Valinites

People of the Eastern Isles

Valinites are widely considered to be the inhabitants of The Eastern Isles, as well as the Balduvian Islands and the Ashen Chain, territories under the rule of the Kingdom of Eastern Isles. Most Valinites are humans, elves and half-elves, although a minority are also dwarves, halflings, gnomes, and dragonborn. Races considered 'abhorrent' are shunned, as the Eastern Isles is a land considered fervently pious by most; races such as tieflings, half-orcs and drow will find themselves feeling unwelcome in a culture that venerates purity and chivalry. As humans make up most of the population and are normally in a position of leadership within Valinite society, Valinites tend towards human-centric deities such as Helm, Torm, and Pholtus. Justice and honour is held in high regard among Valinites, who pride themselves on service to their homeland - whether that be tilling the fields or serving with the vaunted Knights of Valenrus.

Naming Traditions

Family names

Family names are generally considered appropriate for the nobility only, although the emerging middle-class of Valinites are beginning to take trade-related surnames to distinguish themselves as separate from the serfs. Those without family names (serfs and orphans) typically identify themselves by the village or town in which they were born or raised, i.e. 'of Epityr'. If somebody carries the same name and birthplace, they will identify even further by including the name of their father or mother, depending on which parent is more notable, i.e. 'of Epityr, daughter of Duncan'.

Noble Family Names

Arìeth, Arundel, Auden, Beleran, Carvain, Menerith, Valenrus

Middle-Class Family Names

Brewer/Brewster, Cartwright, Cooper/Copper, Scrivener, Smith, Steel/Steele, Wright

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

As a human-dominated culture, Valinites tend towards Common more than any other language.

Shared customary codes and values

As a people, Valinites tend to be pious, loyal, and hard-working, although this is often mistaken for blind contentment with the order of things in their society. Despite justice and honour being held in high regard, the nobility has much to fear from the disgruntled serf and ambitious artisan; both social classes expect their betters to be champions of these ideals, and if they fall short the fragile balance of power shifts dangerously towards open revolt. Valinites, particularly the lower classes, are not afraid to fight and die for a fairer society if it means their children will have more than they did. Nevertheless, such rebellious tendencies tend to be quashed by the nobility (more with kindness and gifts than violence) before they become a real problem. It is generally considered an honour by all in society to serve the King or Queen, and therefore the will of the Gods.  

Art & Architecture

Valinite artwork, particularly their famous stained glass, is highly sought after across the world. Anything from full windows made to custom specifications, to smaller pieces for decoration around homes, command high prices and fuels much of the market economy of the Eastern Isles. Weapons, armour, and shields imbued with magically-strengthened stained glass are rare and expensive artifacts typically exclusively commissioned by the Valinite nobility, and certainly the nobles wish to keep it that way and out of foreigner's hands. However, coin commands the best artisans to work for whoever is wiling to spend exorbitant sums on a princely weapon or set of armour, and pieces of their work can be found sporadically around the world in the wealthiest of hands.

Encompassed species

• Half-Elf

Related Organizations

• Chapter of Holy Endurance

Related Locations

• The Ashen Chain
• The Balduvian Islands
• The Eastern Isles