VASRNA
Land
Folk & More
Music
The Land
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Vasrna is the land of the dunes, nomads, settlers and, of course, heat. When outsiders visit Vasrna, they hardly ever leave the well-prepared capital, Vasrnara, protected by its tall walls and blessed with the coolness of its half-buried buildings.
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This extensive desert found its name in its discoverer, Arvus Vasrna. Different tales and stories are passed on from parents to children on how the land was discovered. While some say he was guided there by the god of knowledge, Arzos, others state that he travelled every single corner of the desert until he found the remains of an ancient civilisation.
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The capital was built atop an underground library Arvus Vasrna found, or was guided to find. There lay hundreds of thousands of pages filled with ancient knowledge and understanding of the world, with newer tomes being translated year after year. Any sage worth their salt will visit the library at least once in their life.
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Vasrna is also known as the land of merchants. Thousands gather before the gates of the capital during Vasrna's yearly market, where caravans arrive from all across the world. Exotic fruits and liquors, trinkets, fine silks, colourful carpets, oddities and a range of the latest inventions can be found and bought (or haggled for) at unreasonable prices. But most Vasrnarii like to spend, and come well-prepared for the occasion.
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Both the market and the library are exclusive to the Osvarii. Vasarigæ are not allowed.
The City of Danarak
Illustration by Lauma Sliņķe
Merchant Market in Vasrnara
Illustration by Elin Nylund
The Folk
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Vasrnarii are commonly known as the settlers of the desert. Their fennec ears allow them to regulate their body temperatures and survive the extreme heat of the land much better than other osvarii. The symbols on a Vasrnari's face will be crimson.
One may encounter three different kinds of Vasrnarii in the desert and its oasis. The first and most common folk would be the Vasrnagii, inhabitants of the capital and different settlements that, in time, have become modest villages and towns. As merry as a Vasrnagii may seem, they strictly follow the rules of the land and are unwilling to take unnecessary risks, as would be going on an unplanned adventure.
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On the other hand, Vasrnasii are outsiders that have moved to Vasrna and who don't share most of the Vasrnarian customs, culture or languages. They are usually apprentices from other regions of the world who have moved there temporarily, or those who happened to marry a Vasrnagi.
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And finally, the Vasrnii. As nomads, they have found a way of living in the desert through trade and permits. An average group of Vasrnii will not hold more than forty or fifty people, including children, one or two mentors, four guards and a great number of merchants. The most incredible markets in Vasrna are set up by Vasrnii, and many Vasrnagii and Vasrnasii spend the day there for the sheer pleasure of haggling.
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Irym, City Guard
Illustration by Lauma Sliņķe
Taya, Merchant
Illustration by Elin Nylund
Specialisations
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Most Varsnarii thrive as librarians, historians, scribes, merchants, accountants, parchment-makers and explorers. They are perceived as organised and number experts by other folk, hence why it isn't rare to see them far from their motherland, some working in the Tarkhian glaciers.
According to the Mrygat, the mahrym specialisations commonly chosen by Vasrnarii are Materia, Transformation and Illusion, as well as Morphing and Elemental mahrym, to a more limited extent.
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Faith
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Though a greater part of the Vasrnaii is accepting of all seven major deities, they worship god Arzos above all others. It is very difficult to come across temples built in honour of any other god or goddess. Those who worship Arzos are commonly known as Arzosii.
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Arzosii's offerings to the god differ greatly from other faiths, in the sense that everything they give is immaterial, including knowledge learnt, effort, overcoming hardships, and so on. In return, it is said god Arzos will grant them wisdom to better understand the world around them.
There are no shrines to worship minor deities in Vasrna. Worshippers of minor deities are encouraged to carry a holy symbol (usually a necklace, a bracelet or a ring).
Deities resembling animals are forbidden across the land, as are those connected in any manner to the Vasarigæ.
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