The Aurelians

The Aurelians are an ethnic and cultural group found primarily among the noble families of the Kingdom of Lumeris. They embody the kingdom's traditional ideals of hope, light, and optimism, believing that Lumeris should stand as a shining beacon against the darkness of the world.
Aurelians are easily recognized by their elegant clothing, which almost exclusively features shades of gold, silver, white, and brilliant yellow. Their garments are often decorated with polished metals, gemstones, embroidery, and reflective fabrics designed to shimmer in the light. To an Aurelian, appearance is symbolic—the brighter one presents themselves, the more they embody the ideals of hope and prosperity.

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

Aurelians strive to maintain an optimistic outlook in every aspect of life. They encourage others to focus on the positive, celebrate success, and believe that hope should never be abandoned, even during times of hardship.
While these qualities can make them inspiring leaders and compassionate companions, many Aurelians take this philosophy to an unhealthy extreme.
Some refuse to acknowledge unpleasant realities, believing that dwelling on darkness only gives it power. Others avoid difficult conversations altogether, insisting on looking only at the brighter side of every situation. In the worst cases, noble responsibilities are neglected because they convince themselves that everything is already going well, especially when surrounded by retainers who hesitate to deliver bad news.
As a result, discussing serious political, military, or social issues with an Aurelian outside of formal meetings can be frustrating. Many will politely change the subject, redirect the conversation toward something more hopeful, or simply insist that events will work themselves out.

Declining Tradition

The Aurelian way of life was once admired throughout Lumeris as the perfect representation of the kingdom's ideals. However, the prolonged War of Ash and Radiance has steadily eroded public support for their philosophy.
Many younger nobles view the older generation of Aurelians as hopelessly naïve, believing they have mistaken optimism for denial. While they appreciate the importance of hope, they argue that ignoring the harsh realities of war only weakens the kingdom.
Their distinctive fashion has also become a point of criticism. The insistence on wearing only brilliant colors while looking down upon darker clothing is increasingly viewed as arrogant, outdated, and disconnected from the sacrifices being made across Lumeris.
Despite this decline, many Aurelians continue to inspire those around them with genuine kindness and unwavering hope. At their best, they remind others that even in the darkest times, there is still light worth protecting. At their worst, they become symbols of privilege, refusing to acknowledge the suffering unfolding beyond the walls of their estates.