Cenerian
Cenerians are a proud urban & seafaring culture that traces its lineage back to Mycean days. Many Cenerian cities are politically allied via the Cenerian League.
Origin¶
Cenerians are named after the southern region of Osera initially named by the Mycean seafaring colonisers. In time, these colonies began to self-identify among themselves and others as Cenerian, a name and people that survived the Collapse.
Culture¶
Cenerians have inhabited much from their Mycean origin. They have continued the urban traditions upon which their initial colonisation efforts rested. They have also continued the seafaring traditions of their ancestors, and every city in their culture is linked by river, coast, or sea routes.
Beliefs¶
Cenerians believe in four primary deities, two of which are considered 'good' and 'bad' respectively. Minor deities, 'Daemons' exist in all living things according to Cenerians and are referred to as 'Echoes' of the soul. The primary deities are further split in two: one 'primeval' deity and one 'human' deity, representing the grander beginnings before humanity and humanity's ascension/fall respectively.
Deities¶
Listed in order of 'acceptability of worship' in Cenerian society: - Luminor - primeval deity of light, fire, life, and truth, represented by the sun. Worshipped by the Sect of Illumination - Pyos - human god of oaths, laws, and civilisation, represented by an eye. Worshipped by the Sect of Pyos. - Bel - primeval deity of darkness, water, night, and non-violent death, represented by a fish. - Anzo - human god of war, deception, and violent death, represented by a dagger.
Politics¶
Cenerians have strong political foundations. Their society is organised along urban foundations, each city making up its own polity. Though variations exist, most are headed by an 'Archon' and a 'Vizier' who are elected from among the most powerful families who have proven their virtue (done through family records, general social gravitas, leading defences or navies, and through investing funds into public works). These elections can be for life, though this is uncommon. Most Archon-Vizier duos are voted out when they fall out of favour, if they are not assassinated first.
The cities are linked via the Cenerian League, founded in the aftermath of the Collapse by the Archon of Pallas, who have claimed the contentious title of 'Sovereign' ever since (laying de jure claim to all of Ceneria and even Osera, though this not always recognised and nearly impossible to realise).
The exception to this is the far city of Karsolam which rules itself under different conditions while nominally remaining part of the wider Cenerian world.