Vadyan (culture)

The Vadyans are a relatively tribal people residing in the western Vasterlands. 
== Origins and History ==
Originally, the Vadyans were Serbian and Ottoman sailors from the ships Kotromanici, Raska, and Zahumlje. They arrived as part of the Vasterlands Fleet, settling in the new towns of Atvor, Sarkap, and Tzilkar. Here they lived peacefully for centuries, expanding into the flat, marshy lands to the south and east. 
When the Gehemnians came in the 1st Century BCE, the Armedeans to the east were displaced. Many came west as refugees; these integrated into the populace in the east of the Vadyan lands, bringing their culture with them. Ever since, there as been a slight cultural divide between the east and west Vadyans.
When the Age of Migration came to an end and feudal states began to emerge elsewhere, the Vadyans kept their traditions and made few concessions to their new lifestyle. Even nowadays, the Vadyan lands are seen by others as a black box full of savage fire-worshipping brutes - and they aren't entirely wrong.
== Culture ==
Vadyans are very traditional people, with many rituals and customs involving fire and sacrifice. These are usually tied to their religion, and also to the social hierarchy that exists.
== Religion ==
Traditionally Vadyans are animal worshippers, with a five-god pantheon. These are also represented by hierarchical positions, and aspects of personality. The animals are:
* Boar: The king of beasts, with brute power to enforce its will.
* Raven: The queen/diplomat, equal parts wise and cunning.
* Squirrel: The jester/poet, upbeat and rambunctious.
* Deer: The soldier. Loyal, brave, and strong.
* Mouse/Rat: The craftsman. Practical and forward-thinking.
All of these gods are often hunted, as it is believed that the gods are not friendly with one another - rather, they vie for control of the world, with humans in the middle as the mediator. The gods send their minions to the world to take over, and it is the job of humanity to keep the balance.
In the east and south of Vadya, the Armedean Fire Pantheon has taken hold and Vadyan animal worship is slowly integrating with it. This has created a complicated system of animals and fire aspects, with fifteen major deities.
Category:Cultures