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Faith Flows Eternal Where The Guardian’s Waters Rise. “Where oaths are hea
“When the pickaxes rest, the flying stars still burn” The Starforge Vein i
A Memorial to the Fallen in the War Against Corruption “Where the lives of
A Title Earned Where Light Dares Not Linger “Only in shadow can the face o
A Church of Quiet Flames and Open Door “Rest and pray by the fire, and wak
Where Wildlife is Studied, and Every Breath is a Quiet Toast “Even the wis
The Croaking Sanctuary A Haven of Prophetic Hops & Sacred Wisdom “Wher
“Where beauty takes flight, and the night shimmers with magic.” The
A Home for the Glorious Scarabs “Where beauty crawls upon the earth.”
A Refuge for the Majestic Guardians of the Forest “Where the earth tremble
A Sanctuary for Coastal Guardians “Where the creatures of the tide find so
A Beacon of Light in the Darkness “Where light meets shadow, and the world
Culture
Morvalins hold to the tenet that life is for the living; they ensure that citizens are able to live their life to the fullest, in the knowledge that it will one day end. With that in mind artistic expression and passion in all forms is valued, they are encouraged from an early age to put their all into everything, and indulge creativity.
Family loyalty and political maneuvering is also valued. Family first, but there is a cultural impetus to seek to ensure that your Family is first among equals.There is an idea of the preservation of legacy: Just as Morvalis is built on the legacy of a former power, so too will the Morvalis of the future be built on the legacy of actions today. Morvalins are encouraged to think about personal excellence in a practical way; not settling for second best in the long run, but not letting perfection be the enemy of completion in the short term.
There is a balance between indulgence and purpose – it would be very easy for the nation to fall into a level of self-indulgence and hedonism that would lead to its eventual destruction, so moderation is encouraged by the clergy, for the benefit of all society. Selfishness is also disparaged – “Care for yourself and those around you that matter, so that all can live their life to the fullest” is a common phrase.
Another value that is intrinsic to Morvalis is the honour of serving, even in death; acceptance of the service of undead and treating them respectfully, knowing that each citizen will join them and return the act of service in death.
Ethics and Morality
Morvalin society operates on several key principles:
Heraldry
A Family’s symbol will have three parts, although it is up to the Family to decide how they are arranged.
Symbols that represent real-world racism or prejudice must not be brought to events. This applies to Heraldry and please take into account and research any symbols or images you wish to use given the Morvalis brief draws on some historic Germanic elements.
The style of these symbols tends towards the symbolic rather than the artistic – they are designed to be recognised from far away, on flags, banners, or roundels during combat. However, more artful and detailed versions of the symbol may feature in a smaller rendering, such as on a badge or at the top of headed paper. Note that as shields are not a notable part of the Morvalis kit brief, although a shield-shape can be used for a symbol, it should not be mounted on a shield.
Food
Morvalis is home to people that have practiced the culinary arts literally as a form of art. As a result, Morvalin food can be extraordinary, made of ingredients that are hard to find or even unique, and a sensation should uplift both body and soul.
Morvalin cuisine emphasises elaborate presentation, rich and complex flavours, the finest imported ingredients or local-grown ingredients made possible by undead labour. Some epicures even spend their whole lives cultivating one species of mushroom, for example, safe in the knowledge that the food they cook with it will be genuinely unique and therefore highly sought-after.
It is said the best hot chocolate comes from Morvalis, and there is also a rich coffee known as Gravecaller’s Delight – strong enough to wake even the dead, it is said. A box of this as a gift is generally a good way to secure the favour of a Syradonian diplomat.
Festivals
Night of Remembrance held during the autumn when the Shroud is often at its thickest. Cities and towns are decorated with thousands of enchanted crystals that glow with a magical light, driving back the darkness. Living citizens wear elaborate masks and costumes representing death in its many forms, while their undead servants are adorned with flowers and bright decorations – a deliberate role-reversal that reminds everyone of the cycle of life and death. The undead are supposed to do no work on the festival day and instead be present in the household as a stationary decoration, although this is not always upheld. Revellers are a key part of making these events happen, though they cannot do it alone. Everyone pulls together to ensure that this important festival takes place.
Features of the festival include: