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Geography: Lyonesse is a small island between Ireland and Britain. The island is actually mostly below sea level; however, a large, magic-bolstered fortification wall keeps the sea back and protects the inhabitants inside. The island itself is very lush and green, with only a few houses and the large tower in which the Knight resides as far as buildings go.

Notable Locations:
Lyonesse Tower: A large stone tower in which the Knight of Lyonesse resides.

People: There are few people on Lyonesse, mostly small-time artisans who enjoy the peaceful, protected space of the island. Many prefer to avoid it for fear that the levees will break, but the people of the island live in certainty that their Knight would never allow such to happen.

The Role of the Knight: The most important role of Lyonesse Knight is to ensure that the levees that protect the island stay strong. Beyond that, his role is mostly to do whatever is required of him by the Prince or the Shitennou.

Overview
Alqualondë, or the Swan Haven as it is more well known, is a small, half-circle-ish shaped harbor on Neptune. Set between two high cliffs that are split by a magnificent waterfall, Alqualondë itself nestles just off to the side of the waterfall's end. Healing waters as well as beautiful swans draw people fro all over to the Wonder.

World Information
Alqualondë. Built into the white stone walls of the cliff and tapering down onto an equally white sand beach, the Wonder of Alqualondë (so named for the waterfall) is a study is grace and beauty. Built of glistening white marble and surrounded with abundant greenery and flowers, it is less a town and more of a chapel where people come for healing or to simply watch the area's swans.

Notable Flora and Fauna
Neptunian Swans. The Swans of Neptune are, with very few exceptions, a deep, iridescent purple-ish black. Occasionally, one will be born that is a soft, shimmering silvery lavender. This color mutation is extremely rare and to see one is said to bring good luck. The feathers of a Neptunian swan are only ever harvested when a swan dies a natural death. Due to this enforced rarity, such feathers are highly prized.

Morning Glow. The only flowering plant that grows within the harbor, Morning Glow is a soft greenish grey vine with silvery green leaves. When it blossoms (which is frequently) , the flowers vary in color from shining white to shimmering pale purple to pearlescent purple black. They are said to have minor healing properties and the scent alone is considered wholesome and a remedy for weariness.

Key Locations.
The Swan's Chapel. Home not only to Alqualondë's Knight, but also to a handful of young healers who have decided to devote their lives to caring for the swans and healing those supplicants who come to them. It is about the size of a large Italian villa with stone steps going down to the beach.

Harbor Mouth. A protected jetty where the water from the falls travels out to the open sea. It is two prongs of stone extending into the water. On each prong is a stone pillar topped by a silver fire bowl. The flames are never allowed to go out and serve as a beacon for those traveling oversea to Alqualondë.

Culture Information
People. Only Alqualondë's Knight and a handful of quiet, serious-minded healers live here.

Society. What society?
Societal Hierarchy. Alqualondë's Knight is considered the ranking power here, but even she gives way at times to the more experienced of the resident Healers.

Economy. There is little need for money or trade here. Due to the secluded and serious nature of Alqualondë, Neptune's own Princess makes certain that supplies are regularly sent to them. She also allows them to indulge in some small trade.
Primary Exports. Swan Feathers (rarely), Medicines, teas and occasionally spirits made from Morning Glow
Primary Imports. Pretty stones, food, fruits, wine/spirits, Cloth, Books, Sundries

Politics. What politics?

Recreation. Quiet contemplation, healing, swimming and Swan watching are about all there is to do here. Alqualondë is not a tourist attraction. It's a place to come and recieve healing.

Plural/Possessive: Kallichoran (sometimes shortened to 'Choran)
Main Export: Services, wheat, medicinal herbs, knowledge
Main Imports: Stone, glass, metal, weaponry
Industries: Tourism, health and wellness services, education
Castle: Oracle
Surface: [X]

World: Kallichore, by and large, is the equivalent to Rhode Island in the United Moons of Jupiter. The moon is quite small when compared to the rest of the sixty-some-odd moons orbiting the gas giant. While the surface area was limited, the lands were lush and could support life. There was one major beach with a small body of saltwater, home to various kinds of fish, shellfish and crustaceans. The forests of Kallichore were small, but very dense. The largest ecosystem was the sprawling grasslands where harvesting of the infamous Kallichoran wheat took place. Many settlements were built in the grasslands, which included basic roads, schools and temples.

A mountain range extended from one end of the habitable land to the other, providing protection, some building materials and vantage points. Several important buildings, including The Archive and the Oracle Castle were built exclusively on mountains. Everything else was relegated to the flat lands. Several different types of goatlike creatures inhabited the mountain range and were domesticated for use as farming equipment and livestock that provided milk, furs, bone and meat. Other animals living on Kallichore included a variety of birds (including carrion), small predators such as wild dogs and cats and a plethora of small game animals. Generally speaking, nothing larger than a cougar was found to be living on the moon.

The most sacred animal on the moon was the Korenam, a type of bird unique to Kallichore. It resembled the Earth's owl, but it had three prominent feathers on the crown of the head that extended skyward. It was said that these birds know when the next senshi is going to be born, and one is always present at the awakening ceremony. These birds were forbidden to be exported or hunted, and were deeply ingrained into the culture of Kallichore.

Architecture: Houses and other buildings were primarily made of wood and clay, the most sacred of buildings using mostly stone. They erected great columns for temples, schools and libraries to make grand entrances, while houses were kept fairly simple. As a culture, Kallichorans did not spend much time at home, and were instead busy elsewhere. Roofing material consisted of thatch or logging, and houses were generally built custom by a community. They usually ranged no more than two or three bedrooms, a kitchen and eating area and a study. It was believed that since the moon was so small, no resource was to be wasted, and the architecture reflected that sentiment.

Temples were very grandiose and ornate (as much as the supply could allow). Emphasis was taken to create sprawling works of art on the ceilings and walls of temples and schools with jewels and other intricacies built directly into the structure. Rare materials like shells, gemstones or particularly pure stone were used liberally throughout. Many important buildings resembled the ancient Grecian society on Earth in their structure, but the innards of buildings typically extended both upward and beneath the surface of the moon when needed.

Several hot springs were discovered and converted into community areas with appropriate buildings throughout. Bath houses were not at all uncommon, and many a Kallichoran would spend a relaxing afternoon in the warm waters of the bath house. Tile was imported to maintain heat in the structure, with walls and ceilings made of stone. The ceilings would have ventilation holes cut into them to allow the proper release of steam and heat. Oftentimes, steam would be used to help power some of the minor technology not relegated to archiving and education.

At a glance, the society aesthetically resembles an older society on Earth, with simplistic supplies and architecture reserved for basic housing, while more expensive materials were reserved for community-wide structures.

Economy: Initially a self-sufficient society, Kallichore opened its doors to the other moons of Jupiter and beyond as a tourist destination for a relaxing getaway. The steam baths of Kallichore were a draw from across the galaxy, and the economy molded and shaped itself to be that of a service-oriented moon. Many people of Kallichore were trained in how to serve visitors and they benefited from the trade lines they created through their services. Others may visit the moon to access The Archive - a massive library filled to the brim with knowledge spanning all subjects from medicine to folklore to war, peace and technology. Much trading in knowledge took place on the moon, with the general outlook that the entire galaxy could benefit from it.

Genetics: Some of the most common eye colors are warm - yellow, orange and red. Brown is nearly unheard of and a true sign of someone foreign. Foreigners are treated as guests with the utmost respect.

Culture: Generally a laid-back society, Kallichorans had one focus - the betterment of self, specifically the mind. Their religion was centered around the mind as both a gate and a key. From the earliest times, Kallichorans looked inward for answers to problems they themselves or their society were facing. Many partook in ceremonies that involved ingesting an herb native to Kallichore that is known as a hallucinogen. These rituals were thought to increase the capacity of the mind and break bonds the mind placed upon itself. It is said that once the mind is released from its self-imposed chains, all answers become clear. The herbs were restricted to religious purposes only, and only in the pursuit of knowledge. These herbs were hardly ever used recreationally.

The mind, the eye and the mouth are all prominent symbols in the religion. The mind contemplates, the eye sees and relays, and the mouth speaks thought. Therefore, these symbols are incorporated in dress, tattooing, architecture, clothing and other portions of the culture. The mouth and eyes are typically decorated in some way during festivals or other ceremonies, and the disfiguring of one's eyes or mouth on purpose is generally frowned upon. Those born blind are thought to have adapted without the need for sight and are considered to be more "wise" than those who have sight.

A very community-conscious people, if one Kallichoran was in trouble, the community would band together to assist. If a house fire took someone's home, then someone else would house them while construction went on to replace the home that was lost. It was an expected part of the culture, and those that were selfish were generally cast out in some fashion. Selfishness was thought to be the bane of progress, and was thus not tolerated on a community level.

Education started at an early age, with children attending school around five or six years old. Classes were held by elders in the community for many years, until the children were fifteen or sixteen. At that time, groups of children were sent to The Archive to continue and complete their education in mathematics, science, politics and religion. A well-rounded individual was best for the community and contributed in a positive way. Once the children complete their education, they are encouraged to find their place in the community and start a formal job through the apprentice system in all trades. Elders teach the younger generation, so on and so forth. Especially adept children grow to become Archive Attendants, community leaders or other important figures.

Government: Lead by a sort of council system, communities elect a small group of leaders to convene at The Archive on important decisions such as treaties, wars, etc. By and large, the council does not meet often, and instead, communities band together and reach a decision independently. Therefore, some rules may apply in one community while others may not, though the culture mitigates much tendency towards violence by necessity. Sailor Kallichore plays a minor role in the governing of the moon, and instead acts as more of a community leader and ambassador.

World Overview

Known most for its colorful and fanciful lifestyle, Remarque has become a fairly popular tourist attraction. Those living on the asteroid are privy to a wide variety of lifestyles, however the majority of the towns sans the capital are just barely above the poverty level. The capital city is a home to a culmination of middle to upper class individuals and exists as much for tourist attraction as it does for political matters. Fashion and appearance is important on Remarque, regardless of lifestyle or income, and they are encouraged to express and excel in artistry of some sort. Nearly the whole of Remarque's habitable regions are bathed in light for all hours of the day. Early mornings look like sunrise, and the rest of the day until early afternoon consist of a bright sun and bright blue skies, however afternoons are comparable to twilight. The evenings until early morning are a perpetual state of dusk.

World Information

In the habitable region of Remarque, the land is flat and fairly accommodating. On the half the sun touches, it is always a comfortable temperature. Remarque does not experience seasons, so the climate remains akin to autumn year round. These conditions aren't particularly ideal for tending to crops, so the towns in the country grow what crops they can and the rest are imported.

On the outskirts of the habitable region, the only area on Remarque which experiences night and day, the temperatures are cooler. This area bares the scars of the environment, and if ever it could have been a habitable region, such is now almost impossible. Earthquakes and gas explosions were not uncommon when mining was taking place. The ground has been stripped of its nutrients, and there are the ruins and remains of towns unfortunate enough to be decimated by explosions and earthquakes. Due to these effects, much of the land has been exposed. Once the provider for minerals and rare gemstones, the outskirts have since been abandoned. Caves and tunnels in the ground lay exposed. The land is fairly dangerous here and is ill fitting for visitors or locals who value appearance and well-being.

The dark side of Remarque is a fairly unexplored region; a thick forest and steep cliffs combined with almost absolute darkness make it nearly impossible to navigate. Strange creatures have been known to wander into the outskirts and sometimes as far in as the plains. It has been theorized that there is an entirely different world on the dark side of Remarque, however it is rare to find a Remarquian willing to discuss such. Adventure and danger is ill suited to Remarquians, who would rather preen and craft than venture anywhere near this region.

Regions:

The Capital: Most people who come to Remarque will only ever visit the capital; a hotspot for artistic ingenuity, the Capital is a single, large city which accommodates a large number of both aspiring and successful artists and performers. There are nearly more theatres than restaurants, and a gallery on every corner. Nearly biweekly the capital is holding some sort of festival to appreciate new art. The streets are cobbled, while the most prominent architecture has been done in a gothic style, there is no shortage of uniqueness. Anything that can be made artistic has been. Citizens from the country side or otherworldly immigrants often migrate to see if they can't make themselves famous, and just as many have found fame, many have thrown their lives away in such an effort. The poor and struggling have made homes in back allies, and performers hoping to earn a little extra income can be found scattered throughout the city. Due to the tourism Remarque receives, there have been outside influences in nearly everything; their idea of fashion is a hodgepodge of their own gaudy influence and the high fashion of the tourists they receive. In addition to popular artists, performers, writers, musicians and artisans, culinary chefs from other worlds are invited to Remarque in an effort to promote creativity and share their knowledge and skill.

The Plains: A multitude of small towns and villages speckle the plains, which expand outward from the Capital. Crops and animals are tended to in this area, and it is within the plains that the majority of Remarquians live. While the citizens here take their work very seriously, they are still a part of the Remarquian society and value appearances and craft. A number of products sold in the Capital come from craftsman in this region.

The Outskirts: The furthest region from the Capital that still receives light, the Outskirts is the collective term for any area bordering the darkness. The Outskirts could never be described as thriving, however a few more daring citizens set up establishments and a mining community in order to harvest minerals and gems that were very popular in the Remarquian society. Many natural disasters plague this region, and there are more skeletons than living souls in any of the Outskirts. It is a haunting region; ruins and dilapidated buildings remain. This area is only for the brave of heart—or the desperate. The land is still rich with gems, however rock slides, earth quakes, and underground explosions have been not to occur in this rocky terrain. The Outskirts are the only location on Remarque that see both night and day.

The Shadows: Because only about a half of the asteroid receives some form of direct sunlight at all times, this leaves half the asteroid in almost complete darkness. Little is known of the Shadows, other than it is suicide to venture beyond the Outskirts. More myth than fact is reported of this region, however it is known to house strange, vicious creatures that thrive in darkness. Rarely, a beast will venture into the Outskirts in search of food; some have made it as far in as the Plains. Steep, rocky cliffs and trenches, coupled with thick, thorned foliage make this area almost impenetrable; there is no light to navigate, and providing an artificial light would only attract the attention of the local beasts. This area is shrouded in mystery, and while anyone interested in traveling to the region might be labeled insane, the area is open to anyone willing to brave it.

Cultural Information

Society: The people of Remarque could easily be described as self absorbed. A society that thrives on creativity, the people of Remarque are expected to express some artistic ingenuity and are introduced to a number of outlets during their grade school years. Regardless of social class, all schools are structured to educate and introduce children in such fields. The people of Remarque focus more on skills than education. Because of this, many of Remarque's best scientists, specialists and doctors have immigrated from their homeworlds—and are paid heartily for such.

Fashion: Where gaudy is good and the bigger the better, Remarquians always overdress. Their clothes are phenomenal in construct and they waste no effort in craftsmanship. Elaborate designs and cuts are common for those who can afford them—and for those who can't, they often improvise and develop their own unique style. Color, texture, design and an overabundance of overwhelming, useless and gaudy accessories are important to Remarquian fashion.

Economy: Most of Remarque's economy comes in to form of foreign currency attained from tourist locations. The Capital doubles as an artistic hotspot and an overlarge souvenir shop. Main exports include clothing, accessories, and arts while imports predominantly include crops and raw materials.

Festivals: While far less prominent in the plains, festivals are very common and important in the Capital. Nearly biweekly a festival is held; in Remarque, chances are that if there is something worth celebrating, there's a celebration for it.

Politics: Remarque is ruled over by a council of elected officials. The senshi of the planet, while considered an unofficial member of this council, serves little purpose in times of peace. Mainly a figurehead, the senshi is left their own affairs unless called upon by the council.

Law and Justice: Because there is no real police force on Remarque, the majority of conflicts are settled through words and minor skirmishes. The crime rate on Remarque is fairly low; theft is the most frequent crime, though as most Remarquians value physical appearances in an abnormally high manner, physical altercations are fairly rare. Murder is almost unheard of. In incidents in which a civilian cannot handle matters on their own, the senshi is typically called in to assess a situation before brining it before the council. Jail time and sentencing is a very brief process and sentences often include working in the Outskirts. In situations where a civilian's life is threatened, either by local, foreigner or beasts, it is the senshi's responsibility to tend to the situation with as few casualties as possible.

Asteroid - Lenka

Plural/Possessive: Lenkanian
Main Export: Fruits, Vines (To be used as ropes), Wood
Main Imports: Meat, Stone,

World Overview: Lenka is a lush green asteroid, almost entirely comprised of forests. The people of the asteroid all live on the forest floor, sheltered and protected by the canopy of trees that tower above them.
(More to come)

Adjecteval form: Nassovi or Nassovian (“Nassovi” is what you'll hear on Nassovia while “Nassovian” is common in interplanetary culture).
Main Exports: Incense, hallucinogens, Nassovi plants, cosmetics, religious paraphernalia and music.
Main imports: Metals, gemstones, animal fibers (silks and wools), Mauvian tech

Overview:
The general culture of Nassovia can be described as a fusion between futuristic glam and classical Greek. Much of the architecture is reminiscent of the future as depicted in 80s cartoons (lots of reflective surfaces and simple geometric shapes) with the occasional building which is slightly more classical or ornate.

Interplanetary Politics:
While the political atmosphere on Nassovia can generally be summed up as "Just chill out and cultivate peace", they do tend to follow the lead of the more outspoken and forceful members of the Koronis Asteroids, of which Nassovia is a member.

Natural World:: While large forests are almost nonexistant on Nassovia, small wooded areas are common. Similarly, there are no oceans and there are only three mountains which rise above the tree line. There are a few moderately large lakes, only two of which are salt water. As expected of the Planet of Morning Glories, morning glory vines grow almost everywhere. Nassovi animals tend to be smaller. There are no horses or cattle on Nassovia and the largest predators are the native Nassovi grey eagle and the Nassovi mourning cat (a greyish-violet wild cat only slightly larger than the average housecat wtih a rather doleful-sounding call).

Civilization: Though the Nassovi have a royal family, they are considered to be religious leaders and not the rulers of the planet. In fact, the planet doesn't have one ruler, instead each city rules itself and the surrounding countryside and wilds are largely independent. Most of the Nassovi are a part of the planetary peace cult, which is very hippy-esque, but encourages the tending of gardens and orchards. Fashion is a fusion between classical Greek and '60s/70's futuristic (think Lost in Space, The Jetsons or Star Maidens, just to name a few) with hairstyles and cosmetics about what you'd expect to find in Jem and the Holograms or a futuristic fashion show.

Architecture Concept Board:


Fashion Concept Board:

Plural/Possessive: Serpentari
Main Import: Medicinal items, Wood, Stone, Luxury Items, tools, weapons
Main Exports: Leather, Animal Hides, Furs, Jerky Meats, venoms (anti-venoms), toxins (anti-toxins)
Industries: Hunting/Gathering, Medical(Venoms/Toxins), Trade
Foreign Policy: Open to trading with outsiders.
Climate: Wet, cool, Jungle Rocky Plains biome. Very cold in the winter, lots of snow and ice.
Surface: X
Role in the Universe: Nomadic Trading Culture
Alliances: Neutral, they don't try to get involved in other world problems.

Overview

Serpentarius was not well known, it could be argued that it's culture's low value on outside trade - along with its adherence to strict tradition, leading to very, very infrequent trips outside their world resulted it in being one of the most non-secretive, secret culture of its time.

It could be considered a jewel to those seeking to get away from the hustle, and bustle of the more populous or heavier traveled planets, but they would find very little to do inside the compound open to outsiders. The Sepentari people did not allow strangers into their lands, which they held sacred. They knew that it would be impossible to keep people away from their home, that trade would will out - but that didn't mean they had to let everyone onto hunting grounds.

World Information

Architecture: Being nomads in nature, the Serpentari did not generally rely on brick and motor buildings. Most of their structures were designed to be easily moved from place to place, and while they did have an established trading outpost, it catered mainly to outsiders. The Serpentari also had a centralized capital that they visited once a year for a month to unite the various clans and distribute any wealth from the trade city.

Housing: While traveling each family lives in a group of yurts that they set up and take down as they move along. During the month long great merger in Ur’tar they live inside actual stone and lumber housing. Lumber and stone homes are also built in Bre’tar for outsiders.

Culture: Nomadic Matriarchy – The Serpentari were ruled by a council of the clans, which was headed by each of the clan leaders. Each clan relied on their clan leader for prosperity during the time they were away from the capital. While at the capital, all the clans united into one big group, each mingling with other clans to share wealth and knowledge they had gained over the course of the year. The Serpentari did not believe in personal wealth, and thus did their best to spread the spoils of the year evenly amongst all the clans during the month long merger. Greed was quite the unattractive trait and any desire for wealth beyond the needs of the clan was viewed as a waste of time and energy.

Family was very important to the Serpentari. Each Clan was built around a core family, having grown and expanded over time. Intermarriage between clans was common and encouraged, the groom taking the bride’s clan name as his own and joining her clan. Same-sex marriage had no stigma attached to it, the Sepertari believing that love was the most important thing when it came to a marriage. Arranged marriages were very rare because of this, but were often used to secure a stronger bond between clans.

Courtship between Serpentari usually began at the yearly meeting. During the opening of the merger, all eligible unmarried men and women are introduced to each other. It is this first dance that officially starts the merger. Many relationships are initiated during the month long merger, but they are not expected to lead to marriage by the end of the month. In many cases, marriages don’t happen until the second or third merger, but there are always exceptions. When a suitor announces their intent to pursue another Serpentari, they must present themselves to the clan’s oldest woman. There they are given the task of impressing the clan with their prowess. Generally this is something they are talented at, but sometimes it can be solving a problem that is plaguing the clan, or another feat of strength or guile.

Both boys and girls must undergo a coming of age rite. For Males, this occurs around sixteen years of age, for girls, it occurs exactly one week after they’ve had their first blood. They are separated from the tribe for one week and must survive on their own. They are given enough food and water to last for travel in three days in any direction, but the other four days are up to them to provide.

Production: The main products produced by the Serpentari are animal hides and meat. While they do practice limited agriculture, it is not their staple product. They have specialized in the extraction of venoms and toxins from the local reptiles in order to produce anti-venoms and anti-toxins, but they also sell the toxins and venoms in small batches for medical purposes.

Economy: Being Nomads, the Serpentari do not put a lot of worth in hard currency, instead choosing to barter between clans as well as outsiders. The Serpentari do not reward greed, so the pursuit of wealth is not a usual practice. The focus of any trade agreement is the needs of the clan. It is not unusual for clans to give freely items that another clan or outsider needs to survive, especially if they have such things in excess of the clan’s needs.

Fashion: Serpentari clothing tends to to focus on earthy colors, greens, browns, etc. Serpentari always favor sturdy leather footwear, usually boots, due to the large amount of traveling on foot that they usually do. In the winter months they often wear heavier clothing, usually topped with furs in order to stave off the chill.

Female Serpentari tend to favor dresses, with leggings underneath to allow for better mobility. In the summer these dresses are usually made of lighter material, and they are swapped out as fall approaches for heavier clothing.

Male Serpentari favor leather pants and tunics, usually dyed their preferred color during the curing process.

Political Structure: Each Clan is overseen by a Clan Leader, who in turn has a small council that they receive advice and wisdom from. These Clan Leaders form a council every year at the great clan merger, and discuss new laws as well as trade information and goods between the clans. No one clan is superior to any others, and each is expected to pool their resources evenly. If a new law is voted on and is tied – it is considered tabled until voted on again and struck down or passed.

Law for Serpentari: Serpentari followed laws passed down from the Council of Clan Leaders every year. These laws where strictly adhered to, as they always benefited the clan as a whole. Heinous crimes (murder/sexual abuse/child abuse/etc.) were all punishable by either immediate execution or exile. There was no court or judicial system, all grievances were brought before the clan's leader and their personal council, and such things were judged in a tribal court with the clan leader presiding as judge.

Other laws carried more minor sentences, usually extended duty at the outsider compound, which was considered one of the worst jobs to have to do.

Law for Outsiders: Outsiders did not need to fear death from the Serpentari, who knew that injury to an outsider could well start a conflict they had no desire to fight. However, they were not immune from rules and regulation. Any outsider caught outside of the Serpentari compound was given a warning, if they were caught again - they were banned and are never allowed to return.

Anyone caught poaching on Serpentari lands were instantly banned, as were any who harmed or assaulted a Serpentari. These bans could range from a period of years to indefinite. It depended on the level of the criminal act.

Society: Serpentari society revolves around the good of the clan being the most important thing. The needs of the clan outweigh the needs of the individual, as everything belongs to the clan. Goods and food are allocated based on the need of the family. Families with infants and small children are generally given the greater share of the goods, as they are seen as the future of the clan. In times of near starvation or starvation, many of the older families of the clan will sacrifice what little food they may have to ensure the young survive. The death of a child or young person is considered one of the greatest losses possible for a clan, and the murder or harm of one is one of the greatest crimes a Serpentari or outsider can commit, the punishment is immediate exile with no food into the vast wilderness.

Holidays

Meeting of the Clans: A yearly merger of all the Serpentari clans – lasts a month. Occurs in the autumn, right before winter. The clans gather and mingle, giving the youth of the clans a chance to meet and introduce themselves to each other – as well as allowing the clans as a whole to pool their resources for the upcoming winter months. After the month is over, each clan goes their separate way, to follow their herds during the winter before again returning the next year.

The Great Shedding: This holiday, celebrated by all Serpentari on the first day of Spring, is seen as nature shedding off it’s skin from the prior year and growing into the new. The Serpentari mark the first day of Spring as the first day of the year. They chose to celebrate it by throwing a large feast, each clan knowing that even though they are separated from the other clans, they are all celebrating the first day of spring together, and are thus, unified.

Coming of Age: As each young person in the clan completes their coming of age, their clan celebrates in their own particular fashion. Some throw feasts, others celebrate in more somber occasions. Traditions can overlap and intertwine as clan bloodlines mix. It is viewed by all Serpentari as an important day – some even consider it a second birthday, and trace their ages from that date.

Landmarks

Ur’tar – The Meeting Place of the Clans: Ur’Tar holds a special place in the heart of the Serpentari. It is their place of yearly retreat, where every clan meets in autumn for a month to decide the future of all the clans. It is here that they mingle, sharing supplies and tales of their trials and triumphs of the ongoing year. It is here that most Serpentari meet their future spouses, and where most Serpentari children are born. It is their most sacred place. No violence is allowed within its walls, no crime is permitted. To do so is to risk expulsion from the clan – and the slow agonizing death of starvation in the long winter ahead.

Bre’tar – The Trade City: While the Serpentari do not view wealth as a necessity, they do understand the importance of trade with outsiders. Thus, they built a city to cater to the needs of the outsiders, as none but Serpentari are allowed to behold the walls of Ur’tar. Each clan devotes a tenth of its population to man the city year round, to ensure that trade goes uninterrupted and that necessary goods flow to and from outside cultures. Not many volunteer for a year in Bre’tar, just due to how dull and boring it can be. Not to mention it doesn’t allow for travel with the clans. It’s considered a necessary evil however, to ensure all the needs of the clans are met, some view it as a civic duty, and thus important to the good of all.

The Serpent’s Fang – The Mountain of Death: The Serpent’s Fang is a solitary mountain that marks the furthest part of Serpentari territory. No Serpentari has been beyond the mountain and returned to tell the tale. Oftentimes, if a Serpentari has committed an extremely heinous crime, they are sentence to walk beyond the mountain – and thus out of the care of all the clans. It is said that those who walk beyond the mountain enter the stomach of the great serpent and thus return to the world – but no one is quite sure.