Valhynian

*"I've never seen a genocide of people so surgically efficient. The innocent and benevolent power of Valhynia, and its people - torn to shreds by hungry wolves."*

## Origin

Rooted in tradition, and ancient customs, the Valhynians are the oldest existing peoples across Edafos. While these people were often slaves to the Prolesians, they influenced the Prolesian Empire far more than it'd care to admit. Liskarranism truly descends from the Valhynians due to their superstitious beliefs, furthermore some integral influences saw even the Myzaean Empire adopt some of Valhynia's attire and military structure.

These people were disunified, as some legends go - brought together by King Lazarynov. Founding the city of Lazar, it is viewed as the home of Valhynia and to the people. Often were pilgrimages made to the city, but now due to the constant threat of war and enslavement, the city hasn't been seen by free eyes of Valhynians for nearly two-hundred years.

To the world, Valhynians are seen as a people who were too rigid and traditional to adapt to the changing times. Valhynians however, are always seen as survivors - persistently remaining in this world even when the world desires them gone. The calloused hands of the Valhynian man paves way for good fortune, be it their own or their master's.

Currently, Valhynian people scatter the world, though mostly inhabit the Great Plains of Valhynia. While most of Valhynian culture remains in the far west, there is a clear sect whom live on the Galatian Isles. These Valhyni-Galatians, or simply Galatians are much more freeform and flexible than their traditionally stubborn cousins.

## Culture

### Military

War is viewed as secondary, but necessary to a Valhynian. Battle is a religious affair and integral to one's immortality. Often are the Valhynians subject to believe they are destined by God as the wardens of his dogma. While many other Kingdoms and Empires simply prepare for battle through a meek prayer, or a tactical reconsideration, Valhynians often find themselves bringing forth incense and blessing their weapons with ash.

Preparation for war to a Valhynian is reassuring that what they may do, and how they may act is not in commitment of sin, but an extension of their pure bodies and noble expectations believed upon them by God. Extensive care is done before battle, and often are Valhynians exploited because of their commitment to their faith.

Valhynians have their own personal knights - known as Bogatyrs. Bogatyrs are not typical knights, but are slayers and hunters. A Valhynian rarely leaves the hobbles they were raised in, but those who do normally serve themselves as Bogatyrs. Since the Great Catastrophe, Boyars act as monster hunters - cleansing their sacrosanct lands from filth.

### Domestic

Valhynians are seen as much more rudimentary in style, but when they construct great monuments virtually nothing compares. These people focus more on minimalistic appearance than exaggerated. Often is the most ornate buildings in a Valhynian village is the church, and always is the steeple rounded or domed.

Valhynian construction is also uniquely rarely surrounded in a palisade. Across the Great Plains outside of major cities, towns were never surrounded in walls or defenses. Due to Valhynia's strength and size alone it was able to deter the bold for a time, and thusly the people believed that scattering ash along the fringes of their towns along with day-long walks around the town would prevent its destruction.

Priests who are Valhynian will often swallow ash to reassure that the actions they make will not bring them to selfishness in their teachings, only spread its dogma and how one can serve and await for the Savior.

To the Valhynians, God is King, and thusly no Valhynian shall carry the title of King, or Emperor. Grand Prince is the highest title one can carry. However, this tradition has melted away in the eastern lands of Andalonia, land of the eastern Valhynians or "Galatians".

### Appearance

Valhynians are typically large, and bearded people. Religion abhors shaven men, and often do Valhynians wear beards which vary in size. Valhynians usually have blonde hair, and are oddly more resistant to Magic. No Valhynian in history has ever had magical capabilities, and to the culture it is believed to be a blessing. Abnormal Valhynians are short, and thin. Oddly enough, Valhynians in the Galatian Isles occasionally have full-white hair at a young age. Rare defects or appearances such as white-striking hair or even red-striking hair is to be a gift from God.

Valhynian names are quite unique, though a rough translation from the Prolesian mixing before the Collapse. Naming conventions usually have an "-ov", "-vich", or "-sky/ski", though feminine iterations often add a "-ovna", "vichnya", or "skya/skia" at the end of their first or last names. Valhynians from Galatia however carry more Varandian style names, or Andalic names.