On another thread there was a lot of speculation about marriage in Loskalm, so I figured I'd post a little bit about the various (or at least *some* of the various) approaches to marriage among the Malkioni.
Let's start with the Brithini. Among the Brithini, marriage is a temporary state with little magical significance, signifying merely an ongoing attempt to reproduce and can be dissolved easily. Women form a fifth caste (the Menena) but in practice are assigned to one of the standard four castes. Children remain with their mothers after separation.
The Rokari are very different. Marriage is an extremely significant (and obligatory - an unmarried male above a particular age can be fined or even cast out) ceremony, and something that is a fundamental "public interest." The primary function of marriage to create new members of the caste (i.e. children). Marriages are governed by the laws of that caste (designed to make sure that each caste is self-sustaining), and negotiated by parents and caste leaders. Marriage for love is considered irresponsible and foolish - people have concubines and lovers for that. Children (including women) belong to the father's caste. However, marriages are big, joyous celebrations desired in their own right, with music, drink, and feasting (which give lie to the image of the Rokari as dour and humorless). Wedding celebrations often take three days or even longer. Divorce is permitted only with approval of the parties that negotiated the marriage in the first place.
Ironically, in many ways the New Hrestoli are more like the Brithini with regards to marriage. Marriage for the New Hrestoli is a temporary state with little magical or philosophical significance. It is not required, not even for childbirth. Indeed, some interpret the teachings of Siglat as recognizing "no other form of marriage than the union of the man who lives freely with a consenting woman." Women belong to the same castes as men and hold the same legal rights. Children remain with their mothers after separation, and paternity is of no legal significance, as most property is held by the caste office and not the individual (personal property such as items and effects can be given to whoever the owner chooses).