Garuthian
Keepers of the Ashard Dragonflight
Garuthians are the proud inhabitants of Ulkadia, united by their devotion to the wise Ashard Dragons who liberated their ancestors from adversity. Known for their cultural vibrancy, disciplined military formations, and legendary hospitality, Garuthians thrive under the guidance and protection of their gemstone dragon benefactors.
Garuthians are natives of Ulkadia, a proud civilization flourishing under the vigilant protection of the enigmatic Ashard Dragons and their elder dragon, Elanthil the Allsight. Rooted deeply in the legacy of liberation brought by these dragons, Garuthians pledge fierce loyalty to one of their Five Great Cities. Although rivalry among these cities is intense, it is a friendly competition born from pride rather than true enmity, and when threatened, they unite unwaveringly to safeguard their dragon protectors and their shared homeland.
Their history is marked by hardship and resilience, as their ancestors endured relentless assaults from Cyclops, Centaurs, Ssatzul, and Gnolls. Salvation arrived with the appearance of the Ashard Dragons, whose intervention liberated the Garuthians and ushered in an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity. Today, Garuthians honor this legacy, dedicating themselves not only to the pursuit of cultural and intellectual excellence but also to the vigilant defense of the dragons who first granted them their freedom.
Garuthians typically exhibit tan or olive complexions, complemented by dark eyes ranging from brown to hazel and predominantly black or dark brown hair. A notable exception occurs among Garuthian Oracles, whose constant inhalation of visionary incense transforms their appearance. Their skin becomes pale, eyes shift to striking blues or greens, and hair lightens to shades of gold or stark white, marking them distinctly within society.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Adrianna, Calista, Iria, Lyssa, Selena
Masculine names
Agathon, Darius, Kyril, Odell, Xander
Family names
Garuthians do not typically use family surnames. Instead, they introduce themselves using their most notable ancestor, often highlighting prestigious lineage or significant achievements. For example, a common introduction might be, "I am Santos, son of Achilles," or "Calista, granddaughter of Eros," proudly showcasing their familial legacy and personal heritage.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Arkine
Commonly spoken in the Ulkadian Empire, Arkine is an evolution of the ancient Minotaur dialect Kenorian. Its vocabulary, characterized by a balanced blend of long and short vowels, lends itself naturally to poetry and song. Arkine boasts a rich lexicon filled with arcane and scholarly terms, many of which have been adopted by scholars across various dialects due to its ancient heritage and scholarly prestige.
Notable Garuthian Sayings
"Trust your vision as you trust the All Sight."
"A promise is an oath, and an oath is your name."
"Even the wisest oracle first listens before speaking."
"Honor won by the spear must be preserved by wisdom."
Culture and cultural heritage
Festivals form the vibrant heart of Garuthian culture, changing annually based on the interests of influential figures and communities. These grand spectacles, filled with feasting, theater, poetry, and athletic competitions, draw visitors from across Ulkadia. Each of the Five Great Cities boasts its own coliseum, and hosting these festivities is both a privilege and a fierce rivalry among cities, driving cultural innovation and economic prosperity.
Shared customary codes and values
Garuthians universally revere Elanthil the All Sight, an elder gemstone dragon atop the Gray Peaks, whose guidance shapes their laws and ideals through visions relayed by Oracles. This unified reverence fosters shared values emphasizing honor, freedom, loyalty, and collective prosperity.
Ulkadian Oaths and Curses
Garuthians take oaths seriously, often swearing them as gestures of goodwill, loyalty, or even economic exchange. Oaths of Aid, Secrecy, or Labor are commonplace and enforceable through mystical intervention by the All Sight. Breaking an oath incurs severe consequences known as Oathbreaker Curses, administered by the Ashard Dragons, ranging from afflictions to outright catastrophe.
Common Etiquette rules
Reflecting the Ashard Dragons' generosity, Garuthians extend legendary hospitality to guests, providing food, shelter, and guidance. In return, visitors are expected to present a meaningful gift, either material or in the form of an engaging story. Guests who exploit hospitality or bring harm swiftly find themselves expelled, their reputation ruined throughout Ulkadia.
Foods & Cuisine
Garuthian cuisine is rich and diverse, heavily influenced by Ulkadia's vibrant trade routes and fertile lands.
Bronze Bread
Crusty artisan bread infused with olives and rosemary, symbolizing Garuthian craftsmanship.Chilled Rosewater Pudding
A soft, sweet pudding infused with rosewater and almonds, a luxury dessert celebrating the wisdom of the Ashard Dragons.Coliseum Stew
Hearty lamb and root vegetables slow-cooked with rich spices, traditionally served before battle.Sirenfish Skewers
Delicate sirenfish marinated in citrus and herbs, grilled on wooden skewers.Major organizations
Ulkadia comprises Five Great Cities, each with a unique government yet bound by shared allegiance to Elanthil the All Sight. While city-states frequently engage in spirited rivalries, competing culturally and economically, they unite decisively when faced with external threats.
The Five Great Cities
Antheria
Ruled by a philosophical democracy known simply as the Senate, Antheria is renowned for intellectual and spiritual institutions like the School of Vales, focusing on alchemy, medicine, and foresight.Kyrah
Governed by the Legion, a military republic famed for its coliseum and superior military prowess, citizens of Kyrah must prove their worth in rites of passage involving dangerous hunts.Syrollo
A theocracy led by blind Oracles called the Sightless, Syrollo is known for extravagant beauty, vineyards, marble architecture, and opulence.Thekis
An oligarchy controlled by powerful merchant houses, Thekis is a bustling harbor city famed for maritime exploration, commerce, and a towering statue of its namesake hero, Thekis.Vropia
A patriarchy ruled by the most seasoned Imperial Dragoon. Vropia serves as Ulkadia's frontline against threats from the Desolation, with the elite Imperial Dragoons defending the Boar's Hide Wall.
Relations with Others
The Garuthians maintain a complex relationship with other cultures due to their reverence of the Ashard Dragons and devotion to Elanthil the Allsight.
Ashard Dragons
Led by the elder dragon Elanthil, the All Sight, the Ashard Dragons are a lineage within gemstone dragonkind. Revered for their intellect and wisdom, Ashard Dragons favor the pursuit and hoarding of knowledge, prioritizing intellectual wealth over traditional treasures. Their lithe, slender bodies are covered in purplish-blue hides, while their shoulders and heads bear multifaceted crystal formations. Ashard Dragons possess glass-like, reflective wings which, rather than facilitating flight, are used to channel their innate psionic abilites. Hatchlings swiftly master telekinetic flight, propelling themselves gracefully through the air with floating crystals orbiting their heads. Instead of traditional breath weapons, Ashard Dragons harness psionic energy to release dazzling prismatic explosions of light from their wings, stunning and bewildering foes. As they age, the dragons' crystalline structures expand, enhancing their formidable mental abilities. Elder Ashard Dragons wield profound psionic powers. Their cautious, often reclusive nature should not be mistaken for weakness; the eldest among them are among the most intelligent and powerful beings known to Erenel.
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