Voss

Mortal Races infused with Elemental Shadow, they appear grey almost corpselike in appearance, and exude shadow essence.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Raya, Katya , Nastya , Maya, Daria , Vera , Natasha

Masculine names

Abram , Dimitri ,Ratimir , Edgar, Demian , Viktor, Karl

Unisex names

Stas, Timur, Yura Niko, Slava, Boyan

Family names

Baar,Schenk, Hahne, Grebel, Kampfrun, Surmann, Grau

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Shades speak a strange amalgamation of Elven Sylvian and Common, refferd to as Haeric(if one knows elven Sylvian and Common they can speak Haeric, though they struggle with some of the grammatical syntax)

Culture and cultural heritage

The primary Voss empire is made up of half elves, though there area few families that remained purely Human and Elven. with the addition of the Dark Elf Exiles, there are now a number of Dark Elves who are becoming Voss.

Shared customary codes and values

Suffering is a gift, as such it is uncommon for Shades to hold a grudge, so long as the pain caused did not cost a life or harm the kingdom.

Average technological level

They remain around a dark age technolgical level though their magic is exotic and powerful. Using Shadows to infuse their magic, they rely on the use of Shadow and Mystrium to keep their powerful arcane castles afloat.

Common Etiquette rules

They are quite reserved people, speaking politely even to their enemeis. it is rare to see a Voss lose their temper

Common Dress code

Voss are staunch traditionalists, using the same style of clothing for centuries imspired from the first mortals to become trapped in the Shadow

Art & Architecture

Their Architecture is dark and gothic inspired, meant to inspire fear and awe.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

One is not considered a Voss unless they are infused with shadowstuff. this only happens if they are blessed by Yheia

Birth & Baptismal Rites

Not every member of the Ravan empire is a Shade, only by being blessed by Yheia or infused with the Shadow by the Voss black king can one be considered a shade.

Coming of Age Rites

It is often common for Voss men to become incredibly drunk the night before their 20th birthday, and revel as much as they can as a last act of childhood before they are expected to become propper adults and behave as such.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Those slain that are full fledged Shades are returned to the Shadowfell where they become one with the darkness.

Common Taboos

Those who follow the path of Yheia it is considered "a waste of suffering/tears" to not cause as much emotional suffering as possible. They themselves often feel hallow, as they feed their suffering to void of Yheia's hunger.

Common Myths and Legends

Yheia was an outcast goddess, Mythlys. She was banished beyond the veil of reality until her children, the Voss freed her in the Shadow, though she still has limited influence in the world.

Historical figures

Nabirus the Black, is the most ancient remaining Shade, the black king of Strathos he rules in the name of Yheia.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

There is beauty in suffering, Loss gives way to revelation in the eye of Yheia

Gender Ideals

Men are expected to take the lead, but it is not frowned upon for a woman to become a leader in her own right.

Courtship Ideals

A woman in Voss culture chooses her mate, it is highly frowned on for a man to approach a woman uninvited.

Relationship Ideals

For many years the Voss did not breed, spreading the Virus of Life was heratical to their ideals. however after being driven to near extinction twice, select families were allowed to breed new recruits. the goal of a relationship is to breed offspring to further the might of the Voss, as such bloodlines are carefully considered to avoid inbreeding, the Voss empire is significantly smaller than many kingdoms and after centuries of isolation and war.

Major organizations

Church of Yheia