Querians Ethnicity in Neria | World Anvil

Querians

A powerful people raised around the alleged lands where the Great Cataclysm took place, the Querians are the amalgamation of several seperate peoples who slowly converged into one over the duration of the Endless Night and the absorbtion into the Empire. Due to their proximity to the Cataclysm, they are one of the most powerful peoples on Neria, especially thanks to their continued education and use of Magi in their courts.   Though Querians are generally quite diverse in appearance, generally they can be identified by bronze and olive skin tones, long, sharp facial features, and wavy or curly hair usually worn in braids or decorative beads or held loose and long. The Empire controls lands which once belonged to surrounding cultures and so the only "true" Querians are considered to be those who share these traits, but many living in the Empire are in fact belonging to other cultures -- especially Jade and Merinians. This is a great point of contention within the Empire and many who hold features and ancestry from other cultures are adamant in maintaining that heritage.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

Querians place a heavy value on the stages of life. Adulthood for Querians is considered in several stages:

Young Adulthood

Young adulthood occurs between the ages of 18 and 25. During this time, Querians are considered to be mature enough to hold jobs, drink alcohol, have relationships, etcetera, but not mature enough to make permanent decisions -- therefore shall not be allowed to marry, own businesses or leave education.  

True Adulthood

  True Adulthood is considered to begin at age 25 and continue until 35 years old. During this time the Querian is permitted to marry, start a business, leave education and travel but are not considered mature enough to enter careers in lawmaking or leadership.  

Late Adulthood

The Late Adult is considered wise enough to have a voice in matters of lawmaking and leadership, and is permitted to travel freely without question. These people aged between 35 and 55 years old are considered the peak of mental capacity, fitness and maturity.  

Elders

Elders are those between 55 years old and death, considered to have reached the end of their life. These are considered to be the wisest of humanity and able to hold the highest seats of power, but are physically weakening and therefore considered to only be workable in clerical positions. It is acceptable at this age to retire entirely, though many prefer to keep working.

Common Dress code

Due to the diverse biomes in the Querian Empire, most forms of dress are loose-fitting and easy to move in, wearing layers which can easily be donned and removed and protect against both harsh sunlight and cold winds.
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