Good questions!
1. What kind of rituals are there for clan acceptance and marriage?Aside from the variety of courting rituals that are mentioned in the Information Thread, marriage rituals are somewhat clan dependent with both families adding a bit of influence to the event. The primary ceremony is called, the
Ivensarde and it can be held in Izurdin's Forge, a smaller shrine, park or anyplace suited for such an event.
Sultros: Among the Sultros, the Ivensarde is a grand display. The chosen location; most often a chamber within Izurdin's Forge, is decorated with items crafted by both families along with items crafted and donated by friends. The idea is that those being married are surrounded by the skill and love of their friends and family in the form of crafted items that may be used to decorate the new couple's home. Any isur baring Izurdin's second mark may preside over the ceremony. Members of families with ties to highly influential individuals, groups or other families may have a third-marked Priest/Priestess preside. The ceremony involves the bride (Shavia) and groom (Mavia), holding their metallic hands out to each other, palm open. Each touches their palm to the other with an Isurian Steel, Izentored symbol of Izurdin (a double-sided medallion with a raised image of a hammer carved into each side) called a Tuvey, between them. The symbol is designed to heat to levels hot enough to scorch the isurian hand. This leaves an eternal mark upon each individual symbolizing their union before Izurdin. They then speak an oath to each other, to the other's family and to Izurdin. At the end of the ceremony there is a massive dinner. Some ceremonies involve music and dance, reciting of poetry among a variety of other activities depending on the individuals and the families involved.
Vizerian: The Ivensarde among the Vizerian is a very sacred event. It usually takes place within a chamber of Izurdin's Forge even though the Forge is some distance from Vizerian City. Decor is almost always made up of items crafted with Izentor to further insure the strength of Izurdin's presence. Friends and family alike offer these items to the ceremony. Izentored items are exchanged between the Shavia and Mavia and like the Sultros, an isur with two marks from Izurdin may preside over the ceremony. The ceremony opens with prayer to Izurdin and requests for him to bless the union. Following the prayer, the Shavia and Mavia embrace the Tuvey and speak oaths to Izurdin, each other and each other's family, in that order. The ceremony ends with the one conducting it calling upon Izurdin to bless the union between the Shavia and Mavia by igniting a torch upon the altar. A blue flame appears if the union is considered favorable by the god. The only recorded instances in recent history where the flame has not ignited is when there is a lack of conviction on the part of one or both individuals to be married. Infidelity, lack of love or trust can all contribute to Izurdin not choosing to bless the union. Following the ceremony, there is a large dinner that may or may not include storytelling, singing, music or dance.
Coglias: The Coglias celebrate the Ivensarde in a rather unique fashion. The ceremony often takes place in any open area. Decor is often very militaristic in theme and function with a variety of weapons and armor put out on display. Before the ceremony, there are often a number of physical challenges performed; tests of strength, endurance, wrestling matches, weapon sparring and the like. The ceremony itself is rather informal with a second marked isur presiding. The Shavia and Mavia embrace the Tuvey and speak oaths to each other, each other's family and Izurdin. Following the oaths, there is a grand dinner followed by more physical displays of strength and combative skill.
Terras: The Terras approach the Ivensarde much differently than the other clans since there are effectively no males born into the clan with any frequency to speak of. Since all would-be Mavias come from other clans, there is a unique ceremony that they must undergo in order to be accepted by the would-be Shavia's family. The man must craft an Izentored item dedicated during its creation to the woman's family. The item is then offered to the woman's family along with a request by the man to be given the honor of being joined with the woman in the Ivensarde. As the Terras pride themselves in their crafting ability, such an offering is given great importance. If the woman's mother finds the offering and the request acceptable, they are allowed to marry. The Ivensarde among the Terras is very similar to other clans as far as oaths and embracing the Tuvey are concerned. In addition, the Terras take great pleasure in dressing for the occasion. Shavia are often dressed in extravagant, flowing skirts and wear jeweled torcs, bracelets, rings and all manner of jewelry. Mavia sport flamboyantly designed pants and boots with metallic armbands and jeweled bracers. Those presiding over the ceremony still bare the second mark from Izurdin. Following the ceremony is often music and dance along with a grand dinner.
Pitrius: The Pitrius clan looks very seriously upon the subject of oaths. An oath often involves an element of faith and/or trust in another; something that Pitrius isur do not take to naturally. Thus the Ivensarde is not something taken lightly. A very serious event, the ceremony decor is elegant and often crafted with the aid of various magical disciplines. The one conducting the ceremony is almost always a Sentinel of the Silver Tower, most often an Apprentice but occasionally an instructor depending on the family's influence. The ceremony begins with a magical display put on by members of each family. The display is usually one of skill and control rather than that of a grand, explosive spectacle. If the Shavia and/or Mavia are skilled in an appropriate magical discipline, they may also display their ability. Following the display, the two will say an oath to each other, to the clan, to each other's family and to Izurdin in that order. They will then embrace the Tuvey however the Pitrius use a modified Tuvey baring a small spike in the center of each side. Not only are they bound before Izurdin but also in blood. The ceremony ends with a dinner and further magical contests and displays.
As far as prospective clansmen are concerned, if one wishes to marry into a different clan, they must undergo procedures similar to that of the Terras clan. It is between the two being joined as to which clan is to be the primary one (except in the case of Terras which almost always involves Terras being named primary). Indeed it involves an offering of an Izentored item dedicated to the primary family whom the isur wishes to join during the item's creation. They must then request to become a member of that family. If the request is accepted, then the marriage may take place. Once the couple are wed, they share the primary family's name and clan affiliation. Note that arm color of course doesn't change. The name of the one who has been accepted into the family changes slightly; first name, original family name, married family name, married clan name.
2. Are there coming of age rituals?Their are birthdays. Each is celebrated with a gifts from friends and family. Such gifts are almost always crafted by said friends and family though it is not uncommon for bought gifts to be given as well. There is usually a simple ritual where the parents ask for Izurdin's blessing upon their child on the anniversary of his birth. Dinner, dance, music, etc., all can be enjoyed depending on the family preferences.
3. Can Isur shape and carve metal like a wood carver to make beautiful artistic pieces?Isur can use tools to shape and carve metal or then can use their metallic hand and fingers. They can do this with stone as well. They can only use their metallic hand to do this with their offhand usually holding the item while they carve and shape with the other. They usually use their fingernails (which by the way grow normally but must be filed with Izentored files) to cut, carve and scrape and the metal must be heated in order to do so; meaning the off-hand needs to be protected or the metal must be held in a vise. The use of their hand and fingers allows for greater control and manipulation of the metal into truly unique forms and shapes. The are able to manipulate heated metal as if it were clay.
4. What kind of music are the Isur interested in?Isurian music is quite varied. Singing is often very melodic and very emotional which is a direct contrast to the dour, cool demeanor that is often associated with isur. The nature of this contrasted singing comes from the fact that the isur pour their emotion and in fact their very soul (literally) into their creations. Thus, singing as a form of creation, expresses emotion through song. As far as instrumental music, they enjoy similarly melodic sounds from a variety of instruments. While harder, deeper music is acceptable, it is more of an exception than a norm.
5. What instruments can Isur play? It seems like they might break most wood instruments and thin strings.Isur can play all manner of instruments with string instruments being quite popular as well as wind instruments. Wood instruments are still common since the isur who craft instruments for their own use usually infuse them with Izentor thus making them quite a bit stronger.
6. And lastly would it be possible for me to have an npc who pesters me throughout my flashbacks? Like a childhood antagonist or some such.This is something that must be addressed to the Help Desk. See the
NPC Lore Article for more details.
by Vinrir Stoneheart Sultros on August 8th, 2012, 3:04 pm 
