Western Culture

Ranging across the Cantani and Dioa plains, modern western culture is often perceived as straitlaced and rigid.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Females commonly have a vowel at the end of their name.

Masculine names

Males will typically have a consonant at the end of their name.

Family names

The families with the longest established history use ancestral strongland names as surnames.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

In pre-modern times, there were as many as 20 regional languages and dialects. Those have been narrowed down into three distinct languages: Zean, Dianesse, and Twuln, with Dianesse being the most widespread and common.

Common Etiquette rules

Physical touch is limited with acquaintances and formal relations, so a slight downward tilt of the head or a shallow bow are normal greetings. With familiars and family, there is often a handshake or hug.

Common Dress code

Both sexes are allowed to wear robes, but that luxury is mostly reserved for upper class. Anyone who is involved in labor or trade work can often be found wearing tight pants which extend to the shin, and covered from wrist to collarbone with light textiles on their upper body. It is not acceptable for either sex to expose their upper body in public. Clothes are often dyed using ground ores and as such have a wide range of colors.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

At the beginning of each season is a day which demands rest and tranquility; no one is allowed to work except those in the medical field. This allows everyone to recharge before the oncoming season and is an acknowledgement of mortality. While there is no formal punishment for not following this tradition, it is met with harsh criticism.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

At birth, infants are marked with honey on their foreheads so they have sweet thoughts. It is also encouraged that hospitals allow fresh air and sunlight into birthing rooms and nurseries.

Coming of Age Rites

For modern Western peoples, both males and females are considered to be fit for marriage after they have spent six years in the military or have mastered a trade (most apprentices and soldiers start at 19 or 20).
In pre-modern times, males were ready for marriage after they could hunt and forage on their own for one month without support (usually 12 to 14). Pre-modern females were considered property and were sold or bartered once they had menstruated. If by age 17 a female had not menstruated, she was deemed worthless and was used for the entertainment of soldiers and upper class males. Upon menstruating, she was considered expendable.

Funerary and Memorial customs

The dead are buried or laid to rest at sea, depending on their place of birth and final desires.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

The darkest complexion is often considered the most healthy and desirable.

Gender Ideals

Males commonly have short hair while females' hair length is dependent on their role in the society.

Courtship Ideals

In modern times, females will offer the male of their choosing a necklace with a family token or valuable gem. If he accepts it, he is then required to court her for up to a year. If they decide to marry he presents the necklace back to her with an additional token or gem. If marriage is not suitable for them at any time during that year, he may return the necklace and offer a small payment to her and her family to demonstrate his character.

Related Organizations

• Huatiel

Related Locations

• Byr Ocean
• Cantani Plains
• Casul Bay
• Dioa Plains
• Ouil Islands
• Sullia Island