Velgarth - Sexuality and Orientation

Sexuality and Orientation

While sexuality is not depicted in graphic detail, sexual orientation is explored. In the Shin'a'in culture there is a word, she'chorne, that means homosexual and has a positive connotation; those who are she'chorne (which is pronounced shay-chornah) are considered a blessing upon the clan. The Shin'a'in cousins they call Tale'edras but known to themselves as the Tayledras and to others simply as Hawkbrothers, also have a word with similar connotation and views to it, shay'a'chern.

In the country of Valdemar, all sexual orientations are acceptable and welcome, as all who have no harmful intent are welcome in Valdemar. Since Iftel is a nation predominantly of the Kaled'a'in culture, they may have similar views. In Karse, it does not seem to be persecuted, but it also seems to be something which is not actively spoken about or looked at closely. In Rethwellan, it is considered highly taboo, and the dominant religious cult in the kingdom seems to very actively persecute it, or at least did in Vanyel's time; by the time of the series "present" this may have moderated to strong social disapproval. This cult also seems to usually include one or more members of the royal family, up to and potentially including the King.