The Essence of Morvalis
Morvalis is a realm of dark, gothic fantasy. Symbols of death are common, reflecting the ever-present nature of mortality in Morvalis.
The landscape itself is a forested valley surrounded by tall, dark mountains, with fog, both magical and natural, drifting through. The forests are home to dangerous, magically corrupted beasts, leading hunters and villagers to favour darker colours for camouflage.Cities in Morvalis are built into ancient necropolises scattered throughout the valley. Large stone mausoleums and streets once lined with graves are decorated with light and art, bursting with the vibrancy of life. Residents here wear richer, more ostentatious colours and clothing compared to the travelling hunters.
Social Dynamics
Morvalis is ruled by the Houses of Dusk, the oldest and most powerful families wielding immense necromantic power, possibly immortal themselves. These families delegate day-to-day governance to their Vassal Families. To gain favour with the Houses of Dusk, one must prove to be exceptional, useful, and loyal.
The majority of physical labour is performed by legions of undead. Necromancers and magicians who control the undead hold significant power.
Morvalis operates on a simple concept: live your life to the fullest, as your body will serve the community after death. Exceptional individuals may find their undead forms used in more prestigious roles, but most end up performing basic labour.
This system allows the living of Morvalis to focus on their personal desires and passions, often to the extreme.
Despite the indulgent lifestyle, Morvalins have a strong sense of community and co-existence, a legacy of their survivalist history. Parties, feasts, art, and cultural activities like theatre are popular, fostering a sense of belonging and shared enjoyment. Love and relationships are celebrated, emphasising the vibrancy of life.
Player Experience
Playing a character from Morvalis means embracing the nation’s foundational bargain: live fully and, upon death, become an undead servant. Characters should pursue their ambitions and indulge in their passions without reservation. Necromancy is integral to daily life, and encountering skeleton soldiers or ghostly spectres is routine. It’s part of everyday life here.
Worship of The Reaper and The Celebrant is common, but daily prayers or ceremonies without clear benefits are less appealing. Dedication to the gods often takes the form of scholarship or personal desire rather than rote ritual.
What Morvalis is Not
Not Hedonists: While Morvalins indulge in their passions, they are not hedonistic sexual deviants.
Not Romani/Gypsy Elements: Avoid any association with Romani or Gypsy stereotypes, which are often linked to vampire stories.
Not Eastern European tropes: Morvalis should not be conflated with Eastern European cultures from other settings.
Look and Feel
Morvalis is a region where death is a part of life, and their clothing reflects that. They embrace life to the full, and their clothing is as pigmented and contrasting as their personalities. There is a distinct 1500s Germanic flavour to this nation in the form of Landsknecht and Trossfrau costuming, with its cutting and slashing, colour blocking and bright jewel tones.
Fantasy elements come in the media that is inspired by this era – various interpretations of Snow White and vampiric settings of tabletop games. Elaborately paned sleeves, slashing that reveals the colours of clothing on layers underneath and velvet trim as contrast are all key to this look. Those who choose to fight in life do so because for most of them it is their calling. Over time a warrior, battle priest or war mage replaces their clothing and armour with as intricate and luxurious elements as possible, adding to it all the time so upon death their body is visibly above the rest of the ranks of undead as a catacomb saint-esque officer. It is also common for the Morvalians to incorporate elements of death iconography in their clothing: bodices might be appliquéd with a ribcage motif, skulls may be hidden in the patterns of crocheted shawls or lace trims. Others use bones as jewellery or armour – this is best done using safe larp-safe foam or thermoplastic rather than real animal products. Death is beauty in Morvalis.
Further information on Morvalis
Naming Conventions
Look and Feel