Lasposan
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Joanna, Maria, Albina, Ophelia, Fausta, Ursula, Paulina
Masculine names
Quentin, Ferdinand, Luis, Cornelius, Marcus, Jaime
Unisex names
Lucia, Agustin, Gillen, Aquila, Glaucia
Family names
Cortes, Lunatis, Sanz, Docilus, Martin
Culture
Shared customary codes and values
Lasposans as a whole share a strong sense of duty and loyalty to their country. They believe that the empire of Laspos should be a beacon of upstanding morality and a model for all other nations to follow. It seems only natural that their country should encompass the whole of the continent, for then they can protect the land that they all share from possible invaders.
Honour is a highly valued personal aspect of one's being, as well as that of the family and the nation as a whole. To disgrace one's honour is to disgrace their whole family. As such, duelling is a common and legally sanctioned method for individuals and families to resolve conflicts, however, killing one's opponent is only permitted for the greatest of offences and to do so otherwise brings further shame upon oneself. Both sexes have equal right to duelling and fencing is a common sport for parents to have their children learn in the upper classes.
Everyone in the empire is expected to be a contributing member in some way or another once they reach their young adult years, sometimes even earlier in lower class households. Though there is often a clear delineation between "men's work" and "women's work", particularly in the upper classes, even the most high class noblewomen are expected to carry out the duties expected of them by their families.
While it is common practice and expected to care for family members who are unable to go out to find work, even the elderly are given means to contribute to their households, be it by making or mending clothing, cooking, or some other method. Only the youngest of children go without performing chores to some extent.
Lawbreaking in Laspos is an intolerable offence. Those found to be performing even such meagre crimes as petty thievery are ostracized by their families, even if not caught by the authorities. Unfortunately, there is little forgiveness for lawbreakers in Lasposan culture and one can lose their entire livelihood and often be forced to emigrate elsewhere in order to survive, even if found to be falsely accused.
Coming of Age Rites
Young adults of the Middle Class and above (Lower Class teens are allowed to attend as well, but are not expected to as a lost day's wages can be devastating to poorer families) are expected to perform a public duel in an arena when they reach age 17, the age when one is considered a true adult in Laspos. This is to signify their receiving the right to carry on the family's name and protect its honour at all costs. The duels are held as a national event every summer and while losing does not do any harm to an individual's or family's standing, winning can be a chance for lower class young men to gain a step-up in life as military and navy recruiters frequently attend the events on the lookout for possible enlistees, as gaining high ranks can bring up a family's social standing as well as significant income.
Common Taboos
- Do not insult one's family to insult one person
- Sloth is the highest form of ungratefulness
- Laws exist to maintain order and saftey and to break them is to spit in the face of everyone
- Abandoning your family is the greatest sin one can commit
Historical figures
Queen Iscora is highly regarded as the monarch who was primarily responsible for growing Laspos from a kingdom to an empire, her successor being the first to hold the title of Emperor. She is also known for knighting Sir Riston Draycott, along with several others, and charging them with waging their ill-fated war against Crecia.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
A noble person in Laspos is expected to look refined and opulent at all times. Jewelry is popular for both men and women, and even the draping fabrics used for afternoon wear are heavily ornamented with beading, embroidery, or various other cosmetic additions to the garments. Brightly dyed sashes are popular among the women, to further bring the sense of wealth and beauty during the hotter times of the day when corsets are borderline suicide to wear.
Wide silhouettes are considered the ideal, with a square-shaped frame favoured for the men, and wide hips and shoulders with a slim waist considered to be the pique of feminine beauty. Corsets, padding, and tightly drawn sashes are all employed to achieve these ideal shapes.
Evening wear is much more close-fitting than the afternoon styles, and padding is often employed in order to maintain the illusion of the ideal shape. Heavy makeup is common, particularly among higher class women, with rouge, white face powder, and dark eyeliners being prevalent in all but the poorest women's arsenals.
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