Tellurians

Cultural Influence:

Many legends, myths, and traditions in Valthor trace their roots to the Tellurian era.

The architectural remnants of their civilisation, such as the Grand Obelisk of Arkenvaar, are still revered by scholars and adventurers.

  • The Dark Tomes:
  • These texts remain a critical piece of Tellurian heritage, holding both immense knowledge and danger.
  • Only descendants of Tellurian blood, such as the Odraria family, can read the tomes, linking them directly to this ancient civilisation.
  • The Obelisks:
  • Though dormant or shattered in the present day, the Obelisks are still considered symbols of power and mystery.
  • The Warning of Ambition:
  • The downfall of the Tellurian civilisation serves as a cautionary tale against unrestrained ambition and the misuse of power.
  • The Light Age is often invoked in moral stories about balance, hubris, and the price of progress.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Feminine Names   Feminine names are often melodic, featuring soft vowels (like a, e, and i) and fluid consonants (l, r, v, n). Many feminine names are inspired by nature, celestial bodies, or virtues.   Examples:   • Lyvara (Light of the Stars): Associated with guidance and brilliance. • Tiranelle (Earth’s Guardian): Earthly protector or nurturer. • Vhalira (Mountain Stream): A name symbolising clarity and perseverance. • Rhanestra (Sacred Flame): Symbol of passion and spiritual strength. • Saelarith (Star-born): Celestial and ethereal.

Masculine names

Masculine Names   Masculine names tend to be more structured and bold, with harder consonants (r, k, d, t) balanced by flowing vowels (a, o, u). Many are inspired by strength, protection, or cosmic forces.   Examples:   • Rhykalos (Shaper of Fire): A name tied to creation and power. • Vhalorin (Mountain Guardian): Protector of high places. • Tiradek (Earth Carver): Reflecting craftsmanship or strength. • Dharanir (Eternal Shield): A name of resilience and defence. • Khorvayn (Cosmic Hunter): A seeker of truth or destiny.

Unisex names

Unisex Names   Unisex names are common in Tellurian culture, especially among magical practitioners, scholars, and those of fluid or undefined roles. These names often reflect balance, harmony, or dual forces.   Examples:   • Saelin (Guided by Stars): A name for seekers and wanderers. • Talyreth (Shaper of Harmony): Balanced and calm. • Vhaylen (Guardian of Light): Defender of ideals. • Zhyris (Knowledge Weaver): Someone who seeks understanding. • Dhrinath (Eternal Flame): Unyielding and passionate.

Family names

Family Names   Family names reflect ancestral roles, occupations, magical affinities, or geographic origins. They often begin with a prefix denoting the origin (Vha- for “of the mountains,” Tir- for “of the earth,” Dhy- for “magical lineage”) and end in descriptive suffixes like -dun, -kai, or -resh.   Examples:   • Tiradun (Of the Earth): Earth-shapers or builders. • Vhamoryn (Of the Mountains): Families from highlands or mountain regions. • Dhyresh (Lineage of Magic): Families tied to arcane practices. • Sael’vhor (Star of Darkness): Families known for navigating challenges or adversity. • Zhyrikan (Shaper of Knowledge): Scholars or inventors.

Other names

Other Names (Titles and Epithets)   In Tellurian culture, individuals often earn titles or epithets that reflect their achievements, status, or characteristics. These names are appended to their given name or family name.   Examples:   • Arun’Zhyrikan (Gatekeeper of Knowledge): For scholars or inventors. • Dharin’Tharal (Shield of the People): A protector or warrior. • Khorar’Vhaylen (Hunter of Shadows): A seeker of truth in dark times. • Vhayloth’Saera (Bearer of Magic): A title for a powerful mage. • Rha’tiranelle (Guardian of the Sacred Earth): A revered protector.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Major Language Groups and Dialects   The Tellurian language is the dominant tongue, but regional dialects exist, influenced by geography: 1. High Tellurian: Used in religious ceremonies, courtly matters, and academia. It’s formal and rich in honourifics. 2. Common Tellurian: Spoken by the general populace, simpler in grammar but still retaining poetic qualities. 3. Nomadic Dialects: Adapted by Tellurian traders and wanderers, blending Common Tellurian with neighbouring languages.

Culture and cultural heritage

Culture and Cultural Heritage   Tellurian culture celebrates balance through festivals and rituals: • Festivals: Seasonal celebrations mark the cycles of life, including harvests, solstices, and the Day of Eternal Balance, dedicated to Than. • Cultural Heritage: They maintain vast libraries of magical and scientific knowledge, stored in stone obelisks etched with glowing inscriptions.

Shared customary codes and values

The Tellurians value harmony, reverence for nature and technology, and balance between life and death. Their society revolves around the concept of duality—light and darkness, creation and destruction, magic and science. These values are reflected in their laws, which demand fairness and discourage excess or imbalance. Key shared values include: • Respect for the Elements: The earth, sun, and stars are sacred. Misusing resources or harming the environment without purpose is taboo. • Innovation with Caution: Technology and magic must be used responsibly, honouring both creation and preservation. • Honour in Death: Death is not feared but embraced as part of the eternal cycle, tying into the worship of Than, the goddess of death.

Average technological level

Attained Technological Levels   The Tellurians achieved a fusion of magic and technology unparalleled in their era: • Obelisk Energy: Structures that draw power from celestial alignments. • Light and Heat Control: Magical systems for illumination and climate regulation. • Life Shaping: Techniques to grow structures and tools from living materials like enchanted trees. • Star Navigation: Devices to track constellations for travel and ritual precision.   This integration of innovation, balance, and reverence for the divine makes the Tellurians a civilisation of unmatched complexity.

Common Etiquette rules

Common Etiquette   Etiquette in Tellurian culture is rooted in respect and humility: • Greeting: A hand placed over the heart, followed by a bow, is the standard greeting. • Seating Arrangements: Elders and priests are given seats closest to the source of light (e.g., windows, fire). • Speech: Interrupting someone is considered highly disrespectful unless it’s a matter of life and death. • Touching: Physical contact, especially with the head or hair, is sacred and reserved for family or close relationships.

Common Dress code

Dress Code   Tellurian clothing blends functionality and symbolism: • Materials: Lightweight linen and silk dyed with natural pigments like ochre, indigo, and emerald green. • Everyday Wear: Tunics and robes embroidered with geometric patterns representing balance. • Formal Wear: Elaborate headdresses, golden jewellery, and cloaks adorned with celestial or elemental motifs. • Priestly Attire: Priests and priestesses wear white robes with black or gold accents, signifying their connection to Than and balance between life and death.

Art & Architecture

Art and Architecture   Tellurian art and architecture reflect their emphasis on duality and celestial reverence: • Art: Sculptures, relief carvings, and murals depict gods, ancestors, and the cosmos. A common motif is a circle divided into light and dark halves. • Architecture: Structures are monumental, with tiered platforms symbolising the connection between earth and stars. Golden light shafts and obsidian pillars are common. Temples often feature flowing water and eternal flames.

Foods & Cuisine

Food and Cuisine   Tellurian cuisine emphasises fresh ingredients and vibrant flavours: • Staples: Flatbreads, spiced legumes, roasted vegetables, and river fish. • Spices: Cinnamon, cumin, and coriander are used abundantly. • Beverages: Fermented honey drinks, herbal infusions, and fruit nectars are favoured. • Ceremonial Foods: Offerings to Than include black pomegranate seeds and gold-dusted honey cakes.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Common Customs and Observed Traditions   • Morning Rituals: Prayers to the sun for guidance and balance. • Evening Offerings: Candles lit for Than to honour the dead and seek protection during the night. • Seasonal Observances: Planting festivals in spring, harvest feasts in autumn, and remembrance rites in winter.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

Birth/Baptismal Rites   • Newborns are anointed with sacred water and wrapped in gold-threaded cloth to symbolise their connection to the divine. • A priestess whispers the child’s name to Than, ensuring her blessing over their life.

Coming of Age Rites

Coming of Age Rites   • At the age of 16, youths undergo the Trial of Balance, where they complete a task showcasing their understanding of harmony (e.g., creating something, solving disputes). • They receive a golden tattoo marking their passage into adulthood.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Funeral and Memorial Customs   • Preparation of the Body: The deceased are adorned with black and gold robes and buried with objects symbolising their life. • The Farewell Feast: Family and friends gather to recount the person’s life and share meals by candlelight. • The Eternal Obelisk: Names of the departed are inscribed on community obelisks, lit with magical energy to represent their eternal essence.

Common Taboos

Taboos   • Disrespecting the Dead: Desecrating graves or omitting funeral rites is unforgivable. • Excess and Waste: Overindulgence is seen as upsetting the balance of nature. • Blood Magic: Using blood for power is strictly forbidden, as it disrupts the natural cycle.

Common Myths and Legends

Myths and Legends   • The Obsidian Gates: A tale of a hero who journeyed through Than’s realm to retrieve lost knowledge. • The Sun’s Tear: A legend about how the sun wept when it saw the suffering of the world, creating the first river. • Than’s Mercy: A myth where Than spared a warrior who was ready to die, giving them a second chance to bring peace.

Historical figures

Ra’nathar Velkris: A high priestess who established the eternal flame temples. • Zalor Veyrith: An architect who designed the towering obelisks that blend magic and technology. • Thyrek the Shaper: A legendary mage who harmonised the use of magic and machines.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Beauty Ideals   Tellurian beauty ideals are a blend of natural grace, symbolic adornments, and inner resonance, reflecting both physical and spiritual harmony.   Physical Traits:   • Symmetry: Balanced and harmonious features are highly admired, symbolising a connection to the cosmic order. • Skin Markings: Natural or magical markings (Vhaylen streaks or Starlines) are seen as signs of destiny or divine favour. Some individuals enhance these with magical tattoos. • Hair: Long, flowing hair is considered sacred, representing vitality and one’s connection to the elemental forces. Braiding patterns often convey personal or familial stories. • Eyes: Bright or reflective eyes (enhanced by magic or genetics) are revered, symbolising insight or celestial guidance. • Posture and Movement: Graceful, fluid movements are admired, as they reflect balance and control over one’s essence.   Adornment:   • Tellurians decorate themselves with jewellery imbued with meaning—crystals, enchanted metals, or fragments of natural elements (e.g., stardust pendants, volcanic stone rings). • Clothing incorporates flowing fabrics and intricate designs that reflect social status, magical affinity, or life achievements.

Gender Ideals

Gender Ideals   Tellurian society values fluidity and balance over rigid gender roles, believing that individuals embody traits from both the celestial (masculine) and terrestrial (feminine) forces.   Masculine Ideals (Celestial Force):   • Associated with strength, protection, and cosmic wisdom. • Masculine traits include leadership, vision, and a connection to the stars (Saelarin). • Men are often expected to serve as guardians of knowledge or warriors defending the balance.   Feminine Ideals (Terrestrial Force):   • Connected to nurturing, creation, and the earth’s sacred energy. • Feminine traits include creativity, intuition, and a bond with the natural world (Tiranelle). • Women are often seen as shapers of life and magic, tending to communities and forging connections.   Fluid Ideals:   • Individuals who identify outside binary genders are highly respected, as they are believed to bridge the cosmic and earthly forces. • Fluid individuals are often entrusted with roles in diplomacy, artistry, or ritual magic, seen as embodying balance and adaptability.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship Ideals   Tellurian courtship reflects the culture’s emphasis on mutual respect, spiritual connection, and the merging of essences.   Courtship Rituals:   • Gift Exchange: Suitors exchange meaningful items, often enchanted or symbolic of their intentions (e.g., a starstone for guidance or a blooming crystal for growth). • Dance of Alignment: A formal courtship dance symbolising the alignment of energies and mutual harmony. Partners’ movements are said to reflect their compatibility. • Shared Endeavours: Couples often engage in a creative or magical project together to demonstrate their ability to collaborate and grow as a unit.   Pacing:   • Courtship is a deliberate and sacred process, with an emphasis on patience and understanding. • Breaking off a courtship is not seen as a failure but as a realisation of misalignment, respected by the community.

Relationship Ideals

Relationship Ideals   Relationships in Tellurian society are grounded in partnership, equality, and the shared pursuit of purpose.   Values in Relationships:   • Mutual Growth: Partners are expected to help each other grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. • Balance of Roles: While roles may differ, they are not dictated by gender but by individual strengths and affinities. • Spiritual Resonance: A deep connection to one another’s essence is essential, often strengthened through shared rituals or magical bonds.   Types of Relationships:   • Life Partnerships: Monogamous or polyamorous unions are common, with all forms viewed equally, provided they are rooted in harmony. • Soul Bonds: Deep, magical connections where partners share energies and even emotions. These bonds are rare and require intense mutual understanding. • Community Bonds: Beyond romantic relationships, Tellurians emphasise communal connections, often forming familial or platonic groups called Aether Circles.   Conflict Resolution:   • Disputes are resolved through mediators trained in magic and psychology, aiming to restore harmony. • Rituals like the Circle of Truth are performed, where partners openly share their grievances under the guidance of a spiritual leader.

Major organizations

Major Organisations in Telluria   The Tellurian civilisation, with its deep focus on harmony, balance, and duality, is supported by a range of organisations that govern, protect, and advance their society. Each organisation has its unique purpose and influence, often tied to their ideals of integrating magic, technology, and spirituality.   1. The Obsidian Circle   • Purpose: Custodians of Knowledge • Description: The Obsidian Circle is a scholarly order that oversees the collection, preservation, and dissemination of magical and scientific knowledge. Members are researchers, historians, and inventors dedicated to advancing the understanding of the universe. • Key Contributions: • Maintains the Great Obelisk Library, a massive repository of knowledge etched into glowing stone tablets. • Develops innovative technologies that blend magic and engineering. • Teaches the youth about the balance between creation and destruction. • Leadership: The High Arcanist, who embodies wisdom and balance, leads the organisation.   2. The Eternal Flame Priory   • Purpose: Spiritual Guidance and Worship • Description: This religious organisation oversees rituals and ceremonies dedicated to Than (goddess of death) and other celestial beings. They guide the people in spiritual matters and act as mediators between the mortal and divine realms. • Key Contributions: • Maintains temples where rituals for Than and other gods are performed. • Leads the seasonal festivals and rites of passage, ensuring the community remains connected to their spiritual roots. • Provides grief counselling and guidance to families during funerals. • Leadership: The Flame Bearer, the highest-ranking priest or priestess, is said to receive visions from Than.   3. The Guardians of Balance   • Purpose: Protectors of the Realm • Description: The Guardians of Balance are an elite military and magical force dedicated to maintaining peace and order within Telluria. They are trained in combat, diplomacy, and the ethical use of magic. • Key Contributions: • Defend Telluria from external threats and internal uprisings. • Resolve disputes between regions or factions, often serving as mediators. • Ensure the ethical application of magic and technology, preventing misuse. • Leadership: The Arbiter of Harmony, chosen for their combat skills and moral integrity, commands this organisation.   4. The Guild of Life Shapers   • Purpose: Builders and Innovators • Description: This organisation focuses on growing and shaping structures, tools, and artefacts from living materials. Their expertise lies in blending nature with technology. • Key Contributions: • Constructs living cities where plants and trees form the foundations of homes and bridges. • Produces bio-engineered tools and weapons using enchanted flora and fauna. • Partners with the Obsidian Circle to innovate sustainable solutions. • Leadership: The Master Shaper, an individual skilled in both magic and architecture, leads the guild.   5. The Astral Navigators   • Purpose: Celestial Observers and Advisors • Description: The Astral Navigators are responsible for mapping the stars and interpreting celestial movements. They play a vital role in rituals, agriculture, and navigation. • Key Contributions: • Predict celestial events that influence magic and rituals. • Advise farmers on planting and harvesting based on the stars. • Create star maps that guide merchants and travellers. • Leadership: The Starseer, an elder who possesses unmatched knowledge of the cosmos, leads the Navigators.   6. The Council of Harmony   • Purpose: Governance and Lawmaking • Description: This is the ruling body of Telluria, consisting of representatives from various regions and organisations. They create laws and policies to uphold balance and fairness. • Key Contributions: • Ensures fair distribution of resources and wealth across regions. • Mediates conflicts between powerful factions and families. • Oversees large-scale public projects, such as obelisk construction and waterway systems. • Leadership: The Prime Arbiter, a leader elected from within the Council, oversees its decisions and ensures unity.   7. The Silent Veil   • Purpose: Secrets and Shadows • Description: A clandestine organisation tasked with espionage and protecting Telluria from hidden threats. They work in the shadows, gathering intelligence and removing dangerous elements. • Key Contributions: • Monitors foreign powers and internal factions for signs of rebellion or corruption. • Protects the secrets of Tellurian magic and technology from falling into the wrong hands. • Executes covert missions to eliminate threats discreetly. • Leadership: The Shadecaller, an enigmatic figure whose identity is known only to a select few.   8. The Order of Eternal Scholars   • Purpose: Philosophy and Ethical Guidance • Description: This philosophical organisation debates moral and ethical dilemmas, offering guidance on how to integrate new innovations into Tellurian society without disrupting balance. • Key Contributions: • Hosts public debates and discussions on moral topics. • Advises the Council of Harmony on the implications of laws and policies. • Trains aspiring leaders in ethics and philosophy. • Leadership: The Speaker of Truth, a respected philosopher, leads the order.   9. The Guild of Artisans   • Purpose: Creators of Beauty and Expression • Description: This organisation consists of artists, musicians, and craftsmen who preserve and promote Tellurian culture through their creations. • Key Contributions: • Produces intricate sculptures, murals, and music celebrating Tellurian values and myths. • Organises art festivals and competitions to inspire innovation and creativity. • Trains apprentices in traditional and modern artistic techniques. • Leadership: The Artisan Laureate, a master of multiple disciplines, represents the guild.   10. The Children of Than   • Purpose: Devotees of the Goddess of Death • Description: This spiritual organisation is dedicated specifically to worshipping and serving Than. They often accompany the Eternal Flame Priory in rites related to death and the afterlife. • Key Contributions: • Oversee funeral rites and memorial services. • Maintain shrines and sanctuaries dedicated to Than. • Provide healing and comfort to those nearing death, ensuring a peaceful passage. • Leadership: The Nightkeeper, a priest or priestess said to commune directly with Than, leads this organisation.   Conclusion   These organisations weave the intricate fabric of Tellurian society, ensuring that every aspect of life—from governance to art, from spirituality to defence—aligns with their ideals of harmony and balance. Each plays a vital role in maintaining the strength and unity of the civilisation.

Tellurian Marvels

The Tellurian people achieved an unparalleled synthesis of magic and science, resulting in wonders that shaped their world:

  • Tower of Luminary:
  • A crystalline tower built to store and amplify magical energy.
  • Its energy was channelled to heal the sick, grow crops, and provide warmth during harsh winters.
  • It emitted a soft, golden glow at night, visible for miles, earning it the nickname ‘The Star of the Land.’
  • Grand Obelisk of Arkenvaar:
  • The largest Obelisk ever constructed, standing over 300 metres tall.
  • Believed to connect directly to other realms, it served as a focal point for Tellurian magical research.
  • Its destruction during the fall of the Tellurian civilisation left ruins that is now a sacred site for scholars and adventurers (in the grassy plains between Odraria and Edgehall).
  • Skyward Bridges:
  • A network of levitating bridges powered by runic magic, connecting cities and regions.
  • The bridges adjusted their height and span based on the movement of the earth, weather, or magical flow.
  • Sanctuary of Stars:
  • An observatory equipped with enchanted lenses that allowed the Tellurians to map constellations and study celestial magic.
  • It doubled as a religious site, where priests and scholars sought guidance from the stars.
  • Life Chambers:
  • Underground sanctuaries powered by Obelisk energy.
  • These chambers preserved living beings—plants, animals, and humans—for generations, protecting them during disasters.

Diverged ethnicities
Languages spoken

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