Luaria
Luaria is the dark side of Saylua. In contrast to Sayleus, Luaria is always night. The people of Luaria are called Luarians. Compared to Sayleus, Luaria has a significantly lower population. Although the population of Luaria is increasing, the region still has not fully recovered from the aftermath of losing much of its population during The Impact. Luaria is also much colder and darker than Sayleus, causing the region to be more difficult for humans to inhabit. However, humans who live on Luaria pride their extremely close connection with magic and nature. While Sayleans tend to live a more fast-paced life focused on the gathering of knowledge and the progression of technology, Luarians require significant connection with pets and magic simply to survive.
Luarian Pets
Life in Luaria
Luaria's geography was forever transformed by the impact, which brought devastation but also a source of hope. Today, humans and animals alike depend on plants that absorb magical energy from the auroras. Even with this blessing, life is very difficult amid the constant darkness and cold. Families stick together for the most part, and in many villages you can find four generations living under the same roof. Tucked away in valleys and clearings, these villages provide a refuge that can feel cut off from the outside world, although trade and travel between villages is not uncommon.
A Luarian village in many ways acts as a nation unto itself, with its own shifting politics between and within the large families. Outsiders can expect a warm welcome but one that some have described as superficial or untrusting. The truth is many Luarians remain skeptical of outsiders until they have proven themselves over a period of time and become part of the community.
Since death is a daily reality in the frozen countryside, many Luarians have adopted a somewhat cavalier outlook. Taking risks is essential to survive, and the casual manner in which Luarians conduct themselves in the face of danger can be unnerving to those not accustomed to it. Luarian folklore is filled with great songs and tales of heroism, and children are taught to emulate the heroes of the past, in so being remembered by future generations. Interestingly enough, some interpret infamy as an equally acceptable path to cultural immortality, so long as one is not hated completely. Hunting and trapping from a young age, Luarians train in magic continuously leading to an almost intuitive magical aptitude.
Those who are unwilling to work will find themselves unwelcome in Luarian villages, with those who are especially uncooperative being cast out into the wilderness. The insular nature of Luarian society combined with the stresses faced by communities lead to a legal system that could be described as permissive. Aside from the universal crimes such as theft, Luarian justice focuses on keeping people safe from others in their use of magic, for sparring or otherwise. Harming animals or companions unnecessarily is considered one of the most extreme crimes under Luarian customs, and is usually cause for immediate exile.
