Theocrat

To call the theocrats simply an ethnicity would be disingenuous. Theocrats are as much an ethnicity as they are a religious community, as any who embrace the Solis Fideli will, after one generation, begin to adapt the physical characteristics of the ethnicity into their bloodline. Theocrats are an aesthetically striking people, archetypically possessing fiery red hair with pale, freckled skin. Variations from this are not uncommon, but the closer one is to the ideal implies a better connection to Sol. It is rare for other races to become Theocrats, but not unheard of. Fewer of the physical characteristics will transfer in these case. As the majority of Theocrats belong to the The Sol Theocracy, most of the world view Theocrats with suspicion if not outright hostility.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Sophia, Serena, Dhalia, Zoe, Maria, Remilia, Faraniri.

Masculine names

Brutus, Antony, Julius, Remilius, Raphael, Quintus, Romeo.

Family names

Volcanus, Di'Aurix, Horatius, Fanius, Argentum, Equitus.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Theo is the main language that Theocrats speak. It has regional dialects between the different imperial states. The largest divergence from the core “high theocritan” dialect is the one spoken in the jenubian colonies, where settlers adopted many of the local idioms and nouns into the language.

Shared customary codes and values

Virtues Fide (Loyalty) - To the Empire, and one's family is one of the most prised virtues. Pietas (Piety) - the sense of devotion to Sol. It also involves one's willingness to perform selfless acts for the greater good. Dignitas (Dignity) - Is the belief in one's self worth as Sol's chosen people. One must feel pride while performing his duties. Firmitas (Decisiveness) - To be decisive in action, and to stick to one's path in life without wavering. Severitas (strictness) - To enforce one's personal judgement despite the personal pain it brings. This also includes self-discipline and courage. Veritas (Honesty) - Truthfulness when dealing with others. Vices Clementia (Mercy) - Showing mercy and forgiveness towards a proven enemy is shown as a sign of weakness that puts the empire and its citizens at risk. Enemies of the Empire should be crushed. Comitas (Friendliness) - Honesty should not be confused with friendliness. Overt friendliness to persons of unproven worth is seen as a sign of weak glibness that opens you up to betrayal, and being taken advantage of. Misericordia (compassion) - In turbulent times, pity/compassion to others is a moral weakness, as these acts are an insidious threat to the Theocritan society, which is quite reliant on slavery. Fluitas (Wastefulness) - Extravagance, debauchery, and needless spending to show off wealth and status is generally looked down upon. Faith and Honor Honor is based on how you perceive yourself, while glory is how society perceives you. Theocrats believe that personal honor will have an effect on the physical appearance of a person, as their feathers will be healthier, and the person will have a natural, trustworthy glow to them. Bringing disgrace upon one-self extends that effect to one's family and community. If a person is unable, or unwilling, to fix their mistakes by themselves, then repentance through clipping one's wings is an acceptable path. It does nothing to erase one's misdeed from public opinion, but it allows the family not to be ostracised. Suicide is also an acceptable option, with the common way is to throw one self off a great height or self-immolation. Slitting one's wrist or imbibing poison is also acceptable in the absence of a method to perform the former.

Common Dress code

Female Theocrats across almost all social classes wear the same base national dress, with the accessories and accoutrements differentiating the different classes and gender. Male Theocrats wear a knee length open back tunic tied with a belt and sandals. A dagger or short sword is often worn as well. On formal occasions, a toga is worn if the owner is of equestrian class or higher. Women often wear the same tunics style as men modified for female form. They can also choose a more modest longer dress with long sleeves. For formal occasions, they add a Stola, a sort of decorative long piece of rectangular fabric whose material varies with class. Hair adornments are a central part of the customary fashion for both men and women. Although simple adornments are expected casually, formal occasions call for more elaborate displays.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

The birth of a child into a family of devotees is, of course, seen as a blessed event. The child is to be presented at the following dawn to the temple for blessing and baptization by lifting the babe and making him face the rising sun.

Coming of Age Rites

Between 14-16, you are expected to perform an act or challenge to confirm your devotion to Sol. Usually, this takes the form of a night of vigil in a dark, cold room in the night of the winter solstice. It can be done in small groups. The next day, a celebratory feast is made in the honour of the children who passed the vigil. Those who failed are of course not included. The performance of this act is symbolic for most people as the cold aspect is not a threat in temperate areas. But, if the priesthood requests it, or the devotee wants to truly prove his faith (such as one who wishes to become a priest), they must travel to a location that is appropriately dangerous on such nights (like a mountaintop). If one fails this vigil, they can repeat it the following year. Dying on a vigil is rare, but it is generally seen as a sign of devotion, and a public mourning is done for the child.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Funerals are held at the sunset prayer and last into the night, where those present give their last respects to the deceased. When the sun completely sets, the corpse is cremated. Those who died but whose bodies are not presentable or lost, get a symbolic pyre instead