Vrajites

Vrajite Wizards by ST

To the average inhabitant of Khezvaros, Vraj Azil is an exotic, faraway land inhabited almost exclusively by powerful wizards with knowledge of ancient magics that boggle the imagination. Given such fanciful notions, its not surprising that most natives would be surprised to learn that just over 100 Vrajites currently reside in the City of Ten Thousand Daggers, most of them living in a handful of tenement buildings in the Foreign Ward. Most Khezvarans who encounter these visitors write them off as just another foreigner dragged into town by the empire.
While a few Vrajites have settled in Khezvaros permanently, the vast majority are temporary residents who came to the city to engage in specific, usually scholarly, pursuits. Most of them are here as part in a long-running attempt to track down information on the Eloszorian refugees who are said to have founded their country.
The Vrajites who currently reside in Khezvaros are mostly known to fellow scholars, imperial officials, explorers, and others with whom they must engage regularly in order to carry out their work. This is not because the Vrajites keep to themselves--while the spend considerable time with their fellow countrymen out of community obligation, Vrajite curiosity compels them to explore the city's history, culture and customs whenever possible. Their relative invisibility within the city has more to do with the quiet, considerate demeanor common to the people of Vraj Azil. Their tendency to take in their surrounding without offering uninvited commentary means that others simply fail to register their presence in most situations. While Vrajites are happy to engage with the locals and are not embarrassed to ask questions about things they don't understand, most Khezvarans are far more eager to talk about themselves and their personal concerns and agendas than to inquire into the affairs of others. Given the ridiculous fanties that some people have about their homeland, many Vrajites believe this is for the best.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Ansi, Arari, Arkani, Ayantu, Bayssa, Bifani, Bilisi, Biru, Buni, Bosonee, Calak, Caltu, Carra, Dagali, Dansitu, Dawi, Duriti, Dursini, Elellan, Faya, Fayisi, Filan, Firanbuni, Hawi, Hilani, Hiri, Ifani, Iftu, Ijaku, Jalaru, Jana, Jiru, Kiri, Kukiti, Kullani, Kumi, Lilis, Lammi, Lilu, Linsa, Lubu, Mahu, Madalan, Magalle, Marsani, Mia, Miju, Miti, Mirkani, Mirqi, Miyu, Nadura, Nafaye, Nafi, Nahili, Nalubu, Nanati, Nanah, Nasabata, Nasiume, Nasihi, Natati, Nabira, Nanti, Nadhi, Nalali, Nadawi, Onetu, Qalbisi, Qanani, Qanxu, Rubani, Saran, Sha, Shagan, Shankuri, Simali, Sina, Siqi, Sololiya, Suri, Taja, Takkitti, Tara, Tia, Tiyati, Umabarid, Waritu, Walala, Xalile, Yatiru, Yerunati, Yube, Zara, Ziqiya

Masculine names

Abdi, Ararsa, Barid, Barissa, Bati, Bikan, Bilisa, Bikili, Birki, Biya, Boharsa, Bona, Buna, Burana, Bulluk, Bultum, Calan, Calsan, Dagan, Dansa, Darara, Dhuga, Durisa, Eyban, Elemo, Farsi, Falma, Fayisa, Firomsa, Gada, Galan, Galata, Galma, Gamuku, Gamada, Garaku, Gudata, Gulanta, Guta, Hamil, Harxuma, Hayu, Hegeri, Hiran, Humna, Ibsa, Ifa, Irbu, Iri, Jalatan, Jeyna, Jira, Kiro, Kiya, Kumal, Kumala, Labu, Lilisa, Linka, Lubuku, Magarsa, Meyra, Mirkanan, Mohan, Muti, Murti, Nabil, Nandag, Obsa, Obsan, Qalbisan, Rabira, Rasa, Risa, Ruba, Sadu, Sirisa, Sura, Taral, Tarsimu, Tolfami, Tuji, Uba, Udi, Wari, Wasira, Zigi

Unisex names

Abi, Ara, Ari, Bari, Bili, Bira, Cala, Daga, Duri, Filira, Isa, Jala, Lili, Mara, Nabi, Nala, Ori, Osa, Qali, Rabi, Sifi, Sima, Tari, Ula, Yuba, Zan

Family names

Almighty, Arcane, Bliss, Bolddream, Bountiful, Champion, Courage, Dare, Destiny, Enigma, Fartravels, Fate, Firstborn, Freespirit, Forthright, Fortune, Godsend, Goldensong, Goodcheer, Goodfaith, Grace, Greenfields, Hex, Joy, Justice, Keen, Lightheart, Lionspride, Lore, Love, Moonblessed, Moxie, Mystic, Powers, Rainbow, Rainsong, Sage, Shininglight, Singer, Spellbinder, Stargazer, Stormborn, Strong, Strongmind, Swift, Truesight, Twiceblessed, Valiant, Walkabout, Wise, Wonder

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Practically all Vrajites speak their own language (Vrajii) and the language of the imperials and most speak one or more other languages as well. Most regional and tribal variations of Vrajii are a result of words and constructs from other languages common to an area being substituted for or blended into Vraji words.

Culture and cultural heritage

While other civilizations in the east were relatively unaffected by the Eloszorian cataclysm, the Vrajites are the only people whose way of life, territory, and cultural identity remained largely intact from the end of the previous age to the beginning of he new one with the founding of the empire. As a result, they generally considered to be the example that led to the formation of all nations that came after them and Vraj Azil is commonly referred to with names like "The First Realm" or "Birthplace of Our Age."
While legend states that the culture and traditions of Vraj Azil were born from the early founders' desire to create a new society that could avoid the pitfalls and shortcomings of the Eloszorians, most agree that this is only legend. It's generally assumed that at least some elements of Vrajite culture were brought from Eloszor or borrowed from cultures the refugees encountered on their journey or upon arrival in their new homeland. The desire to uncover the details surrounding the founders' exodus from Eloszor and journey to their new homeland often leads Vrjites to travel hundreds of miles in hopes of uncovering secrets from their distant past.

Shared customary codes and values

The highest aspiration of the original settlers of Vraj Azil was to build a society that would not fall into the traps that led to the destruction of their former homeland. As they worked on reshaping the land, they also attempted to craft a set of principals that could reshape the nature of human society. The end result was a set of maxims they called the Shanawi, or the "Five Wishes" that should drive all decisions and interactions. 

"Follow your own path."

Every person should be allowed to live as they see fit, provided that they refrain from infringing on the ability of others to do the same. Rather than acting on instinct or impulse, Vrajites are encouraged to practice ormlata, which is the act of viewing one's actions from the perspective of others who may be impacted by them. Actions that are likely to curtail the ability of another person to enjoy their own freedom should be avoided.

"Communication is only possible between equals."

Vrajites are suspicious of hierarchies and caste systems, especially those in which one's place in the pecking order is based on anything other than knowledge, experience, and community trust. While they understand that power and decision-making responsibility must often be vested in individuals or small groups in the interest of efficiency, such power should always be granted by consent that can be revoked if the holder violates the trust that has been place in them.

"There is strength in unity."

The people of Vraj Azil place high value on their reputation within and service to their hawasa, which is a group of families that shares a common bond (usually a combination of blood ties and geographic proximity) and acts coherent social and often political unit within the larger settlement or tribe. Small villages often form a single hawasa, while larger towns may have several hawasas organized by neighborhood, industry, tribal affiliation, or some other kinship. While no one is expected to remain in a community that they no longer want to be a part of, they are expected to acknowledge the debt they owe to their hawasa, which is why remittances or dowries are typically expected from those who leave.

"Violence should grow from an ember, not a spark."

Vrajites will not hesitate to defend themselves from an immediate threat, but consider violence to be a last resort. While an offense should only be forgotten if the offender makes amends, revenge should only be undertaken after careful consideration of the consequences for everyone involved. When vengeance is deemed necessary, it should be well-planned, meticulously executed, and complete.

"There's always more to learn."

In addition to reinforcing the virtue of considering all things from as many angles as possible, the final maxim of the Shanawi illustrates the high premium that the Vrajites place on knowledge, both practical and scholarly. The ability to offer its members a wide variety of educational opportunities is a point of pride and source of prestige for any Vrajite community.

Common Etiquette rules

• It's considered rude to pass someone you know without greeting them.
• When you visit someone's home for the first time, you should bring a gift.
• People should always be greeted with and referred to by their full name and title (if applicable) unless they have granted permission to be addressed in a more familiar form.
• Disagreement should be communicated in a way that is respectful and constructive. Registering an objection without providing a counterargument or alternative solution accomplishes nothing.

Common Dress code

Vrajites tend to prefer light, comfortable clothing with simple designs and little or no ornamentation. While a neat, well-groomed appearance is considered a sign of courtesy and responsibility, obsessing over appearance and fashion is considered a poor use of time. Belts, boots, and other items that other cultures generally make from leather are instead made from plant materials or the skin of soulless animals--especially reptiles--among the Vrajites. There is no prohibition on using the hide of cow, sheep, or other ensouled animal that is found dead, but the taboo against killing such beasts limits the supply of available materials. As a result, the more durable hides that are harvested from corpses are reserved for use in tools, tack, and other essential goods that require leather components.

Foods & Cuisine

Vrajites believe that all animals who birth their young have souls, so killing or eating them is just as offensive as doing the same to a person. The Vrajite diet is largely vegetarian, but they do eat meat (and eggs) from birds, fish, reptiles, and other egg-laying creatures at least a few times a week. Vrajites are best known for the wide variety of breads and pastries that form the core of may dishes. It's common for other foods to be wrapped with or baked into the bread, allowing the meal to be eaten without utensils or dishes.
The traditions surrounding the use of coffee in Vraj Azil are even more elaborate and deeply rooted than in the empire and it's widely accepted that most imperial coffee traditions are simplified or abbreviated versions of those practiced by the Vrajites.

By far the most important food-based tradition among the Vrajites is the hawasayata, or clan feast. The Vrajites reserve the first and last third of each day for work, with the middle portion of the day left open for community fellowship, at the heart of which is the large communal meal that takes place in the village square or some other central location. The meal is prepared from communal food stores by a staff of cooks and assistants employed by the hawasa for the sole purpose of overseeing the daily feast. While all members of the clan are expected (but not obligated) to attend the meal each day if able, they are free to arrive any time and leave when they please. That said, those who regularly fail to attend or eat and run too often--especially without offering an apology or explanation--will inevitably lose standing in the community. Before and after the meal, people generally congregate in smaller groups to share coffee and discuss the news of the day or topics of interest, engage in debate, games, or contests, or share their talents and knowledge with interested neighbors. Although in practice people often spend the hawasayata visting with friends and associates, the real aim of the event is to allow people to build relationships and strengthen bonds with neighbors who they don't interact with on a daily basis. In the ideal scenario, a person who attends the hawasayata every day for a week should enjoy at least one meaningful interaction with every other member of community.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Religion

Vrajites often refer to "God" or "The Creator," but lack any kind of unified religion, church, or priesthood. They believe that some intelligent cosmic force created all things, but that such a being operates on such a cosmic scale that our world, perhaps even our entire multiverse, is no more significant to them than an anthill to an elephant. If people refer to gifts sent from or trials placed before them by God, it's understood that they consider these events to be unintended consequences of whatever great plan the Creator set into motion, not the intentional actions of some all-powerful being who takes interest in the minutia of human existence. Vrajites acknowledge the (undeniable) existence of powerful godlike beings like demons and the gods of the empire, and even accept that some of them may play a role in the cycle of death and rebirth. Most, however, do not believe these beings hold any special divine spark that sets them apart form other powerful creatures. Vrajites are of course free to engage in any religious or philosophical traditions that they find useful or helpful, but most consider faith in divine intervention to be a poor substitute for knowledge and community support when it comes to navigating life. 

Remittance

Anyone who plans to leave their hawasa is expected to arrange a remittance with the community council before leaving. This is fee that the person pays to the community as reimbursement for the support they have received in the past. As long as the person who's leaving takes steps to avoid putting undue stress on the community--for example, the only practitioner of an important trade is expected to train or recruit a replacement before they leave--the remittance is usually a token amount, often so small that it can be paid up front. Those whose leaving will cause serious problems for the hawasa must pay higher remittances. Half of the remittance amount must be paid before the person is allowed t leave. The rest has no set due date, but a payment is expected each time the person visits the hawasa and they are not allowed to rejoin the community until the remittance is paid in full.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

For the first year after a child is born, both the child and the mother spend all of their time at home or in the homes or close relatives. While the father still works during this time, both he and other children are exempt from all community obligations. They may attend the hawasayata if they wish (often to collect food for those who remain in the household), but are expected to spend the majority of their free time at home with the new child. During this time only close relatives and servants are permitted to meet the child, who remains officially unnamed (though they are often referred to by the name they will eventually be given).
At the end of the first year,  the child is introduced to the community and officially named when the mother attends her first hawasayata since giving birth. In the weeks following the child's naming, close friends who are not relatives are expected to visit the family for a personal introduction to the the child, who they traditionally present with a small gift (usually food, clothing, or cash). Failure to meet the child by its second birthday without offering a very good reason is considered a sign that the person who fails to vistit wishes to sever ties with the family.

Coming of Age Rites

As soon as children are old enough to be away from their parents, they begin their schooling in reading, writing, math, and other fundamental skills. Depending on the size and wealth of family and the hawasa, a child's education may be carried out by paid or volunteer instructors in community schools, hired tutors, or friends and family members (who often take turns tutoring a small group of children in poorer communities). By the age of ten, children who do not plan to work in the family business are expected to begin visiting the shops and workplaces of other community members whose work they may be interested in pursing so that they can make an informed choice about their future career. During these visits children are expected to ask questions, offer assistance if requested, and stay out of the way. The adults involved are expected to indulge the children as long as they're respectful and obedient. Children pass into adulthood on their thirteenth birthday, but this milestone is not marked by any special ceremony or celebration beyond the normal birthday festivities celebrated every year. The newly-minted adult's coming of age is instead celebrated when they announce what they will do as an adult. This usually involves beginning an apprenticeship or taking on a full time job in a practical trade, but those with the means or talent may instead arrange to pursue advanced scholarship or magical training.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Vrajites believe that when a person dies their soul is reborn into a new form of life, which may be any creature that gives birth to live offspring (egg-laying creatures do not have souls). The cycle of death and rebirth continues until the soul learns every lesson that can be leaned (which necessitates at least one life in the form of every type of creature with a soul). Upon attaining complete understanding of the all things, the soul is absorbed into the divine light to experience a blissful existence incomprehensible to the human mind.
Since Vrajites believe that everyone goes through hundreds or thousands of bodies during their existence, they see no reason to treat the bodies of the dead as anything other than corpses. They avoid eating the flesh of the dead (which they believe can trap the soul in a ghostly earthbound existence for a time), but otherwise making use of the bodies of animals that did not die at their hands. Human body parts are not generally harvested to make tools, clothing, and other goods, but this has more to do with the feelings of the living than the dead. The same respect is reserved for beloved pets. Funerals consist of a procession into the wilderness, where the corpse is returned to nature. The procession often involves sharing memories of and farewells to the deceased, songs, and other rituals, but  these are intended to comfort the living, not the dead.

Common Taboos

The value that Vrajites place on personal freedom makes them somewhat philosophically opposed to declaring anything forbidden, but they do reserve the right to banish those who engage in activities that are harmful to the community or detrimental to the freedom of others.

Common Myths and Legends

According to legend, Vraj Azil was founded by 13 wizards who fled the Eloszorian City-States shortly before their destruction. As warring between the Eloszorian city-states intensified, The Thirteen realized that the future of that civilization was bleak at best, so they led an assortment of like-minded refugees across half a continent to start over. The land where they finally settled was sparsely populated and unwelcoming, but settlers used their learning and magic to transform it into a fertile plain suitable for human occupation. These settlers formed the 13 tribes of Vraj Azil, while the wizards remained unaffiliated. They formed the Order of the Sphinx to act as an intermediary between the tribes in hopes of avoiding the kind of conflicts and divisions that had led to the wars in Eloszor.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Both men and women typically wear their hair in long, thick braids that are sometimes tinted with colorful dyes. Healthy-looking skin is valued across the board, but preferences for darker or lighter pigmentation are considered a matter of personal taste. Tattoos, piercings, ritual scars, and other permanent markings are considered unattractive, but purely external jewelry (necklaces, rings, bracelets, etc.) and subtle makeup or body paint is considered appropriate. Fitness and good muscle tone is considered attractive regardless of gender, but extremely muscular bodies are considered slightly ridiculous, especially when they are clearly not the consequence of  physically demanding labor. Large breasts and hips are considered attractive in women.

Gender Ideals

Vrajites tend towards traditional gender roles, with women responsible for raising children and running the household while men provide for the family though outside work, but the directive to follow your own path applies to all Vrajites, so those who choose to follow a non-traditional path are unlikely to meet resistance from their peers as long as they don't neglect their duties and obligations to family and community. Scholarship is strongly encouraged in Vrajites of all genders.

Courtship Ideals

Vrajites are free to associate with and marry whoever they want, but that does not stop some parents from providing ample opportunities for their children to form a bond with a particular potential mate from an early age. This is especially true when both families see the union as beneficial. These matchmaking attempts can often result in lasting bonds between the families even if the couple does not end up together and are generally considered worthwhile even when they fail.
When a couple decides to marry, they must decide where the plan to make their new life. If they are both from the same hawasa and plan to remain there, the bride and groom are expected to seek the blessings of both families but are free to marry without such approval. If they plan to leave, they must arrange to pay appropriate remittances to the community council. 
If two people from different hawasa wish to marry, the process is more complicated. First, they must go before the council of the community in which they plan to settle and arrange permission for the new member to join the community. Once permission is granted (refusal is extremely rare), they inform the hawasa that a member of the couple is leaving, who arrange to send a delegation to the other community's council to demand reimbursement for the loss of their citizen. These negotiations follow a standard formula: The initial demand is always too high out of respect for the clan member who's leaving, the counteroffer is too low but not insultingly so, and the second demand is a fair amount (usually equivalent to about double the yearly earnings of the person leaving) that is nearly always accepted. Once the dowry is agreed upon, a feast is held for both hawasas to announce the engagement. Attendees are expected to contribute what they can to an urn or pot set out to collect donations to pay the dowry and the costs of the party, with anything left over going to the couple as a wedding gift. In the (highly unusual) event that the donations are not enough, the couple and their families are responsible for making up the difference.

Major organizations

The wizardly Order of the Sphinx was originally conceived of as both an intermediary between the tribes and as a away of removing The Thirteen from the running for tribal leadership. The Thirteen understood the influence they held over settlers and feared that taking a prominent role would lead to a society that mirrored the ideals and beliefs the wizards rather than the people. In the old days, wizardly training was only available to those who abandoned their tribal ties and accepted the order as their new hawasa. While this is still true of wizards who wish to join the other (which is still expected to remain a sort of 14th tribe) as full members, those who simply wish to learn and practice the wizardly arts are no longer required to abandon their old ties in favor of allegiance to the order.