Kunthite

Yes. We live underground. No. Our society isn't entirely focused around mining. We are a free people who do not worship personal gods, but we do worship core values which everyone should observe.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Kunth has three national languages, Kunthite, Corvallis, and Madurai. These languages come from different underground tribes which were unitd under Nargoli rule. Many of the languages have dialects which merge the langues together or deviate from them with accepted words from different languages basedon the ethnicity of the people in those groups.

Culture and cultural heritage

Kunthite culture is very cyclical. Even if something new is introduced, if it is not entirely nececary or profitable it wil not remain in the broad culture for long. Corthalians who taught Kunthites to make sweet bread were astonished when after the first batches were fished, no more was made. As such, Kunthites view cultural heritage as more personal than architectural or natural. They believe that the greater souls are re-incarnated, always as a sapient being. They take more stock in inherited skil than in heirlooms.

Shared customary codes and values

These people value community, freedom, productivity, education, prosperity, traditions, and equality as values for all Kunthites to observe together. Individually, the values of strength, willpower, self-discipline, intelligence, dexterity, and resilience.

Average technological level

Kunth is an advanced civilization in terms of scientific and mechanical achievement, but they do not often use that which is not practical. Entertainment is still the same as it was centuries or even millennia ago. Those who use modern entertainment systems limit their use by using timers that shut off power a certain points.

Common Etiquette rules

It is impolite to offer a rope unless the other person asks for it. This action implies that they are weak or unskilled climbers. It is far more acceptable to express concern or displeasure than to keep silent to avoid hurting others' feelings. Such behavior is manipulative. So long as one criticizes in a constructive and respectful manner, that is the referred way of resolving conflict.

Common Dress code

Tigh-fitting but supportive clothing that is thick enough to disguise genitals and other sensitive body parts. A hard hat is mandatory when climbing in new areas. Loose clothing is fit only for ceremonial purposes.

Art & Architecture

Nargoli create abstract mosaics which are very important to them. Kunthites who worship the Values carve symbols related to those values into jewelry but they are not often pictographs. Kunthite art is often abstract but intricate. Architecture is often integrated with natural caves and caverns, altered enough to be noticeably distinct but no more than necessary to be identifiable.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Kunthites observe a few religious holidays. They observe the Values by attending services that occur throughout the wek. Each day has two Values signed to it. The community Value is worshiped in the afternoon. The individual value is worshiped in the morning. Holidays are primarily history-based rather than devinely inspired. They celebrate days of victory or mourning more than devise festivals.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

The birth of a Kunthite baby is often accompanied by a bath in mineral-water, blessed by priests of the Value of Tradition who collected the water from places of cultural significance such as a cemetery or a battlefield. They bathe the baby in this water in hopes to bring the souls of the departed back into the body of the baby.

Coming of Age Rites

Kunthites do not come of age until they know how to climb a sheer surface both vertically and horizontally. The ultimate test is dampened limestone.

Funerary and Memorial customs

The bodies of the deceased are carried to a place with running water nearby. They are entombed in a mound of clay and dirt which hardens over time. After a few days, the mound is carved with the name of the deceased and the mound i s washed with water which then flows into the nearby body or is reabsorbed into the rock.

Common Taboos

Kunthites hate those who act as though everyone owes something to them, or those who act as though everyone needs to serve them. They call these tyrants or parasites, depending on the behavior. These people are shunned and often outright ignored.

Historical figures

King Frokda united the Kunthite people into one underground nation. Queen Ardonais helped inspire the Nargoli people to rebel against Corthalian human invaders.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Kunthites relish tight-fitting but flexible clothing, strong caloused hands and feet, and short but spiky hair.

Gender Ideals

Kunthite malesare expected to train their children in the Values of their societal religion and teach them how to scavenge and climb. Females are in charge of maintainingthe home, but also establishing honor and pragmatism in her children.

Courtship Ideals

Kunthites are very practical peole. Many rock-climbing expeditions establish an unofficial hirarchy among the single people fo the nation. The faster, more graeful climbers can choose from the others. There are a few ways to propose a relationship. The first is to offer a location for the couple to live in. Another is to offer a precious piece of jewelry that also has some societal or religious value. The third is to prepare a feast forthe loved one and their family. Positive reception of these offers indicates acceptance of the relationship.

Relationship Ideals

Kunthites are encouraged to be very open about their relationships. PDA is a sign of atraction and a clear signal to others to back off. Because Kunth has a history of people being subtly manipulative, they do not like any indirect or unclear intentions. Any relationship or goal must be clearly stated and established.