Hal
The Hal are a very straightforward and goal-oriented people, hailing originally from the Drakemaw Peninsula; northeast of the Ertsland Valley. Their influence in the valley is relatively small, but they often are remarkably efficient at what they do; possibly as a result of their unsympathetic nature.
MALE AVERAGE //
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 175 lbs
Lifespan: 55-72 years
FEMALE AVERAGE //
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 135 lbs
Lifespan: 70-85 years
Culture
Culture and cultural heritage
Hal society is mostly about service, and doing what you can for your country. Responsibility, dedication, and rationality are looked up upon far more than vain qualities, like beauty or wealth. These ideals are reinforced through social interactions, holidays, and the education system.
Common Etiquette rules
GREETINGS //
When greeting someone for the first time or formally, it is custom to stand up straight and nod your head to them, stating your name and military rank (if any).
For subsequent or more casual greetings, a simple nod will do.
CONVERSATION //
Unless between close individuals or in a celebratory/relaxed environment, conversations should be brief, to the point, and useful.
BODY LANGUAGE //
Bodies should be upright, shoulders back, no slouching, and attentive. If interacting with someone, you should face them, and avoid any distant body language (i.e. crossing arms, looking down, etc.).
ILLNESS //
If ill, it's expected that you wait at home until your sickness either recedes, or is no longer contagious.
Common Dress code
Clothing is kept very simple and practical in most instances, with most men and women wearing simple colored tunics; using different colors, simple ornaments, or light jewelry/piercings to express personality.
Art & Architecture
ART //
Art is very seldom a profession that Hal pursue, but the rare artist often specializes in realistic depictions of scenes or historical events, and often make most of their trade assisting law enforcement.
For performance artists, they certainly have a harder time appealing to the common Halman, but producing shows related to themes of unity and responsibility usually work as staple entertainment.
ARCHITECTURE //
Most Hal architecture is simplistic in design, with rooms made of lateral rectangular segments, and simple stone walls combined with wooden flooring. Most variation in Hal homes comes from colors and even patterns in the shingles of the roofs.
Coming of Age Rites
MALES //
The Rite of Conquest is a coming of age ceremony where, at age thirteen, a young man is presented with a challenge by his father (or mother/guardian if father is dead/missing) to "conquer" something from their father. The thing in question can be something as simple as taking his father's axe, or as obscure as taking his father's route to work; the key being that something that was once the father's now belongs to the son.
FEMALES //
Soon after their sixteenth birthday, young women (and sometimes men unsuited for military service) are to take an exam that assesses intelligence, business comprehension, and social capabilities. If the test is successfully completed, a certificate (containing educational achievements as well as final exam score) is provided to examinee. If the test is failed however, the examinee's employment is placed under direct government control, and their profession in determined by the state.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Dead relatives are usually cremated and kept by their family. If the dead individual can't be identified, has no family, or their family can't/doesn't want to house them, their ashes are kept in the nearest church.
Common Taboos
CONVERSATION //
In conversation, asking about one's family or familial status is often considered rude unless doing so is explicitly pertinent, or the conversation is between close friends.
BODY LANGUAGE //
Sighing is often taken as a sign of laziness or disinterest, and doing so often yields a negative response.
ILLNESS //
Being outside while visibly ill is considered very irresponsible, and number of people will openly reprimand anybody who's walking the streets while being sick.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
MALES //
Muscular build fit for combat, intelligent, and responsible
FEMALES //
Large bust, wide hip, fit build, competent
Gender Ideals
MALES //
Reaching knighthood or serving in the military, trying to be as productive in the social body as possible
FEMALES //
Raising a full family, business/trade owner to make money for her family and country
Courtship Ideals
MALES //
Settle with a well endowed businesswoman, and produce a family
FEMALES //
Find a man with a successful military career or prominent business, and strong genes to make a family with
Relationship Ideals
MALES //
A woman who's very confident and competent, with selfish and narcissistic tendencies being most undesirable
FEMALES //
A man that can protect her family, as well as make smart decisions for the family, with indecisiveness and laziness being most undesirable
Languages spoken
