HC Empire

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Symbols

• The holy symbol of the Sturian Church is a mountain with the god Huth atop it, the Sun in his hand.
• The insignia of the Empire is a hand holding a glowing orb.

Customs

Everyone in the Empire knows that the Gods, the Giants and Nymphs of legend, and the Saints, reincarnate and walk among us in various guises. Some of the customs derive from this.

• Buildings and Lornsons. As Lornsons are accorded great respect in the Empire, most of the more notable buildings are constructed with large portals and high ceilings. The reverse is true in service quarters of a building - it would be quite bizarre to construct high doors as a Lornson would never be expected to enter.

• Giftstones. It is customary, when meeting a stranger for the first time, to exchange Giftstones or Godstones. A stranger could be a reincarnated god, and it would be unwise to cross a god. Therefore, citizens carry with them stones, usually of varying worth, to be exchanged according to the stranger met. In some circles, semi-precious or even gem stones are used. In others, carved and smoothed wooden 'pebbles' may be gifted, as a sign of the gifter's humility.

• Hathari, Lornsons and Priests are universally accorded great respect.

• Hospitality. Again, a stranger knocking at your door may be a god, so it is customary to give hospitality to anyone who comes seeking it.