Lithosian (lih-thos-ee-an)
"The Lithosians think they are descendents of the ancient god-kings themselves and that magic runs through their bones. I think they can stuff it."
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Arriana, Addamei, Cassandra, Melrose, Morrigan, Samanth, Verrid
Masculine names
Arrliot, Barron, Calhorn, Vallar, Vicarys, Wigby
Family names
Adventtus, Arcctos, Arraein, Avvacos, Berrels, Callos, Cammas, Commandos, Consullus, Canttrip, Debtter, Deffen, Entreppos, Exxecutus, Farram, Ferrver, Giggas, Garran, Karryos, Keppos, Loggis, Loggos, Medittus, Ommyojos, Prottagos, Ryojjyos, Virrtos, Warram
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Culture and cultural heritage
Magic and the study of magic is inherently important to Lithosians, as well as their cultural heritage and their descendency from the ancient God-kings of the Kingdom of First Men. For their long storied history, the conflicts between noble houses and royal disputes were handled through one-on-one combat by mage-warrior champions, each wielding a specialty weapon charged with magical runes.
Predominantly in the Era of Dusk, Litthos believed an adept ability to wield magic meant superiority over others, which would launch the ideology that Lithosians were intended to take over the world. They have a bit of a superiority complex, particularly amongst the upper nobility who have official documentation of their divine lineage.
Lithosians of less wealth however, do not find a sense of superiority in their use of magic, for magic can exist for anyone who is willing to learn about it. There is something of a child-like wonder they associate with magic, and the influence of things like faith, imagination, and the belief in something that cannot be proven by traditional means.
Much of their knowledge is passed down through the schools of magic residing in the Erudite Forest and the Sages of Verrid. The wisened and respected sages preach a responsible use of magic from their hidden groves in northern Lithos. There, amongst the stonework temples and sacred stone circles the ancient heritage of Lithos is revealed in stone ruins which outline the history of mankind and the events of The Sundering.
Shared customary codes and values
Lithosians are the descendents of the Kingdom of First Men and ancient mages who performed dark magics by inscribing powerful runes on their very bones. These powerful magics were inherited by their children and passed down through the generations. Expanding their understanding of the Kingdom of First Men has always been the goal of ambitious Lithosian leaders and so many of their institutions preach a respect for the old traditions that get passed down.
These traditions focus on the duality between the masculine and feminine and the third aspect of life represented as a child with no determined gender. This has led to a very binary sense of gender and expectations for men and women who fall into the roles their greater society deems fit for them. Artistic pursuits are the exception, and both men and women are in these kinds of professions without fear of being judged.
Magic is held in high regard by all members of this society, and the artistry associated with magic is often considered inherently Lithosian. A regimented study of Erudism is expected of children and adults are expected to be able to perform at the very least simple magics like cantrips and minor illusions.
Common Etiquette rules
Lithosians have something of a regal air about them, as they are taught their rich history and complex relationship with magic. Because of this, some others consider Lithosians to be somewhat snooty and arrogant. If you can get past this though, Lithosians are a good and kind-hearted friend.
Being aware of the emotions and feelings of others is very important to Lithosians, and they do their best to be caring of those around them. A cruel and heartless person is quickly corrected or put down, and the Lithosians have no patience for warmongers or barbaric displays of aggression. Graceful and dextrous hands emphasize points of conversation and the use of the fingers for complicated gestures is commonplace.
Common Dress code
Lithosians have an abundance of textiles and dyes from the many animals and plants that they derive them from. Long flowing robes are the common style of dress found in Lithos; they have such an excess of these materials that even the middle and some of the lower classes can afford the impressive apparel. Wealthier Lithosians can often be seen almost drowning in several different luxurious layers of regalia and dress adorned with all kinds of glittering trinkets and accessories.
More modest Lithosians need only one or two layers of robes, most of which were either donated from a family member, passed down, or bought brand new from one of the many tailors who find employ in their lands. Family heirlooms are also often passed down to the eldest, these can take the form of an amulet, ring, or some other metalworked jewelry.
Even the most destitute of Lithosians are equipped with ragged robes or a simple woolen tunic, street children are often swaddled in old robes or torn-up robes can be repurposed by a destitute loom maiden with stitching and sewing methods that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Art & Architecture
The kingdoms of Lithos have a variety of different artistic architectural styles, each reflecting the rich histories associated with the region they appear in;
Fervorian Style - These ancient buildings were crafted and assembled by Fervorian slaves early in the Era of Light. They are most commonly found within the Nuraflow Mountains, the Silentwood Forest, and the Erudite Forest. The cities of Hammas and Garras are built primarily in this style, particularly the oldest buildings within these settlements. The arcitechtural style is defined by its use of carved stone pillars, the abundance of limestone and marble in the building material, and the unique masonry and carving style of the Kingdom of First Men.
Callasi Style - The stone and wood style of the central grasslands is remiscient of their Aristolian neighbors, as these were the first variety of buildings built after the Era of Light; mostlyby traveling builders and craftsmen employed by the Lithosian nobility. These structures are framed with wood and walls of stone are erected, providing a warm hearth and a well-insulated interior. The layout of these buildings primarily feature an open interior for gatherings on the lower levels with private rooms on the upper levels.
Sengokkan Style - A wood and paper style of architecture defined by simple wooden dwellings that crop up in the southern forests of Lithos. These buildings utilize wide open spaces in the interior and sliding paper doors which seperate different rooms from one another. The central space is used for gatherings while the rooms around this ground level space are often meant for rest and recuperation.
Seperate from their buildings, Lithosians are also well known for producing some of the most fantastic works of art such as paintings, flower arrangements, luxury garments, accessories, stone artifacts, mosaics, poetry, literature, and many other pursuits of the mind. Across Aristolia, artisans from Lithos are often considered to have a "meek disposition" and will often faint at the slightest provocation.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
These peoples are driven by a curiousity passed down to them from their ancestors who would track the movement of the stars and discover complex patterns between them and the behavior of people. This astrological system would become the twelve signs of the Lithoi Zodiac.
Stone statuettes and other works of art often depict the humanoid figures of this zodiac and the many stories associated with them. They can be found on mantles within Lithosian homes or decorating the halls of some great castle. In combination with the worship of Marra, Parra, and The Child, as well as the several varieties of magic granted to humanity by the ancient god-kings, there are many a myriad of stories shared and written that describe their many interactions with humans, folk creatures, and much more.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
When a child is born, they are brought to the local temple to be blessed by a Sage who runs the town temple. The sage, in the presence of the mother and father blesses the baby in a font of water taken from the Nuraflow River. The sage blesses the child in the name of Marra, Parra, and The Child while placing a Marr stone on the pelvis for girls and on the head for boys. Parr stones are placed on the pelvis for boys and on the head for girls.
The sage then places his fingers on the heart of the baby in the font and blesses them with an incantation aligned with their zodiac sign and draws a rune on the baby's chest in ground powdered nuramite. A proper blessing will glow with magical energies as the nura is drawn into the child through the heart. These rituals are considered a private event and done within the confines of a temple.
Coming of Age Rites
Graduation from at least one of the schools of magic of the Erudism faith constitutes one's acceptance as an adult within Lithos. School dropouts and rejects are generally regarded as undesirables and not accepted by many major organizations within their society. Graduation rituals are defined by each of the sects of the faith.
Upon graduation, graduates return home to their families who hold a celebration within their homes with many family members and friends in attendence. The accomplished student performs feats of magic for their guests and excited conversation is exchanged about the potential future that lays ahead for the graduate. Specialty pastries are baked in addition to a great feast held by the celebrated's family.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Lithosians bury their dead in family tombs and mausoleums, these can be found along the roads in the countryside, but are more common in northern Lithos. A service is held by a mage practiced in black nura, who prepares the body for burial inside specially designed mausoleums. The body is wrapped in black linens and laid to rest in the ground accompanied by several personal items and any artifacts that signify their family line.
In the southern lands of Lithos, this rite is performed differently than those in the north. Where traditional Lithosians say a prayer for the dead, southern Lithosians remain silent. It is said to dishonor the dead with words, but instead intentions must be given silently, to be heard by the soul of the deceased.
Common Taboos
Public displays of affection are generally regarded as licentious; this kind of behavior is best saved for the privacy of the bedroom. Generally speaking romance is well-regarded while more carnal displays of affection are frowned upon.
Common Myths and Legends
Historical figures
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Lithosians are a fairly conservative peoples; they believe that beauty is best exhibited through modesty and grace. A fair face and wisened disposition is well regarded by Lithosians. They say that Lithosian women can peer into the eyes of another and reveal their secret pasts, and that the stoic eyes of their men reveal truths of the soul. Much of their artwork has a significant focus on eyes and the many different colors and unqiue traits each person's eyes hold behind them.
Gender Ideals
Lithosian women are expected to keep their virtue well protected behind gracious eyes and a well-guarded heart. To be provocative is to dishonor Marra and Parra. Women are expected to marry in their early 20s or risk becoming old maids.
Men do not have as much social constraints as women do, and are expected to attend the schools of magic within the Erudite Forest. An intelligent man is preferred over a brawny man; each man's household is his kingdom, and he is expected to keep his home orderly and well-maintained.
Courtship Ideals
Romance is a highly admired genre of literature in Lithos, and there are many ways for a young Lithosian to appeal to their crushes using symbology found throughout their culture. Different colored flowers hold different meanings associated with them, poems can be heard being recited from young men in the city streets to an admired young beauty who listens from the windowsill, and fantastic feats of magic are performed to impress a potential partner.
Relationship Ideals
Relationships are taken very seriously in Lithos, as the young couple forges their family name in the books of history.
Both families are encouraged to love and support a union between two young people and to do their best to help a good relationship grow and prosper. Without water, flowers will not grow.
After marriage, the husband's family name is taken by the wife, and she goes to live with him and his family after the payment of a dowry by the wife's family.
Major organizations
Lithosians are a studious and conservative people with family lines dating back for generations. They have a deep reverence for nature and magic.
Parent ethnicities
Encompassed species
Related Organizations
Related Items
Languages spoken