Širan

In the northern Isturian kingdom of Vašira, the name for the ruling nobility is known as the Šhiran (plural: Širanku). Šhiran society has evolved independently of the general populace, developing its own customs and culture, even dialect.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

The biggest values shared amongst Šhiranku are those of success and progress. Širan families are expected to further the advancements and prosperity of all Isturians, something which should be reflected by the individual and the family as a whole.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Širanku hold their beauty standards in extremely high regard. There are a number of cosmetic requirements demanded of them in high society, requirements which must be ahered to or else they risk expulsion from said sub-culture. Below are just a few:

• Ashen faces are a sign that one spends little time out in the sun. Various ash compounds that lighten the skin are very popular for brightening one's complexion.
• Jewellery that involves various metals as well as polished obsidian shards are good ways to show one's status, involving materials that are harder to source or come by. Wyrm scales, bones or teeth are also particularly rare and expensive materials.
• Shaving one's head and body hair in unique ways is also a signifier of wealth and status, ways in which the common folk would not have the ability to do so. It also implies that the individual does not need to hair to keep warm, so the less they have of it the more they are able to keep themselves living in comfort.

Gender Ideals

Based heavily on the founding of Vašira, the upper echelons of high society carry with them a matriarchal foundation. From Queen Vashir herself, the women of noble birth have always held the seat of power, even after her ousting and the creation of The Pact of Reforging. Širan families will always have a revered matriarch who has the most power and makes the biggest decisions, which must always be respected.