Amoran

Naming Traditions

Unisex names

Amélie, Anatole, Apolline, Blaise, Émilien (1), Étienne, Fable, Florent (1), Léandre, René, Yann (1)

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

Environmental Stewardship

Amorans view the natural world as a living, sacred entity. They uphold a strict code of sustainable resource use. Hunting, gathering, and even farming are done with deep consideration of the land's ability to regenerate. Amorans ensure that the ecosystems they rely on remain balanced, and they avoid overexploitation of any resource.

Before harvesting plants or hunting animals, an Amoran might give an offering of gratitude to the spirits of the land, seeking permission to take from it. Sacred groves, mountain springs, and waterways are treated with reverence, and there are rituals to protect these natural features.

Marriage and Commitment

Amorans believe in life-long commitments, viewing marriage as a union that transcends even death. Widows and widowers continue to honor the vows made during their marriages. They are buried with their spouses to signify that their bond endures beyond the mortal realm.

Marriage is seen as a partnership not only between two individuals but as a partnership with the community. The couple is expected to contribute to the well-being of the whole, whether through shared labor, wisdom, or spiritual guidance.

Open-Mindedness in Relationships

While Amorans value marriage deeply, they also hold an open-minded view towards the evolution of relationships. Those seeking love may explore different paths, and singles activities such as speed dating are part of Romance Day. Amorans believe that love can grow in unexpected ways, and no one should be judged for seeking out a relationship in their own time and manner.

There is a cultural emphasis on being emotionally open and communicative in relationships. Amorans prioritize honesty about feelings and intentions, both in the early stages of romantic connections and in long-term marriages.

Hospitality and Gift-Giving

Amorans are renowned for their hospitality. Visitors, especially those in need, are welcomed with warmth and generosity. Food, drink, and shelter are offered without hesitation, and it is considered an honor to host travelers or guests from other regions.

Gift-giving plays a vital role in Amoran culture. Gifts are often handmade, crafted from materials native to Eronar—wood, stone, or herbs—and they hold sentimental value. Giving a gift is a way to express deep feelings of gratitude, love, or friendship.

Humble Living

Amorans value humility and do not place importance on material wealth. Instead, they seek contentment in the natural beauty around them and the relationships they nurture. They live simply, making do with what is available, and prioritize emotional fulfillment over material possessions.

Average technological level

Core Material Technologies

The Wheel: Widely used for carts, water mills, wine presses, and potter’s wheels. Cart designs are adapted for both centaur and two-legged use.
Levers & Pulleys: Employed in building construction, grape pressing, and timber lifting—especially in erecting the great timber halls.
Screws & Threading: Wooden or metal screws are used in wine presses, woodworking clamps, and grain mills.
Metal Casting: Bronze, copper, and cast iron are used for cookware, tools, and decorative architectural elements.
Lead: Rare but used sparingly in counterweights, roof seals, and certain water-carrying vessels or pipe joints.
Glass: Hand-blown glass is used for lanterns, bottles, and flutes, often tinted pink or amber to reflect Eronar’s light.

Hearth & Heat Systems

Stone or Ceramic Hearths: Used for both heating and cooking, these are central to every home.
Smokeless Chimney Systems: Ventilation designed to filter and redirect smoke through layered stone baffles or fir bough screens, preserving warmth without polluting the air.
Radiant Heat Floors: In higher-altitude homes, flat stone floors may be warmed by channeling hearth heat through underfloor passageways.

Artisan Toolmaking

Woodworking Tools: Advanced lathes, drawknives, and hand-forged carving tools used for ornate balconies, furniture, and bows.
Fermentation & Brewing Vessels: Airtight wooden casks with moss-sealed lids for producing Roselight Reserve, preserving berries, or pickling fish and roots.
Grain Processing Tools: Mortar-and-pestle mills, reed sifters, and rice paddles used in communal kitchens.

Food Preservation & Preparation

Stone Cellars & Ice Wells: Dug into cool forest soil or shaded cliffs for preserving meat, wine, and perishable ingredients.
Cold Smoking Racks: Built from spruce and stone, located near rivers to gently smoke trout or meat over days.
Steam Cooking Pits: Dug into the ground, lined with hot stones and covered in fern leaves, used for Embercoils or root vegetables.

Tools & Daily Craftsmanship

Carpentry & Joinery: Advanced woodworking is central to Amoran architecture, using dovetail joints, pegs, and levers instead of nails where possible.
Blacksmithing: Cast iron and bronze tools are common, with smithies found in nearly every town—producing hinges, cooking pots, horseshoes, harpoon heads, and bells.
Cookware: Clay, bronze, and cast iron pots are used, with woven reed strainers, carved wooden utensils, and glass jars for storage.

Lighting & Illumination

Bioluminescent Lanterns: Small glass or mica containers with mosses or insects that emit a soft glow (natural or lightly enchanted).
Mirror-Based Light Amplifiers: Bronze or polished stone panels used to redirect and concentrate ambient twilight indoors.
Fir Oil Candles: Burn cleanly and smell faintly of pine—used for both spiritual and practical lighting.

Clothing & Fabrication

Looms and Dyes: Hand looms using reed grass fibers, pine bark dyes, and berry pigments to weave simple but elegant clothing.
Weather-Adaptive Cloaks: Layered wool or forest fiber cloaks coated with fir resin to repel moisture and snow.
Horseshoes: Used for centaur hoofwear in stony or icy terrain. Often made from cast iron, shaped for grip and comfort.

Water Systems

Gravity-fed Wooden Pipes: Hollowed logs used to channel spring water into homes or bathhouses.
Reed Filters & Stone Basins: Used to purify water for drinking or cooking, layered with moss and charcoal.
Drainage Systems: Made from gravel, clay, or slate tiles help keep walkways and gardens dry.

Construction Aids

Log Lifts & Timber Joinery Tools: Pulley systems or inclined slides used to hoist massive timber beams into place for city halls and chalets.
Carpenter’s Ink Boards: Long planks rubbed with spruce soot or chalk to sketch designs and blueprints.

Agriculture & Foraging Tools

Rice Terracing Tools: Specialized wooden paddles, shovels, and plows adapted to cold, shallow rice paddies fed by glacial streams.
Forager’s Kits: Leather rolls with tools for clipping herbs, scooping root vegetables, or tapping tree sap.

Wine & Celebration Tools

Grape Presses: Hand-cranked wooden presses with slatted barrels and drainage stones for Roselight Reserve.
Spiritstone Altars: Not high-tech, but important—a cultural "technology" for ritual spaces where spiritstones are placed during feasts and vows.
Bells: Cast bronze or iron bells mark time, call gatherings, and serve ceremonial purposes—particularly in city halls and at feasts.

Weapons & Hunting Tools

Harpoons: Barbed harpoons are used for fishing in lakes and rivers, crafted with birch shafts and stone or iron heads.
Bows & Arrows: Longbows and recurve bows made from Douglas fir or yew, with arrows fletched from waterfowl feathers and tipped with bone, flint, or metal.

Language, Art, and Music

Writing System: Amorans use an elegant, curving script with roots in natural shapes—river bends, tree limbs, flower stems. It’s written with reed pens and berry ink.
Stone Sculpture: A respected art form used in spiritstone altars, hearth shrines, and memorials. Sculptors carve using bronze chisels and wooden mallets.
Flutes: Made from elder wood, reed, or even glass. Played during rituals, feasts, and personal moments of reflection. Flute duets are a common act during Romance Day.
Calligraphy & Books: While not widespread, poetic manuscripts and illustrated journals are created by scholars or spiritual leaders. Pages are made from thin bark or pressed reed paper.

Common Etiquette rules

Respectful Greeting

It’s common to greet someone with a phrase that acknowledges the natural world, such as, "May the wind be at your back," or "May the earth guide your steps," reflecting their spiritual connection to nature.

Gift-Giving Etiquette

Giving gifts is a key part of Amoran culture, especially on Romance Day and during festivals. Gifts are expected to be thoughtful and personal—typically something hand-made or tied to the giver's region, such as a beautifully crafted stone talisman, a woven scarf, or a hand-carved wooden item. The value of the gift is not judged by its price but by its thoughtfulness and connection to the recipient.

When receiving a gift, it is considered rude to immediately question or try to downplay the gift. Instead, the recipient should express gratitude with a simple phrase, such as, "I am honored by your kindness" or "This is a gift from the heart."

Gifts that involve elements of nature—like flowers, herbs, or carved wood—are common and are always given with respect for the natural source. It’s customary to express appreciation for the material when receiving such gifts, acknowledging both the giver's effort and the beauty of nature that the gift represents.

Hospitality and Entertaining

Amorans are known for their warm hospitality. When hosting, an Amoran would always offer food and drink as soon as the guest enters. For instance, guests would be greeted with warm tea, honey, or freshly baked bread. The offering of wine is especially meaningful, and guests are often given a glass to sip from during the conversation.

If dining in a group, it is customary for the eldest or most respected person to begin the meal by offering a toast or a word of thanks to the land and the spirits. Meals are typically served in communal dishes, where guests are expected to serve themselves but should always leave a portion for others.

If a guest has dietary restrictions or preferences (such as vegetarian or gluten-free), it is polite for the host to honor these without question. Failure to do so would be seen as disrespectful. Conversely, a guest should always express gratitude for the meal, regardless of whether it matches their exact preferences.

Romantic Etiquette

Amorans place high value on commitment, so any romantic pursuit must be respectful and measured. Public displays of affection are generally kept modest, especially in formal or mixed-company settings, but private moments between partners are cherished.

If an Amoran is interested in someone, they are expected to be open about their intentions from the start. Amorans value honesty and clarity in matters of the heart, so subtlety or hidden feelings are seen as suspicious or dishonest.

If someone is offering a gift or gesture of affection, it is expected that the recipient acknowledge the intent. Even if they are not interested in pursuing a romantic relationship, they should express appreciation and gratitude, recognizing the effort put into the gesture.

Etiquette in Public Spaces

Amorans value personal space, and it is considered rude to be overly familiar with strangers or even acquaintances in public. When speaking with someone in a public space, the conversation should remain polite and non-intrusive.

There are places within Amoran settlements that are considered sacred, such as temples, shrines, and natural spaces like groves or rivers. Visitors to these areas are expected to maintain a quiet reverence. Speaking too loudly or behaving disruptively is seen as disrespectful to both the natural world and the spiritual realm.

Behavior Toward Nature and Animals

Animals, particularly those in the wild, are treated with a great deal of respect. Killing an animal unnecessarily or with cruelty would be seen as a grave offense. Hunting, if necessary, is done with gratitude and care for the animal’s spirit.

When traveling through wild spaces, it is important to leave no trace—no littering, disturbing the peace of the area, or taking more than what is needed. Amorans often thank the land after crossing a forest or river, offering small tokens or verbal thanks for safe passage.

Art & Architecture

Materials & Construction

Primary materials: Heavy timber beams, stone foundations, and wooden shingles or slate tiles.
Craftsmanship: Carved wooden details and balconies are common, showcasing a reverence for artisan woodwork.

Structure & Layout

Chalet-style buildings: Sloped roofs to shed snow easily, with deep overhangs that protect the facades from the elements.
Multiple stories: Upper levels often include balconies with decorative railings, while lower levels might have stone facades or structural bases.
Gables and Dormers: Rooflines are dynamic, often incorporating peaked gables and small dormers for natural light and added space.

Climate Adaptability

Designed to withstand cold climates with insulated walls and central hearths or stoves.
Large windows provide light, often paired with shutters for added insulation and charm.
In snowy regions, buildings may be tucked into forested areas.

City Hall Architecture

Monumental Timber Construction

Built from massive, unshaped tree trunks, these structures make a statement of strength, permanence, and natural majesty.
Logs are stacked in a crisscross interlock, forming walls that breathe and let in light while maintaining shelter.

Open-Air Grandeur

The structure is partially open, with significant gaps between timbers allowing for air flow and natural illumination.

Roof Design

The steep, overhanging hipped roof is made from wooden shingles, adding a refined contrast to the wildness of the timbers below.
The roof’s wide reach shelters the structure from rain while creating a gathering space underneath.

Symbolism & Craft

The logs are not refined or planed, emphasizing a return to nature and authenticity.
Decorative carvings or embedded icons may be worked into the wood to represent local deities, spirits, or historical events.

Interior Design

Materials & Texture

Raw, local materials dominate — polished stone floors or hearths, thick wooden beams, bark-textured walls, and woven reed or spruce-fiber rugs.
Nothing is mass-produced. Even furniture and utensils are handcrafted with care and often bear wood-burned patterns, knotwork, or carved motifs representing celestial animals, trees, or loved ones.

Lighting & Atmosphere

Light sources echo Eronar’s ambient twilight. Lanterns of blown glass, filled with gentle firefly-like glow or enchanted crystal orbs, cast a warm amber or violet hue throughout rooms.

Hearth & Communal Center

The central hearth is the soul of any home — circular, open-flame, and surrounded by smooth stones and thick woven cushions.
Nearby, you’ll often find floor mats, perfect for both bipedal and centaur bodies to gather comfortably.

Personal & Ancestral Shrines

Small, wall-mounted spirit shelves hold offerings to ancestors or the local land spirits — feathers, polished stones, dried herbs, or shared family items.
These are decorated seasonally and used in quiet ritual, usually located opposite the hearth.

Functional Simplicity

Furniture is minimal, designed for practicality and longevity. Expect multi-use pieces like stone sinks with carved drainage grooves, wooden storage benches, or foldable partitions.
Stablespaces flow seamlessly from the living quarters, with cushioned ground areas, drying herbs hanging from beams, and grooming tools hung with pride.

Nature Brought Indoors

Homes often feature living walls or moss gardens, alpine plants in stone pots, and miniature water features that mimic Eronar’s rivers.
Driftwood sculptures, bundles of lavender or arctic lupine, and stringed wind-charms bring nature’s voice indoors.

Symbolism & Story

Tapestries or carvings often depict ancestral tales, constellations visible in twilight, or the couple's union in story-form.
Many households hang love oaths or birth blessings handwritten on pressed birch bark or dyed cloth near entryways.

Foods & Cuisine

Roulades – “Twilight Wraps”

Amorans craft roulades using thinly sliced elk or wild boar, roasted over spruce-wood fires. The meat is rolled around fillings such as sautéed wild mushrooms.

Traditional flavoring: Wild raspberries, mashed into a tart paste or cooked into a reduction, are used to brighten the flavor.
Imported variation: Some families add a touch of juniper, garlic, or aged cheese acquired through trade.
Occasion: Often served at communal feasts or rites of passage, such as The First Harvest, where the youth’s gathered ingredients are wrapped and shared as a symbolic gift to the village.

Sushi – “Glacial Rolls”

This riverside delicacy features locally cultivated rice paired with the bounty of Amor’s glacial waters: Glacier Trout, Crystalfin, or Coho Salmon, often lightly cured or smoked.

Base: Short-grain Amoran rice, known for its slightly floral aroma and stickiness, ideal for rolling.
Wraps: Bracken fern, watercress, or Lady Fern leaves, sometimes steamed for pliability.
Occasion: A popular dish on Romance Day, shared on boat rides or picnics. It’s common for would-be lovers to exchange Glacial Rolls, with each bite meant to reveal something of the giver’s personality and care.

Cinnamon Rolls – “Embercoils”

Soft, sweet spirals of spiced bread, Embercoils are comfort food across Amor. They are made with a flour of mountain rye or ground reed seeds, spiced generously with locally grown cinnamon bark.

Traditional sweetener: Wild raspberries are stewed and folded into the dough or used as a glaze.
Imported variation: When available, honey or dried fruit from trade routes is added for richness.
Occasion: These are often served during hearth gatherings or gifted to houseguests as a warm gesture of welcome. On Romance Day, they are shaped into knots or braids and exchanged between sweethearts.

Wine – “Roselight Reserve”

A traditional and cherished drink, Amoran grape wine is produced using a native grape variety that thrives in Eronar’s twilight-soaked hillsides. The grapes develop deep flavor and subtle complexity due to the realm’s constant low light.

Profile: Typically semi-dry with floral notes and a faint wild raspberry undertone.
Occasions: Shared during Romance Day, weddings, and the Feast of Gratitude. Aged wines may be brought out to honor ancestors or mark milestones in a couple’s life.
Custom: Couples often save a bottle from their betrothal to open during a future Feast of Gratitude, symbolizing the aging of love and the deepening of shared memories.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Romance Day

Romance Day is a cherished, annual celebration where Amorans express affection for their partners or seek new romantic connections. The day is marked by gift-giving, boat rides, and social activities. It is a time of unreserved expression of love, where Amorans can publicly declare their feelings or try to build new relationships in a supportive environment.

Whether partnered or single, Amorans view this day as an opportunity for all to feel loved and valued. Romance Day has no place for shame or exclusion - everyone, regardless of their relationship status, is encouraged to take part in the celebrations.

The "Unfulfilled Role" Ceremony

As part of the culture's social fabric, every Amoran who has reached adulthood without marrying must participate in the "Unfulfilled Role" Ceremony during major public events or celebrations, especially on Romance Day or other significant community gatherings. This ceremony highlights their status as an unmarried individual and assigns them a humbling, non-romantic role within the community, emphasizing their failure to establish a romantic bond.

The unmarried individual, usually in their early twenties, is assigned a non-romantic role at community events. This could include tasks like being a server during Romance Day feasts, acting as the "mock witness" in romantic ceremonies, or performing roles that keep them distanced from the central romantic activities.

The individual must speak openly about their unmarried status, sharing their hopes or struggles in finding love, often in a lighthearted or humorous context. This is not meant to be cruel, but rather a ritualized form of public recognition that signals they are still on their journey toward partnership.

The "Unmarried Tax"

As individuals reach their thirties, the pressure to marry intensifies, and those who are still single must begin paying an "unmarried tax". This tax is both a social burden and a financial penalty for failing to fulfill the community’s expectation of marriage.

Early Thirties: The unmarried individual must contribute a modest amount of food or resources (such as produce, tools, or labor) to the communal pool, which supports the families and married couples within the community.

Late Thirties: As the years pass without marriage, the "unmarried tax" increases, with the individual required to provide larger donations or more expensive goods, such as artisan crafts or specialty resources that are rare in the community.

The "Matcher’s Trials"

For Amorans who reach middle age and beyond without a partner, the community offers a final chance to find a romantic match through a series of "Matcher's Trials". Rather than shaming the individual, this tradition is meant to provide constructive feedback and support to help them find love in their later years.

The community arranges a series of social events, where the unmarried individual is introduced to potential partners. These trials may involve group activities, like nature walks, shared crafting projects, or public storytelling. The individual is encouraged to get to know others and see if there is a spark, with the understanding that the focus is on helping them find a partner rather than forcing a connection.

After each trial, the individual receives supportive feedback from friends, family, and even potential matches. Comments are meant to be helpful and encouraging. These conversations aim to give the unmarried person insights into their strengths and weaknesses in relationships, helping them to improve their chances of finding a partner.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

Gift of the Green Mantle

The Green Mantle is a symbol of protection and growth in Amoran culture. Upon the birth of a child, a green mantle or cloak—typically made of soft, woven plant fibers or animal furs—is created by a close family member or community member. This mantle represents the nurturing spirit of nature, and it is believed to shield the child from harm as they grow. The mantle is given during the first month of life and is worn by the infant as they begin to learn to walk and explore.

In addition to protection, the Green Mantle symbolizes the interconnectedness between the child and the ecosystem. As the child matures, the mantle may be passed on as a token of the child's connection to the community, often in rituals of transition or coming-of-age.

Communal Gift Sharing

On the day of the birth, the community comes together to offer gifts that support the newborn’s growth. These gifts often reflect the abundance of the land, such as bundles of herbs, seeds for planting, or crafted items made from the wood of the local trees. These gifts are offered in the spirit of communal support, ensuring that the child is nurtured not only by their immediate family but by the entire community. The offerings may be placed around the child’s crib, as a symbol of the child being surrounded by the love and care of their people.

Spiritstone Blessing

A unique Amoran tradition is the giving of a Spiritstone during the birth ritual. This is a small, hand-carved stone that represents the child's unique spirit and connection to nature. These stones are often carved to resemble animals, trees, or the elements. The Spiritstone is gifted by an elder or a spiritual leader, who speaks a blessing to ensure that the child will grow in harmony with the natural world. The stone is kept in the family’s home as a reminder of the child's sacred bond with the land, and it is passed on as an heirloom when the child comes of age.

Coming of Age Rites

The First Harvest

The First Harvest marks the moment when an Amoran reaches adulthood and is expected to contribute to the sustenance of the community. This rite involves the young person taking part in their first ceremonial hunt, gathering expedition, or farming harvest, where they demonstrate their ability to provide for the land and others.

Whether hunting, foraging, or farming, the youth must complete the task with reverence for the natural world. Before harvesting, they would offer a prayer or song of gratitude to the spirits of the land and the animals they are gathering, ensuring that they take only what is necessary and leave the land to regenerate.

The community celebrates this first contribution, often holding a feast in the youth’s honor. The harvest or game gathered during this rite is shared communally, and the young person’s successful participation is seen as a sign that they are ready to contribute fully to the prosperity and well-being of the community.

The Return of the Mantle

As part of the Gift of the Green Mantle, the Amoran tradition involves a young person returning the Green Mantle from their childhood to the community as a symbol of their transition into adulthood. The mantle, which was once a protective cloak, is now presented back to the spiritual leader or elder, who performs a blessing over it, signifying that the youth is now ready to face life’s challenges independently.

In return, the individual is given a new mantle or cloak, often made of more durable materials or intricately woven designs, symbolizing their new responsibilities and role within the community. The return of the mantle is both a personal and communal moment, as it reflects the youth’s growth, their commitment to the community, and their readiness to contribute to the survival and thriving of the society.

Funerary and Memorial customs

The Eternal Bond Ceremony

When an Amoran dies, the community gathers to perform the Eternal Bond Ceremony. During this ceremony, the deceased is placed in a natural burial site that holds personal significance—such as a grove where they once gathered herbs, near a river they loved, or a meadow where they celebrated with their spouse. Their body is prepared in the traditional Amoran way, which involves natural elements like flowers, leaves, and woven grasses, honoring the belief in a return to the earth.

The Green Mantle, once worn by the deceased during their lifetime, is passed to a younger individual in a symbolic gesture. This individual may be a child, grandchild, or someone the deceased mentored during their life. The mantle is then worn during the funeral rites and passed on to the community as a sign of the deceased’s ongoing presence in the living world.

While the community wait at the burial site, the surviving partner participates in the Widow’s Path Ritual, a time of personal reflection and spiritual renewal. The widow or widower walks through the forest or another sacred space, accompanied by close family members and friends. Along the path, they stop at significant places—such as a tree or waterway they shared with their spouse—where they reflect on memories, offer gifts or prayers, and express gratitude for the life they shared.

At the end of the path, the surviving partner is asked to make an offering to their deceased spouse, often in the form of a symbolic item, such as a woven cloth, a carved stone, or a prayer. The offering is either placed at the deceased’s resting place.

The spiritstone given during birth is then placed on the burial site, by the surviving partner, or the community if there is no surviving partner. This stone represents the essence of the deceased, and the community spends time in quiet reflection, offering prayers and thoughts of love and gratitude.

The community provide support, offering comforting words or simply standing in silent solidarity with the survivor. This ritual helps the widow or widower process their grief while reaffirming the belief that their marriage continues in the afterlife.

Offering Help During Mourning

Mourning is a communal affair. If a member of the community is grieving, it is customary for neighbors and friends to offer help, be it in the form of preparing meals, assisting with daily tasks, or simply sitting with the grieving person to offer silent company.

When visiting someone who is mourning, it’s important to offer help without overwhelming them. Silence is often more valued than words. Guests should enter a mourning household quietly, and only offer condolences when prompted. Physical touch, such as a comforting hand on the shoulder, is accepted but should be gentle and brief.

Marriage Customs

Romance Day and the Betrothal Ritual

On Romance Day, if a couple has not yet officially wed, they publicly declare their intentions to marry. This could involve the gifting of a special flower, a shared song, or a love token - symbolizing their commitment to one another. These gestures are considered a public vow and are recognized by the community as a serious commitment.

The Lover’s Path

Before the wedding ceremony, couples undertake the Lover’s Path, a sacred journey meant to strengthen their bond and reaffirm their commitment.

The couple walks together through a natural landscape that holds special meaning to them—such as a grove where they first met, a river they’ve traveled along, or a mountain they’ve hiked together. Along the path, they stop at significant locations to share personal stories, offer small prayers or gifts to the land, and reflect on their journey together.

At the end of the journey, the couple exchanges the spiritstones given to them at birth. These stones, which they’ve kept safe for years, are now presented to one another in a ceremonial gesture of trust and commitment. Each partner holds their stones in their hands and look into each other's eyes, speaking words of gratitude and reaffirmation. Each partner then places the stone in the other's hand, symbolizing the trust they place in each other to safeguard their hearts and spirits for the future.

Following this, their marriage is blessed by a spiritual leader or elder who offers a prayer of unity, ensuring that the couple’s marriage will remain strong through all challenges, just as nature remains constant and enduring.

The couple provides a feast for their family and the community, with food and drink harvested or made by the couple and their loved ones. Gifts of the Heart are exchanged, usually handmade items, such as woven cloth, wood carvings, or jewelry—each symbolizing the love and care shared between the couple and their community.

The Feast of Gratitude

The Feast of Gratitude is a special occasion where the couple, surrounded by family and friends, celebrates their enduring love and the deep bond they've built over time. It is an opportunity to renew their vows and express their thanks for the support they've received from each other and the community.

The couple hosts a feast for their loved ones, preparing food and drink that reflects the life they’ve built together—often with ingredients from their own garden or crafted through shared efforts. The meal is a time of joy and reflection, symbolizing the sustenance and nourishment they've provided one another over the years. This is a celebration of community, not just as a ritual, but as a shared journey.

The couple places their spiritstones at the center of the feast table or on a nearby altar, visible to all in attendance. These stones, which represent the essence of each individual and the bond they share, serve as a reminder of their sacred commitment. The spiritstones are positioned in a way that symbolizes their unity, side by side, acknowledging their enduring connection.

During the feast, the couple reaffirms their commitment to one another, speaking of the blessings of their shared life. The couple speaks of the growth of their love, their challenges, and the gratitude they feel for their partner and their community.

At the end of the feast, the couple may close the evening with a communal toast, raising a glass to the years ahead. They express their commitment to continue growing together, nurturing their bond just as they’ve nurtured the land, their families, and each other.

Common Taboos

Excessive Exploitation of Resources

Taking more than what is necessary from the land, whether through overhunting, overharvesting plants, or excessive farming, is a serious taboo. Amorans believe that such actions harm the natural balance, and anyone caught doing this would face severe social consequences, including public shaming or exclusion from certain communal activities.

Harming Animals for Sport

While hunting for food or survival is acceptable, killing an animal unnecessarily, for sport or out of cruelty, is considered a grave offense. The animal's spirit is believed to be sacred, and killing for any reason other than sustenance or self-defense is taboo.

Infidelity or Deception in Marriage

Amorans value lifelong partnerships, and breaking vows of fidelity is a serious taboo. Not only does it violate the sacred trust between partners, but it is also seen as a betrayal of the community's values of honesty and commitment. Such acts may lead to social ostracism or public humiliation.

Lack of Honesty in Romantic Intentions

Amorans hold honesty in relationships as a core value. It is considered taboo to hide one's true feelings or intentions in romantic matters. This includes being evasive about whether one is interested in a potential partner or pretending to feel affection when one does not. Being dishonest or misleading others about romantic interest undermines the trust within the community and is seen as a betrayal.

Ignoring Communal Responsibilities in Marriage

Marriage is seen as a bond not only between the partners but also with the community. Failing to contribute to the community or neglecting the well-being of the wider group—especially in times of need—is considered a serious violation of Amoran social norms.

Refusing Hospitality

It is deeply taboo to reject hospitality from an Amoran, especially if it is offered in a time of need. Amorans take great pride in their warmth and generosity, and to refuse their hospitality, particularly when it’s offered with sincerity, is a sign of ingratitude and disrespect. Similarly, showing excessive disdain for the meal or gift received is seen as an insult.

Failing to Acknowledge Gifts

In Amoran culture, gifts are an expression of deep emotion and care. It is taboo to downplay or ignore a gift. For example, reacting with indifference or outright rejection of a gift would be seen as a betrayal of the giver’s feelings, and by extension, an offense to the community’s values of mutual respect and kindness.

Loud or Boisterous Behavior in Sacred Space

Sacred spaces—whether natural sites or built shrines—require reverence and quiet. It is taboo to speak loudly, joke, or display disrespect in these areas. Such behavior is thought to upset the spiritual energies and is seen as disruptive to the community’s connection with the land.

Violation of Sacred Rituals

Amorans hold their customs, ceremonies, and rites in the highest regard, as they are integral to maintaining social harmony and spiritual balance. It is considered a grave taboo to disrupt, mock, or dishonor any rite, whether it be a marriage ceremony, a mourning ritual, or any other communal tradition. This extends to any interruption or disrespect shown during important moments, such as public vows, the Lover’s Path, or spiritual ceremonies.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Grace in Movement

The ability to move with fluidity and grace would also be highly valued. An Amoran who can run with the wind or move gently through nature, aware of every step and stride, would be admired for their deep respect for the natural world. Their movement might be seen as a form of communication with the earth, in line with their cultural emphasis on balance and sustainable resource use.

Scars and Markings

Amorans may also view scars or markings as beautiful. These could be the result of physical feats, moments of personal growth, or trials in life. A scar from a hunting accident or a natural wound healed through the earth’s resources could symbolize strength, resilience, and a deep connection to life’s cyclical nature.

Diversity in Features

Due to their connection to the natural world, Amorans would likely view beauty through a lens of diversity, appreciating a wide range of skin tones, facial features, and physical builds as unique expressions of the land and the creatures of Eronar. Hair, for instance, may range in color and texture, from flowing manes of rich browns to lighter shades of blonde or red, or even striking silvery strands in older individuals.

Tails

The tail is often a sign of emotional expression, and some Amorans may decorate or braid their tails with natural elements like beads, feathers, or flowers to enhance their appearance.

Emotional Openness

Beauty in Amoran culture would transcend the physical realm to encompass emotional and spiritual transparency. A beauty ideal would emphasize being emotionally open and expressive, with a strong sense of integrity. The ability to communicate one’s feelings honestly and openly, whether in love, friendship, or even grief, would be seen as an incredibly attractive trait. Being emotionally attuned to others, showing empathy, and engaging with the community in a supportive and nurturing way would mark an Amoran as beautiful in the eyes of their peers.

Physical Condition and Connection to the Earth

Healthy, vital Amorans who are physically attuned to the land are seen as beautiful, particularly if they maintain a lifestyle that promotes sustainability. Someone who takes the time to care for the environment, whether by cultivating a garden, maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, or simply respecting the animals and plants they live with, would be seen as embodying beauty from within.

Gender Ideals

Shared Responsibilities

Amorans believe in the mutual support between partners. While they may have traditional roles, these are not strictly defined by gender. In marriage and relationships, both partners contribute equally, though the nature of their contributions may vary. One partner might excel at crafting, while the other might tend to the land or community matters. The emphasis is on balance and shared effort, rather than rigid gender expectations.

Equality in Emotional Expression

Both men and women, as well as non-binary Amorans, are encouraged to be emotionally open and expressive. Honesty about feelings, intentions, and desires is valued regardless of gender. It is equally important for men and women to communicate openly, whether in romantic relationships, friendships, or community interactions. Both are equally expected to care for the emotional well-being of their families and the community.

Respect for Individual Identity

Amorans, particularly in modern contexts, would likely embrace fluidity in gender identity, given their focus on personal expression, emotional honesty, and respect for relationships. Non-binary individuals might not only be accepted but respected as holding a unique connection to both the masculine and feminine energies of the natural world.

Spiritual and Community Roles

Non-binary Amorans play important roles in spiritual practices, community leadership, and as mediators in relationships, given their unique ability to embody balance and harmony between different aspects of gender and identity. They are seen as especially gifted in spiritual matters or in roles that require empathy, understanding, and diplomacy.

Shared Parenting

In Amoran society, raising children is a shared responsibility. Both parents (or caregivers) contribute equally to nurturing and educating their children, teaching them about the land, emotional health, and spiritual matters. Amorans may not adhere to strict "mother" and "father" roles; instead, both parents are seen as equally capable of fostering the growth and well-being of their offspring, ensuring that children are raised with respect for both natural and communal responsibilities.

Elders and Extended Families

Elder generations, regardless of gender, are highly involved in the lives of younger members of the community. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, and other extended family members play key roles in raising children, imparting wisdom, and ensuring that family ties remain strong. Gender is less relevant here than the shared responsibility of community caretaking.

Social Harmony and Respect

Amorans prioritize harmony and mutual respect in all relationships, and this extends to respecting people's gender identity and roles. Whether through custom, marriage, or social interaction, Amoran ideals ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect. Emphasis is placed on balance—between partners, between genders, and within the community at large.

Courtship Ideals

Emotional Honesty and Transparency

In Amoran society, emotional honesty is crucial from the outset of any romantic pursuit. Amorans value clear and transparent communication about intentions. If someone is interested in pursuing a relationship, they are expected to express their feelings openly and respectfully. Subtlety or indirectness would be seen as dishonest, and “playing games” is frowned upon. This expectation ensures that both individuals are aware of the direction the relationship is heading from the very beginning.

Any form of deception or manipulation, especially in the early stages of courtship, would be considered disrespectful. Amorans value clarity—if someone is interested in a romantic relationship, that should be communicated honestly. It’s important for both parties to be upfront about what they are seeking—whether it’s a deep, lifelong commitment or simply companionship for a season of life.

Building a Foundation

Amoran courtship focuses on getting to know each other deeply before committing. Courtship isn’t just about physical attraction, but about emotional, intellectual, and spiritual connection. Amorans often view love as a bond that grows with time, and the courtship period is seen as a way to explore compatibility and deepen the connection through shared experiences and growth.

Public and Private Moments

Amorans celebrate courtship with both public and private moments. Public displays of affection are modest, focusing more on spending time together in communal settings, engaging in group activities, and participating in shared tasks. However, private moments are cherished and important for intimacy—taking walks in the wilderness, sharing quiet moments under the stars, or engaging in reflective conversation are all part of the process of deepening the connection.

Symbolic and Thoughtful Gestures

Giving gifts plays a significant role in courtship, and Amorans emphasize thoughtfulness over material value. Gifts are often handmade, crafted from local materials like wood, stone, or herbs, and may carry symbolic meaning—representing something the giver loves or values, or a personal experience they’ve shared with the recipient. It’s common for Amorans to offer gifts during courtship that reflect their commitment and connection to nature, such as carving a small wooden token or gifting a sprig of sacred herbs.

One of the most cherished courtship rituals involves the exchange of small tokens or symbols of affection. These tokens might be simple, handmade items like a woven bracelet, a carved stone, or a plant that holds personal significance. The exchange of these tokens marks a growing emotional connection and is often accompanied by heartfelt words of affection.

Acts of Service

In Amoran culture, acts of service are an important part of courtship. These might include offering help with a partner’s family or tending to the land together. These acts demonstrate not only love but also the willingness to be of service to one another and the wider community. Courtship is seen as a way to build a strong foundation of trust, respect, and mutual support.

Pacing the Relationship

Amorans value emotional openness, but they also understand the importance of pacing a relationship. Intimacy is something that develops gradually, and courtship allows both individuals to learn about one another at a pace that respects their comfort levels. Public displays of affection may be modest, but private moments can be deeply intimate. Amorans are respectful of one another’s boundaries and believe that taking the time to develop mutual respect and understanding creates a stronger foundation for a lasting partnership.

Consent and Mutual Understanding

Amorans place high importance on mutual consent, both in physical intimacy and in emotional exchanges. There is an expectation that both parties in a courtship are fully willing and enthusiastic participants, and that no one should feel pressured into progressing the relationship faster than they are comfortable with. Discussing expectations and boundaries early on is a common practice.

Rituals in Nature

For Amorans, nature plays a crucial role in courtship. Courtship rituals often involve spending time in the natural world, whether that’s taking a walk in the forest, sitting by a river, or gathering herbs together. Amorans believe that by engaging with nature in these moments, the relationship is blessed by the land and the spirits of the natural world.

Growing Together

Courtship is viewed as a time for both individuals to grow—not just as partners but as individuals. Amorans believe that romantic relationships should be a source of mutual inspiration, where each partner encourages the other to be their best selves. Courtship is not just about finding someone to spend life with, but about learning together, challenging each other, and becoming better people through their connection.

Throughout the courtship process, there is a strong emphasis on supporting one another’s personal growth. Whether it's learning new skills, deepening spiritual practices, or supporting each other's dreams, Amorans see courtship as an opportunity for two people to help one another become stronger, more complete versions of themselves.

Relationship Ideals

Mutual Giving and Support

In Amoran relationships, balance and reciprocity are central. Both partners are expected to contribute equally to the relationship, not necessarily in equal ways, but in a manner that feels balanced and fair. This could mean one person contributes more emotionally at times, while the other might provide more practical support. Amorans value the idea that a relationship should feel like a partnership of equals, where each person gives and receives in a way that complements the other.

Emotional and Practical Partnership

Relationships are about complementing one another's strengths and supporting each other's weaknesses. If one partner is more introverted or reserved, the other might help bring them out of their shell without pushing too hard. Likewise, if one partner struggles with practical tasks, the other helps without judgment or resentment. This sense of equality and respect for each other’s individual contributions is essential.

Openness to Vulnerability

Amoran relationships prioritize emotional depth, where both individuals are willing to be vulnerable with each other. This means sharing their deepest thoughts, fears, desires, and dreams, even when it's difficult. This emotional honesty fosters an environment of trust, and Amorans see it as essential to the long-term strength of the relationship. Hiding emotions or refusing to express one's true feelings is seen as harmful to the bond and is discouraged.

Empathy and Understanding

Emotional empathy is highly valued. Partners are expected to listen deeply and try to understand their partner’s feelings, even when they differ from their own. The ability to empathize and respond with kindness, patience, and understanding is fundamental to Amoran relationship dynamics.

Personal Space and Growth

Amorans believe in the importance of maintaining one’s individuality even within the context of a partnership. While they encourage deep emotional connection, they also value personal space and the freedom for each partner to grow independently. In a relationship, there’s a recognition that each person has their own dreams, goals, and interests that may not always align, but that these differences are respected.

Relationships are seen as a way to help each partner become the best version of themselves. Amorans encourage each other’s personal growth and self-discovery, whether it’s pursuing new skills, exploring spirituality, or seeking new life experiences. A strong Amoran relationship supports the development of both individuals as independent beings, even as they share their lives together.

Nurturing and Compassion

Amorans believe in a relationship built on mutual care and nurturing. This doesn’t just mean being there for one another in times of hardship, but also in celebrating victories, providing emotional nourishment, and offering support for personal endeavors. In this way, relationships are about continually caring for each other’s well-being, both physically and emotionally.

Caring for the Community

The well-being of the wider community is integral to an Amoran relationship. Amorans believe that their romantic bond should also serve as a model for how to care for and engage with the broader world. Partners often work together to contribute to communal responsibilities, whether that’s through shared labor, spiritual practices, or engaging in acts of service.

Fluidity and Adaptability

Amoran relationships are not viewed as static; they are seen as dynamic and evolving. Relationships are built on the understanding that life brings change, and that a partnership must be flexible enough to adapt to these shifts. Amorans understand that people change over time—emotionally, physically, spiritually—and the relationship must evolve accordingly.

Shared Rituals of Intimacy

Amorans often engage in intimate rituals that deepen their connection. These might include holding hands in silence for an hour, performing a shared dance, or engaging in rituals that connect them to the natural world or the divine. These acts are seen as ways to keep the bond alive and spiritually enriching.

Building a Shared Future

Amoran relationships are centered on working together toward mutual goals. These could include raising children, building a home, working the land, or supporting the community. Amorans see partnership as an opportunity to create something together—whether it’s a family, a business, or a communal project. Collaboration is the heart of this shared future, and both partners are expected to contribute to building a fulfilling life together.

Enduring Commitment

Commitment in an Amoran relationship is seen as sacred, with a deep sense of loyalty toward one’s partner. However, commitment is not defined as rigid or possessive; rather, it’s a commitment to growth, care, and mutual support. Loyalty isn’t about restricting freedom but rather about ensuring that both partners are always there for each other, providing support through life’s challenges.

No "Perfect" Expectations

Commitment does not mean expecting perfection. Amorans acknowledge that no relationship is without its challenges or disagreements. The ideal is to work through differences with understanding and to face challenges together as a team. Mistakes are accepted as part of the human experience, and learning from them is seen as an opportunity for the relationship to grow stronger.

After conflict, partners are encouraged to reflect on their own contributions to the disagreement and take steps to rebuild trust. The aim is not to "win" an argument but to maintain emotional connection and ensure that both partners feel heard and supported.

Celebrating Together

Love and joy are key in an Amoran relationship. Celebrations of milestones, whether big or small, are an important part of relationship life. Whether it’s a shared anniversary, a personal achievement, or simply a moment of joy, Amorans believe in celebrating life’s pleasures together. These celebrations strengthen the emotional bond and create a joyful rhythm within the relationship.

Encompassed species

Centaurs

Related Organizations

Amor

Languages spoken

Related Locations

Eronar