Clan Moreling

[Lunari]

[ C U R R E N T L Y   E X T I N C T ]

Living Members: Jayna Moreling & Eoin Rodain

Symbol: Lion
Element: Fire
Colors: Red, black, gold (metal, not yellow)
Values: Bravery, protecting others, honesty, freedom
Leader: Jayna Moreling
Aesthetic: here
Culture:
Society

• The Moreling clan will adopt outcasts from other clans who wish to join. Those who join are considered ‘cubs’ and live as members of the clan until they have some kind of defining moment--helping during another family’s crisis, demonstrating bravery in battle, etc--they are given an initiation. This ceremony closely resembles a wedding, but the person commits themself to the clan, and they are given an emblem to wear, typically in the form of either a pendant or a ring.
• People do not keep secrets from the clan; to do so implies you are ashamed of whatever it is. It is expected that you will be honest enough to display your views and decisions in public.
• They strongly believe it is better to die trying to do the right thing than to stand idly by while others are harmed.
  
• While the clan chieftain is considered the leader, they are very much of the mindset that a leader is but a trusted servant. The chieftain will meet with heads of families before major decisions and values the input of others. All decisions made are for the good of the clan and all of Aldsage. They do not live in larger homes than the others unless needed for their family size, and they do not expect others to obey them without question. In fact! Questioning decisions and respectful debate are encouraged. Shouting and insults are not.
• The general community is loud! Loud music, loud conversation, even colors are loud in decor. They are quick to celebrate achievements and love music and dancing.
• Showing emotion is accepted and valued: loud anger is expected to counter injustice, loud grief when losing family, loud/obvious affection for those you care for.
• The cultural expectation is that if you have enough for luxuries and extras, you had best be using your surplus to help those who do not, or at least spending as much on others as you do on yourself. Being miserly or selfish is considered a major character flaw.
• Morelings are very comfortable with physical affection and will hug/touch/lean on those who they are close with. There is no gender barrier to this either, so long as you are not being sexual about it--men hug each other as much as women do etc.
• Both men and women can be warriors, and no distinction is made between them in terms of laws or expectations other than modesty (women are expected not to go topless, but may wear pants).
• Warriors grow out their hair and shave or cut it after a defeat. Because of this, intricate hairstyles are popular. If you have long hair, you are strong, and you show that off by caring for it and styling it.
• Piercings are also popular among Morelings--ears, nose, eyebrows, tongue, you name it. Piercings are not typically allowed until the age of 18, and then the new adults can do as many as they like. This is more a fashion trend than anything, unlike the hair. 

Combat

• The Moreling combat style is impossible to generalize. Each member has their own specialties and style. (Partially because members often originated in other clans.) They work together as a diverse but surprisingly cohesive unit.
• The most general thing you can say is that they prize teamwork.
• When going into battle, Morelings wear armor decorated with the Lion Rampant symbol, red coloring, and intricate braided hairstyles.  

Courting/Marriage/Funerals

• Moreling weddings are a massive affair. While the initial ceremony is limited to the spouses and their immediate family, a massive banquet is then held for the entire clan to celebrate the couple. They are given gifts of needed items to make sure that their household is ready to begin.
• Private Ceremonies: This is determined by the couple, but typically vows are made between the two of them.
• Clothing is brightly colored, flowers and other plant life are worn in hair and beards.
• Same sex couples are uncommon, but not unheard of among Morelings.
• Morelings marry for love, not status or titles. Sure, some people still marry into families they know can provide the luxuries they want, but most of the clan is on an even standing with each other financially.
• In the Moreling’s culture, the goal of a marriage is to create a family unit, not so much a legal or financial agreement, although they are expected to work as equals in providing for the family.
• Divorce is legal, but the reasons for it must be witnessed by at least three other people and approved by the clan leader. The goal is that the couple attempt to work it out before taking drastic action. In cases of abuse, the abusive member is expelled from the clan.
• Funerals: Moreling funerals take 3 days. 
  • Day 1: The body is dressed in all white burial garments and anointed with scented oils. Only a chosen few from either near family or close friends participate in this right. The person may be displayed with weapons if they were a warrior, or with other tokens of their contributions to the clan.
  • Day 2: The body is displayed for others to pay their respects. Offerings are made of drinks poured into the soil or burned foods. Mourning is loudly displayed by wailing and sobbing mourners. Not showing any grief is considered rude if you attend. Silent tears are acceptable. The body must be attended by a family member or chosen friend from sunrise on the second day until sunrise on the third.
  • Day 3: A pyramid shaped funeral pyre is constructed with the body at its center. At sunset the pyre is burned. Once the fire begins, so does a celebration of life--mourning is over and instead the person is celebrated for the joy and love that they created during their time in the clan. Stories of the person are told around the fire, and legends are told when those stories run out. Again, it is customary that someone be present until nothing but ashes remains.