Rastorii

The Rastorii are a riverine people living around the river valleys of the Narzu River and its tributary - starting from the lower-middle reach of the river until its upper ends. It is a rich and fertile region known for irrigated agriculture, urban centers and trade networks.

General Information

• Primary Faith: Kozartism with temple-based worships, syncretism and native deities worship.
• Language: Rastorii
• Locations: Narzu River Valley, Tilai Khanate
• Minority: N/A
• Clades: Fire Macen
• Inheritance Law: Patrilineal Inheritance, Primogeniture being common with eldest sons.
• Slavery: The Rastorii extensively utilizes indentured servants and war captives, and captives are often assimilated into society over generations. Previous attempts of Siuian conquests have suppressed slavery numerous time - but the Kirigic takeover means it has taken over again as before.
• Name Generation: https://www.behindthename.com/submit/names/usage/ancient-aramaic

Cultural Traits

• Power Structure: Rastorii governance are generally based on powerful city-states with a strong merchant class and priestly elite. Kings and Rulers often come from leading merchant families or from the priestly classes. Power are based on wealth, religious authority and effective administration.
• Family Structure: Nuclear families are common but extended family ties are still respected. Patriarchy is prevalent with men typically holding authority within the household. Family honor and reputation are important.
• Gender & Sexuality: Men have an advantage in public life but women does play some significant political roles, landholdings and temple administration. Women may become priestesses, scribes and merchants. Polygamy exists among the elite but monogamy is much more common. Illegitimate children are generally frowned upon.
• Hospitality: Hospitality is sacred but also hierarchical. Guests are expected to present themselves formally and have a clear purpose for a visit. Reciprocity is expected.
• Religion: While many Rastorii have nominally converted over to Kozartism, local deities are syncretized heavily within the Kozartism framework and worshipped just as prominently as Kozart themselves. The river god - Narzu, of the same name as the river itself is seen as supremely important and is generally worshipped by non-diaspora Rastorii and accorded nearly the same importance as Kozart. Outside of Rastoriia, the river god Narzu is still often prayed to as the supreme river god. Other secondary deities tied to fertility, flood cycles and celestial movements are highly revered - despite previous Siuian attempts to suppress their worship. Priests play an important role in interpreting omens and advising kings and merchants on divine law - but generally play a secondary role in power structure.
• Charity & Gifting: Charity is considered a religious duty toward poor, widows and orphans. Wealthy individuals make contributions to the temples and offerings to the gods in hope of personal and community fortune, and sacrifices are often shared after the fact with the poor to combine both religious and charity duty.
• Conflict Resolution: Disputes are generally resolved in formal courts by judges appointed by the kings or local rulers. Rastorii generally follow a civil law traditions with clearly written laws decreed by kings.
• War: There is an insistence on just warfare and divine consultation before time of war, and war are generally done by professional forces serving city-states rulers supplemented by mercenaries.
• Magic: Water and Earth Magic are favored alongside divine magic. Healing magic are prominent. Curses are considered effective but leveraging them are considered something of last resort. Magic are heavily associated with the gods and it is believed that only people with formal religious training should be able to wield them.

Cuisine

Agriculture is central to the Rastorii way of life. It consists of grains, fruits, vegetable and fishes especially from ponds. The main form of grains are barley and wheat. Bread, stews and lentil-based dishes are staples and the Rastorii has a refined culture of wine making and olive oil production.

Ways of War

Rastorii armies primarily rely on heavily armored infantry equipped with spears, swords, axes and shields, with spearmen providing the backbone. Archers provides support - but firearms are increasingly taking over its role except from a small group of warrior elites who maintain the usage of firearms.

Cavalry forces are used - generally as heavily-armored shock cavalry supported by lighter horsemen on the flank to support. Rastorii are experienced in the usage of firearms. Mercenaries are often used - especially when it comes to horse archers which are hired from their nomadic neighbors.

Guild militias and privately funded soldiers are rather common. Certain prominent temple-ordained warrior units are trained in firearms and melee combat.

Rastorii produces skilled and talented siege engineers who commonly utilizes cannons to knock down fortifications.