Dyrian Culture
Geographic Presence
The Dyrians are generally reckoned to be one of the older civilisations on Elthos. While historical records are as patchy as they are anywhere, their cities are in some cases ancient indeed, as people have found through uncovering old stonework and finding dates inscribed. Though there are significant differences in the economies of island cities compared with sparse inland settlements in the hills of and the lifestyles that people lead, Dyrian culture is similar throughout the region.
Values
Dyrians place a great deal of importance in acting for the betterment of the place in which they live. For most, that means simply going about their day to day, but for nobility and wealthy or influential commoners, there are additional expectations. They should always be strong representatives of their homes. In times of trouble, they may be expected to give personally to help their homes, whether of their wealth, time or expertise. In times of war, Dyrian towns can muster very substantial militias for defence. Dyrians may still migrate from one town to another, and they are expected to act on behalf of their new home in that case. It can take some time for Dyrians to take to new arrivals. In the case of non-Dyrians moving to Dyria, the need for people to prove themselves is even greater. The residents of Dyria never really bothered with this part, though are tolerated because they cause no trouble and do good work.
Dyrians hold educated and learned people in high regard and, more than the rest of the empire, promote learning for its own sake, without necessarily requiring a specific practical end. This is exemplified by the Academy of , which is a favourite destination for both Dyrians and other wealthy people from the empire.
Settlement Patterns
Dyrias tend to reside in centralised towns and cities where possible. While most people are farmers, there is no need, as there is for Adanans and other central Elthosians, to have a myriad minor rural estates which support noble knights, because Dyria has no such knightly culture. Minor nobility instead often live in the very same towns as their lieges.
Festivals
Dyrians hold great festivals to celebrate the foundings of their towns and cities. These are rarely annual and not even necessarily on the same day of the year. They invite people from all across Elthos to witness the splendour of their towns.