher environments than just along the coast.

As I delved deeper into my studies of the Vulcer Phar, I couldn't help but find their name intriguing. It turns out that their name was originally a demeaning slur for those who used fire in their culture. How ironic that they now wear that name with pride, having turned the insult into a badge of honor.

Overall, I find the Vulcer Phar to be a complex and intriguing ethnicity, their culture is sure to provide me with much to study and learn from in the days to come.

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

This culture had a rich and diverse culture that reflected their connection to the sea and their magical abilities. Their adaptability was also a key aspect of their culture, as they had learned to thrive in both coastal and drier climates. They had a strong tradition of storytelling, passed down through generations, which often incorporated elements of their magical powers and their experience with the ocean. Music and dance were also integral to their culture, with rhythmic drums and chanting being a common feature in many of their songs and dances.

The culture deeply respected nature and their surroundings, incorporating elements of animism and shamanism in their beliefs. They had a tradition of tattoos and body art, using ocean-inspired designs to emphasize their connection to the sea, as well as desert fire and mountain motifs to represent their adaptability to different environments. Their social structure was complex, with strong family ties and a deep sense of community.

Trade and exchange with other cultures, including their cousins the Ith Nuliphar - True Daughters and other neighboring groups, was an important part of their history and cultural heritage.

Shared customary codes and values

"We, the Vulcer Phar (the scorched children), are a people born of the harsh and unforgiving lands we call home. We have adapted to the blistering heat and scorching sun, learning to thrive where others would wither and perish. Our culture is one of resourcefulness and resilience, valuing the ability to overcome adversity and make the most of what we have.

Family and kinship ties are at the core of our society, with extended families playing a crucial role in both our social and economic lives. We honor our ancestors and take pride in our lineage, displaying our lineage crests with reverence and respect.

Creativity and industry are highly valued among our people, as we have learned to make the most of the limited resources available to us. Our artisans and craftsmen create beautiful and unique works of art and craft, while our traders and merchants travel far and wide to bring goods and materials back to our community.

We are a people who respect the divine in all its forms, with a diverse range of beliefs and practices that reflect our adaptability and openness to new ideas. Inclusivity is also an important value to us, as we welcome those from all walks of life who share our spirit of perseverance and determination.

In all aspects of our lives, we are a people who embrace challenge and change, always striving to push ourselves further and achieve greatness. This is who we are, the Vulcer Phar (the scorched children)."

Common Dress code

The 'Scorched Children' had a dress code that reflected their deep connection to the ocean. They preferred lightweight and moisture-retaining clothing made from Iorval, a special fabric crafted from Aqua fiber that fit snugly to their bodies while allowing them to move freely in the water. Their clothing was inspired by the colors of the sea - various shades of blue, green, and turquoise - and often incorporated seashells and coral as decorative elements. It was designed to be practical and functional for life in and around the water, with waterproofing and hoods to protect them from the elements. The 'Scorched Children' also had a tradition of body painting, using ocean-inspired designs to further express their connection to the sea.

Art & Architecture

The Valcer Phar were a proud and skilled ethnicity, with a deep connection to the ocean and the magical powers it bestowed upon them. Their architecture reflected this bond, blending natural materials like stone and wood with the wondrous growth of coral that they cultivated with their magic. Their settlements were often built both on land and in water, with a perfect balance between the two. They had a deep reverence for the natural world, and their art reflected this, incorporating elements like coral, stone, wood, and precious metals like gold and silver into their intricate designs. The Valcer Phar took pride in their metalworking skills, producing both practical and ornate objects that were both beautiful and useful. Their preference for functionality was reflected in their architecture and art, but they also took pleasure in adding decorative elements that were inspired by the ocean and their magical abilities.

Foods & Cuisine

The food of this culture was a fusion of the land and sea, with an emphasis on seafood. They cooked their food using fire and heat, which added a special flavor to their dishes. Their cuisine included a mix of raw and cooked foods, as well as a variety of spices and herbs that gave it a unique taste. They preferred their food to be sour and spicy, and used vinegar, citrus, and chili peppers to add a kick to their dishes. Some of their traditional cooking techniques included smoking and drying, which helped preserve their food for longer periods of time. Seafood, such as fish, shellfish, and seaweed, was a prominent ingredient in their dishes, reflecting their belief that the ocean was a source of life and inspiration for them.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

I can say that the culture of the Scorched Children was deeply rooted in their connection to the sea and the natural world. They had a rich tradition of storytelling, passed down through generations, which often incorporated elements of their magical powers and experiences with the ocean.

Music and dance were also important aspects of their culture, with rhythmic drums and chanting being a common feature in many of their songs and dances. Their spiritual beliefs included elements of animism and shamanism, reflecting their deep respect for nature and surroundings.

The Scorched Children had a tradition of tattoos and body art, often featuring sea-inspired motifs that emphasized their connection to the ocean. They also incorporated designs inspired by the desert fire and mountains that surrounded their homeland.

Their complex social structure was based on strong familial ties and a deep sense of community, as demonstrated by their lineage crests. They observed a variety of religious and spiritual practices, including ancestor worship and offerings to the spirits of the sea and land.

As a people who valued cultural exchange and diversity, they had a long history of trade and exchange with other cultures, including their cousins, the True Daughters, and neighboring groups. The Scorched Children were proud of their heritage and were happy to share their customs and traditions with those who sought to learn from them.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

In their culture, the arrival of a new life was considered a momentous occasion. When a child was born, they celebrated with a ceremony that honored the power of the sea and their connection to it. The mother was attended by a midwife and other female relatives, who assisted her in bringing the child into the world. Once the child was born, they were washed in saltwater to cleanse them and welcome them into the community.

After the cleansing, the baby was wrapped in a soft cloth and presented to the family. They believed that every child was a gift from the sea god, so the father or mother (depending on the circumstances of the birth) spoke blessings over the child and welcomed them into the family. This was a time for joy and celebration, as they honored the new life that had come into the world and looked forward to the future with hope.

As the child grew, they were taught the stories and traditions of their people, and learned to honor the sea and the spirits that inhabited it. The community was bound together by strong familial ties and a deep sense of respect for the natural world, and they believed that every child born into their culture had an important role to play in maintaining this balance. They welcomed outsiders who came to learn from them and share in their traditions, but they also knew that their way of life was precious and must be protected for future generations.

Funerary and Memorial customs

In their culture, the passing of a loved one was a solemn occasion, marked by ceremonies that honored their life and accomplishments. For those who were demigods or had a long lifespan, death was a rare occurrence, and their funerals reflected this unique circumstance. They laid the departed to rest on a ship, which was then sent out to sea, guided by the gentle currents and winds. This final journey represented a return to their origins and the embrace of the sea god who watched over them.

For their human brethren, funerals were a somber affair, with family and friends gathering to mourn and pay their respects to the departed. The body was typically laid to rest in the earth, and offerings and prayers were made to the spirits of the land and sea. These offerings were meant to honor the memory of the departed and ensure that they were remembered fondly by future generations.

Regardless of whether the departed was a demigod or a human, they believed in the importance of keeping their memory alive. They made offerings of flowers, incense, or other symbolic items and left them at the site of the departed's passing. For demigods, there may have been special commemorative ceremonies held on the anniversary of their passing, or in honor of their accomplishments and contributions to the community. For humans, the passing of a loved one was often marked by a period of mourning, during which family and friends refrained from certain activities or wore special garments as a sign of respect and remembrance.

Overall, their funerary and memorial customs reflected their deep reverence for life and the natural world and their belief in the importance of honoring those who had come before them.

Common Myths and Legends

For the scorched children, fire was not just a tool, but a way of life. It was both a source of destruction and a means of survival in the harsh desert environment. But there were those among them who had mastered the art of controlling fire and used it not just for practical purposes, but for artistic expression and spiritual connection.

The Fire Dancers were a group of skilled performers who traveled the circumference of the desert, visiting many of the other countries in the scorched lands. They were revered for their control over fire and their ability to use it to entertain and inspire. Some said that the Fire Dancers had mystical powers and could communicate with the spirits of the ancestors.

When the Fire Dancers arrived in cities and villages, there was a sense of excitement and anticipation. They put on elaborate performances, dancing and twirling flames to the beat of drums and other instruments. It was a time of celebration, as people gathered together to witness their incredible displays of skill and artistry.

But the Fire Dancers were not just entertainers; they were also teachers. They shared their knowledge of fire and its many uses and showed people how to control it safely and effectively. And in doing so, they helped them to survive and thrive in this unforgiving land.

The Fire Dancers were a symbol of the people's connection to the elements and to the spirits of the ancestors who came before them. They reminded them of the power and beauty of fire and of their own resilience in the face of adversity. And when they left, people were left with a renewed sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around them.

Historical figures

Noldorin Sandstrider was a figure of great reverence and admiration among the people of the scorched lands. She was the first to explore the treacherous deserts, and her knowledge of the land and its secrets was legendary. Her discoveries opened up new trade routes and opportunities for the people, and her legacy lived on to that day.

But Noldorin was more than just an explorer. She was also the inventor of the Iorval, a special fabric that could hold moisture for a long period of time. This lightweight and form-fitting fabric revolutionized the way people lived and worked in the scorching heat of the desert.

Then there were the Fire Dancers. Noldorin was rumored to be their founder and had still traveled with them at that time. She was said to have mystical powers and could communicate with the spirits of the ancestors. Her skill and control over fire were awe-inspiring, and her performances had inspired generations of people.

Noldorin was a symbol of courage, ingenuity, and creativity. She had not only survived but thrived in the harsh and unforgiving environment of the scorched lands. Her legacy would continue to inspire and guide future generations for years to come.