Requiem of the Moth Story Bible

Everything you ever wanted to know about the world of Maraytha.

This is a story bible for my serial Requiem of the Moth and other stories in the same setting. A reader suggested this to me and as Requiem is going into its fourth season, I thought a place to look up names and concepts might be not only useful but possibly even entertaining.

Feel free to skip around or refer back to it as you read the story itself. Obviously, writing the story takes priority but I will try to keep the information up to date too so you always find what you’re looking for, whether you’re just starting from chapter 1 or refreshing your memory before diving into the latest season.

I realise that illustrations might enhance the descriptions provided here. I’m toying with the idea of sketching some of the characters, fauna and flora myself but there’s no telling when I’ll get around to it or how well it will turn out. For now, it is what it is: words only. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy strolling through this world!

Important spoiler warning: I try to avoid spoilers when I can but there are some, specifically in the characters and factions parts. If you’re not up to date with the story, I recommend you skip those parts and return once you’re caught up.

The World of Maraytha

Maraytha is the fantasy world that Requiem of the Moth is set in. Believe it or not, I have been developing this world for nearly 20 years! In 2006, I first started scribbling ideas and maps into a notebook during class. Over time, I scrapped a lot, changed or polished a lot more, until the current version emerged.

The central concept is its cosmology: Everything consists of hsi, the breath of all sentient beings, living or dead, and sunh, the breath of the world. Through learning to control and manipulate one’s own hsi and the sunh of the world, one gains extraordinary abilities¹. Acting in harmony with sunh is easy. Acting against sunh requires a strong will and a lot of effort because it would be acting against the natural flow of the world. Using hsi other than one’s own is often frowned upon or outright banned.

That being said, Maraytha is designed as a low fantasy world. This means that magic is rare and most people don’t know anything about it. This is why the characters in Requiem never use the word magic.

Maraytha is populated by many ethnicities but the Sedrivar are the most fleshed out among them.

The Sedrivar

The Sedrivar are short (160-165 cm on average) and appear delicate with pale skin and hair ranging in colour from white to grey to silver. They are extremely sensitive to sunlight and venture above ground only at night, if at all. This has led them to settle underground many generations ago. They also have excellent night vision and hearing.

Sedrivaris with its capital Kandamsin is located under a huge mountain range that houses precious metals and stones in its depths. The first settlers were miners, building ever more complex tunnels and cave systems as the Sedrivar came to not only work but spend their entire lives underground. Resources that require daylight to cultivate such as wood, vegetables, and dairy are scarce and coveted as luxury goods.

Sedrivar society is strictly divided into four classes:

1. the nobility or clans

2. the priesthood

3. artists, craftsmen (organised into drip houses), and merchants

4. farmers and servants

Relationships are ruled by intricate social rituals such as bowing, polite address, the exchange of gifts and favours, etc. This is especially true for the noble clans, commoner relations tend to be more relaxed in comparison.

The Sedrivar are governed by the Great Council consisting of representatives from all four classes. After protests, the Great Council was expanded several times to over 1000 members but effectively the noble clans are still in the majority. The clans also elect one ruler from their ranks called the Vesilim.

The Sethri (Forty) are elected from Council members and serve as court of justice as well as preparing new laws for discussion and voting in the Great Council. The Vessi (Ten), also elected from Council members, deal with security, intelligence gathering, prosecution of treason or other serious crimes against the government as well as anything concerning foreigners².

There are many unique aspects of Sedrivar society and culture, such as the the drip houses that serve as family-run guilds, the fact that they’re highly hierarchical but also highly gender equal, or the traditions and customs surrounding the priesthood of the Deep that I’d love to dig into but that would go beyond the scope of this overview.

Let me know what you’re most curious about and I might expand on it soon!

Fauna and Flora in Sedrivaris

Blackvein Moth

With their large, black wings criss-crossed by white and silver veins, these moths are prized by nobles and adorn only the most luxurious feasts. One such occasion was the annual trade fair taking place in Requiem Season 1, the Blackveins for which were hunted by Usira’s cousins Velin and Selin.

Oat Sallow Moth

Oat Sallows are small and pearly white grey-dotted wings. Shy and tasty, they are often used as garnish, so to speak, in an arrangement with larger moths. In Requiem Season 1, Yun accompanies Usira on a hunting expedition for oat sallows that goes horribly wrong.

Stormcloak Hawk Moth

These moths have large, dark grey forewings and vibrant orange-red eye-patterned hindwings. They carry poisonous dust they can spread by rapidly fluttering their wings, as Yun learned first-hand in Requiem Season 1…

Ruby Tapestry Moth

The wings of these mid-sized moths are red, orange, and grey with a tapestry-like pattern that gave them their name. The pupae are popular due to their sweet taste, often further sweetened by adding caramel or cinnamon. Adult moths taste too pungent to be enjoyed as a delicacy. These moths play a central role in Requiem Season 2, when some nobles fall sick after eating a meal of Ruby Tapestry pupae.

Calpia Moth

This rare pale moth often inhabits underground lakes in the coldest and deepest parts of the mountain range the Sedrivar call their home. Consumption is strictly forbidden as it is only used during clan bondings³: After raising a pair of Calpia Moths in the months leading up to it, the new partners combine their blood and give it to their moths to drink. The moths are then set free to signify their wish to always stay united as family. The moths’ behaviour as they fly from the cage is said to foretell what bonded life will be like for the couple.

Lougi

The Lougi is a medium-sized rodent native to the Zillia Downs. It feeds on fruit, vegetables, seeds, and small insects. When Usira visits the Downs in Requiem Season 2, he hears a Lougi sniffing around their packs at night, probably trying to steal their rations.

Noble Swift

The Noble Swift is a medium-sized bird native to bogs on the Zillia Downs. It is sooty grey to black with a distinct white collar and slight blue gloss. On average, they are 20 cm tall with a wingspan of 45-50 cm. As aerial insectivores, they feed on flies, dragonflies, mosquitoes, butterflies, moths etc. If given the opportunity, they also feed on moth pupae, providing an important clue for Usira in Requiem Season 2.

Glowshroom

Inspired by luminous moss, glowshrooms are mushrooms that can be harvested in sponge-like bushels and treated so their luminous quality is preserved for a long time. The Sedrivar tie these to their belts or carry them around in lieu of torches, as they are far easier to harvest and store than wood. They emanate a weak blue-green light that is nevertheless enough for the Sedrivar to go about their daily life.

Characters

Isvalri Usira

• Eyes: Pale blue

• Hair: White and very long, usually tied into a braid

• Age: 24

• Class: Craftsman

• Profession: Moth catcher

Usira is one of the best living moth catchers and member of the Isvalri drip house. When the Noe clan decides to sponsor his drip house, he also slips into the role of liaison between the clan and his house. This is how he meets Noe Yun and ends up working with him to protect both their interests.

Usira is hard-working and takes pride in his abilities. He always tries to do the right thing. His family and their drip house is everything to him. In a society as cruel and corrupt as Kandamsin, however, his is not the most practical attitude. Working with Noe Yun forces him to confront his own ideals in the face of a harsh reality of discrimination and social injustice and makes him question what he would sacrifice to survive.

Noe Yun

• Eyes: Orange

• Hair: Ivory and long, usually tied back in a messy ponytail

• Age: 26

• Class: Noble

• Profession: Vessi (intelligence officer), later treasurer of clan Noe

After creating Zhiva and Zhiven, his incredibly life-like puppet twins, Yun was hailed as the best puppeteer in the history of clan Noe. However, most of his peers are a little afraid of him. From his loner tendencies to his unnerving habit of using his scarred left cheek to make others uncomfortable, he defies expectations at every turn. His sole ambition is to become so powerful that no one can order him around or hurt him again. He seems to carry a mysterious grudge against his clan head Zakiva.

When he is forced to work with Usira due to the latter’s unique skill and insight, he has to confront emotions he has always pushed aside and choose between a lonely life at the top or a lesser position that allows him to keep Usira’s respect—and even affection.

Other Characters

in alphabetical order

• Caxian Lien: daughter of Caxian Yulie, in a relationship with Noe Izo

• Caxian Yulie: clan head, mother of Caxian Lien

• Isvalri Nanba: father of Isvalri Usira, bookkeeper

• Isvalri Selin: cousin of Isvalri Usira

• Isvalri Usaavi: mother of Isvalri Usira, head of Isvalri drip house

• Isvalri Velin: cousin of Isvalri Usira, obsessed with poet Ryliss

• Melyi: member of Ithreyesh, contact and advisor to Isvalri Usira

• Noe Cress: cousin of Noe Yun

• Noe Izo: cousin of Noe Yun, in a relationship with Caxian Lien

• Noe Lisith: uncle of Noe Yun

• Noe Shuli: aunt of Noe Yun, good friend to Noe Zakiva

• Noe Vylira: cousin of Noe Yun, exiled

• Noe Zakiva: clan head, aunt of Noe Yun

• Pai Rilan: socialite who runs regular arts salon

• Ryliss: famous and enigmatic poet, no one knows their true identity although most assume Ryliss to be a male commoner

• Ulan: member of Ithreyesh, contact and advisor to Noe Yun

• Yvara: maidservant to Noe Vylira

• Zhiva: puppet of Noe Yun

• Zhiven: puppet of Noe Yun

Factions

The Clans

As mentioned, the clans make up the noble class and elect their own ruler, the Vesilim from their ranks. The hierarchical system extends within their class as well, as they are divided into lesser and greater clans according to wealth and power.

Many clans are known for economic monopolies, patronage of certain trades or drip houses, or special abilities⁴. No one knows whether these abilities are hereditary or can be learned by anyone as their wielders are almost always greater clans that guard their knowledge jealously.

The Sedrivar are ruled by the Great Council and the Sethri but due to their majority in the Council, the clans still hold considerable sway. Over time, this has evolved into a sense of superiority. Most clan members see commoners as beneath them and think nothing of abusing their servants. To them, this is the natural order of things.

Noe

The Noe are famous for manufacturing and animating puppets. After refining this art over generations, their puppets could now be mistaken for living beings. They are employed as servants, bodyguards, and messengers, although they are still too clumsy to fight effectively. The Noe also patronise the theatre and craftspeople that supply their puppet parts. All in all, this clan is highly respected but also feared due to the uncanny nature of their puppetry.

Noe Yun, his cousin Noe Vylira, and many other characters appearing in Requiem are members of this clan.

Caxian

The Caxian are a minor clan and known for patronising body care and beauty product drip houses. Many of its members enjoy performing arts and sponsor young actors or dancers. Other clans look down on them because they have adopted performers once or twice in the past, which is frowned upon as diluting their noble blood.

In Requiem Season 2, a member of this clan falls ill after consuming a certain moth species and Yun is called to investigate.

Pai

The Pai are a minor clan known for their patronage of the fine arts, especially painting, metal sculpture, and architecture. Some of their moderate wealth is in natural resources such as stone and metals too. Members of this clan often have white hair and eyes in shades of blue.

In Requiem Season 3, Usira tries to befriend Pai Rilan by visiting her fine arts salon.

An Don

Clan An Don is known for producing talented public speakers, lawyers, and judges. Slowly but surely, they gained considerable influence due to their diplomatic prowess. The current Vesilim is a member of this clan.

Other clans

in alphabetical order

• Meruun: diligent officials and bankers but also frowned on due to their frequent association with the merchant class

• Shishiyyin: provide discreet “disappearing” (read: assassination) services to clans and the most wealthy merchants, as the Sedrivar believe that having one legal way of getting rid of your political opponents prevents them from resorting to illegal and potentially messier options. Due to its special position this clan has its own laws, regulations, and restrictions.

The Temple of the Deep

As its own class, the priesthood and especially the Temple of the Deep holds considerable power. Among all the deities and ancestors revered by the Sedrivar, the God of the Deep is the most important, giving shelter and providing resources such as stone, metals, precious gems, and food. He is the God of darkness, night, blood, and that which is hidden.

His priests wear black robes and dye their long hair black. They honour their God by dancing with ritual bells, which is why joining the priesthood is also called ‘taking the bells’. They regularly drink diluted and spiced blood to purify their bodies.

Since anyone can join the temple, it is a popular way for commoners to receive a proper education and employment. Still, the higher ranks are barred to those who lack the social connections or grit to claw their way to the top.

Drip Houses

The drip houses are a guild-like system for trades and crafts. Every legitimate profession in this category is required to carry one or more drip names. In addition, each profession is assigned a clothing colour for all members to wear. Many drip houses have been in the same family for generations, developing their own customs and rituals. Moth catchers, for example, venerate the Moth as their patron deity and maintain shrines dedicated to Her in their drip houses. They also venerate their founders and ancestors.

• Isvalri: the most respected (but not the only) moth catcher drip house, recently patronised by the Noe clan, members wear lavender clothing

• Silvedhri: explorers and gatherers who specialise in trips to the surface, equally admired and shunned due to fear of the sun and its effect on the Sedrivar, members of this drip house are seen as wild and adventurous, they wear light grey clothing

• jewellery drip houses: members wear saffron clothing

• tailoring drip houses: members wear ice blue clothing

Ithreyesh

This section contains major spoilers for Requiem of the Moth Season 2 onward.

Ithreyesh is a secret organisation dedicated to improving the lives of commoners, giving them more rights, and relaxing the rigid social class system. It recruits members from all classes and doesn’t enforce class hierarchy within its ranks. Due to its secret nature and dangerous activities, every candidate has to cut all ties to their old life by staging their own death and taking a new name before they are accepted as a regular member. All members wear dark, practical clothing and bat masks covering their faces. They seem to be trained not only in martial arts and acrobatics but also in mental skills such as hypnotism and emotional manipulation.

To finance their activities, Ithreyesh takes ‘donations’ from some clans and merchants. The means by which they take those donations can be questionable, as Yun learns in Requiem Season 2.

The leadership of Ithreyesh is shrouded in mystery. No one but the highest-ranking members know who they are or where they reside.

1. In other words, this is the magic system although no one in Maraytha calls it magic. Sometimes I call it cultivation since it’s heavily influenced by esoteric daoism and Chinese xianxia stories but I don’t have an ‘official’ term for it yet.

2. Noe Yun serves as one of the Vessi. It’s rare for clan members to take their jobs as seriously as he does…

3. Commoners would never be able to afford two Calpia Moths and use vampire bats instead.

4. As mentioned in the above introduction to the world of Maraytha, they don’t call it magic.