Varshai (Var-SHAI)

The Varshai are a subgroup of Drakai found throughout the lands beyond their homeland of Dranya. Originally consisting of outcasts, those who willingly left Dranya, and those who were simply born outside of Dranya, the Varshai are often considered to not be part of Drakai society, and have been victim to restrictive, even harsh, treatment from other Drakai for it, often being treated as second-class citizens, and forced to live on the fringes of society. While things have improved for them since then, there are still those who would refuse to associate with them out of mistrust or pride, and there still exist challenges for those who must still interact with the rest of Drakai society.

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

The Varshai retain the respect for Dragons and their ancestors that define Drakai society, though not to the same extent as their fellows in Dranya. For one, the tradition of "Honour-debts" (the idea that the consequences of an especially severe act of dishonour can carry on through multiple generations) isn't practised among the Varshai, who believe that the consequences of ones actions are ones own responsibility, and that their descendants should not be burdened with the responsibility of fixing the mistakes of their ancestors.

Additionally, the Varshai interact with non-Drakai more regularly than their Dranyan brethren, resulting in some elements of outside cultures appearing among them (particularly among Varshai communities living among the lands of other peoples/races). Since they're exposed to more of the outside world than their Dranyan brethren, the Varshai are also more prone to venture beyond their home, and to venture further (for reference, most Drakai only venture beyond Dranya on official business, such as diplomacy, trading, or military service). Varshai communities are largely self governing, with each one being run in their own manner separate from one another, though they will band together when necessary.

Average technological level

The Varshai understand, and make use of, the technologies of their neighbours, including Magitech.

Common Dress code

Varshai clothing resembles the common dress of the Drakai, with a few elements from the clothing of any neighbouring cultural groups mixed in.

Art & Architecture

Varshai dwellings are constructed from wood and stone in the style of a typical Drakai building, sometimes with a few design elements from neighbouring cultural groups mixed in.

Funerary and Memorial customs

The Varshai continue the Drakai practice of cremating their dead, and maintaining personal family memorial shrines, though their communities lack the Lorestones found in the cities and towns of their Dranyan cousins.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Like their fellow Drakai within Dranya, the Varshai consider clean, well maintained scales and the ability to see ones goals through to be attractive traits.

Gender Ideals

There are few differences between genders among the Varshai, though there's still some minor expectations that women would gravitate towards administrative tasks, while males take on more hands-on tasks.

Courtship Ideals

Courting can be initiated by either gender, though it's often the male that does so. The process involves the courting pair bringing their partner to their families, and if both both families approve, there's a small ceremony where the couple are wed.

Relationship Ideals

Like other Drakai, the Varshai are monogamous, with both parents contributing to raising their children.

Encompassed species

• Drakai