Aruvians
"There are three ways to know an Aruvian; the smell of whatever skin they're wearing, the sound of a thousand piercings, and they'll tell you." - Common saying in the Riftlands.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Aruvians, like most people of Northern Vangard speak Thoran, a northern dialect of the common Althoran tongue.
Culture and cultural heritage
Plenty of Aruvian settlements are built upon the ancient bones of Althoran ruins, and both their language and customs are in some way inherited from their ancient forebears.
Shared customary codes and values
Stoicism and self-reliance are the cornerstones of Aruvian culture. There are few aruvians who will listen to complaints, and fewer still who will help those who won't help themselves. A man is not a man who cannot feed himself or provide. Hunting and making use of natures' gifts are important. Hunting in particular is big in Aruvia.
Average technological level
Most commonfolk have access to simple, good metal and tools, but little machinery or magic in their day-to-day labour.
Common Etiquette rules
Begging is frowned upon, but bartering, or asking despite having nothing however is not. The appeareance of not caring is important to traders and merchants.
Common Dress code
Furs, pelts and cloaks are big in the Aruvian Kingdom. Even nobles wear such items, but they usually smell better.
Art & Architecture
Aruvians make good use of whatever they can find, and most cities, even villages reflect this by using whatever is at hand. Stone houses stand next to tall timber churches as often as the other way around. Most Argent imagery is carved in metal, but also carved in stone, wood and bone.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
When meeting a devout Argent follower, you will rarely be spoken to first. Secrecy and severity are virtues in their eyes, and speaking first reveals too much. It is however customary to speak first when encountering people above your station, but rarely unprompted. A nod is often given to allow speech.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
Most Aruvians are not given names untill their third year. Naming usually is done by a wandering magistrate, or parents if none show up for the first five years of life.
Coming of Age Rites
At 15, boys and girls are left in groups a couple of days outside of their hometowns. Making it back alive is their test. Some are more fortunate than others. Not all follow this rite, but it is expected to do some version of it.
Funerary and Memorial customs
A good burning is prescribed any pre-undead aruvian.
Common Taboos
Charity to the undeserving is a big no-no for Aruvians. An Aruvian with pride would never beg.
Common Myths and Legends
Conspiracies about the royal family and scary campfire stories is a national pasttime in the Aruvian Kingdom. The cautionary tales of the Argent Host is also much discussed, both for scaring children into obedience, but also to remind oneself of proper Aruvian virtues.
Historical figures
Barrow-King Nahrkin and his killer, the Horst family dynasty founder Talbot Horst.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Aruvians are usually decked out in jewelry, and mostly silver. What started as a way to defend oneself from evil vampiric and were-creatures has become a full fledged fashion statement. You'll rarely see a barrow-man before you hear him jangling round the corner.
Gender Ideals
Aruvia is an equal-opportunity killing field set in a nightmare of a country. They simply can't afford to be sexist.
Courtship Ideals
Marriage is a pragmatic thing in Aruvia, rarely involves passion. Courtship is usually non-existent, and marriages are done for trade or necessity.
Related Organizations
Related Myths
Related Locations
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