Valoran
(Human via Othiax Province--majority culture)
The majority culture in Valor is unnamed and considered default, but from a scholarly perspective it can be traced back to the humans of Othiax Province. Though the culture is human-centered, many fauns are at least mostly assimilated, the primary remaining differences being naming traditions and tendency towards detail--fauns often value precise detail over the majority trend toward big-picture approaches.
The other races of Valor may have more or less in common with the majority culture; similarly, humans outside of Valor are often influenced by the Othiax branch to at least some degree. However, in both cases, the cultural differences are more pronounced and have a greater effect on relations.
Naming Traditions
Family names
Many family names end in -way, indicating that they are formed from a place name. There was enough dislocation under the Empire and after its fall that few families still live anywhere near the place or feature they were named for.
Other constructs may reference a traditional family occupation or familial trait. However, lineage-based names (-son, etc) are rarely surnames.
- Estingway
- Finehorse
- Longbones
Given Names
First names are generally passed down through a lineage. When named after a relative only one generation up (a parent, aunt, or uncle), a Valoran may add -son or -lie. For example, the common name Arlik may become Arlikson. The derivative itself may also then be passed down.
Occassionally, a name may be doubled: if particularly fond of the name, Arlikson may name his son Arlikssen, or Alissalie may name her daughter Arlissallien. More often, however, the name will be allowed to lapse for a generation or two, until it can be passed on in its original form without causing confusion.
- Arlik / Arlikson
- Brand
- Kanen
- Rondel
- Alissa / Alissalie
- Dallen
- Varia
Place Names
Places are most often named after a physical attribute, especially the sort of material found there. Examples include Aspenhold and Albion.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Valor speaks the most common branch of Raitharan-offshoot languages, and is generally considered to have a neutral accent.
As such, they are often considered desirable as facilitators between Elidians and Anteians in situations that require a great deal of nuance. Though the free nations all technically speak the same language, the more pronounced dialects sometimes appreciate a translation, and Valoran is accessible to the other offshoots.
Culture and cultural heritage
Othiax Province was one of the Empire's most prosperous territories--rural enough not to attract too much attention of those vying for power in the heartland, rich in resources, and without as many natural dangers as much of the provinces to the east or west. The Empire demanded plenty from it, but as the governors were consistently able to deliver, conditions and treatment were much more favorable than most of their neighbors.
This left Othiax in a somewhat awkward position--the favorite child of a detested schoolmaster. They worked hard--sometimes devastatingly so--to maintain their relatively comfortable position, and though they had endured the same destruction and annexation by the empire, the people of other provinces often viewed them with suspicion.
This history, and especially how it played out during the rebellion against Raithar, is not commonly known or discussed outside of academic or diplomatic circles. Generally, people have a significantly simplified understanding (that Valor had been one of Raithar's territories and was oppressed by the empire's brutal tactics until they won the war for freedom) and their knowledge of history generally is murky at best other than the topics celebrated at Raithsfall.
Shared customary codes and values
There is cultural emphasis on big picture thinking, generally favoring those who can keep focused on their goals and ideals over the particular details. There is of course variance in this, particularly among guilds specializing in work that requires precision and in the universities generally. By and large, however, Valor prefers to see the forest through the trees, and to win the war even if it costs a battle. This is especially pronounced surrounding ethics and morals: though exactly how it plays out is a matter of philosophy and personal approach, it is a subject that many feel strongly about.
Other shared values are part of the veneration of Valor Ascendant (courage and honor) or a result of the region's history as farmers and laborers (hard work, seeing things through).
Common Etiquette rules
Though there is value placed on scientific approaches and skepticism, it is tempered by a "play along" streak--it is considered quite rude to openly dismiss or insult another's beliefs, even (or especially) if one would consider them superstitious nonsense in private.
This is perhaps most evident in the endurance of House Guardians and the rituals surrounding them, which Valorans expect to be followed regardless of any particular belief in the literal awareness or power of the guardian. Valorans do not consider it a contradiction, but a matter of good form.
Common Dress code
Regardless of gender, most humans wear straight- or loose-cut pants under a longer tunic or dress, plus a surcoat. The length of each layer, and number of additional layers (such as vests, sashes, scarves, and capes) are determined by climate but especially by class. The more wealthy an individual, the more likely they are to wear additional layers and longer cuts. Patterned fabrics, buttons, and embroidery are also popular status markers.
Art & Architecture
Valoran buildings tend to be a streamlined version of "classic" (Raitharan) architecture, using similar proportions, shapes, and silhouettes but preferring to show the material's natural beauty instead of ornate carving, painting, and gilding. It could be considered a perfect fusion of the Raitharan architecture used in their heartland and major cities with the plain and efficient style they used to build in their less favored territories. Most prefer to think of it as a refinement of Imperial excess.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Holidays
Holidays are a big deal in Valor, and as a break from work and as a time for the guilds to reward their members (and show off). Though most are associated with a specific god or temple, they are not particularly religious affairs.
Other Customs
Many customs and rites involve House Guardians
How literally they are taken as a guard varies from person to person, but the traditions surrounding them hold very strong. Even for those who do not ascribe any actual power to the object, the traditions can help them to gauge a visitor's intentions, gracefully approach an acquaintance they hope to know better, show off their wealth, or even just keep a letter or small gift out of the rain until it is collected.
These objects feature in customs surrounding a couple moving in together, courtship, and even funeral rites. Not only are they an important part of family life, they can even be found at the entrances of barracks, ensuring that the soldiers or knights within remain connected with the cultural norms.
Valoran or Valorian?
Don't get too tripped up, there's a simple distinction. Valoran refers to someone or something of Valor. Valorian with an "i" refers to someone or something of the Valorian Temple.
Hence, "Valorans" refers to citizens of Valor; "Valorians" refers to those specifically dedicated to Valor Ascendant and her temple.
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