Editing Viamont (section)

== Culture ==

=== Religions and Beliefs ===

Among all of the great houses of Viamont, the heraldic animals are actually a hold-over from the days when the savage Viamontian tribes worshipped totem animals, and thought to draw their strength from their tribal animal. There was one tribe called the Tullio, who controlled a fort at the center of a river network and took the trout as their symbol.<ref>2006/10 [[Dance of the Dead]] - [[Announcements - 2006/10 - Dance of the Dead#Teaser|Teaser]]</ref> The Silver Stag of Bellenesse is the heraldic animal of the House of Bellenesse. <ref>2006/10 [[Dance of the Dead]] - [[The Stag of Bellenesse]]</ref> The Red Bull is the heraldic animal of the House of the Corcosi and therefore also a symbol for Sanamar.<ref>2006/10 [[Dance of the Dead]] - [[The Red Bull]]</ref> A Boar is the heraldic animal of the House of Cinghalle. <ref>2006/10 [[Dance of the Dead]] - [[The Boar of Cinghalle]]</ref> The heraldic animal of one of the other important houses, the Lotili, is unknown.


=== Customs and Traditions ===

As much as it is possible to generalize about the character of an entire nation, the Viamontians, to put it mildly, are a proud and aggressive people. They glory in battle and conquest, driven by the ambitions of their lords and by a widespread love of combat and all its trappings.<ref name=OriginsViamont>2004/11 [[The Origins and Current Disposition of Viamont]]</ref><ref name=CharLore>2005/07 [[Character Creation/Racial Lore#Viamontian|Character Creation - Racial Lore: Viamontian]]</ref>

The structure of Viamontian society is strongly based around clans or "Houses". Origin of these clans can be found in the earliest independent tribes who spent most of their time warring over territory and livestock. In general, these tribes were organized around clans and ruled by a hereditary clan chieftain. Relations between these tribes were characterized by unstable alliances, opportunistic treachery, and vicious blood feuds. The most successful clans were led by chieftains who were not only mighty warriors, but also cunning politicians.<ref name=OriginsViamont>2004/11 [[The Origins and Current Disposition of Viamont]]</ref>

The clans within themselves seemed to be free of serious internal dissension. All citations of the deaths of clan heads are attributed to war with other clans, natural causes, or misadventure. Successors to failing or dying clan chiefs were usually named by the incumbent, or anointed in ritualized trial by combat. The Viamontian national character seems to be strongly characterized by insular devotion to one's leader.<ref name=OriginsViamont>2004/11 [[The Origins and Current Disposition of Viamont]]</ref><ref name=CharLore>2005/07 [[Character Creation/Racial Lore#Viamontian|Character Creation - Racial Lore: Viamontian]]</ref>

Viamont is not a land blessed with many mines of gold or iron. However, centuries of military plunder, piracy on the seas, and dominance of trade have made them wealthy. Unlike the Rouleans, who delighted in building great cities and palaces, the Viamontians do not hesitate to channel most of their money into their army. Their armor was superior to that of many of their enemies. <ref name=Armor>2004/12 [[The Armor of the Viamontian Invaders]]</ref>