Yathra Silthaman (Ya-thruh Sil-tha-men)

This culture applies to almost all Western Ioturans, save for those from or in Drakkina or Dimtodhir.
Of the myriad factions at play to the west of the Severed Tops, there is one unifying factor between the majority of them -- deep-running ties to the Silver City, Yathra Silthame. Because of this, much of Western Iotura (except of Dimtodhir and Drakkina) is largely influenced by Yathra Silthaman culture. Whether it be their naming conventions, traditions, or religious observations, most of the Iotruyla River Basin and all of the city-states of the Ioturan Heartland are bound, at least loosely, by this culture. Even with the Heartland War tearing many of these factions apart, at the end of the day, the mortals that live in this area have many more similarities than they'd like to admit.

Naming Conventions

Yathra Silthamans are generally strong-willed, strong-bodied humans of all shades of skin and all colors of hair. To these people, nothing matters more than the spirit and character of a person, human or not. It was in Yathra Silthame that the lion's share of Reckoning survivors held out, and this is reflected in their naming conventions. Yathra Silthamans tend to have shorter names, simpler family names, and generally keep things to the point -- though not to the level of Drumians.
Male Names: Darvin, Dorn, Evendur, Gorstag, Grim, Helm, Malark, Morn, Randal, Stedd
Female Names: Arveene, Esvele, Jhessail, Kerri, Lureene, Miri, Rowan, Shandri, Tessele
Family Names: Amblecrown, Buckman, Dundragon, Evenwood, Greycastle, Tallstag

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

All Western Ioturans speak Common, and most speak a second or third language depending on the different language groups that make up their community (such as dwarvish or elvish).

Culture and cultural heritage

Almost all Western Ioturans owe their heritage to Yathra Silthame. As such, their culture -- though it has evolved differently in different settlements -- still harkens heavily to the Silver City's traditions and ideals. Most Western Ioturans have a modicum of respect for the Children of Yamma at a minimum, and seek to resolve conflict peacefully before resorting to violence. Every settlement, without fail, at least has a temple to Yamma -- even if it's just a lean to shed.

Common Etiquette rules

Western Ioturans believe in a subtle, gentle respect of one another. Even if it's a simple nod to a passerby, Western Ioturans often acknowledge one another and take time to treat their fellow mortal with at least quiet dignity. Being social isn't necessary to have etiquette in Western Ioturan societies; you need only acknowledge your kinsmen and treat them with the kindness they deserve.

Art & Architecture

Western Iotura, being born of Yathra Silthame, is as varied as the Silver City itself in terms of architectural stylings. On account of the large amount of forests in the region, many of their cities are largely constructed from wood and stone, but that's basically the only unifying factor between different cities and settlements.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Though the level of religiousness varies from city to city, almost all Western Ioturans observe each of the Children of Yamma's holy days.

Funerary and Memorial customs

All funerals are overseen by someone with at least passing knowledge of Laianath's rites. In larger cities with true clergies of Laianath, an ordained priest will oversee memorial services.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

As with almost all Emaxian cultures, sexuality is not a topic of contention among Yathra Silthamans; however, they are not super open about sex and its adjacent topics. They don't consider it taboo, per se, but they don't go out of their ways to discuss it. As such, physical beauty's value varies between different communities and people. They do not treat "types" with disdain like Imperials, but they also don't value a specific physical trait or the like above any other. The exact beauty values of a Western Ioturan really comes down to the person themself.

Gender Ideals

Western Ioturans, like all Emaxian cultures/ethnicities, believe little in the idea of gender roles. Similar to their views on sex, they believe variety is essential, and that all mortals can achieve anything they believe they can, regardless of their race, gender identity, or what have you.

Relationship Ideals

Though not as typically traditional as Theussauns, Western Ioturans are nowhere near as fast-living as Imperials. They fall more in the middle with their expectations with relationships. Typical societies in Western Iotura believe strongly in the family unit -- whether or not you're married, your duty is to your partner(s) and your offspring. While no one will openly say anything, many Western Ioturans grimace behind closed doors at flings and those who "sleep around." This is less prominent in the cities than it is in more rural climes, but it is present nevertheless.

Major organizations

Yathra Silthame and the city-states of the Ioturan Heartland are the territories that are most influenced by this culture.

Related Organizations

• House Allery