And finally, in cooperation with Doohl, I present:
Myllenoran Noble Customs
Ennobling Customs
- If a Myllenoran is a Teraphim, they are a noble, by right of Aschea's blessing.
- The only way of attaining Myllenoran nobility is through birth or Rite of the Chrysalis, a secretive ritual in which an individual becomes a Teraphim. The exact process is shrouded in mystery, and only the High Lord of Myllenoris can declare someone worthy of undergoing it.
- A Teraphim considered to have betrayed Myllenoris is stripped of any social status granted by their race, and often marked for death. This applies, to a lesser extent, to those Teraphim who do not reside in Myllenoris and contribute to the Kingdom; these Teraphim are marked by a weakened connection to the spirits, and the lack of halted aging. Such Teraphim are generally not considered noble, but are not marked for death.
Marriage Customs
- Teraphim are almost always expected to marry other Teraphim, as children of only one Teraphim parent are never Teraphim themselves. Exceptions apply if the Teraphim has bonded with a non-teraphim, naturally, but Teraphim children are very much socialised to seek out relationships within their own race.
- Due to the small size of the Teraphim population, same-sex relationships are discouraged on a cultural level. This, however, is somewhat complicated by the monogamous bond Teraphim form with their partners. Ultimately, Same-sex marriage between bonded Teraphim is completely legal and permitted.
- Marriages among or involving Teraphim must be blessed by Aschea's Faith and conducted by the High Lord themself. The bond must be proved before the High Lord in order for the marriage to be considered legitimate. Because the High Lord themself has to officiate all Teraphim marriages, there is a summer month of the year when most Teraphim marriages take place.
Dynastic Customs
- Myllenoran Nobility is racial, not Dynastic. Whilst the possibility of greater status on a lineage basis is theoretically possible, the Kingdom is too young for such a thing to have yet developed, and if so is likely to be the offspring of a High Lord. As High Lord Randor Dinedir died without issue, the closest thing to a Dynasty Myllenoris has is the lineage of High Lady Asta Hargrave, through her daughter Freya Hargrave and her husband Hadwin Hargrave.
- Due to the nature of the Teraphim's romantic bond, Myllenoran society has no concept of bastardom. If a child is born a Teraphim, they are nobility, regardless of the marital status of their parents.