Aelarvisian (culture)
Originally inhabiting the countless city-states of what is presently western Etepezea, the Aelarvisians were an ancient culture that united the Shattered Coast and forged a mighty empire in blood. Infamous for their arrogance, but famed for the sternness of their people, Aelarvisians were masters of war who founded the first Imperial armies that could truly be called legions, in contrast to the disorganized levies that preceded them. As a whole, they are renowned for aspiring to establish order through subjugation, and accordingly there have been many notable conquerors of Aelarvisian extract over the ages.
Both the nobility of the Aelarvisians and exceptional soldiers were known to eschew the riding of traditional mounts such as horses in favor of the legendary and terrible Dragons. This earned them the moniker of 'Dragonriders'. These Dragonriders formed deep bonds with their mounts that transcended race and even blurred the line between servants and dear companions.
Aelarvisian culture would ultimately give way to Aversarian culture as the Aautokrata redoubled its efforts to forge a new imperial identity out of the many identities within it.