Freij

Freije Known for their fringed ears, thick dark hair, and natural resistance the frigid temperatures of the north. Freije seals take on a white or pale-blue hue, contrasting against their dark skin. Typically asymmetrical and unique to each individual, they have been widely (and fittingly) remarked as resembling snowflakes and frost, consisting of radial pattern of crystal-like markings.

Matriar The military and naval prowess of Freij is recognized across Elothia, and its Matriar reflects that. As Leader and Admiral, She dons the military vestments of the region, although ornamented and embroidered to indicated Her regal station. She also carries on Her person, just as the officers under Her, a dagger and sabre. Typically these would be highly decorated commissioned works, much like Her chokha and kalpak. However the current Matriar has forgone the tradition, preferring to don and wield the standard arms of her men. As Impero recently saw a Patris leave the throne, Freij is likely to see one on theirs in the coming centuries as the current Matriar has only one son and seemingly no interest in bearing another child.

Czars State officials and Generals to Her Majesty. Much like the Matriar, Czars are outfitted in military garb and keep a dagger and sabre on their person. While still decorated to denote them as officers of import, it is not to the level of the Matriar.

Citizens Despite the high tolerance to the northern climate that they have become known for, Freije are born incredibly susceptible to the cold. Newborns are heavily swaddled in thick furs and kept indoors for the most of their first year. Even when younglings are finally able to be brought outdoors, they do so thoroughly bundled up, almost comically, in several layers of thick clothing and furs.

It's not until adolescense that the Freije's cold tolerance truly begin to build up. They begin to strip away their heavy coats, scarves and furs, and many, many, layers as the years proceed, and by their first century the typical Freije can brush off the low temperatures with far lighter apparel. To the outsider experiencing the bite of Freij's Spring chill for the first time, they may even look underdressed.

In opposition to this are the region's wealthier merchants, barons, and city officials. Setting themselves up at higher altitudes, far above the crowded docks and fish markets, even their natural resistance isn't quite enough to keep out the colder mountain winds. As a result, upper class Draken remain relatively bundled up well after maturing - a fact that's earned the ridicule of many common folk, thinking it make them look childish.

Impero

Imperian Identifiable from other Draken groups for their longer ears and rich mahogany hair which is typically kept in long braids. Seal patterns appear light and golden on the skin, and form as curled, budding branches. At first glance, their appearance is very similar to the seals of Callenae but are especially distinct for a small flower bud marking that appears on the back of the hands, the tops of feet, and on the center of the forehead.

Matriar The Imperian Matriar is most recognizable by Her headdress: a hennin embroidered with the regional flower, the Highland Peony, decorated with golden trims and coins, and a long, sheer veil which ends come down to tuck into Her dress' cuffs. She carries with her a Shamshir, that also bears the Highland Peony on it's scabbard, which has passed down from Matriar to Matriar. Until recently, Impero was in the unique position of being led by a Patris, an interim male royal who takes the throne until a female heir is born and is of age to ascend.

Viziers Provincial overseers and direct advisors to the Matriar. The vestements of Viziers consist of a mid-length overcoat, gold trimmed cuffs, and a stole embroidered with the Highland Peony pinned atop the shoulder. They also carry at their sides ornamented daggers, which are specially commisioned for them when they are appointed the position.

Citizens By and large, the Draken of Impero are a vibrant people - covering themselves in various patterned dresses, vests, belts and scarves. Headscarves, a common adornment, range from sheer veils with delicate embroideries to billowing shawls woven with family heraldries, peonies and other regional symbols. They are worn loosely by most Imerpians to protect the braids they are widely known for, a practice done to honour and resemble the Drakes of the region. It is common for younglings to have fully wrapped headscarves until their hair is long enough to be braided.

And exception to the common practices is a recent surge of wealthier young adults eschewing traditional patterns for clean, single toned attire in an attempt to make themselves known from the masses. Additionally, many choose to forego headscarves or even braids altogether, much to the ire of the older generation.

Callaenia

Callenae Distiguished by their horns, fringed ears, and most especially by the gemstone ornamentation embedded along their abdomens - a trait shared with the Drakes of the region. Seal patterns appear pale on the skin, ranging from off-white to golden, and form as typically symmetrical, vine-like swirls.

Matriar As with all Draken regions, Callaenia is led by a Matriar. Ornate Palla and jewelry aside, She is denoted by her veiled tiara and extensively decorated abdomen. The eventual gemstone arrangement is decided the birth with artisans and jewelers across Callaenia competing against one another for the honour of having their stones and designs used by the royal family.

Senators One rung below the Matriar on the governmental hierarchy. Distinguished from lesser governing figures by their long, pure white Pallas - typically worn fully enclosed or exposing one shoulder - and Stoles with the vows of their high office woven on them hung from the horns. With their proximity to the Matriar, they keep their abdomens covered in respect of Her Majesty.

Citizens The upper class are defined by their vanity. Pallas are worn loosely and in ways that do not obscure their abdomens. They decorate themselves in extravagant patterns with a wide assortment of stones, families often trying one up one another with the quality and arrangement of their acquisitions. This posturing only ceases in the presence of the Matriar, as bearing ones abdomen before Her is seen as a social faux pas.

While grandios displays of wealth are the property of the upper crust, the common Callenae takes a more modest approach to wardrobe.

Children Babies receive their first gemstone, typically, 3 to 6 months after birth. The Donum is mostly witnessed by family, and among the common folk, the gem is one that has been plucked from one of the parents. Younglings are kept largely sheltered for the most of their first decade to keep foreign and unwanted materials from embedding in their abdomens. Its not until their second Donum and the gifting of their first Palla that younglings are fully socialized with one another.