Post by Anja Rosenthal on Jul 5, 2015 17:46:29 GMT -8
Rusalkan Traditions & Tributes
The Merfolk have many traditions that have spread through their culture and history as a race, and some of these traditions involve landers and other races, especially when it comes to tributes.
Merfolk are not always the traditional type, but some, especially those within the Vahsa'i path, enjoy learning them and welcome the traditional histories and lore.
Some of the traditions of the Merfolk are based around life milestones, while others are based around past events or history markers that happened throughout the time the merfolk have been within Valesk or the lands surrounding it.
Traditions
1. Beliefs:
Merfolk have always been a people of ancient beliefs, and thus have Gods and Goddesses to worship and seek wisdom, blessings, and advice from the Gods. This is simply part of Merfolk culture and society to take part in this worship, though not all Merfolk believe in the Gods or believe in worshiping them though, predominantly, most do.
2. Mating:
Merfolk tend to take a mate at some point in their lives, be it strictly for reproduction, for love, or for life. This tradition does not have much ado as most takes place between each mated pair, however, sometimes mating will involve the production of offspring. Some sub species of Merfolk have different ways of reproducing, and one should look through the guide on sub species reproduction.
MORE TO COME....
Tributes
The Merfolk, as inhabitants and caretakers of the waters hold the landers to Tributes, that they must pay in order to have certain rights or abilities or use of the Merfolk waterways of Valesk. If these Tributes are not paid, the Merfolk hold the right to preform a Tribute Feast.
1. Ship Safety:
Throughout the world surrounding Valesk and its waterways, ships come and go to serve the islands with food, supplies, and even people. But within the Isle of Valesk itself, the Merfolk control and watch over the waterways, and demand a tribute be paid for these ships entering and leaving Valesk that they might be safely received and departed.
2. Storm Safety:
Sometimes the Isles are victim to storms that can crash ships along the reefs, tragedies, to be sure. But on these stormy nights, the Merfolk patrol the waters for those who have paid tributes, keeping their ships and smaller boats safe. Even patrolling along the shorelines to keep the people of those who have paid their tributes safe from the strong waves and winds.
3. Transporting the Deceased:
Some cultures believe in relieving the dead to the waters, to return them to the depths of the ground where we all came from. Within Valesk, this is seen as an offence against the Merfolk unless a tribute is paid for each body that is handed to the Merfolk for returning to the depths and its cold watery embrace.
4. Calling Attention:
When someone required the attention of or desires to see Merfolk, it is considered customary to drop a few coins into the water as tribute for the Merfolk parting their busy schedules and attending to the lander who wishes to see them.
5. Supplies:
Sometimes landers require help from the plants or deposits within waters, or they wish to hunt for items of value below the surface. This is also considered offensive unless tribute is paid for what they take from the Merfolk.
6. Over Fishing:
As landers require the use of Merfolk waters for food. Fishing is permitted, but the Merfolk keep careful watch over the populations of fish within the waters of Valesk. If the waters become over fished, a tribute will be required for the extra fish that are taken as food.
