Land of Rivers Culture
This page goes over the culture of the moonvipers and riverlander peoples.
Residents of the Land of Rivers have first names and surnames. Their names are typically of ancient Roman origin, Latin words, or longer, ‘fancy’/uncommon words.
Some examples of good names are:
Land of Rivers surnames are Latin phrases picked by the family’s founders long ago, that embody principles that they personally viewed as valuable and wanted their descendants to embody. Some examples are:
Moonvipers also have an ancient traditional naming system from the time prior to them really using verbal speech; parents would imbue a stone necklace with a prized memory that would serve as their child’s name. These are often translated into longer phrases that describe the memory.
Those with traditional names will usually shorten their phrase to a single word or also have a more modern name as well.
Some examples of traditional moonviper names are:
Some examples of good names are:
- Vernalis
- Jubilant
- Chiasmus
- Veritas
- Vellichor
- Hiraeth
- Syzygy
- Benvolio
Land of Rivers surnames are Latin phrases picked by the family’s founders long ago, that embody principles that they personally viewed as valuable and wanted their descendants to embody. Some examples are:
- de Novo
- e Pluribus Unum
- Neomenia
- Coram Deo
- Emeritus
- ex Nihilo
- Sola Fide
Moonvipers also have an ancient traditional naming system from the time prior to them really using verbal speech; parents would imbue a stone necklace with a prized memory that would serve as their child’s name. These are often translated into longer phrases that describe the memory.
Those with traditional names will usually shorten their phrase to a single word or also have a more modern name as well.
Some examples of traditional moonviper names are:
- Last Dance by Moonlight (could be shortened to Last, Dance, or Moonlight)
- First Hunt at Dawn (could be shortened to First, Hunt, or Dawn)
- Starlight Through Fog (could be shortened to Starlight or Fog
In the Land of Rivers, although the loss of loved ones is still painful, death is viewed as a pleasant passing on into the nocturnal realm of the Moon Sisters, where the dead join them as shimmering forms - stars - in the night sky.
Funerals in the Land of Rivers are a celebration of the individual’s life and accomplishments, and held through an entire night; the person’s friends and family gather under the moonlight to watch over them for the evening. The individual is buried in a stone coffin, and the pebble that all worshippers of the Moon Sisters wear is taken and placed atop and exposed to the moonlight for the entire night. They discuss what they did and what they would have done, given more time, and what they learned from and respected about them.
Once the following morning comes, the pebble is taken and carried to the ocean and cast into the depths, so that the sea currents can carry their souls safely back to the Moon Sisters’ embrace.
Any worshipper of the Moon Sisters, no matter what nation they're from or the place they currently live, believes that this burial must be done, lest their souls become trapped in the mortal world. Many wandering members of the Perigee will search for worshippers of the Moon Sisters who were not properly put to rest, and perform the correct rites so that their spirit can move on.
The stone necklace the worshipper wore is considered more important than their body itself, and its retrieval more important than their flesh and blood form; in the case where only this can be found, it is exposed to moonlight for two nights, prayed over by Perigee priests, and then returned to the waves.
Funerals in the Land of Rivers are a celebration of the individual’s life and accomplishments, and held through an entire night; the person’s friends and family gather under the moonlight to watch over them for the evening. The individual is buried in a stone coffin, and the pebble that all worshippers of the Moon Sisters wear is taken and placed atop and exposed to the moonlight for the entire night. They discuss what they did and what they would have done, given more time, and what they learned from and respected about them.
Once the following morning comes, the pebble is taken and carried to the ocean and cast into the depths, so that the sea currents can carry their souls safely back to the Moon Sisters’ embrace.
Any worshipper of the Moon Sisters, no matter what nation they're from or the place they currently live, believes that this burial must be done, lest their souls become trapped in the mortal world. Many wandering members of the Perigee will search for worshippers of the Moon Sisters who were not properly put to rest, and perform the correct rites so that their spirit can move on.
The stone necklace the worshipper wore is considered more important than their body itself, and its retrieval more important than their flesh and blood form; in the case where only this can be found, it is exposed to moonlight for two nights, prayed over by Perigee priests, and then returned to the waves.
Before the arrival of Moonvipers in the Land of Rivers, some untold centuries prior to the Night of the Red Moons, most architecture was made of wood, built over the ancient stone foundations of long-forgotten Elder Drake - or far older and more peculiar - cities. Much of the oldest Riverlander cities have been lost to time, either replaced with sturdier stone constructions or simply having rotted away over time.
Most structures in the Land of Rivers are made from solid stone shaped by a moonviper, with detail-work and anything making use of wood or other materials by human craftsmen, creating odd but very pleasing buildings that would be impossible without the use of a Moonviper’s venom. The floors are often elevated from the ground by at least a few feet to keep things dry during the spring floods. Ancient mesopotamian or chinese building styles are common.
Due to the increasing rarity of moonvipers, some modern buildings are made entirely without their aid, resulting in very obvious differences, like the presence of bricks or homes made entirely of wood. Glass windows are used, and are often covered with tapestries during the winter to help keep in the heat.
Some individuals prefer to live on large rafts in the rivers instead of a stationary home, travelling the rivers and seeing the world. These are usually very colourful and carved with decorative patterns that include serpents and griffons.
Most structures in the Land of Rivers are made from solid stone shaped by a moonviper, with detail-work and anything making use of wood or other materials by human craftsmen, creating odd but very pleasing buildings that would be impossible without the use of a Moonviper’s venom. The floors are often elevated from the ground by at least a few feet to keep things dry during the spring floods. Ancient mesopotamian or chinese building styles are common.
Due to the increasing rarity of moonvipers, some modern buildings are made entirely without their aid, resulting in very obvious differences, like the presence of bricks or homes made entirely of wood. Glass windows are used, and are often covered with tapestries during the winter to help keep in the heat.
Some individuals prefer to live on large rafts in the rivers instead of a stationary home, travelling the rivers and seeing the world. These are usually very colourful and carved with decorative patterns that include serpents and griffons.
Art is held in high regard by the people and dragons of the Land of Rivers, and seen as an admirable pursuit for anyone.
Visual arts often involve stone; be it making elaborate sculptures, creating a piece of art by imbuing the image into stone, so that it may only be viewed by touching it, or simply painting on a piece of rock. Frescoes are common as well, with the plaster being mixed with powdered stone, so that there is an extra dimension to the art. Moonvipers make heavy use of their venom to accentuate their art; in portraits, touching the picture might allow one to see a moment of that dragon's life, or in a depiction of a recent event, it might contain an eyewitness' memory of what happened.
Music is greatly adored. Live performances are not uncommon, but music is often recorded in stone (typically small, polished rock beads) by those who experienced it and sold to those across the Land of Rivers. Families usually string the stones onto a thread and decorate the walls of their homes with them, and when guests visit they will slowly drag their fingers across the beads to experience what music their hosts have collected.
Dance is treated similarly, performed and recorded forever in small stone beads. These beads are highly prized, passed on through the generations; some particularly old families will have hundreds of them, some even showing music celebrations from centuries earlier
While many Moonvipers would find it easier to record books and poems as imagined memories, storytelling has evolved to rely far more on the written word to accommodate their human counterparts, and to make it more easily replicated and shared with the rest of the world.
Memory-based stories do not, however, take any less time than writing out a book, as a Moonviper 'author' must carefully craft the thoughts, feelings, and imagery to make the story feel real. Stories like this are often worked into larger pieces of rock than songs or dances and painted or sculpted with beautiful colours and patterns. Experiencing one of these stories is comparable to watching a movie in our world, save that it includes all the senses and becomes almost like another reality. These take years to craft and are extremely expensive, rarely traded to outsiders, and kept as precious family heirlooms or donated to libraries run by the Perigee.
Visual arts often involve stone; be it making elaborate sculptures, creating a piece of art by imbuing the image into stone, so that it may only be viewed by touching it, or simply painting on a piece of rock. Frescoes are common as well, with the plaster being mixed with powdered stone, so that there is an extra dimension to the art. Moonvipers make heavy use of their venom to accentuate their art; in portraits, touching the picture might allow one to see a moment of that dragon's life, or in a depiction of a recent event, it might contain an eyewitness' memory of what happened.
Music is greatly adored. Live performances are not uncommon, but music is often recorded in stone (typically small, polished rock beads) by those who experienced it and sold to those across the Land of Rivers. Families usually string the stones onto a thread and decorate the walls of their homes with them, and when guests visit they will slowly drag their fingers across the beads to experience what music their hosts have collected.
Dance is treated similarly, performed and recorded forever in small stone beads. These beads are highly prized, passed on through the generations; some particularly old families will have hundreds of them, some even showing music celebrations from centuries earlier
While many Moonvipers would find it easier to record books and poems as imagined memories, storytelling has evolved to rely far more on the written word to accommodate their human counterparts, and to make it more easily replicated and shared with the rest of the world.
Memory-based stories do not, however, take any less time than writing out a book, as a Moonviper 'author' must carefully craft the thoughts, feelings, and imagery to make the story feel real. Stories like this are often worked into larger pieces of rock than songs or dances and painted or sculpted with beautiful colours and patterns. Experiencing one of these stories is comparable to watching a movie in our world, save that it includes all the senses and becomes almost like another reality. These take years to craft and are extremely expensive, rarely traded to outsiders, and kept as precious family heirlooms or donated to libraries run by the Perigee.
Portrait of Adeodatus & Her Children
An extremely well-preserved fresco located in Maiestas’ city hall, covering an entire wall, and is immediately visible upon entry into the building, looming over those who approach. Features Adeodatus in her prime, framed on either side by her four sons and four daughters. All accounts suggest that it was created while she and her empire were still around.
Has been carefully touched-up over the years and is currently encased in a glass ‘box’ to protect it. Before, one could touch each dragon and get a vague sense of what they were like due to powdered memory stone being mixed into the plaster while it was being painted.
Has been carefully touched-up over the years and is currently encased in a glass ‘box’ to protect it. Before, one could touch each dragon and get a vague sense of what they were like due to powdered memory stone being mixed into the plaster while it was being painted.
Moonvipers wear heavy stone jewelry and thick furs, often wool, but otherwise do not typically adorn themselves in a very complex manner. Gold, silver, and gemstones aren't commonly seen in their jewelry, either, viewed as wastefully ostentatious and gaudy to wear.
Various shades of stone-grey, with green or blue tints, are highly traditional colours to wear, although modern generations view them as more than a little boring and prefer richer blues and greens. Moon and star patterns and shapes for clothes and jewelry are very popular as well.
To read about what the human residents of the Land of Rivers wear, check out their appearance page here.
Various shades of stone-grey, with green or blue tints, are highly traditional colours to wear, although modern generations view them as more than a little boring and prefer richer blues and greens. Moon and star patterns and shapes for clothes and jewelry are very popular as well.
To read about what the human residents of the Land of Rivers wear, check out their appearance page here.
There are a variety of different foods common in the Land of Rivers:
- Lots and lots of seafood, both freshwater caught from the Delta and ocean-dwelling from the west coast
- Milk-based products such as cheese, yogurt, ice cream, etc
- Maple syrup and candy
- Livestock (cattle, chickens, pigs, etc)
- Crops like corn, rice, wheat, etc
- Fruits (such as apples, pears, tomatoes, bell peppers, peaches, nectarines, plums, prunes, cherries, apricots, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries and blueberries)
- Wild game such as deer, elk and moose
In the Land of Rivers, people aren’t unfriendly, but neither will they typically go out of their way to interact with a stranger. Unless they’re obviously in need of help, it’s up to the new person to start a conversation with someone they don’t know. You usually won’t get invited into someone’s home until you’re at the very least considered an acquaintance. This is a little different near the border; due to the danger of encroaching knights, strangers can easily find themselves invited into a house immediately after meeting so that they can take shelter and hide from potential threats.
When indoors - weather permitting - it’s typical for people to go barefoot. During the winter, the human denizens of the region wear a second pair of clean house shoes or warm slippers, as the region can get very cold.
When indoors - weather permitting - it’s typical for people to go barefoot. During the winter, the human denizens of the region wear a second pair of clean house shoes or warm slippers, as the region can get very cold.
The moonvipers and riverlanders lack a defined class system, for they have no nobility or aristocracy; those who are members of the Perigee are looked to for authority, but aside from that most denizens of the Land of Rivers are on relatively equal footing. They hold elections for their leaders and anyone that is a citizen and at least eighteen years old may vote or run in them.
There is no concept of illegitimacy or bastardy, and denying a child their inheritance or full rights because their parents weren't married is seen as exceptionally cruel.
There is no concept of illegitimacy or bastardy, and denying a child their inheritance or full rights because their parents weren't married is seen as exceptionally cruel.
The Moonvipers and humans of the Land of Rivers commonly worship the Moon Sisters, a trio of goddesses who take the form of the Realm’s three moons. Read more about them below:
While the Moon Sisters are the predominant deities recognized in the Land of Rivers, they are not the only modern or historical belief in the region.
Immigrants from the Tyr Kingdom or Padwell and their descendants often still practice worship in the gods Hyleg and the Marsh King or Mountain Queen respectively. They are not expected to change their beliefs in order to be accepted in the Land of Rivers, although many come to recognize both the Sisters and their ancestral gods.
The oldest belief in the region is that of the human residents; they first came to worship a serpent water goddess whose name has been lost to time. She’s responsible for the tides and the existence of the Serpent Delta is due to the paths her body carves into the earth when she moves. It is believed that she brings the rains, and that all water is tied to her in some fashion. Generally, only the nomadic peoples of the Serpent Delta still worship her.
Khynsu the Moon Father, an old moon god from before the Moon Sisters were introduced by the moonvipers; sometimes represented as a silver Elder Drake. Khynsu was said to have fallen down from the moons themselves as a child and was raised by the ancient peoples of the Serpent Delta, and became an immortal protector of the region. It is said that his body was placed in an old part of Urbs, and the rumoured location was once a place of pilgrimage, but the Elder Drake ruler of the Land of Rivers discouraged the practice and punished anyone they caught visiting the place. Although he is no longer worshipped by modern people, although sometimes silver Elder Drake pendants are worn for good luck.
Lastly and most recently, is Unda the river phoenix. She is only worshipped along the southern border and is perhaps better described as a spirit than a god, as she supplements rather than supplants the Moon Sisters. Unda is a patron to the militias (and now the army of the Southern League) and is believed to bring good luck to those who fight to defend their homes and loved ones.
Immigrants from the Tyr Kingdom or Padwell and their descendants often still practice worship in the gods Hyleg and the Marsh King or Mountain Queen respectively. They are not expected to change their beliefs in order to be accepted in the Land of Rivers, although many come to recognize both the Sisters and their ancestral gods.
The oldest belief in the region is that of the human residents; they first came to worship a serpent water goddess whose name has been lost to time. She’s responsible for the tides and the existence of the Serpent Delta is due to the paths her body carves into the earth when she moves. It is believed that she brings the rains, and that all water is tied to her in some fashion. Generally, only the nomadic peoples of the Serpent Delta still worship her.
Khynsu the Moon Father, an old moon god from before the Moon Sisters were introduced by the moonvipers; sometimes represented as a silver Elder Drake. Khynsu was said to have fallen down from the moons themselves as a child and was raised by the ancient peoples of the Serpent Delta, and became an immortal protector of the region. It is said that his body was placed in an old part of Urbs, and the rumoured location was once a place of pilgrimage, but the Elder Drake ruler of the Land of Rivers discouraged the practice and punished anyone they caught visiting the place. Although he is no longer worshipped by modern people, although sometimes silver Elder Drake pendants are worn for good luck.
Lastly and most recently, is Unda the river phoenix. She is only worshipped along the southern border and is perhaps better described as a spirit than a god, as she supplements rather than supplants the Moon Sisters. Unda is a patron to the militias (and now the army of the Southern League) and is believed to bring good luck to those who fight to defend their homes and loved ones.
Full-Moon Festivals
It’s typical for parties and festivals to be held on the nights of full moons, especially if there’s more than one full moon at once. It’s an auspicious time to start new projects or for major life events, such as weddings, starting a business, or trying for a child.
New Moons Ceremony (January 1rst)
On the first night of every new year, the people of the Land of Rivers celebrate the New Moons Ceremony. It’s a time of feasting and celebration of life; it’s common for people to light off fireworks and to dance and play games with each other. At the end of the day, just before midnight, it’s traditional to throw a stone into the ocean or nearest river/lake with either a written wish or one embedded via memory into the rock, to ask the Moon Sisters for a good year.
Red Moons Night (June 6th)
The anniversary of the Night of the Red Moons. A time for quiet introspection in the Land of Rivers and usually a solemn occasion where one remembers that although the Elder Drakes were destroyed and the Realm forever made free from their evil influence, great damage was done to its people and many lives were lost.
The Longest Day (June 20th)
As the name suggests, this occasion marks the longest day, and as a result the shortest night of the year. It is believed by the residents of the Land of Rivers that the Moon Sister’s influence is at its weakest during this time and that one should not do anything too risky on this day, as they will be unable to protect you. Followers of the Moon Sisters will often wear moon-shaped jewelry and do noisemaking throughout the night to ward off evil spirits no longer kept at bay by the influence of the Sisters.
Festival of Art (Second week of August)
A week-long festival that celebrates the arts. Most major concerts, theatre performances, and arts shows are held during this time, and the streets of villages and cities will often have popup arts and crafts markets and musicians and performers of all kinds. It’s customary to be especially accommodating to travelling minstrels and artists during this time.
Goldenmoon Week (Second week of October)
A weeklong period of celebrations that coincide with the fall harvest, celebrating the bounty of the Moon Sisters and getting extra hands to assist with collecting crops. Citizens of the Land of Rivers are given the week off from usual work to help with tasks on local farms. It is common for cities and towns to have large communal feasts during Goldenmoon Week.
Gifting Day (November 23rd)
A holiday meant to show gratitude, Gifting Day is celebrated by exchanging gifts with friends and family, as well as leaving small offerings to the Moon Sisters. Government officials, Perigee members, and public service workers (such as nurses, doctors, janitors and those who keep the city streets clean) can expect to receive many small gifts placed on their doorsteps by their neighbours as a thanks for all their efforts.
The Longest Night (December 21rst)
As the name suggests, this holiday marks the longest night of the year. It is said that during this night the Moon Sisters are at their strongest and most present. Citizens of the Land of Rivers are given the day off from any responsibilities (if possible, of course) to meditate on and practice the principles of the Sisters, as well as to pray for good luck and leave offerings. Prayers done on this night are heard clearer than any other time of year.
Day of Ghosts (December 31rst)
The last day of the year is known as the ‘Day of Ghosts’, a time for mourning the dead; often those killed in raids by Xocrian knights. It is customary to fast for the entire day and visit the stone gravesite of the dead to leave behind a gift - stone or ice carvings are customary - although if an individual’s remains were never found for proper burial, one should visit the ocean to pay their respects instead. The Day of Ghosts is followed by the New Moons Ceremony, a far more cheerful event.
It’s typical for parties and festivals to be held on the nights of full moons, especially if there’s more than one full moon at once. It’s an auspicious time to start new projects or for major life events, such as weddings, starting a business, or trying for a child.
New Moons Ceremony (January 1rst)
On the first night of every new year, the people of the Land of Rivers celebrate the New Moons Ceremony. It’s a time of feasting and celebration of life; it’s common for people to light off fireworks and to dance and play games with each other. At the end of the day, just before midnight, it’s traditional to throw a stone into the ocean or nearest river/lake with either a written wish or one embedded via memory into the rock, to ask the Moon Sisters for a good year.
Red Moons Night (June 6th)
The anniversary of the Night of the Red Moons. A time for quiet introspection in the Land of Rivers and usually a solemn occasion where one remembers that although the Elder Drakes were destroyed and the Realm forever made free from their evil influence, great damage was done to its people and many lives were lost.
The Longest Day (June 20th)
As the name suggests, this occasion marks the longest day, and as a result the shortest night of the year. It is believed by the residents of the Land of Rivers that the Moon Sister’s influence is at its weakest during this time and that one should not do anything too risky on this day, as they will be unable to protect you. Followers of the Moon Sisters will often wear moon-shaped jewelry and do noisemaking throughout the night to ward off evil spirits no longer kept at bay by the influence of the Sisters.
Festival of Art (Second week of August)
A week-long festival that celebrates the arts. Most major concerts, theatre performances, and arts shows are held during this time, and the streets of villages and cities will often have popup arts and crafts markets and musicians and performers of all kinds. It’s customary to be especially accommodating to travelling minstrels and artists during this time.
Goldenmoon Week (Second week of October)
A weeklong period of celebrations that coincide with the fall harvest, celebrating the bounty of the Moon Sisters and getting extra hands to assist with collecting crops. Citizens of the Land of Rivers are given the week off from usual work to help with tasks on local farms. It is common for cities and towns to have large communal feasts during Goldenmoon Week.
Gifting Day (November 23rd)
A holiday meant to show gratitude, Gifting Day is celebrated by exchanging gifts with friends and family, as well as leaving small offerings to the Moon Sisters. Government officials, Perigee members, and public service workers (such as nurses, doctors, janitors and those who keep the city streets clean) can expect to receive many small gifts placed on their doorsteps by their neighbours as a thanks for all their efforts.
The Longest Night (December 21rst)
As the name suggests, this holiday marks the longest night of the year. It is said that during this night the Moon Sisters are at their strongest and most present. Citizens of the Land of Rivers are given the day off from any responsibilities (if possible, of course) to meditate on and practice the principles of the Sisters, as well as to pray for good luck and leave offerings. Prayers done on this night are heard clearer than any other time of year.
Day of Ghosts (December 31rst)
The last day of the year is known as the ‘Day of Ghosts’, a time for mourning the dead; often those killed in raids by Xocrian knights. It is customary to fast for the entire day and visit the stone gravesite of the dead to leave behind a gift - stone or ice carvings are customary - although if an individual’s remains were never found for proper burial, one should visit the ocean to pay their respects instead. The Day of Ghosts is followed by the New Moons Ceremony, a far more cheerful event.
Education is highly valued in the Land of Rivers, and basic schooling is free to those who couldn’t otherwise afford to educate their children. It is highly, highly unusual for anyone in the Land of Rivers to not go to school or to not have learned to read or write.
Children typically go through the following educational path (not sending your kids to school is considered extremely negligent):
Especially prestigious schools may charge an entrance fee or, if the students live there, a cost for food and board, but the Perigee often steps in if they ever attempt to charge too exorbitant a sum. These schools teach all the standard subjects, as well as, in some cases, magic; while the quality doesn’t rival institutions like the stormherald’s College of the Spire or some of the schools of Ironbrook, it is decent and well-rounded.
The Perigee often gives out scholarships to promising students to allow them to study abroad in nations such as Meros, Stormherald territory or Ironbrook or sends them to Padwell or the sundrakes’ Tyr Kingdom on cultural exchange programs.
A basic education accessible to anyone in the Land of Rivers will usually focus on the following subjects:
Children typically go through the following educational path (not sending your kids to school is considered extremely negligent):
- Preschool: starting at age 4 or 5, kids usually need to be in here for at least one year.
- Elementary school: starting age 6/7 and ending at age 12/13. Funded by the Perigee and free to anyone living in the LoR.
- High school: starting at age 13/14 and ending at 17/18. Funded by the Perigee and free to anyone living in the LoR.
- Post-secondary education: universities, apprenticeships, and colleges. Any age after 18. They are not funded by the Perigee and are instead run privately, so you do have to pay (or make an arrangement with your mentor in an apprenticeship) to attend them. Despite this it is still very typical for people in the Land of Rivers to go to such institutes
Especially prestigious schools may charge an entrance fee or, if the students live there, a cost for food and board, but the Perigee often steps in if they ever attempt to charge too exorbitant a sum. These schools teach all the standard subjects, as well as, in some cases, magic; while the quality doesn’t rival institutions like the stormherald’s College of the Spire or some of the schools of Ironbrook, it is decent and well-rounded.
The Perigee often gives out scholarships to promising students to allow them to study abroad in nations such as Meros, Stormherald territory or Ironbrook or sends them to Padwell or the sundrakes’ Tyr Kingdom on cultural exchange programs.
A basic education accessible to anyone in the Land of Rivers will usually focus on the following subjects:
- Mathematics
- Sciences
- History of the Realm
- Dragon species & human countries in both Theavia and Cyr
- Some education on the types of magic that exist
- The principles of the Moon Sisters
- A large variety of art classes - dance, visual arts, music, etc
- Problem-solving and leadership classes
Some common jobs are:
- Herders
- Fishermen
- Farmers
- Cooks
- Stoneworkers
- Architects
- Artists
- Poets
- Philosophers
- Priests
- Diplomats
- Negotiators
- Scholars
- Missionaries
- Astronomers
- Teachers
- Private guards/mercenaries
- Militia members
- Members of the Serpents
- Soldiers in the Southern League’s army
In the Land of Rivers, marriage ceremonies are typically conducted by the priests of the Perigee. You can just walk into the city hall and sign a licence and be done with it, of course, but it’s more common to host an elaborate ceremony in the temple under the light of at least one full moon.
The couple and their guests will usually wear grey, silver, and deep blue clothing, and moon-and-stars themed jewelry. It’s traditional to wash yourself in the sea before or after your wedding as a sort of communion with the Moon Sisters - as the waters of the oceans are seen as having the closest connection with them.
To signify their status as being married, the couple will exchange a stone necklace with their favourite memory/how they feel about the person placed within.
For non-moonvipers, there are a few other options: they may get a dragon relative to assist them, could exchange carved stone jewelry instead (sans memories) or exchange anything else, or exchange something else, as long as it’s meaningful. Some couples will write poems for each other, or create a visual representation of a treasured memory.
The couple and their guests will usually wear grey, silver, and deep blue clothing, and moon-and-stars themed jewelry. It’s traditional to wash yourself in the sea before or after your wedding as a sort of communion with the Moon Sisters - as the waters of the oceans are seen as having the closest connection with them.
To signify their status as being married, the couple will exchange a stone necklace with their favourite memory/how they feel about the person placed within.
For non-moonvipers, there are a few other options: they may get a dragon relative to assist them, could exchange carved stone jewelry instead (sans memories) or exchange anything else, or exchange something else, as long as it’s meaningful. Some couples will write poems for each other, or create a visual representation of a treasured memory.
Moonvipers and the people of the Land of Rivers have unique family situations; it is standard practice for them to adopt dragon/human children into their family and live in large, mixed households. Family is important to most, and it’s considered abnormal not to have a member from the other species in yours.
This has become increasingly difficult over the past few decades to maintain, however, as the moonviper population has been dwindling due to attacks from their southern neighbours, Xocrium. Their knights, while not targeting hatchlings, often go after and kill adult dragons. The people of the Land of Rivers may often have to adopt new members of their family from further away, taking in orphaned darklings, sundrakes, and even fireworms.
This has become increasingly difficult over the past few decades to maintain, however, as the moonviper population has been dwindling due to attacks from their southern neighbours, Xocrium. Their knights, while not targeting hatchlings, often go after and kill adult dragons. The people of the Land of Rivers may often have to adopt new members of their family from further away, taking in orphaned darklings, sundrakes, and even fireworms.
Common livestock animals in the Land of Rivers are;
Common pets kept by people in the Land of Rivers are;
Common mounts used in the Land of Rivers are;
- Cattle
- Sheep and goats
- Very common animals to keep for farmers in the region. Wool and goat’s milk are common commodities in the region, and the latter is often used to make things such as yogurt, cheese, and ice cream.
- Peryton
- Horses
- Chicken, ducks and geese
- Pigs
- Fish
- Turtles
- Riverland aurochs
- All families in the Land of Rivers, provided they have the space, will keep a riverland aurochs for good luck; in city environments where individual families can’t quite do that, the mayor and their attendants will care for one that is meant to represent the health of the entire town/city. They may occasionally see use as powerful battlefield mounts due to their immense weight and size, but are more often used to carry loads and as a family "pet" of sorts, as no one wants to invite disaster by putting their family's aurochs into danger. Female riverland aurochs produce a heavy, rich milk that, while somewhat unsuited to being drinken on its own, makes excellent cream for coffee, ice cream, and yogurt.
- Yeep
- Woolcats
Common pets kept by people in the Land of Rivers are;
- Lesser wyverns
- Hunting hawks
- Screaming cats
- Cats
- Dogs
- Ferrets
- Small pigs
- Miniature horses
- Small peryton
- Wetland peryton are very common in the Land of Rivers due to its environment, and are often kept as pets or livestock. Their large fangs make them somewhat intimidating for those that aren’t used to them and can, if they are pushed enough to become violent, be used to inflict serious injury. They are, however, usually quite timid and docile.
- Carbuncles
- Due to their natural sense for valuables and buried minerals, carbuncles are common companions for scavengers, thieves, historians, and miners.
- Small griffons
- Domestic, swift, and barn griffons are all fairly common pets.
Common mounts used in the Land of Rivers are;
- Riverland aurochs
- All families in the Land of Rivers, provided they have the space, will keep a riverland aurochs for good luck; in city environments where individual families can’t quite do that, the mayor and their attendants will care for one that is meant to represent the health of the entire town/city. They may occasionally see use as powerful battlefield mounts due to their immense weight and size, but are more often used to carry loads and as a family "pet" of sorts, as no one wants to invite disaster by putting their family's aurochs into danger. Female riverland aurochs produce a heavy, rich milk, that while somewhat unsuited to being drinken on its own, makes excellent cream for coffee, ice cream, and yogurt.
- Horses
- Less popular than swamp steeds, although still present, horses are used as travelling companions and work animals in areas of the Land of Rivers with drier terrain.
- Swamp steeds
- The predominant animal for use in farming and as a mount for travel and fighting. Swamp steeds are more common than horses and far less timid, although they’re not particularly aggressive, either. They’re very popular with the militias in the Land of Rivers as the horses and knights of Xocrium find them more than a tiny bit unnerving.
- Pegasi
- The most common flighted mount in the Land of Rivers, pegasi are preferred over hippogriffs and peryton for their temperament. They’re stubborn, yes, but not aggressive, and aren’t as timid or prone to spooking and potentially injuring their rider as a peryton. Families that travel regularly will usually have at least one pegasus.
- Hippogriffs
- Sometimes bred by those along the southern border with Xocrium, hippogriffs are less common companions simply due to the fact that they are more suited to use as war mounts than for pulling carts or as regular transportation. Pegasi, horses, and swamp steeds are all more common and preferable thanks to their less aggressive temperaments, and you will usually only see hippogriffs being used by militia members and soldiers in the Southern League’s army.
- Griffons
- Archaeological evidence suggests that the first riverlander humans to arrive in the serpent delta did so on the backs of griffons. The practice of taming them has been neglected and lost over time, but rarely a brave individual might try to tame one. Wetland griffons are the only type native to the serpent delta.
- Larger peryton
- Most peryton have too timid and gentle temperaments for being used for combat mounts, but they do make decent enough beasts for riding or pulling sleds in some areas of the Land of Rivers. Wetland peryton can be found throughout, woodland peryton in the south and north but not the central river regions, and northern peryton in the cooler parts of the country.
- Wooden Basilisks
- One of the more uncommon mounts/companions someone might keep. Only those who are brave enough to venture into the Northern Groves at the edge of the border with Xocrium have a chance at one, and even then there are two risks; the basilisk itself and getting caught and killed - or worse - by the knights of that nation. They are only ever amenable to people if raised from hatching, and otherwise try to avoid them as much as possible.
There are four common languages in the Land of Rivers:
Common tongue - The shared common tongue of the Realm is the dominant language in the Land of Rivers, and taught at all schools in the nation. It’s considered essential to learn.
Joume - the traditional tongue of the Riverlanders. It became the dominant language in the area before the Night of the Red Moons, and although it’s been somewhat supplanted by the Realm’s common tongue in recent years, it’s still taught in schools. Shares some sounds and words with the language spoken by the people of High Heart, and historians in the Land of Rivers believe they likely both branched off from the same, much older, language sometime in the distant past.
Lapis oratio (often shortened to just Lapis) - The memory-based communications of the moonvipers. It is done by embedding complex thoughts and ideas into stone and then sharing them to communicate. It is the most convenient way to share experiences, complex directions/ideas, as well as sometimes used as an art form. Experiencing a “Lapis stone” is like perceiving what is embedded inside first-hand, and thus moonvipers are taught from a young age to take care not to “curse” the item by applying too extremely negative emotions that might be painful or traumatic for others to experience.
Vento oratio (often shortened to just Vento) - The old moonviper tongue; not particularly common, as the traditional tongue of the riverlander people was far more adaptable. Vento is entirely made up of brief phrases (equivalents to “yes” “no”, various vague directions, etc) and incredibly difficult to use to express complex ideas. It was meant simply for times when searching for a piece of stone to embed an idea in would be inconvenient or a waste of time. Vento, due to its useful brevity, has become popular with members of the border militias in the region, as speed of communication can make all the difference in the heat of battle. Many combat-related terms have been added in recent years.
Common tongue - The shared common tongue of the Realm is the dominant language in the Land of Rivers, and taught at all schools in the nation. It’s considered essential to learn.
Joume - the traditional tongue of the Riverlanders. It became the dominant language in the area before the Night of the Red Moons, and although it’s been somewhat supplanted by the Realm’s common tongue in recent years, it’s still taught in schools. Shares some sounds and words with the language spoken by the people of High Heart, and historians in the Land of Rivers believe they likely both branched off from the same, much older, language sometime in the distant past.
Lapis oratio (often shortened to just Lapis) - The memory-based communications of the moonvipers. It is done by embedding complex thoughts and ideas into stone and then sharing them to communicate. It is the most convenient way to share experiences, complex directions/ideas, as well as sometimes used as an art form. Experiencing a “Lapis stone” is like perceiving what is embedded inside first-hand, and thus moonvipers are taught from a young age to take care not to “curse” the item by applying too extremely negative emotions that might be painful or traumatic for others to experience.
Vento oratio (often shortened to just Vento) - The old moonviper tongue; not particularly common, as the traditional tongue of the riverlander people was far more adaptable. Vento is entirely made up of brief phrases (equivalents to “yes” “no”, various vague directions, etc) and incredibly difficult to use to express complex ideas. It was meant simply for times when searching for a piece of stone to embed an idea in would be inconvenient or a waste of time. Vento, due to its useful brevity, has become popular with members of the border militias in the region, as speed of communication can make all the difference in the heat of battle. Many combat-related terms have been added in recent years.
Most types of magic are not extremely common in the Land of Rivers, although they do know enough to recognize it when they see it, as children are taught about them in schools.
Harvest Magic is viewed in an overwhelmingly positive light as the people of the Land of Rivers are an agrarian society with a lot of farms and vast regions of cropland. Those born with glowing eyes and the ability to heal blighted plants and aid in the harvesting of crops are highly valued and can find plenty of work in the country throughout the growing season.
On the other hand, necromancy is feared and viewed as a perversion of nature. The dead dearly deserve their rest and should not be brought back, or turned into puppets to be commanded by an individual. Although the death penalty does not exist in the Land of Rivers due to their pacifistic leanings, necromancers are punished with exile and expected never to return. Revived individuals are viewed with a bit of unease, especially if they received a proper burial and their spirit was ‘returned to the Moon Sisters’. In this case, they may be seen as a ‘shadow’ of the person left behind, or a different spirit entirely that now inhabits their body; they may sometimes be referred to as ‘eidolon’. They’re still viewed as people, but sometimes not wholly the same as they were, or an entirely new person.
Runes and alchemy are known of in the Land of Rivers, even if few people possess the skills to craft runic enchantments or brew potions themselves. The existence of both types of magic are taught in schools, as well as the basics of their functioning; runes as a magical form of writing that taps into the innate magical force contained within all things, and alchemy as something that does the same through a ‘magical reaction’ of materials.
Lastly, the Familiars are somewhat revered in the Land of Rivers, viewed as “shaped by the Moon Sisters themselves and animated by moonlight” and the precursors to flesh and blood life. Those with the ability to manipulate water are viewed as especially sacred. Of course, this does not mean that a Familiar who causes suffering and destruction is pardoned for their actions, and despite this connection people will react negatively to one who has caused harm.
Harvest Magic is viewed in an overwhelmingly positive light as the people of the Land of Rivers are an agrarian society with a lot of farms and vast regions of cropland. Those born with glowing eyes and the ability to heal blighted plants and aid in the harvesting of crops are highly valued and can find plenty of work in the country throughout the growing season.
On the other hand, necromancy is feared and viewed as a perversion of nature. The dead dearly deserve their rest and should not be brought back, or turned into puppets to be commanded by an individual. Although the death penalty does not exist in the Land of Rivers due to their pacifistic leanings, necromancers are punished with exile and expected never to return. Revived individuals are viewed with a bit of unease, especially if they received a proper burial and their spirit was ‘returned to the Moon Sisters’. In this case, they may be seen as a ‘shadow’ of the person left behind, or a different spirit entirely that now inhabits their body; they may sometimes be referred to as ‘eidolon’. They’re still viewed as people, but sometimes not wholly the same as they were, or an entirely new person.
Runes and alchemy are known of in the Land of Rivers, even if few people possess the skills to craft runic enchantments or brew potions themselves. The existence of both types of magic are taught in schools, as well as the basics of their functioning; runes as a magical form of writing that taps into the innate magical force contained within all things, and alchemy as something that does the same through a ‘magical reaction’ of materials.
Lastly, the Familiars are somewhat revered in the Land of Rivers, viewed as “shaped by the Moon Sisters themselves and animated by moonlight” and the precursors to flesh and blood life. Those with the ability to manipulate water are viewed as especially sacred. Of course, this does not mean that a Familiar who causes suffering and destruction is pardoned for their actions, and despite this connection people will react negatively to one who has caused harm.
Established in the aftermath of the battle of Fallingstar in January 504, the Southern League is a coalition of the southern cities and villages of the Land of Rivers devoted to protecting the Land of Rivers from raids by Xocrian knights and dragonslayers. It is made up of Attero, Fallingstar, Maiestas, and Vincit.
They have created a formal military to achieve this goal, with assistance from Padwell and the Tyr Kingdom, with land, air and sky forces to patrol the border and engage with any dragonslayers attempting to attack the residents of the nation, as well as a group known as the Serpents to combat Division movements within their borders.
They have created a formal military to achieve this goal, with assistance from Padwell and the Tyr Kingdom, with land, air and sky forces to patrol the border and engage with any dragonslayers attempting to attack the residents of the nation, as well as a group known as the Serpents to combat Division movements within their borders.
Although today the vast majority of the riverlander people live settled, city-dwelling lives for generations, some still practice a nomadic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle, travelling the rivers of the Serpent Delta in colourful boats carved with the visages of griffons. They usually have star, serpent or moon tattoos in deep blue or violet, and worship the ancient serpent water goddess of the Riverlanders rather than the Moon Sisters.
These nomads tend to be quite shy and reserved with strangers, and while not hostile, are especially nervous when it comes to interactions with Perigee priests.
Unlike most of the Land of Rivers’ inhabitants, they have no cultural taboo against fighting and self-defence and often train from childhood to be able to protect themselves from Xocrian raiders.
These nomads tend to be quite shy and reserved with strangers, and while not hostile, are especially nervous when it comes to interactions with Perigee priests.
Unlike most of the Land of Rivers’ inhabitants, they have no cultural taboo against fighting and self-defence and often train from childhood to be able to protect themselves from Xocrian raiders.
The residents of the Land of Rivers have a strong reputation across the Realm; it is hard to ignore the destroyers of the Elder Drakes, after all. That time has long passed, and now they and the people of the Land of Rivers are far quieter under the guidance of the Perigee. They can come off as a little stuffy and philosophical to some, but ultimately harmless.
They have a close bond with the sundrakes. The nobility of the Tyr Kingdom often have moonviper blood, and families from the Land of Rivers will sometimes move there to be safe from Xocrian raids. King Tigerlilly Tyr, the ruler of the sundrakes, has declared support for the Southern League’s formation of an official army for the Land of Rivers to protect against future attack.
Unfortunately, they don’t get along nearly as well with the darklings, at least on paper. The fluffy bat-dragons enjoy waking at ungods-ly hours and making all kinds of terrible noises to terrify the moonvipers and people of the Land of Rivers who dwell nearby, so the residents of cities like Veritas can get a bit fed up with their nocturnal neighbours. The residents of Moonshadow and Vincit are notable exceptions to this, as both cities/villages have close bonds with the darklings.
Due to close to five centuries of raids, the people of the Land of Rivers don’t have the best opinion of Xocrium, who make it their sport to hunt and kill adult dragons and any human citizens who get in the way. While the Perigee counsels pacifism in the face of such brutality, not all citizens of the Land of Rivers are willing to go down without a fight, and historically the south of the region has been a haven for independent militia groups to organize resistance against raids and protect families. Recently a battle was fought against the knights of Xocrium at the city of Fallingstar, and in the aftermath of the first major victory in over a century, a faction known as the Southern League has formed to create an official army to protect the country.
Many of those hot-blooded individuals supported and fought with Padwell during its war of independence with Xocrium. The first few years of fighting were difficult, but the realization that they had outdone their longtime adversary was nothing short of satisfying. Many decided to settle down in the marshes rather than return to the defenseless Land of Rivers, and even to this day there are large Riverlander and moonviper populations in Padwell.
They have a close bond with the sundrakes. The nobility of the Tyr Kingdom often have moonviper blood, and families from the Land of Rivers will sometimes move there to be safe from Xocrian raids. King Tigerlilly Tyr, the ruler of the sundrakes, has declared support for the Southern League’s formation of an official army for the Land of Rivers to protect against future attack.
Unfortunately, they don’t get along nearly as well with the darklings, at least on paper. The fluffy bat-dragons enjoy waking at ungods-ly hours and making all kinds of terrible noises to terrify the moonvipers and people of the Land of Rivers who dwell nearby, so the residents of cities like Veritas can get a bit fed up with their nocturnal neighbours. The residents of Moonshadow and Vincit are notable exceptions to this, as both cities/villages have close bonds with the darklings.
Due to close to five centuries of raids, the people of the Land of Rivers don’t have the best opinion of Xocrium, who make it their sport to hunt and kill adult dragons and any human citizens who get in the way. While the Perigee counsels pacifism in the face of such brutality, not all citizens of the Land of Rivers are willing to go down without a fight, and historically the south of the region has been a haven for independent militia groups to organize resistance against raids and protect families. Recently a battle was fought against the knights of Xocrium at the city of Fallingstar, and in the aftermath of the first major victory in over a century, a faction known as the Southern League has formed to create an official army to protect the country.
Many of those hot-blooded individuals supported and fought with Padwell during its war of independence with Xocrium. The first few years of fighting were difficult, but the realization that they had outdone their longtime adversary was nothing short of satisfying. Many decided to settle down in the marshes rather than return to the defenseless Land of Rivers, and even to this day there are large Riverlander and moonviper populations in Padwell.