Though united by trade, religion, and shared history, the peoples of Mythea remain wonderfully diverse.
Every kingdom possesses its own traditions, customs, values, and ways of viewing the world.
Travelers quickly learn that crossing a border often means entering a different way of life.
The Common Tongue serves as the primary trade language throughout Mythea.
Most merchants, adventurers, nobles, diplomats, and educated citizens speak it fluently.
Regional accents and dialects vary considerably.
Experienced travelers can often identify where a person was raised simply by listening to them speak.
The Vhal'Torians value:
Duty
Stability
Reputation
Tradition
Service
Their culture has been heavily influenced by Aureth, the Iron Banner, and centuries of organized governance.
Vhal'Torians generally believe that responsibilities matter more than personal desires.
Promises are taken seriously.
Titles carry weight.
Reputation is often viewed as a form of wealth.
Common Stereotypes:
Others often view Vhal'Torians as:
Honorable
Proud
Formal
Stubborn
Reliable
Vhal'Torians often view themselves as the guardians of civilized order.
Among the countryside nobility of Vhal'Tor, personal relationships often matter more than politics.
Hospitality is considered sacred.
Guests are welcomed generously.
Hunting, horsemanship, feasting, and storytelling remain important traditions.
A person's character is often judged by how they treat guests and servants.
The elves of the Sylvaran Covenant value:
Harmony
Patience
Balance
Memory
Stewardship
Sylvarans think in longer timescales than most other peoples.
Many view decisions through the lens of generations rather than years.
Their culture places enormous importance on preserving knowledge and protecting the natural world.
Common Stereotypes:
Others often view Sylvarans as:
Wise
Aloof
Patient
Mysterious
Difficult to rush
Sylvarans often view themselves as caretakers rather than rulers.
Among the Sylvarans, history is frequently preserved through song.
Many important events possess musical traditions passed down through generations.
Some songs can last hours.
Others can last days.
The oldest are said to contain truths no written record remembers.
The Sultanate values:
Prosperity
Hospitality
Refinement
Diplomacy
Ambition
Its people often view life as something meant to be enjoyed rather than endured.
Art, music, architecture, food, and social gatherings play major roles in everyday life.
Success is admired.
Generosity is respected.
Wealth is expected to be displayed rather than hidden.
Common Stereotypes:
Others often view Sultanate citizens as:
Charismatic
Sophisticated
Ambitious
Extravagant
Skilled negotiators
They often view themselves as the cultural heart of Mythea.
In the Sultanate, refusing hospitality is considered rude.
A guest offered food, drink, or shade is expected to accept graciously.
Even rivals are frequently treated as honored guests while under a host's protection.
This tradition traces back to the desert tribes that existed before the Sultanate's founding.
The dwarves value:
Craftsmanship
Honor
Endurance
Loyalty
Legacy
Dwarves believe actions matter more than words.
Promises are expected to be kept.
Work is expected to be done properly.
A poorly completed task is often considered worse than an unfinished one.
Common Stereotypes:
Others often view dwarves as:
Reliable
Stubborn
Practical
Proud
Uncompromising
Dwarves generally consider these compliments.
Dwarves often ask themselves a simple question:
"Will this outlive me?"
The question influences everything from architecture to family life.
Many dwarven decisions are guided by how they will affect future generations.
Most people in Mythea acknowledge the entire pantheon.
Exclusive worship is relatively uncommon.
A merchant may pray to Varric before a trade deal.
A scholar may invoke Elysir while researching.
A ruler may seek Aureth's guidance before making a difficult decision.
Religion is typically integrated into daily life rather than separated from it.
Magic is respected throughout Mythea.
It is neither universally feared nor universally trusted.
Most cultures view magic as a tool.
Its morality depends upon how it is used.
Starfire magic and relics often attract special attention due to their rarity and unpredictability.
Friendly rivalries exist throughout the continent.
Examples include:
Vhal'Torians often consider Sylvarans overly cautious.
Sylvarans often consider Vhal'Torians impatient.
Dwarves often view everyone else as lacking proper craftsmanship.
The Sultanate often views northern kingdoms as unnecessarily rigid.
These rivalries are usually playful rather than hostile.
Most cultures admire adventurers while also finding them slightly strange.
The willingness to enter ruins, fight monsters, and chase legends is considered admirable.
It is also considered somewhat reckless.
Many parents secretly hope their children become heroes.
Few openly encourage it.
One piece of wisdom is recognized almost everywhere in Mythea:
"Respect the customs of the land that feeds you."
Experienced travelers understand the importance of adapting to local traditions.
Those who fail to do so often discover how quickly hospitality can disappear.
Despite their differences, the peoples of Mythea share several common beliefs.
Life should be lived fully.
Promises matter.
Stories deserve to be remembered.
Hospitality should be honored.
Greatness is earned.
And beyond every horizon lies another mystery worth exploring.
These ideals bind the continent together more strongly than any king, kingdom, or empire ever could.