Wylaai
Strength in Unity
The icy tundra and deep forests of Ivendarea's north and northeast are the home of the Wylaai. Having a reputation of being the proudest of the Nyr, they strongly believe in fate and prophecy, in the importance of unity, and in daring to walk out of their usual path.
Iovana Neron, the founder and unifier of the nation was the leader of a Wylaai tribe. Through him they have been given the reputation of being charismatic, provident, and diplomatic even in the face of great challenges.
Once spread far along Ivendarea's eastern shoreline, from the northern capital Canwyl to Beldran and beyond, the Wylaai suffered heavy losses during Zerenda's invasion. After Beldran had fallen the majority of them returned to the north or fled to the west and south. Until today they are persistent advocates of the nation's unity. They look forward to a time of being at peace again, be it under Assadin rule or with their own Iovana at the head of government again.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The Wylaai speak probably the purest version of Nyrval - no wonder, as it was through their efforts that the language was standardized to begin with when Ivendarea was in its early years.
In day-to-day life most Wylaai speak exclusively in their native language, but Trade or Azash for example are also spoken by most.
Culture and cultural heritage
Once wandering nomads at home in the Ivendarean tundra and taiga, the hunter-gatherers, ice-fishers, and animal herders were always used to a life of extremes. Travelling far distances with sleighs that can be re-purposed into carriages and vice versa depending on the weather conditions, the Wylaai roamed for many years before settling down for the first time in the area that is now Canwyl. While the Wylaai aren't nomadic anymore for the most part, their sleighs are still an important part of their culture, and have become the center of sporting events and spare time.
The same applies to their hunting and fishing days - both aren't practised anymore by the majority of the population ever since Aman rose to godhood and their Teachings of not killing animals for food or clothing were spread. The Wylaai very early on recognized the importance of the "cult" around Aman. After the Gideya were one of the first to fully integrate Aman's teachings into their every day lives the Wylaai quickly followed suit.
The old capital is characterized by its use of glass in many aspects of its architecture. This dates back to the founding days of the nation, when the Gideya helped the Wylaai in setting up farmland in the cold north, sharing their knowledge as well as seeds and workforce to bring in the first harvest. The Wylaai would never have to suffer hunger again, even in the harshest of winters. The majority of the farmland lies within large green houses still standing until today, and the glass-elements, symbolizing warmth and life, have found their way into many residential and commercial buildings.
The inhabitants of the cold north can also pride themselves with their extensive bath-house culture, brought on by the many natural hot-springs in the region. Canwyl has many public bathhouses, and the relaxation and health benefits a day in the bathhouse promises was already enough incentive for this piece of culture to spread all across Ivendarea and be greeted with open arms.
Shared customary codes and values
Standing strong together as a unity is everything to the Wylaai. Perseverance is a virtue taught to children from a young age, as is looking out for each other and seeking help if needed. The Wylaai easily forgive, even missteps that might not be as easily overlooked by others. But they aim to solve all problems as a community and want to uphold their unity. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and making mistakes is part of the learning process. This does not mean that there is no punishment. In fact though it is important and carried out consistently, but always goes hand in hand with social rehabilitation. Remembering the past and history to prevent the same mistakes from being made over and over is necessary to build a future together.
They Wylaair are known to be the most cheerful people of Ivendarea. Despite or maybe because of the often harsh living conditions of their original homelands, the Wylaai always have a hopeful outlook to the future. Difficulties and obstacles are a challenge they tackle with fierce ingenuity - and if a plan fails on the first attempt there's no shame in asking for help and trying again.
Despite their remote and isolated main settlment Canwyl the Wylaai are very open to new ideas, wanting to honor the memory of Neron, whose life's work it had been to celebrate the Nyr's differences and commonalities alike. Many would call their open-mindedness "naivete", especially cases such as Iovana Fannyel inviting king Zerenda to the Emerald Palace - still believing that after the destruction of Beldran the invader would be willing to come to a peaceful arrangement.
Surviving thousands of years in a hostile, infertile environment has made the Wylaai resilient and inventive - they believe a failure always means new chances, too. Without a positive attitude and a willingness to walk new paths, to go out of one's comfort zone and trusting in intuition rather than logic, they might not have lasted as long and come as far as they did.
Common Etiquette rules
The Wylaai are open-minded and hospitality is very important to them, especially when it comes to strangers from far away paying them a visit in the cold north. A lot of time is spent with family and friends, big dinners for a whole community coming together to are common. Refusing an invitation without a very severe reason is considered rude - even if the host would never tell this to your face.
Positive thinking is a virtue, and speaking ill of others (or oneself) is frowned upon. Everyone has a bad day or horrible encounters with others now and then, but chronic moaners and complainers not doing anything to make their bad situation better aren't well-liked. The same goes for spreading gossip, rumors, and panic; sensationalism and causing a fuss without a life-threatening reason are not favoured among the level-headed Wylaai.
Humor on the other hand is cherished, not taking oneself too seriously, or putting on a smile even in the darkest times can be observed often. This is another reason why outsiders would call the Wylaai naive or even accuse them of never taking anything seriously, but these critics couldn't be further from the truth. The Wylaai believe that nothing makes your enemies more insecure than brightly smiling at them. Humor and and a positive attitude show strength of will and character, not giving in to intimidation tactics.
Common Dress code
Similar how red hair is associated with remembering the past and pride for one's identity, green clothing is a sign of pride for Canwyl and Ivendarea as the Wylaai's homeland as a whole. The Green River is Ivendarea's lifeblood, the first green saplings of spring symbolize the cycle of rebirth, and Canwyl's green glass roofs show the great achievements and ingenuity of the Nyr as a nation.
Green, particularly emerald tones, are also associated with themes of nobility and heritage, although not exclusively worn by those of a higher social standing. Wylaai clothing is also characterized by its many functional layers that insulate against the cold. The top layer is usually thick and held in neutral tones that blend in with the relatively bleak surroundings. Robust fabrics that are easy to clean and not too much of a loss when damaged during work are also a common choice when it comes to the coats worn on top. The layers underneath though, the clothing worn for social gatherings, around the house, to the temple - they are richly adorned, bright, vibrant colours of all possible combinations and patterns resembling Canwyl's famous mosaics, materials ranging from fine wool and linen to silk.
Art & Architecture
The architecture of the Wylaai is truly one of a kind. Canwyl, which was built on their lands, is Ivendarea's oldest city and has been its capital for millennia until comparatively recently. Considered the birthplace and heart of the modern Ivendarea, immense effort and work went into making the city the most outstanding one using the resources close by, but also not hesitating to incorporate materials from all over the nation in equal parts.
The huge Emerald Palace in the heart of Canwyl is probably the most unique piece of art and architecture. Built from metal, marble, and stained glass its tallest tower can be seen from miles away, higher than the surrounding forests, and in the harsh winters a lighthouse in an endless white sea guiding lost travelers to safety. Its name stems from the emerald green colour of its glass windows and roofs. In the centre of the building lies a huge garden frozen in ice all year round, beautifully kept and its pools of water adorned with mosaics retelling the events leading up to the founding of the nation.
Canwyl's architecture isn't only impressive and beautiful, it is also technically ingenious, looking on the inside. Not only the palace, many buildings have elaborate, often decorative heating elements and running water powered by the subterranean hot-springs.
Historical figures
Neron - called "Iovana", the unifier; once an influential chief of a Wylaai tribe, Neron was the first Nyr to go out of his way and form alliances with far away tribes during a series of particularly harsh winters, which eventually led to the birth of Ivendarea as a united nation
Fannyel - the last Iovana before Zerenda conquered Ivendarea; he tried to make peace with the invader but ended up being slain in front of his throne
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
The Wylaai grow their hair out long, often wearing it intrinsically braided or pulled to the back for practicality. They Wylaai are a people of artisans also known for grand celebrations. Glass- and metal pearls and other ornaments are sometimes incorporated even in day-to-day life hairstyles. This is an old tradition from before Ivendarea's tribes were united and the Wylaai were still traveling nomads. The use of decorations of a specific colour or number can give clues to social status, but more often nowadays hair ornaments can also be just that: accessories without any deeper meaning. Red hair and red eyes are considered particularly beautiful and also express a certain melancholy. Iovana Fannyel had both these features, as does his daugter Brestine. Both are symbol figures of the old Ivendarea before its conquest), and dyeing one's hair red is a sign of Nyr pride and valuing the past.
Courtship Ideals
Courtship is direct and playful, handled a little like a game almost where the waters are carefully tested and honesty plays a big part. There are no strict rules, social conventions, or a lot of seriousness involved. Happy small surprises like small gifts left in unusual locations only the receiver would know about are common. It has become tradition almost to leave a plant sapling in its pot on one's object-of-desire's windowsill - symbolizing a new hopeful beginning, life, and growth. Adventurous escapes to secret natural hot springs and the like are also an activity many couples engage in - it's so popular actually that it happens on a regular basis to run into a different couple already at the spot one had thought was a top-secret romantic location. It's all taken in good humor though and who knows... something interesting can sometimes blossom from random encounters like this as well.
Relationship Ideals
Comfort, home, unity - all those are very important to the Wylaai in daily life and in relationships. Polyamorous and open relationships are common, love and partnership are greatly celebrated, and children are regarded as particularly precious. Childhood friendships usually last a lifetime and even over big distances it is ensured to stay in regular contact. Strength lies in unity.
Encompassed species
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