CULTURE

One who cares not for their lessors, deserves no reverence.

Superstition keeps a weak hold over the western faction. Though few pay heed to tales of old, it still remains alive and well through spoken tongue. Created from clay, the Valleyfolk of Waterthorn hold reverence of the earth as tribute to their origins, giving back when possible and only ever taking what is needed. As descendants of a god scorned, many Thorns are harsh in their perception of deities, preferring to deign themselves the ruler of their own fate rather than relying on a higher power.

All Thorns grow on the same branch, and thus all Thorns are intrinsically connected to one another. To abandon your lessors is to subject them to the same cruel fate Tellura once did. Waterthorn thrives on self-improvement, aiming to push each other forward as much as possible. To become static is to share the same fate as the silt who came before them.

WATERTHORN AND OUTSIDERS

If not a thorn, then a mudling.

Having recently expunged a group of traitors and turncoats, Waterthorn is incredibly wary of Valleyfolk with no faction to call their own. Outsiders are to be treated justly, albeit harshly, in many cases. Rarely does Waterthorn receive diplomats from neighbouring factions, but when the occasion arises, visitors are to remain in a guarded den site in the Sparselands until their audience with the Gurun.

Outsiders that are not diplomatic visitors are to be chased off on sight, however. While Thorns are not the friendliest of Valleyfolk, the young/old/too ill to fend for themselves are not immediately turned away, merely they are given the bare minimum to survive until the next morning.

Those that deceive Waterthorn however, will be persecuted, facing justice as the Gurun sees fit.

All of Waterthorn guard each other with utmost importance.

WATERTHORN AND ITS MEMBERS

All thorns fall from the same branch.

Within Waterthorn, patience and loyalty to each other are valued highly. Much emphasis is placed upon loyalty, as the western faction was betrayed by the son of the former Gurun who felled his father in an assassination. He fled upon discovering and Heilang branded him with the title of Mudling.

Within the ravine, reputation and honour holds weight, many Thorns are trained to sharpen their senses but while the walls have ears, it is more likely that Thorns will turn the other way rather than eavesdrop on personal conversation. However, this is still strong enough of a deterrent to keep dissent at bay.

Additionally, while loyalty is demanded of its members, Thorns do not believe it to be something that should be easily given away. Pledges and oaths are as good as lies in the eyes of Waterthorn, and unless one performs a vow of Entwinement, only promises followed by swift action find merit in swaying opinions.