Nation of Kyr
The people of Kyr see life as a series of intellectual challenges to be considered and solved. Individual achievement is highly prized, but the contributions of the individual strengthen the whole. More cosmopolitan than other nations, the Kyrie do not have tribes, but possess three lofted cities amid the sharp peaks and redwood forests of their challenging land. In these enclaves, they keep the collected knowledge of the people and the world.
The lofted cities are centers of culture, politics, thought, and learning; all things that the Kyrie value highly. They see each person's voice as both their bond and their right; they consider a verbal agreement "given breath" and every bit as binding as a written one (though really, get it in writing too). They organize their cities by democratic participation; all adult Kyrie are expected and required to participate, barring specific inability and exception. This is seen as a sacred duty, and failure to fulfill it usually results in various punishments.
There are two aspects to political participation: The Lottery and the Vote. Each year, the lottery draws 50 names from each city and an additional 50 from smaller settlements and outlying lands, who are required to serve in the government, administering all civil projects and drafting/revising laws for the year. New laws are submitted to the yearly Vote, in which all adult Kyrie and permanent residents (including Kyr-Ora) must take part.
The most important things to the Kyrie are competitive aspiration, innovation, and the Song. The Kyrie enjoy intellectual challenges and puzzles of all kinds, and enjoy both sports and games of all kinds. They are constantly pushing the boundaries of architecture, magic, and arcanatech, looking for ways to build ever upward and improve life in their challenging environment.
Additionally, if a citizen wishes to remain in their government role, they may submit themselves to the vote for a specific term, which must be approved by the citizenry. For such votes, resident foreigners and Kyr-Ora are not allowed to participate, as they are unable to themselves be subject to the Lottery or hold government office. If an extension of office is approved, the office holder is exempted from the Lottery for the year following the end of their term. Conflict resolution is not considered part of government service in this way, and is typically outsourced to the Kyr-Ora.
Particularly exciting are efforts to preserve the recorded voice, given the importance of Song to the Kyrie. Families share and pass down a sacred Song that is unique to the family; and sung at special occasions such as weddings, funerals, and the like. To the Kyrie, the Song captures and expresses the very breath of life, and they are very fond of music and skilled musicians, especially singers.
Kyrie Names
Given Names
Kyrie names reference Tibetan, Nepalese, and Tolkien Elf (Mostly Mirkwood) names. However, they are usually not more than two syllables in the first name (diminutives or pet names excepted). Short, Greek inflected names like Niko or Etna can work too. Some Kyrie go by diminutives ending in -kin or -net (Kammakin, Pemmekin, Tannet, Kammenet). Kyrie names can generally be used for any gender.
Family Names
Kyrie names are structured as [given name] [family name]. Kyrie surnames typically honor an ancestor; older or more well known family houses reference the oldest known ancestor or most famous member of the house.
Name Examples
Aera Kri
Jin Samlo
Pemet Shir
Niko Lam
Turin Kursang