The concept of marriage took several centuries to be developed, as it was not a concept the fragments used before. Later on, Luthien, seeing how marriage reinforced her ideals and brought even more faithful to her, she started blessing those rituals, amplifying positive feelings the participants had for each other, while reducing negative ones. While some races and nations developed their own procedures and rituals for what was later referred to as "marriage", some other simply adopted the neighboring practices instead. On the other hand, Izalith discovered that pushing mortals to break the bond of marriage, feeds her even more.
Elven marriage
Prior to the ceremony, the betrothed couple would embark on a journey to gather special items to be used in the wedding ritual. The groom would search for a rare flower, found only in the deepest parts of the forest, while the bride would gather feathers from the most beautiful birds. Once these items were acquired, they would present them to the elven elders, who would bless them with sacred words. On the day of the wedding, the bride and groom would don traditional elven garb, adorned with intricate embroidery and fine jewels. The ceremony would take place beneath a canopy of trees, with the sounds of a gentle stream in the background. The bride and groom would stand facing each other, surrounded by their friends and family, as the elven priestess began to recite ancient vows in a language long forgotten by the mortal world. As the priestess spoke, the groom would present the rare flower to his bride, symbolizing his eternal devotion to her. The bride, in turn, would gift the groom with the feathers she had collected, representing the beauty and grace he had brought into her life. They would exchange rings made from the purest silver, signifying the unbreakable bond they shared. After the vows were spoken, the newlyweds would participate in a dance, weaving around the trees and through the sunlight that filtered down from the canopy above. The elven bards would play hauntingly beautiful music, as the couple was showered with petals from the surrounding flowers. As the sun began to set, the couple would retire to a private room, where they would consummate their marriage and begin their life together. The guests would remain in the forest, feasting on fruits and berries, drinking from crystal goblets, and singing songs of love and joy that would echo through the forest until dawn.
Dwarven marriage
Before the wedding, the groom would craft a necklace of precious gems and metals, to be presented to his bride as a symbol of his love and devotion. The bride, in turn, would craft a pair of matching bracelets, signifying her acceptance of his proposal. Both families of the participants would craft a weapon or armor as a gift to each other, that would serve as heirloom. Sometimes instead of crafting a new one, they would upgrade their previous heirlooms and gift them. On the day of the wedding, the bride and groom would dress in their finest attire, adorned with jewelry crafted by their own hands. They would meet in the great hall of their clan, where they would be joined by their families and friends, as well as the clan elders, who would preside over the ceremony. The ceremony would begin with a solemn procession, led by the bride and groom, as they made their way to the center of the hall. The dwarven priest would then begin to recite ancient vows, invoking the blessings of the dwarven gods upon the couple. After the vows were spoken, the groom would present the necklace to his bride, symbolizing his love and commitment to her. The bride would then place the bracelets upon the groom's wrists, signifying her acceptance of his proposal and her own commitment to their union. As the ceremony drew to a close, the couple would join hands and share a toast of mead, signifying the strength and resilience of their bond. The guests would then feast on roasted meats and hearty breads, drinking from flagons of ale and singing songs of love and loyalty. Thus, the dwarven marriage ritual would conclude, a testament to the strength and fortitude of the dwarven race, bound by the ties of kinship and the honor of their traditions.
Halfling Marriage
The wedding ceremony begins with the exchange of vows between the bride and groom. They promise to love and cherish each other, and the guests cheer and applaud. However, this is just the beginning of the festivities. In halfling tradition, it is believed that a bit of trickery is necessary to ensure a happy marriage. As the couple is pronounced husband and wife, the guests begin to plot their mischief. One common prank involves the wedding cake. The cake is typically a towering confection with multiple layers, and it is the centerpiece of the reception. However, the halfling guests have been known to swap out the cake with a fake one made of wood or clay. The bride and groom are then tasked with finding the real cake, which has been hidden somewhere in the village. Another tradition involves a game of hide-and-seek. The bride and groom are blindfolded and led to opposite ends of the village. They must then find their way back to each other, with the help of the guests, who are hiding in various locations and giving clues. Despite the mischievous nature of the halfling wedding rituals, they are rooted in love and a deep respect for tradition. The halflings believe that a bit of humor and trickery can help to ensure a happy and long-lasting marriage.
Dragonborn
The wedding ceremony begins with the groom and bride standing before the elders of the clan, who will officiate the ceremony. The couple must first swear an oath of loyalty to each other, promising to protect and support one another no matter what. Then, the couple is presented with a pair of swords, which they must use to fight off a group of challengers. The challengers are fellow Dragonborns who are seeking to prove their own worth and to test the strength of the newlywed couple. The groom and bride must fight with all their might to defend themselves and their love. The guests watch in awe as the couple demonstrates their skill and bravery, battling against the challengers and emerging victorious. Once the fighting is over, the couple is declared officially married. They are then presented with a ceremonial dragon egg, which symbolizes the new life that they will create together. The Dragonborn society believes that a marriage founded on strength and courage is one that will endure the trials of time. The fighting involved in the wedding ceremony is not meant to be violent or aggressive, but rather a way to demonstrate the commitment and determination of the couple to each other and to the clan. It is a celebration of love, power, and resilience.
Human marriage
Prior to the wedding ceremony, it is customary (at least for nobility) to have the consent of their parents. Then both families engage on a four-week marital decoration of their houses, to announce the event. The wedding ceremony begins with the couple standing before a sacred flame, which represents their love and commitment to each other. The couple exchanges vows, promising to love and honor each other until the end of time. Then, the couple performs a dance that is meant to symbolize their unity and harmony. The dance is slow and sensual, with the couple moving together as if they are one entity. The guests watch in awe as the couple demonstrates their deep love and passion for each other. After the dance, the couple is presented with a pair of rings, which they exchange as a symbol of their eternal love. The rings are crafted from a rare metal that is said to have magical properties, imbuing the couple's love with even more power and intensity. The wedding ceremony is designed to celebrate this connection and to amplify the passion and intensity that the couple shares. It is a celebration of love, unity, and sensuality.
Aasimar/Tiefling marriage
Wedding ceremonies are always conducted in groups of 4 or more. The wedding ceremony begins with a test. Each groom and bride, blindfolded and wearing only underwear, enter a private room at different times. Without speaking a word, each couple must identify and kiss each other to prove their bond. Anyone who kisses a wrong partner, must wait at least a month before trying the ceremony again. Couple who pass the test, get dressed and exit the room. A large crowd congratulates them and guides them to the temple. The couple exchanges vows, promising to love and cherish each other for eternity. The passion and intensity in their voices leave no doubt in anyone's mind that this is a love that will burn bright for all time. Then, the couple begins their dance, moving together in a slow, sensual rhythm that mesmerizes the crowd. The orchestra plays music that matches the couple's every move, creating a symphony of sound and motion that captivates all who watch. As the dance comes to a close, the couple is presented with bracelets crafted from a rare metal that glows with an otherworldly radiance. The rings are said to have magical properties that will amplify the couple's love and passion, making their bond even stronger and more enduring.
Marriage in the Savage Lands
While there's no official ceremony, races of the savage lands, especially in the northern parts, have traditions of exchanging gifts prior to marriage. The gift often includes flowers, fruit, game (usually a rare or difficult creature to hunt) or even the heads of a family's enemies sometimes. Both bride and groom strive to prove worthy with such gifts, as each gift symbolizes an important way of their lives.
Marriage in the Eratus Empire (post Arzen)
In the Eratus Empire, the institution of marriage underwent a profound transformation into a deeply religious affair following the ascension of Arzen to godhood. The matrimonial journey, now sacred, unfolds over seven days preceding the wedding. During this period, both betrothed individuals immerse themselves in a series of ceremonies, devout prayers, and the offering of tributes to the deity Arzen. Legend has it that Arzen, as the divine overseer of these unions, would impart a singular phrase to each partner. This divine communication often manifested through dreams or as symbolic omens, and the amalgamation of these phrases carried a profound, cryptic significance foretelling the couple's shared destiny. The culmination of this spiritual odyssey transpires on the wedding day, an event mandated to occur within the sanctified confines of an Arzen temple. Here, against the backdrop of divine sanctity, the partners unveil the sacred phrases bestowed upon them by Arzen. This revelation marks the initiation of a protracted celebration, replete with joyous dancing. Adding to the sacred ambiance, it is customary for paladins associated with the betrothed to grace the ceremony. These holy warriors, emissaries of divine grace, offer their blessings while radiating the divine power bestowed upon them. Their presence not only bestows a sacred aura upon the union but also underscores the divine sanctioning of the matrimonial bond. Thus, within the sacred embrace of Arzen's temple, the union of hearts and souls is consecrated, heralding the beginning of a shared journey illuminated by divine blessings.