khuyn

Khuyn is a traditional cultural practice of the Riverine peoples in the fictional region of Lyria. It refers to a weaving technique and a seasonal ceremony tied to the onset of the dry season. The term is derived from the Lyrian language, often translated as "weave light" or "bind water," though exact roots are debated.

Practice and craft: The core activity is weaving on a standing loom, using a blend of plant fibers and luminescent threads. Master weavers, assisted by apprentices, complete the textiles over several days. Motifs depict rivers, fish, cranes, and seasonal symbols. The finished textiles are presented in a public procession and then used in ceremonial functions such as harvest rites and water blessings.

Materials and technique: Local fibers form the warp and weft, with luminescent fibers or shell inlays added for light effects. Dyes are plant-based, typically in blues and greens to evoke water and growth. Patterns are handed down within families or guilds and often reflect lineage prerogatives.

Geography and communities: Khuyn is most prominently practiced along the lower Vey River, especially in the towns of Nara and Sile; regional variants exist elsewhere in Lyria.

Cultural significance and modern context: The practice reinforces social cohesion and intergenerational knowledge transfer. Senior weavers, known as khuyn masters, guide apprentices and maintain ritual timing. In recent years, interest from cultural preservation groups and tourism has encouraged revival, with some communities continuing traditional methods and others incorporating contemporary materials and staged performances.