Moro

The Priest and the Warlock stand arguing before the chieftain's tent, tradition at war with tradition. The chief himself sits, at conflict with himself, his long beard hanging proudly down to his belly-button. Yes, the old Warlock makes his points well. He has the full backing of the Eternal Guild, but this newcomer speaks with the authority of a goddess. Maybe the times are changing. He casts a eye over his daughters, playing outside his tent, beyond the holy men. Their future is in his immense hands and he must choose carefully. Maybe the times are changing, maybe the strange priests are just one of the many civilizations who have tried and failed to conquer Morogh. He shall find in due time, until then, he shall try to find a path between.

Naming Traditions

Family names

Generally the Moro use an Anglo-Celtic naming tradition. Last names are commonly taken from either the occupation of the person (Baker, Carpenter, Wainwright) or by ancient clan name (O'Hara, MacLannan, Murdoch). First names are generally either given in the tradition of Tarjians, naming them after relatives or church saints, or they are named in the more ancient tradition of the tribe names.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Written language is incredibly rare.

Culture and cultural heritage

The cultural heritage is strong and has endured for ages, but is now beginning to show some early signs of waning as the Cult of Tarja spreads its influence deeper and deeper into Moro society.

Shared customary codes and values

The Word of the Eternal Guild, the high council of ancient Morogh, is the eternal, spoken cannon for law as given out by a collection of spiritualists, witches, warlocks, and druids. The highest of these gather together to make the laws which are then passed out by traveling junior mages who pass from village to village giving news.

There is no history of organized religion in Morogh, rather a long history of animistic spiritualism. The collective worship of animal and ancestral spirits has endured here since the dawning of the second age. These spirits are said to bless and protect those who serve their purposes and see that the ancient traditions are continued.

Astrology is used and taken very seriously.

Average technological level

Low, bronze-age nearly outside of major cities.

Common Etiquette rules

Fairies are deeply respected and one should always toast the fairies when taking a drink. Also, one should never drink or feast alone, otherwise this is seen as an invitation for ghosts.

Common Dress code

Traditionally women will wear simple dresses and men will wear tunics and kilts, though trousers have begun to catch on in urban areas. Members of the Guild will always wear hooded robes, their color based on rank, red being the highest, black being the lowest, and white, blue, and green being in between in ascending order.

Art & Architecture

Art and architecture is rather unique, either focusing on rare but exquisite parchment drawings, jewelry, and wood or bronze art. Art is fairly common, but the greatest art is probably in that of epic storytelling.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

At every crossroad, there is a public house or hostel where any who need lodging may stay in exchange for a nominal fee. These houses are appointed by the local chieftains or rulers and must be maintained. Traveling guild members may demand to lodge at any private residence.

Moro as a whole are a superstitious lot and most animals and bodies of water/natural features have an attached superstition and a way to win the auspices of the spirits of a place or animal. Failing to properly observe these will often gather the ire of those surrounding.

Personal grudges, bets, debts, and familial conflicts are to be settled in single combat which is not punishable by law or retaliation, if the conflict goes beyond that, then the law shall punish both sides.

All legal judgments are to be made by the traveling guild members and all those who have been imprisoned for wrong-doing are to be set free and fined on the day they arrive, or those who have committed murder are to be executed.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

Children are given a name immediately upon birth, because the dead must give their names to their ancestors to enter the afterlife, otherwise become trapped as a ghost in the world. Other traditions vary by tribe.

Coming of Age Rites

Though the story and manner change by tribe, the coming of age ritual always involves a youth being able to recite part of an epic poem, if male, or cooking the traditional lamb stew for the tribal elders if female.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Funerals are simple affairs and rarely receive much attention. The passage into death is merely the transition to another life and mourning is to be simple and stately, without great emotion. Burials are held and marked with simple stones or spiritual symbology.

Common Taboos

Theft is taken very seriously by the Morogh. Property rights are treasured and every person's right to their personal fortune is deeply revered. Any thief must pay back those they have stolen from 7 times over. It is also worth noting that stealing from the poor carries a greater penalty than stealing from the rich.

Common Myths and Legends

The Moro possess incredibly rich mythos and lore, most of which centers around the Court of Great Spirits, a collection of Demi-God like animal spirits, led by the great stag Alarough and his fox-bride Ishane and their court of ancestors and nature spirits who act as protectors of the afterlife and the fairy-realms.
Many of the epic poems feature these characters interfering with humans and elves, many champions and heroes including legendary figures such as Donal Allaray the famous warlock, Meredith the Warrior Princess, and Connorrah, the greatest of champions.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

The idea of beauty is deeply connected to nature in the Moro view. Fitting into your nature as a human is inclusive in your beauty. They tend to appreciate things as they are rather than how they should be. The ideals of beauty are very traditional and tend to not change. Art is generally simple as it is considered an imitation of true beauty.

Gender Ideals

Gender roles and ideals are very traditional in Morogh. Men are intended to provide and women are to keep the home. This is now as it has been for many centuries. Many of these ideas are changing, but still generally remain the same.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship is usually arranged. Arranged marriages have been performed since time began. Courtship can take several years to reach its completion. During this time the parties arranging the marriage are to see whether or not the parties involved are compatible and if not, release them from this bond. Just because they have a pragmatic view of marriage does not mean that romance has no part of a relationship. Genuine affection is a necessary requirement by ancient law.

Relationship Ideals

Relationship ideals are, again, traditional: to build a happy life and functional home. Many children are a blessing in most cases. Under ancient law, one can have more than one spouse, but the growth of Tarjian belief in the nation has begun to weed out many of the ancient practices.

Major organizations

The Eternal Guild The Cult of Tarja

Diverged ethnicities

• Mariellian

Encompassed species

• Men and Halflings

Related Organizations

• The Kingdom of Morogh