The Drulons are a people of strong beliefs and extreme discipline. Every member of society has a determined place in society and does not stray from that path. Every job is important and all people take great pride in their work and accomplishments within their field. The Drulons are also a deeply religious people that will protect their beliefs and the holy land to the death. As a result of the past wars the Drulons remain distrustful of foreign priests of any religion but will not speak out against other religious beliefs for fear of causing another series of wars.
The daily life of a Drulon consists of farming, foraging, hunting and fishing with the spare time spent in pursuing their tested profession or skill and in religious devotions. Drulons believe that all people are either "gifted" with the knowledge of their parents upon their birth or learn upon the field of battle. Young Drulons are put through the Tests of Knowledge by the age of 12. These tests determine whether or not the Drulon was born with the "gifts" of its parents. If a child is gifted, it immediately serves under the trade or profession of the parents and follows in the parent's footsteps. If the child is not gifted, the city's warriors will put the child through a series of warrior tests. These are known as the Kakaril (Rites of Warriorship). If the child passes the rites, they can enter the ranks of the warriors and be taught there. If not, then the Drulon is outcast into the holy lands to fend for it self and are branded with the Mark of Shame on the forehead.
Drulons are very proper and orderly. Everything is meticulously organized and structured. The typical Drulon home consists of few furnishings but the ones that are there are very sturdy and serviceable. Each home will probably have one or two treasured items, usually heirlooms, which they display in a prominent location. Within the home the mother is considered the authority and all males obey her command. All affairs outside the home are the domain of men and are handled at meeting halls or plazas. Marriage is considered a blessing of Aaedia and is a lifelong commitment to one partner. Inheritance is bi-lineal and passes on to the eldest child regardless of sex so long as they remain loyal to Suva and Choath. All other siblings either live with the eldest or are cast out to make their own way.
Hair and how it is worn is a very strong indicator of social and cultural status to the Drulons. Fashion and trends vary from clan to clan. Typically females will not cut their hair until married and then maintain that length the rest of their lives. Drulons have become masters of hair-weaving and can craft intricate knots and designs into hair. The upper class male and females invest heavily in this art. Among the men, there are a variety of beads and patterns that can be woven into the hair and beards to signify social and political accomplishments, men killed in battle, marital status, heritage, and even disgraces that they are still atoning for.
Every transaction that occurs in the great swamp is done through binding contracts. Contracts range from the delivering of product to the slaying of people. Contracts are always held to the letter of the contract and verbal agreements are not considered binding. Suva Nalor has declared that all merchants and healers residing in Retieroum are exempt from the yearly labor tithe that all other citizens must give their clan and kingdom.
Drulon's also enjoy festivals, tournaments and holidays. Waerrn hosts weekly gladiatorial and arena games for the pleasure of the populace. On the day of onset of a full moon, a battle is set-aside for those brave enough to desire entrance into the elite Sun Guard. This battle is a melee free-for-all, (thought teams are often formed in the beginning) with strict entrance requirements. It ends when one person is left alive. In the event that there is only one entrant then the tournament will be postponed a lunar cycle. Guilds, clans, and citizens can hold their own festivals and games with the approval and oversight of a Tovari.
A yearly Olympics is also held just outside Waerrn city walls. Participants from around the entire world travel to compete and earn generous prizes and fame.
Customs and Beliefs
The great swamps are considered the holy lands. With this in mind, all peoples shall be one with the lands. The Drulon people treat every creature in the swamp as if it was the holiest of creatures. Many blessings are said when even the smallest of creatures is harmed unintentionally. Everything you take, you must use. Waste is unacceptable in the swamps.
Mythology and Folklore
A gladiator named Nerikil stood against 21 brave warriors with only a net and a sword in the great arena. Not only did Nerikil defeat the 21 warriors, but he never shed a drop of blood to do it. In the same event, he won his freedom and was asked to lead the Drulon armies to victory in the War of the Nine Kings. Before this could happen, he was slain in his sleep. It is believed his spirit still roams the great swamps in searching of his armies.
Numerous other stories exist of great beasts hiding in the swamp and also of balls of light that lead lost travelers to their deaths.
Current Issues
Salanians are hated with a passion. Their skulls shall decorate the walls of Nalor's palace. Northerners are considered kill on sight. Anyone following the teachings of Adell is also kill on sight.
Tensions with the violent Vod clan are a daily affair.
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