Viri
In the Age of the Twins, the Viri were the most powerful culture in the Teardrop Sea. Their influence extended from their homeland of Virisi west to the Great West Sea and south to the Giant Swamps.
However, this ancient culture was almost completely eradicated during the Age of Blood and Bone. Few Viri survived the Shore-to-Shore Slaughter, and those that did were forced into hiding or slavery. In the Age of Acceleration, their scattered descendents returned to Virisi to reclaim their homeland. By then the Land Laws were about to be passed. Negotiations with Allkingdom led to a compromise where they were granted rights to live on the land rent-free indefinitely, but did not own it themselves.
Although much of Ancient Viri culture has been lost, its influence can be found in all cultures descended from those it touched. From language, technology and architecture to myths, traditions and idioms, pieces of Ancient Viri have survived through the ages. The best example of an Ancient Viri settlement still standing is the Twin City, which despite being taken over by Allshadow in the Age of Blood and Bone, still retains a wealth of historical information in its walls.
Culture
Culture and cultural heritage
The Viri worshipped a mythical Firstborn, Etervir, to whom they built temples and shrines. Most of these were destroyed by Allshadow during the Age of Blood and Bone, but a few survived and are now significant sites of historical interest. Little else of their religion remains today, and what does remain largely consists of myths, customs and idioms.
One of the things the Viri are best known for is a death-defying attitude and love of high-risk pasttimes. This began with one of the early Emperors, became infused into the culture and then more widespread. There are traces of this still lingering in the general population today, especially among wealthier citizens.
Another is the high value the Viri placed on twins, which were considered sacred. This perception of twins influenced other cultures in the region arguably more than anything, to the point that even today, superstitions concerning twins have affected legislation.
While the majority share the Ancient Viri's valueing of twins, the Sikendar have the opposite attitude, due to the Kendar Bloodbath being reputedly caused by twin Viri generals. Sikendar consciously rejected many aspects of Viri culture, in many cases adopting the opposite attitudes; however, there are influences to be found.
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