Battlestones

Battlestones are beads that are given out to someone whenever they display a positive trait. Most Arribeans receive their first stone on their thirteenth birthday. After that, the beads are given out rather sparingly when a person goes above and beyond.
The beads can be made out of any material. Many of the nobility and richer families of Arribea have beads made out of precious metals and gemstones. However, poorer peasant families will make their own beads out of clay and sometimes even wood.

This practice is only found in Arribea, where it is taken very seriously. Sometimes, Arribeans will give Battlestones out to people from the other nations (especially leaders as a sign of mutual respect) however the it's not as revered as it is in Arribea

Battlestones can be given to anyone, at any time.

Each bead symbolizes a time when a person went above and beyond to do a good deed. They are often given as a sign of gratitude.

This practice got its start in the military when the generals wanted to single out some of its soldiers for acts of bravery and loyalty to the kingdom. The practice eventually spread when soldiers started making their own beads for their children.

This practice is taken very seriously in Arribea. Almost every Arribean is buried wearing their stones as they'd rather die than part with them. It is also considered hugely insulting to tell someone that they aren't worth their stones.