Layor (culture)

Family

Orphans

So much of the Layoran way of life is about the ancestors, and family, that being an orphan is a curse. Ignored by society, except for the occassional scrap from a sympathetic soul. Orphans often find life is short unless they can find a way to secure food and shelter. Often this takes the form of indentured servatude, slightly above full thralldom, depending on one's parentage. Occassionally, women who have recently lost a infant child will adopt an orphan to fill the void in their heart, but it is a rare occurrence.

Ceremonial

Death

Amongst the Layoran peoples someone who is too old to be a contributing member of society, is usually assisted in joining the ancestors through a ceremonial euthanasia. This is a time of mixed emotions, but generally seen as an honourable act. Better to die in the presence of family, and celebration of one's life, than to wither away in ones bed.

Choosing when to die is part of Layoran culture. However, suicide is considered shameful unless it is done ceremonially and with knowledge that the person is really at the end of their life. Checking out early puts a burden on ones family, as they have to work harder with one less pair of hands. The lands of the Layoran peoples are harsh and somewhat unforgiving, so it is seen as dishonourable to give up the fight early.

The ceremony is for family, but the religious leader of the community will attend and perform the necessary rites. They could refuse to attend, which would involve a scandal, for either the 'priest' or the family of the soon to be departed. If the person in question is important enough to the whole community then the ceremony is much more public, similar to a state funeral, but more like a living wake the honoured one gets to attend.