Ritherian (Ethnicity)
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Commonly end in -a, but not always.
Family names
All end in either -us, -res or -ic.
Other names
No Ritherian first name is shorter than five letters. Names are usually two or three syllables, with the majority of these at two.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Major language: Ritherian (Language).
Dialects: Isotorian Rith; Scavohlan. Resepe is a new enough colony that they still use the common Ritherian.
Average technological level
Higher medical knowledge than many.
Common Dress code
The peasants wear trousers and tunics regardless of gender/sex. On special occasions such as festivals the women wear dresses.
Nobility stick closer to dresses for women and tunics for men, often with the addition of capes/cloaks.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Festivals:
The Dragons' Day - an annual festival near the beginning of the Light Months, celebrating the Dragons' Flight and the selection of a Rider. The festival starts at midday and includes a comedic play and recitals of poems from four poets of romantic themes. Drinking commences during the play and then doesn't stop until past the Flight, and food is brought by everyone to share.
The Solstice Festival - a biannual event that takes place on each of the two solstices of the Light Months and the Dark. Celebrates the passing over of dominion from Light to Dark and Dark to Light respectively. The Priests of Light and Priestesses of Dark meet in the centre of the street between their temples and the priests/priestesses of whoever's reign is ending bows to those of the reign that begins and hands over stone ornaments of both gods. The festival continues for four days where there are games and competitions.
The Anniversary of Aressius - an annual celebration of the reign of the Aressians on the anniversary of their take down of the Perics. A speech is given by the ruler and all work is forbidden for the day except for the royal kitchen staff, who supply the food (with help from volunteers) and then enjoy the festivities.
The Dark Market - takes place for a week annually during the Dark Months. The people sell the items they no longer need on stalls.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Bury their dead with figurines of the Light and Dark, in whatever from they worshipped them. If it is a Rider who has died, a figurine of their dragon takes the place of these, and for non-believers the gravestone is shaped in the traditional image of either Light or Dark, depending on which Months they died in.
Common Taboos
Destroying any image of the Light or Dark; desecration of graves; entering the palace without permission; denying someone food or drink.
Common Myths and Legends
Historical figures
Queen Eirla I, the First Dragon Rider and Founder of Ritheria.
Tengrid I, the First King of the Peric Line.
Isotna III, the Seventh and Final Queen of the Peric Line.
Julin I, the Fifth and Current King of the Aressian Line
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
No widespread beliefs in true beauty, but general preference often arises for those who are tall.
Courtship Ideals
Flowers are common in courtships, but there are no strict rules for the people. For arranged courtships (usually in noble households) the pair meet weekly at first, in public, and if they mutually decide to continue the courtship they then meet more frequently. Even though it is an arranged courtship, if either side decide they would like to end it they can (officially).
Relationship Ideals
Gender/sex not an issue for the most part, except for in many noble circles when an heir is needed. Can live together before marriage if courtship is long lived.
Major organizations
Hail from Ritheria, one of the largest cities in Farahtor, or one of her three colonies: Isotor, Resepe and Scavohla.
Traditionally worship two gods - the Light and the Dark - though these are worshipped in multiple different forms. Festivals in honour of these gods are held on the solstices, the only times of the year when the Priests of Light and the Priestesses of Dark are allowed to be in contact.
Related Organizations
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