The Reynic Peoples

The Reynas-fow'l are an ancient race of people that originate from the North-Eastern Coast of the Western Continent, but due to a society collapsing event during the period between the Age of Tribes and the Age of Exploration, they have all sailed towards the Central islands. Over time, these refugees have devolved into tribal communities, known as the Ao'kjoge'l (simply meaning the Communities) that have forgotten the crafts of their Ancestors.
== Racial Attributes ==
Most of the points in this section is directed towards the typical Reynas-fow'l. This means that there are exceptions to some of these points, that there are outliers and variations amongst the Reynas-fow'l. Acknowledge this as you shall with every other people, that they aren't limited to what's natural for their race, but instead are limited by their own capabilities defined by what's possible for them. 
=== Physical Attributes ===
The Reynas-fow'l are large Humanoids, averaging out at around 7 feet tall. They have long pointed ears, often adorned with complicated jewelry crafted in the fashion of their ancient forebearers. They have eyes that look at you as if you are prey, with their grey sclera and reflective metalic snake eyes. They have squared noses that meet the brow to the point where its flushed, with nostrils that are shaped like slits. Their skin color varies across a selection of light blues, where their hair takes on the colors of the sun, from red to yellow. Traditionally, Reynas-fow'l are covered in tattoos to denote tribal association and personal successes. While some may say they are beautiful, the reality is they are haunting and intimidating to look at. Based on appearances alone, these are creatures that don't seem to belong to this world or another.
Reynas-fow'l are a physical race, where they respect physicality and one's own abilities. This physical people are built to survive on rocky coasts and hostile seas. Here's a list of notable adaptations that Reynas-fow'l have:
* Reynas-fow'l have highly complex and sophisticated hearts and lungs, giving them generally better endurance than the average humanoids. Reynas-fow'l lungs give them the capability to dive into deeper waters by collapsing as they dive and reinflating once they resurface.
* They're strong and flexible, capable of acts of agility and strength that makes their lesser's marvel in their execution.
* They have thick and rough "skin" akin to sandpaper, which gives them great grip to climb and grapple. Fun fact: Their "skin" isn't really skin, its more akin to the scales of a reptile, but at a micro scale, and only really noticeable on the males of the species.
* Reynas-fow'l have much thinner blood than the average human, all thanks to the elevations that they've adapted to live on, ranging from the depths of the ocean to the rocky coasts of the Western Continent's Northern Sea's. This means they're blood is better for their circulatory system and helping it run, issue with the thinner blood is it makes it harder to clot wounds. This means that neglecting severe cuts and lacerations means almost certain death to any reckless Reynas-fow'l warrior. A notable bonus of this is Reynas-fow'l don't suffer from blood clot related health issues as easily as other races, like certain types of heart diseases.
* The Reynas-fow’l have several interesting ways to help with the frigid waters of the North, sharing many with their potential relatives, the Sea Serpents. First among them is the interesting fact that they are actually warm blooded, despite being reptilian in nature. Being warm blooded allows them to manage their own body temperatures, instead of having to rely upon other sources of heat to survive. Second is this special compound found within their blood, that acts like a type of anti-freeze, that helps ensure ice doesn’t form on the body. The third is actually special reserves of blubber like fat stored all across the body. Not only does these fat reserves help with the cold, they also help with surviving long periods without food, and serving as natural padding against injuries.
* The Reynas-fow'l have remarkable senses of sight, smell, hearing, and taste. 
* Unlike humans, Reynas-fow'l dont have mammary glands to feed children. This is due to their reptilian origins, where only mammals have mammary glands for nursing.
* Reynas-fow'l have a teeth system not too dissimilar from sharks, where when a tooth falls out, it is quickly replaced by another. Differences begin where the Reynas-fow'l seem to have a smaller limit to how many times a tooth can be replaced. This leads to those who have managed to reach that limit, being known as Elders, because it requires a considerable amount of time to actually run dry on a gum for teeth. Another difference is the type of teeth, where sharks have exclusively carnivorous teeth, the Reyna-fow'l's teeth are a mixed bag of carnivorous and omnivorous teeth, adding to the complexity of tooth replacement. This can lead to potential mix-ups, where a tooth that is supposed to be omnivorous is replaced with a carnivorous tooth. This makes some reynas-fow'l have a mess of a mouth full of sharp teeth, being known as "those born of sharks".
==== Sexual Dimorphism ====
Amongst the Reynas-fow'l, their are differences between the two sexes. But in a general sense, the sexual dimorphism within the race is very slight, especially when compared to races like the Kssk, where at a glance the two sexes can be mistaken for two different races. A good reference for the sexual dimorphism of the Reynas-fow'l are actually humans, where the two sexes have certain inclinations, but they aren't necessarily defined by these inclinations. Here are some examples of the differences between the two sexes of the Reynas-fow'l:
* The males tend to be taller and more athletic, leading to a cultural expectation of acting as messengers, warriors and hunters. But, as it's not impossible for a sister to be taller than her brother, it's not impossible to find a tall and strong female amongst the professions of men. In fact, it's not uncommon to find woman Reynas-fow'l acting as hunters, to the point where it's not considered taboo or unacceptable. Although, these females do experience harassment, in varying ways, mostly thanks to the misogynist beliefs of some followers of the hero cults. These zealous followers believe that since men outnumber woman within the company of heroes, they are lesser and should be treated as such. While these beliefs do not represent all of the followers of the hero cults, it's still a common enough idea that it's a notable issue.
* The females of the species tend to have much better senses when compared to their male counterparts. They are shown to be more sensitive to changes in temperature and touch, they can see more colors, and they have better sense of depth, being able to accurately discern distances with a glance. This difference between the two sexes has placed woman as good at identifying, organizing, and timing, where they are trusted as craftsmen, gatherers, and butchers. While these professions are associated with femininity, it is still common to find men practicing these jobs, all be it, not as highly held as their female counterparts.
* The males of the Reynas-fow'l have rougher and more rugose body surfaces when compared to females. That is due to two factors: the way that the Reynas-fow'l have evolved to have a semi-aquatic lifestyle and the adaptations males have acquired to get mates. 
* The females of the species have wider hips than their male counterparts. This is due to the specie's viviparous nature and requiring females to bear children till birth. Wider hips are seen as a sign of fertility and is often a desired trait for childbearing. This has led to clothing for women to either show off the hips, by exposing them, or make them look wider, by being baggy. This is also treated as a way to communicate one's relationship status, with woman hiding their hips being those who aren't interested in a relationship or those already in a relationship.
* The males of the species have larger lungs and hearts when compared to their female counterparts, which has led to males needing wider chests than females. A wide chest within Reynic Culture is considered a sigh of endurance and strength, things considered attractive attributes for mating. This has led to many males of the species often choosing not to wear something that covers their chest, preferring to expose the chest for all to see. Men use this as a way to show one's relationship status, where men who are in a relationship or aren't interested wear baggy shirts that hide their chests.
* While their aren't that many differences in how male and female Reynas-fow'l think, their is one huge exception: Ambition. For whatever reason, male Reynas-fow'l have stronger tendencies for ambitious personalities. This is believed to be thanks to the environment of where the Reynas-fow'l first settled. The North of the Western continent is a hectic place, full of many different creatures that are all competing for a place to live. In this competitive environment, the Reynas-fow'l had to have someone to follow, someone with a drive for greater things. Reason why men over women is unknown. But what is known is that the number of men amongst the heroes greatly outnumbers the women, and that is believed to be due to the higher tendency of ambitious personalities amongst men, pushing them to do crazy things for the sake of ambition.
==== Reproduction ====
Despite having a potential reptilian ancestor, Reynas-fow'l are viviparous, meaning they give live birth. Believe it or not, it's something actually common amongst certain species of reptiles to give live birth. Things that influence whether a creature lays eggs or not, is often due to varying factors such as the creature's ability to defend themselves while bearing children and the environment they live in. Due to the fact that Reynas-fow'l both lived in large communities and are generally strong and capable, with a slight advantage for males, they have had no reason not to be viviparous.
==== Longevity ====
Reynas-fow'l live comparable lives to the average human of Delthora, living 70-80 years. Their have been tellings of some mighty warrior living far beyond that, although these are often tales about ancient leaders who are deified by their clans.
==== Living Compass ====
Reynas-fow'l have an inexplicable ability to always tell which direction north is, almost perfectly. Old Reynas-fow'l story tellers say this is a curse placed on them by their forebears, as a means to tempt them back to the ocean and to sail back home. A more scientific explanation may be that Reynas-fow'l are capable of reading the magnetic field of the planet, like many other creatures, and use that to discern which direction north is, although this is just a theory. Whether this new generation or the next, whoever they shall be, they will be a vital resource to any seafaring people in need of an impromptu form of navigation.
=== Mental Attributes ===
In terms of intelligence, the Reynas-fow'l are an interesting sort. They are noted as prone to forgetfulness and having issues solving complex problems but are also recorded as being able to understand complex emotions and being able to accurately communicate their own emotions. These are all signs of having low Conventional Intelligence (IQ) and high Emotional Intelligence (EQ), meaning they aren't what many would call smart, but they do have oddly enough good people skills. This high EQ isn't exactly obvious considering Reynic Culture's encouragement of the idea that the outsider is the enemy, meaning Reynas-fow'l are often very hostile to those they don't know, but to those they do know, they are a lifelong and loyal friends.
==== Temperaments ====
Here are some general temperamental traits of the Reynic Peoples:
* To put it lightly, the Reynas-fow'l are a temperamental people, something they revel upon. They like to overreact as jokes and are riotous at celebrations, with the idea that a party isn't a party unless a fight has happened. Reynas-fow'l appreciate one's ability to show their emotions and believe that those willing to bear their heart on their sleeves, yet not with words, are trustworthy individuals. They are so extreme with their reactions and actions, they see stoicism and self-control as amazing feats of endurance, things worthy of praise.
* But at the same time, they see inaction and complacency as weakness. To some Reynas-fow'l, idleness and patience share a border most thin, to the point it becomes hard to discern the two. To the Reynas-fow'l, quick and decisive action is seen as the signs of a great leader and protector. Unfortunately, not all decisions made in earnest are well thought out, leading to the Reynas-fow'l garnering a reputation as unpredictable and untrustworthy.
* Reynas-Fow'l are most known for their aggressive and distrustful way of going about things. Where in a moment's notice, they'll strike at you for a perceived insult. Not an uncommon thing to hear stories of Tribal Reynas-fow'l harassing and attacking travelers unprovoked, Reynas-fow'l or not. Although, this isn't exactly the full picture, for often it's those they don't know who they act this way towards, for Reynas-fow'l commonly believe that the unknown is dangerous, and not to be trusted. 
* Luckily, not all Reynas-fow'l are distrustful of the outsider, some are even willing to work with them. Young Reynas-fow'l are more than willing to tolerate the unknown, especially if they believe it will further their own agenda of proving themselves, possibly leading to their deification; a special ritual amongst the Reynas-fow'l that is the core pillar of their religion. To those they build bonds and live with, Reynas-fow'l are inherently staunch and reliable, who are more than willing to help those that they know.
* To those they know, Reynas-fow'l are invested in them. Due to the way their religion treats the afterlife, they try their best to help their friends, seeking every opportunity to do so, even if it's not necessarily their place to help. This, alongside the idea that showing emotions is trustworthy, has encouraged the idea that in Reynas-fow'l groups, that you shouldn't be the one to ask for help, that it should be an other's obligations to help you. This often leads to issues with other races, where they see Reynas-fow'l as both egotistical and nosy, unwilling to ask for help but more than eager to fix your issues, even if you don't want them to.
==== Uncontrollable Magical Abilities ====
Reynas-fow'l ability to manipulate magic ever since its arrival has been unpredictable and very destructive, so much so, that its absolutely forbidden for Reynas-fow'l to cast magic. Their magical ability is so chaotic and powerful, that it's believed to have been a potential cause of the absolute collapse of the ancient Reynic-fow'l, having been a combination of its sudden arrival and their natural inability to control its effect. Although this theory doesn't seem to consider the chronological issues with the first arrival of magic to the world and the collapse of the ancient Reynic-fow'l, giving reason to believe that the two things have no real relation to one another, whatsoever.
==== The Uspowras Ao'ogcha, The Great Monstrous Presence ====
Reynas-fow'l have this supernatural presence about them, that they call the Uspowras Ao'ogcha, which can be translated into The Great Sea Monster's Presence. As soon as an unfamiliar person sees a Reynas-fow'l, the hairs on the person's neck stands up and depending upon the mental state of the individual, the person may well die from shock. This psychological presence is one of the reasons why the Reynas-fow'l have a particular preference towards shock tactics, terrifying and routing their enemies as they break into the fray. Issue is this often has a negative impact on diplomatic conventions, often making the opposite parties uncomfortable. There are several ways to overcome or mitigate the effect of the Uspowras Ao'ogcha, one being the act of intimidation, because if a Reynas-fow'l is scared of you, their terrifying presence loses its effectiveness. Another thing that can overcome this presence is to spend a large amount of time and become familiar with an Reynas-fow'l. Note that this doesn't work for the whole race, it's by an individual basis. 
Some believe that the source of this power is the Reynas-fow'l opinions on others, and the more a Reynas-fow'l trusts an individual, the less they'll be affected. Others believe this ability is something akin to poison, where the more someone subjects themselves to an individual's variant, the greater the resistance they'll have to its effects. The reality is no one truly knows the source and reason this presence lingers on the Reynas-fow'l. Chances are you'll find the answers in the ancestral abodes of the Reynas-fow'l that once lived on the northern coast of the Western continent.
== Beliefs ==
The Beliefs of the Reynic Peoples are varied and disorganized, with some Ao'kjoge'l (Communities) believing in noble virtues such as helping strangers and fighting for one's ally, while others have more selfish mindsets, acting opportunistic and predatory, ensuring their own clans survive while others may die.
=== Creation Myths ===
The Reynas-fow'l origins are clouded in mystery and confusion, mostly thanks to the societal collapse that forced them from their homelands. Even Reynas-fow'l aren't entirely sure of where they came from. Despite the fact that they themselves are unsure of their origins, there are most definitely theories and tales on the subject, often touted as fact, despite many a tale being complete fabrications based on cheap attempts to aggrandize one's own Kjoged or Kjoge'l. Their are as many tales on the origin of this people as there are as many clans and communities amongst them. Chances are that Creation Myths for the Reynas-fow'l made by once neighboring cultures are more accurate than ones touted by the race themselves.
==== Those born of the North ====
One of the many origins of Reynas-fow’l is the story that they came from a land made of ice, located far towards the north. This land was a barren and inhospitable place, home to tribes of demons, for they were the only ones who can live there.
==== The Followers of the Beckoning Sky ====
Another origin is the story about the followers of the beckoning sky, a group of heroes who were stuck beneath the waves, but gained their freedom by following the sky.
==== The Children of the Great Snakes ====
One potential origin of the race is that they were born of great snakes that lived at the bottom of the ocean, known to the wider world as Serpents. These snakes hated their lives there, for they couldn't leave. One day, as the snakes watched others leave the ocean, they decided that they shall take vengeance on those that can do what they cannot. To enact this vengeance, they figured the best way to do this is to send their children after them. 
These children were born with the ability to leave the accursed realm, but in doing so earned the ire of their parents. These children were chased out of the depths, followed by the malice and curses of their own parents, making their very presence poisonous. Having the first thing taught to them being hate, these children grew up to be just as spiteful as their parents. They unleashed their fury upon those who lived on the land by poisoning hearts with hate and fear, turning those who approached them into monsters and cowards. They tormented the land and those who lived upon it, till one day those very peoples they tortured and hunted, united to force the snake's children back to the place they belonged, back to the ocean. When they were pushed back to whence they came from, the children's parents didn't even want them, hating them for what they themselves can't do. The Children were marooned, stuck between the Land and the Ocean, between their victims and their parents. In that moment, the children felt low and weak, where before they felt high and strong. 
With being placed between the Land and the Ocean, by their victims and their parents, the lowed children came across a being that sat on the coasts and laid on the waves. Depending upon the teller of the story, the being changes, but the story ends all the same, with the being showing pity on the Children of the Great Snakes and offering them safe haven. The being gave them a home along the coasts and atop the waves, away from the Victims of the land, and above the parents that are full of hate. 
Once again depending upon the teller, the way this story ends may vary. In one version, these children swore to be heroes, in the truest meaning of the word, to friend and stranger. In another, these children took this act of kindness and used it to go back to their wicked ways. However the story ends, it does not change what the supposed children are today. 
==== The Birth of the Serpent and the Dragon. ====
One story that has been touted by many a clan and community of the Reynas-fow'l, is one that revolves around two brothers being born in the depths of the underworld. The story begins in a village nestled amongst trees, home to those whose skin was made of clay and blood of honey, prey to bears that ate anything they could, for their stomachs were endless. One day, the villagers of this place needed a sacrifice for a ritual of great importance, and for this ritual, they chose a pregnant woman, believing that two sacrifices would be greater than one. The villagers began their ritual by casting the woman and her unborn child unto a red mouth, a place where lost spirits resided for they had nowhere else to call home. 
But little did those villagers know that the woman managed to survive the fall, landing into an endless sea of honey, where the sun was always seen. She was not alone in this place, for demonic spirits treated this realm as their hunting grounds, preying on the sacrifices given to them by the villagers above. In this dire situation, the woman managed to find safe haven: an island made of bone-dry clay, with trees that were full of beehives. She used this safe harbor as a place for her child to be born. She waited atop this brittle island, using the honey as sustenance, and hiding from the lost spirits that dominated this realm. While she waited for her child, she prepared for his birth, by digging a hole into the bone-dry island and making a shelter. But what she found beneath the island was nothing but fire and ice, where she wanted to find mud and water. She made do with what she had and continued her people's ritual, despite the lack of water. After she had finished the shelter, she waited till one day she gave birth, but not to only one child, but instead two. She had given birth to twin brothers that resembled neither their mother or each other. 
The first to leave their mother's kiln was a child whose skin was covered by overlapping, glazed plates. This child's form resembled that of The second to leave the kiln was a child whose skin was covered by a shattered, yet whole, shell of porcelain. 
These two brothers were known as the Dragon and the Serpent 
They left the underworld through the blood filled mouth of the land, welcomed by the warmth of the sun, and blessed by the sounds of the ocean waves
=== Religion: Hero Worship ===
The basis of the Reynas-fow'l religion revolves around worshiping long dead heroes of Reynic society that have gained the right to live in heaven, the most important one being the Sea Hawk, Yowdas Vrch, the hero who led the ships of the Reynas-fow'l that now live on the Yow'las So'l'ka Fowrd (The Haven Chains). While the Hero worship is poorly regulated and varied in practice, all Reynas-fow'l recognize the Sea Hawk for what he did for their people and is universally worshiped. Simply put, this religion revolves around proving oneself to society as a means to either join the heroes in heaven or to become one and live eternally as a saint in life. Due to this religious goal of proving oneself, it has encouraged Reynas-fow'l to be self-sacrificial, always willing to help their family and honor deals that they have made. 
==== Heroes and their Roles ====
TBC 
==== The Concepts of the Afterlife and Journeying Towards it. ====
In the Hero Cults of the Reynas-fow'l, they often believe there are three planes to existence. Each level representing a different quality of life for one's own spirit during their spiritual journey to becoming a hero. The Followers of the Hero Cults believe that the plane one resides upon is entirely dependent upon how others see you after death, in an almost democratic system of spirituality. This means that one's residence in the levels can change, most often changing due to revelations of the individual's character after their death or due to societal changes that makes the individual seem more or less in a better light.
# The first level of existence and the place where most begin their spiritual journey is the ocean, the place that the Reynas-fow'l equate to Hell in their Hero cults. The Hero Cults believe that the Ocean is the origin of most spirits and the residence of monsters and demons, essentially being the origin of good and evil. The Ocean is also the place where Followers of the hero cults believe that the cowards, liars, and villains of society go after death, to be hunted and tormented by the demons and monsters of the depths. 
#* These beliefs encourage the idea that the ocean is a place where monsters are around every corner, where you can't trust anything you come across, for it may be a demon in disguise. The ocean is often considered a place you want to avoid, but at the same time is considered a place of opportunity, where one can prove themselves. The ocean attracts the attention of ambitious and brave Reynas-fow'l looking to make names for themselves. These brave Reynas-fow'l go on journeys beneath the waves, to the water's depths, searching for creatures that they can best or items they can scavenge.
#** Although a source of controversy and conflict amongst the many different versions of the religion, some sects believe that the Reynas-fow'l were the children of the demons that resided within the oceans. These sects believe that the Reynas-fow'l were originally born to torment the residents of the upper levels of existence. But after losing their civilization to an alliance of these victims, the reynas-fowl learned humility and were given another chance by a creator god, simply known as the Ao'ogcha (Meaning the Great Spirit).
# The second level of existence and the place where most are judged on their spiritual journey is the land, the place that the Reynas-fow'l equate to the plane of mortals in their Hero Cults. The Hero Cults believe that the land is origin of the body and that it is the plane of judgement, the plane where heroes and villains are born to eventually die, where one's actions matter the most, and the place where names are said and praised.
# The third level of existence and the place that is considered the goal of the Hero Cult's spiritual journey is the sky, the place that the Reynas-fow'l equate to heaven in their Hero Cults. The Hero Cults believe the sky is the origin of the mind and that it is the residence of Heroes, where they watch over land and ensure that it doesn't get destroyed by the ocean.
# Some sects of the Hero Cults believe there is a fourth plane of existence, a plane found in the waves and the coasts. This plane of existence is seen as something that connects all other levels and serves as a form of glue that binds everything together. From this plane, The Ao'ogcha (The Great Spirit) over sees everything from every perspective, considering everything in its moment, all at once. This plane is simply known as the Border, for it borders all other levels of existence. This plane of existence serves as the residence of the Ao'ogcha, from where he determines if a spirit is worthy of another chance and when they are worthy of it. What the Ao'ogcha gives to the worthy spirits, is the opportunity to become a hero, sending them back to the land to be reborn. The Ao'ogcha chooses at random from whom shall be reborn, it may choose an already made hero resting in heaven, it may choose a diabolic demon feasting upon wicked souls, who it shall choose shall be reincarnated and spend its time on the land, doing as it pleases and being placed where it belongs afterwards.
==== Morals and Principles ====
The Morals and Principle of the Hero Cults of the Reynas-fow'l is a place of discourse, where one cult's ideals are at conflict with anothers. So I'll give some examples of rather common beliefs and ideals of these cults, not going into specifics of what every cult believes, for that would take too long. Here are the common beliefs and ideals:
* Due to the religious beliefs of the Hero Cults, Reynas-fow'l believe that above all else, one must prove themself. How you do so, does not entirely matter. If one has to break a taboo, it does not matter as long as they show their prowess or help society as a whole, and if they don't, they'll be punished accordingly. This mean most Reynas-fow'l'ka (Young Reynas-fow'l) are more willing to defy society, leading to most societal changes being the cause of young and ambitious individuals. 
* Although, an issue with the principle of proving oneself, no matter what, is that it often leads to the youngsters of this race being known for their rebellious streaks and proclivity of starting conflicts. Whenever such issues arise, those who start it are expected to finish it, with whatever help they need. This expectation is mostly thanks to the idea that if they can't finish the conflict on top, then they were in the wrong, and are in need of punishment. 
* An important part of judgement amongst the Hero Cults is the concept of might makes right. That if you break a taboo or law, but end up coming out on top, then you are in the right and void of punishment. How one defines coming out on top is often up to interpretation and debate, debate that usually devolves into a fight, ultimately determining the verdict of punishment. Although, this idea of might makes right isn't absolute, its ultimately up to the leaders of a clan or community to determine the outcome of such transgressions. 
* In terms of general principles and values, Reynas-fow'l have always been rather crude and undeveloped in this sense. They have no issue with slavery or war, for they believe they are often a means to an end. They encourage self-aggrandizing and having pride in one's actions. Wrath is seen as a noble thing, where enacting vengeance is almost a religious journey. Their punishments are swift and unforgiving, not allowing even children leeway due to their actions. To envy another's life is seen as a compliment. Some rituals that Reynas-fow'l practice even involve blood sacrifices, although it is usually consensual. 
* Honestly speaking, Reynas-fow'l are barbaric and simple, but at the same time willing to change if an individual proves that things should change. Such as the change of some Reynas-fow'l becoming more centralized in their society, following the young So'las Gyrd as something of a king on Ordyas Fowrd. Only recently has something been universally reviled, that thing being cannibalism, for it is seen as something only cowards and monster's resort to, by decree of the Cairn Wolf himself.
==== Rituals ====
TBC
===== The Usbowas'val Ao'dyas Fjowden =====
This ritual is something of a step to becoming a hero, something required to be placed amongst the sacred bones of long dead heroes and to join them in heaven. The Usbowas'val Ao'dyas Fjowden serves as a symbolic journey to the underworld, The Ocean, a place where every hero will have to go to fulfil their duties as heroes; to cull the great snakes to prevent the end of the world. This ritual is a relatively simple one, where the aspiring hero is given the task to dive into the ocean to retrieve a prize, an item that will symbolize the scale of a Great Snake. The only restrictions for this task are as follows: You may only bring a flint blade, no clothes, and you can spend as much time as you want searching for the item, as long you don't surface for air. As soon as you surface, the ritual is over, whether you have a prize or not. 
* This prize can be just about anything, but not all prizes are equal. Different factors determine the greatness of the prize, something in consideration when predicting the aspirant's future. Such factors that affect the greatness of the prize include: 
*# The rarity of the prize.
*# The prize once being a possession of a Reynas-fow'l.
*# The age of the item
*# The depths one had to dive to get the prize
*# how long it took to find the item during the ritual.
*# Cultural Importance.
*# Etc.
===== Deification =====
Deification is a vital ritual amongst the followers of the Hero Cults, a pillar of their religion. TBC
==== Holidays and how they are celebrated ====
Their are days all across the year that are associated with certain heroes, all depending upon different communities' beliefs in what makes an individual a hero. This often leads to a celebration being held every day across the islands of the Yow'las So'l'ka Fowrd (The Haven Chain).
== Language ==
Reynic Shkow'ld (Rough's Language), the Modern version of the ancient language that the Reynas-fow'l once spoke before their societies total collapse. Due to the way that Modern Reynas-fow'l are even wary of other Reynas-fow'l, each community has their own dialect for the Reynic Shkow'ld, as another means of identification, aside from their tattoos.
=== Romanization (WIP) ===
Here are some examples of Reynic Shkow'ld, but to get a much deeper understanding of the language check out Reynic Shkow'ld.
Base Words of the Sod'lic Dyas'val Dialect of Reynic Speech.
Romanization		English
Reyn 		Rough/Serpent/Wicked
Fow 		Folk/People
Yow 		Ship/Brave/Company
Vrch 		Warrior/Messenger
So 		Land/Life
Usbow 		Ocean/Hell
Ordy 		Sky/Heaven
Dy 		Lord/Hero/Saint
Bow 		Grave/Cairn/Grove
Gyr 		Child
Fowr 		Protector/Bulwark
Shkow 		Language/Word
Additives to Words to further their meanings. WIP
Roman.	Phoneme	Grammatical meaning 	Example 	Approximation
-ic 	 	Makes the word possessive of the following word 	Reynic Shkow'ld 	The Rough's Language
'val 	 	Often used to refers to domains/kingdoms/homes, Ownership	Sod'lic Dyas'val	The Lively's Heroic Kingdom
-as 	 	turns the word into a descriptor of the following word 	Reynas-fow'l 	The Rough People
'ka 	 	Makes the word sound Diminuitive/Small/Weak 	So'l'ka 	Small Land/Island
Ao' 	 	Makes the word Sound Dominant/Big/Strong 	Ao'ogcha 	The Great Presence
=== Application of Gestures and physical communication ===
An important part of the grammar of Reynic Shkow'l is the use of gestures and movements. You see, a lot of the Reynas-fow'l seem to have issues verbally communicating, believed to be thanks to a common mental disability, leaving complicated sentences difficult to pull off. They aren't necessarily dumb, and they don't have issues remembering things, it's just for whatever reason, the more vocal parts to a sentence leads to an increase of a Reynas-fow'l messing up those parts. This means that the Reynas-fow'l needed another way to further their language to fulfil their needs, leading to them using gestures and movements. Gestures were something the Reynas-fow'l had no issues with, for their above average hand eye coordination and generally high flexibility meant they could execute complicated and varied gestures within short amounts of time. Bodily movements to express tone and intention, were just a natural addition because the Reynas-fow'l were a physical people that liked to show off their bodies and had little issues with controlling their movements.
=== Writing System (Unlocked at RINV 3) ===
The writing system of Reynic Shkow'l is based on the Old Script that the ancient Reynas-fow'l once used, which was a Logographic system that was written as glyphs on stone. Due to the sudden collapse of the Ancient Reynas-fow'l Society, and the fact that many of those who made it to the islands weren't all too well learned in Old Script, many Reynas-fow'l don't know the actual meanings of the glyphs. Instead, contemporary Reynas-fow'l have made a new writing system, something heavily based on Old Script, calling it New Script. This New Script is often carved into wood, as opposed to Old Script being carved into stone. The main reason that it is written this way in the modern age is because the Contemporary Reynas-fow'l that made New Script had lost the ability to carve stone, opting instead to carve in wood, ever since it has just sort of stuck and became the norm.
== Traditions ==
=== Traditional Stories ===
TBC
==== The Caged Hunter ====
TBC
==== The Oak's Guardian ====
TBC
=== Clothes and Tools ===
==== Footwear ====
The Reynas-fow'l of Sod'lic Dyas'val wear the footwear of their ancient forefathers, who lived on the coast of the Northern Coast of the Western Continent; Sandals made from the leather of 'monsters'. The Reynas-fow'l wear sandals made of 'monsters' leather because its a symbolic of their religious hunt for glory. What's considered a monster is entirely dependent upon an individuals interpretation. 
Many Reynas-fow'l wear sandals made from the leather of sea creatures, like stingrays and eels, because they live within the ocean; The place religiously associated with the underworld. To the Hero Cults of Reynas-fow'l, the Ocean is the residence of monsters and demons, and the origin of souls.
Other's wear the leather made from creatures they hunt, like Elk, Entheox, and other creatures most would consider big game. This has to due with the double meaning of the Reynas-fow'l's word for monster. Uspowr, the Reynic Shkow'ld word for monster, also means prey. This is sort of considered a play on the wording of the traditional ways to make the sandals. Most who wear traditional sandals made this way are recognized as Jeynic Vrchd (Fox's Warrior, those who fight/hunt through tricks).
Some particularly zealous warriors make their sandals out of leather made from the flesh of their enemies. These warriors are considered psychos, even by their own companions. But this isn't necessarily meant negatively, cause to the Reynas-fow'l, the mad man is admired for their honesty and willingness to show their personality. They are so admired these warriors are known as Yodlygic Vrchd (Badger's Warrior, those who fight with wild abandon and honesty).
=== Social Structure ===
The traditional social structure for the Reynas-fow'l is 
=== Traditional Crafts ===
TBC
=== Symbols ===
TBC
=== Activities ===
==== Bragging ====
Thanks to the fact that Reynas-fow'l don't have issue with pride and self-aggrandizing, they have no issues with bragging. In fact, bragging is a vital part of Reynas-fow'l society, playing part in social, religious, and political aspects of life. To the Reynas-fow'l, bragging is seen as a spiritual sport, where one speaks of their adventures and feats, amusing the listeners and showing them what kind of person you are.
=== Art ===
The Reynas-fow'l aren't the most sophisticated, but they aren't without taste. They enjoy finer things, such as poems and theatre, but that's not what you will hear about them, for they have a reputation as bullies and marauders. Because while they do like things one might consider above them, they also like violence and have a general fascination with death and where one goes after death. With this cultural fascination with violence and death, and love of poems and plays, they have managed to combine fine arts with morbid and sadistic curiosities. Some examples are writing a poem about the planning of a murder, and coming across the already dead target, or making a play about someone talking about the fun of going to war and they end up dying first. 
==== Poems ====
The Reynas-fow'l aren't known for their mental acuity for they've garnered another more terrifying reputation. But that doesn't mean that this is a race of brutes and savages, incapable of higher forms of thought. In fact, one of their longest held traditions is the art of the spoken word, something they had picked up from the people of Grimaföld. This is surprising to hear, especially when you've actually heard them speak in their native tongue. 
The words this race speak are choppy and broken, accompanied with radical and violent gestures that if one didn't know any better, would seem insulting in nature. Thing is, a lot of Reynas-fow'l have this condition that causes issues with controlling the vocalizations of their voices, causing them to "lose control" of their voices often, in fact, "Voice running amok" is actually a term for a poorly done poem or speech. 
Granted, not all Reynas-fow'l have this issue, but a good portion of them do, leading to the people having to make their language around this disability. The way they got around this condition is by having words incorporate tricks to "control" the voice, and by limiting the actual vocal words used, supplementing them with gestures. It's hard to believe that a people actually find these poems good to listen to, or witness if you will. Honestly, poetry done in Reynic Shkow'ld is more akin to a performance than simply spoken words. 
Actually, poems to the Reynas-fow'l are a lot more than just a performance. On some levels, it is used as a means of arguing over certain subjects, a form of debate; a concept they once again picked up from the Grimnå of Grimaföld. They combined the concept of debate with the art of the spoken word, to create something of a combination of serious discussion and entertainment. One begins the debate with a clear and directly put question, the questioned may respond in a variety of ways, if they even want to, often helping the initiator determine whether the conversation is even worth having. If the poem initiator decides to continue the debate and questioned agrees the same, they continue till the other concedes or passes out. The way they handle their debates goes back to the idea of Reynas-fow'l priding themselves on endurance and finding anyway to test such things. Often poems try not to directly talk about the subject because it's just too easy that way and trying to disguise the subject is considered a lot more engaging for the speakers and the listeners. 
A common subject amongst the poems of the Reynic peoples is the matter of uncertainty to where one will go next, whether it's their own decision or another's. This has to do with the Hero-Cult's religious idea that after death, your afterlife is determined by how others think of you. The poems on this subject question whether it's actually other's decision or your own, based on the idea that your decisions influence how they think of you, but then others counter that idea with the point that you aren't the only influence on how others think of you, and so, the spoken battle continues. Often this subject is disguised as someone talking about a journey ending badly, whether where they are now is their own fault or others. 
==== Plays ====
TBC