Myrakel (Mere-ah-kell)
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Myrran: the primary dialect of the Myrakel, a subset of the Telvidae language group
Koritsic: a seldom used dialect on the island of Koritsae, utilized by the Ninja of Koritsae
Koritsic: a seldom used dialect on the island of Koritsae, utilized by the Ninja of Koritsae
Shared customary codes and values
Code of Honour: For the Myrakel a specific code of Honour directs their entire way of life, no matter one's station. This code dictates service to a common good, most often interpreted as service to a single city or state, though this also is used as a foundation for the various aristocratic clans of Samurai. For the common person this code commands that acting for one's self interest is a grave misdeed, leading to a high focus on the great honour of civil service. Even the warrior-aristocrats of the Samurai adhere to this ideal, leading to Myrakel cities having incredibly efficient and robust civil service systems. In battle this code commands that retreat from a foe is a dishonour, subterfuge is the way of cowards and that displays of strength are to be rewarded. Recent alterations of this code have led to some infighting between Daimyo as the Myrakel only won their war against the Kor'Anur due to some underhanded tactics.
This code also directs the Samurai to take their forms of combat further than killing, and to turn it into art. In fact the code places a heavy focus on art and artistic expression, which has led to the Myrakel cities being vibrant and full of various artistic displays. Unlike their Kalomyr kinsmen the Myrakel place a heavy focus on public displays of performance art, with their Bladesingers performing various tales from history or even fictional tales for simple enjoyment.
This code also directs the Samurai to take their forms of combat further than killing, and to turn it into art. In fact the code places a heavy focus on art and artistic expression, which has led to the Myrakel cities being vibrant and full of various artistic displays. Unlike their Kalomyr kinsmen the Myrakel place a heavy focus on public displays of performance art, with their Bladesingers performing various tales from history or even fictional tales for simple enjoyment.
Common Etiquette rules
Due to the chaotic years of the early Long Summer that shaped the Uldkai Darvuath Hinoari into the Myrakel and the Kalomyr, the Myrakel generally frown on those that do not carry some kind of weapon openly. This is directly derived from the fact that everyone used to carry weapons for self defense, and that those who did not generally had one hidden somewhere, meaning that they were untrustworthy. In most cities, in order to prevent heavily armed and armoured warriors roaming around seeking trouble, these weapons are usually limited to a single blade no larger than a katana per individual. Other weapons can be carried within packs or upon carts in order to sell them, but for the regular Samurai or civilian this limitation applies.
Directly looking into someones eyes while conversing with a Myrakel is considered by them to be a challenge for power/status within a social group. This particular behaviour seems to have been derived from the Warlords of the early Long Summer, and remains despite the millennium that has passed since. Looking into the eyes of someone of the same social station as oneself is allowed and often encouraged (otherwise it shows subservience).
Directly looking into someones eyes while conversing with a Myrakel is considered by them to be a challenge for power/status within a social group. This particular behaviour seems to have been derived from the Warlords of the early Long Summer, and remains despite the millennium that has passed since. Looking into the eyes of someone of the same social station as oneself is allowed and often encouraged (otherwise it shows subservience).
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
When an individual leaves their home town they are asked to leave a part of themselves, physically, behind, so that in the case of their death and the impossibility of a body recover, they can still be laid to rest within their Clan's memorial wall.
Coming of Age Rites
When a Myrakel comes of age, no matter their station, they are provided with a 'Clan Blade', a Wakazashi made for them by their Clan, meant to represent who they are and where they have come from. Often times this blade is worn publicly so that others can tell who they are, though Samurai and others of importance generally wear their Clan's heraldry on their person.
Funerary and Memorial customs
When a Myrakel's life comes to an end, the remains are gathered and are given over to the priests of Telsin, who place the remains within a specialized container and place it upon the roof of the temple. These containers absorb the heat of the sunlight via Sun Metal rods placed throughout the container, beginning to incinerate the remains. During the night small vents are opened on the container, allowing the light of Nythrion to bath the deceased. This ritual lasts usually 3-4 days (depending on if a new moon occurs), after which what is left within the container, a small amount of ash and dust, is collected into and sealed within a small sun metal capsule, and placed upon their clan's memorial wall, and their name engraved upon the capsule's surface. For unknown reasons, every year when it gets closer and closer to the date the individual's death, the capsule heats up, until the day itself, where it almost burns like fire. Additionally, when an individual they possessed a connection with moves within 15ft of teh capsule, it also heats up.
Placing the funerary capsule upon the memorial wall is performed in a ritual where the friends and family of the deceased gather around the wall, each bringing with them an item or written tale of a shared memory with them. The head of the clan then leads the ritual, performing a few prayers and a chosen battle hymn, before placing a large brazier before the wall, within which a fire is started and the capsule is placed within. Each individual present then approaches and places the item within, sharing the meaning behind it, then retreating back so that another can add their item. After each item has been added the 'Hymn of Memories' is performed, which causes the items within the brazier to rapidly decay, eventually leaving the capsule slightly on fire. Once the capsule is cool enough to handle the head of the Clan then places the capsule upon the wall of memories, a final prayer is spoken, and the funeral ends.
When an individual is stuck and seeks guidance it is often encouraged for them to meditate in front of the memorial wall, so that the fallen can provide inspiration or guidance. While it is very rare for an individual to hear a verbal response to their questions, some Myrakel have been able to commune with the fallen in this manner.
Placing the funerary capsule upon the memorial wall is performed in a ritual where the friends and family of the deceased gather around the wall, each bringing with them an item or written tale of a shared memory with them. The head of the clan then leads the ritual, performing a few prayers and a chosen battle hymn, before placing a large brazier before the wall, within which a fire is started and the capsule is placed within. Each individual present then approaches and places the item within, sharing the meaning behind it, then retreating back so that another can add their item. After each item has been added the 'Hymn of Memories' is performed, which causes the items within the brazier to rapidly decay, eventually leaving the capsule slightly on fire. Once the capsule is cool enough to handle the head of the Clan then places the capsule upon the wall of memories, a final prayer is spoken, and the funeral ends.
When an individual is stuck and seeks guidance it is often encouraged for them to meditate in front of the memorial wall, so that the fallen can provide inspiration or guidance. While it is very rare for an individual to hear a verbal response to their questions, some Myrakel have been able to commune with the fallen in this manner.
Common Taboos
Destroying or withholding the remains of a fallen individual are considered to be great acts of dishonour towards their family/Clan. Individuals that have done this are shamed and often exiled if not executed for preventing the proper burial customs.
Historical figures
Hirokoshi Miriyagi
Major organizations
- Koritsae Order
- Shogunate of Kharsharb
Parent ethnicities
Encompassed species
Related Organizations
Languages spoken
Related Locations
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