SR - Lifestyle
National Character
The Southern Republic is a whole that is far greater than the sum of its parts. While trite, this expression accurately reflects the strange mixture of fanatical nationalism and liberal expression that shades Republican life. Forged in suffering and bloodshed, Republican character has been honed by nearly constant struggle and the phenomenal success of the league's forces. Fiercely proud, independent and patriotic, Republicans view their accomplishments as the obvious outcomes of a superior culture dealing with inferior ones. Despite this arrogance, nowhere else are attitudes within the league so distinctly diverse, while simultaneously allowing for the growth of the civilization that sponsored them.
Pressed into a totalitarian regime, with strictly censored political views and a secret police that stands ready to remove voices of opposition, Republicans have chosen an interesting historical response. Enshrined in Republican beliefs is the notion that as long as the state performs well, as it has to date, it should be allowed to continue. While some disagree, often violently, with this view, a majority of Republicans are firmly convinced that passive acceptance is the only logical course of action. They point out that, despite a lack of political choice, Republicans enjoy a plethora of personal freedoms and social equalities that few other states can match.
Embracing individuality above all else, Republicans can be among the most tolerant of Terranovans. This quiet acceptance, extended mostly to fellow Republicans, is maintained because all citizens, regardless of age or upbringing, believe the Southern way of life is best. Enamored by the belief of the Republic's manifest destiny, citizens have difficulty understanding why anyone would live elsewhere, and they will fight to the death to preserve their culture. It would be false, however, to assume that Republicans are the most contented Terranovans. For while Republicans may agree on the message, few agree on the medium.
While the majority of Republicans live in comfort, there is constant pressure to be more creative, more competitive. This desire is instilled at an early age and most citizens never fully lose the drive to excel. This competitiveness has fostered success for the society as a whole, but Republicans are not bound exclusively by it, and the populace can live at any pace it chooses. This freedom has created a people who appreciate the complexities of life and frequently dwell on the deeper meanings associated with it. Social gatherings are marked by intense discussions on whichever topic is current, and rumors and innuendoes are not bandied lightly, as they will be topics of conversation for some time to come.
This analytical process has made the citizens of the "Land of Snakes" the most devious on the planet. There is little they have not considered, and Republicans are always on the lookout for the next challenge, finding great satisfaction in overcoming an adversary in a game of wits. Unfortunately, some Republicans prefer more violent challenges than word games, and in the South every extreme, legal or not, can be accommodated.
In an attempt to curb violent tendencies among individuals, the Southern Republic has developed a unique tradition regarding one of their most important institutions: personal honor. Upon graduation from secondary schooling, each citizen composes a summary of his or her beliefs. While a time-consuming and frustrating process, it forces citizens to examine what they believe, and to formulate arguments defending those beliefs. These intensely personal works are intended for, and read by, the citizen's circle of friends, traditionally presented to a new member of the circle when that person joins. While not binding and subject to change throughout the course of a persons life, most citizens attempt to respect the limits of their own codes.
The War of the Alliance has changed many things for Republicans. With Republicans reminded of Terra Nova's shared past and their place in it, a sentiment for global unification was born, and is now a small but growing concern. While some isolated Republicans feel little need to explore a richer world of possibilities, knowing they have all they need, others are beginning to fear that this may be the only true path to enlightenment and salvation.
Youthful Innocence
Honor and Loyalty. These two principles are the foundations upon which I have built my youth and the pillars that will support my life. They are the factors which define me, and -I believe - those which best define all individuals. Others may focus on beauty, compassion, efficiency or martial skill, but these qualities are but secondary reflections; they can only be of use in judging a man in limited circumstances. The compassionate may still be lazy or corrupt; the beautiful may still be cruel, the efficient, criminal and depraved. One who is true to himself, his friends and his national ideals can suffer none of these shortcomings. An honorable man cannot be lazy for he must meet his engagements, cannot be corrupt for it would be anathema to him, and cannot be cruel for it serves no higher purpose. A loyal man cannot, by definition, be criminal. I fear many of my classmates and our elders have lost track of these principles. Blind devotion has replaced loyalty and prestige has replaced honor. Our Republic is great because it is founded on the model of a strong state governing strong individuals - it i s our responsibility as citizens to exercise our own judgment while serving our nation. To execute a dishonorable order i s not a display of loyalty, it is a manifestation of personal cowardice and an abdication of duty. The truly loyal citizen will stand up and say that his nation deserves better and accept the consequences.
Customs
Republicans live in an interesting social contradiction, prizing both tradition and innovation. A sense of the history and glory of the Republic is perhaps the most important psychological bond between citizens of the diverse league. Customs which emphasize the link between an individual and the state are therefore highly prized and crop up in almost all parts of Republican society. On the other hand, Republicans like to hold themselves up as the freest people on Terra Nova and point to the extremes of personal choice and behavior within their borders as proof. Ashantites live a different life than Aquitains, and even within a single region each citizen is expected to forge his own path and express his own spirit. Outsiders have a great deal of difficulty reconciling the contradictory emphasis on both state and individual, but locals see no problem. They understand that their personal freedom exists only because it i s protected by a strong state that must not be weakened by dissent and sedition. That their freedom is very fleeting as soon as it crosses an ill-defined line into the political arena i s a price most Republicans are willing to pay.
Most citizens are under the impression that the balance struck between security and self-expression is the overall result of millions of individual choices - that every Republican's own choice has created a cultural consensus that favors state glorification and individual expression within politically defined limits. Those with a keener eye glimpse at the degree to which this consensus was manufactured by those in power. The process was first carried out by the Order of the Falcon after the First Unification Campaign and continued to be used by the self-perpetuating bureaucracy the Order established. Using every avenue available to them - but most especially education and the media - the powers-that-be emphasized that patriotism was best expressed as non-political freedom. The process continues to this day, although with the fall from power of the Order, some wonder whether the careful management of propaganda necessary to maintain the Republican cultural paradigm will be sustainable.
Family
Southerners are the most open-minded populace on Terra Nova in terms of personal relationships, so family is not strictly a genetic relationship to ancestors. A profound sense of individualism causes Republicans to form a circle of friends upon reaching adulthood. A person's circle is comprised of individuals whom that person trusts implicitly. Members of a circle may be blood relatives, friends and loved ones. An individual may consider a specific person as a member of his circle, but that does not imply that the relationship is necessarily reciprocal. As relationships grow stronger or fade, the members of any particular circle will continually change. An individual's first circle is generally comprised of parents, siblings, friends from adolescence and any role models to whom he may have bonded. Over time, as the circle expands or contracts, new members will gain influence. Relationships and lifestyles are the biggest modifiers to circles, with the influx of coworkers and sexual partners vying for importance with relatives. The average circle will eventually be focused on a prime sexual partner, often becoming what other social structures would call a wife or a husband. Two individuals who have obtained this point of commitment will file a request for a procreation contract if they wish to have children. I n some cases they will apply for the rarely used matrimonial contract.
The procreation contract allows for reproduction, with the insurance that the child's welfare i s always protected. The Southern Republic requires the two individuals entering a procreation contract to appoint a mutually acceptable member of either person's circle as guardian for the child. If anything were to befall both contractees, this person would assume responsibility for raising the child. Failure to appoint a guardian or failure by a guardian to assume this duty places the orphan in the custody of the Infant Welfare Protection Bureau (IWPB) by default. The IWPB was formed in the aftermath of the St. Vincent Plague to ensure the future of all Republican children. The bureau adopts responsibility for children who are victims of domestic violence or simply unwanted. These children are placed i n the pre-guard, which i s a division of the youth guard program that cares for children of the state until they reach citizenship.
A procreation contract i s not limited to members of opposing genders, but may be entered into by sexual partners of the same gender or by a lone individual. The children from these gene spliced births are statistically less likely to end up under the protection of the IWPB due to the extensive background checks performed before the closing of the procreation contract. Children born without the benefit of a procreation contract are often seized by the government, forcing the parents to suffer the consequences of their actions. This i s seen as somewhat brutal by outsiders, but Republicans believe fervently in accountability.
The choice of a matrimonial contract i s seen by most citizens of the Southern Republic as an act of hopeless romanticism. Applications for such a contract are rare, for few Republicans would wish to commit themselves to one sexual partner and be mutually responsible for another individual for the duration of their life. Matrimonial contracts allow for procreation, whether the couple i s of the same gender or of opposing genders, but one partner mustalways be appointed as official guardian for the offspring.
The dissolution of a procreation or matrimonial contract involving children requires the mediation of the IWPB to ensure the safety of the child in question. They mostly counsel the parents to form an agreement to mutually raise the child in a time-sharing environment.
Religion
There has never been an easy relationship between Republicans and their religious beliefs. Religious convictions have fluctuated wildly throughout the league's history, with a direct relationship between faith and the success of the Republic. When the league is weak, as during St. Vincent's War, citizens turn to religion, when the state prospers, a majority of citizens adopt agnostic Republican supremacist beliefs.
The vast majority of Republicans, despite having religious freedom, are atheists, believing their society need not rely on antiquated principals of state-sponsored religions. In essence many religious traditions are practiced due to long-standing associations between family life and religion. Marriage ceremonies, though infrequent, are often conducted in religious establishments to highlight the pomp Republicans adore. Funerals are stately affairs for Republican heroes and dignitaries, with town militia processions and a plethora of different burial ceremonies. I n the marshy lands outside the city-states, funerals are celebrations of death, with long processions followed by dancing and drinking to joyfully sendoff the departed. But beyond the ceremonies, only a minority of citizens understand or care about religion.
Major Faiths
Buddhism, with over three million adherents, is the Republic's largest faith, with multiple prayer temples and abundant symbolism spread throughout the league. While enlightenment and pacifism are still the focus of Buddhism, the faith has been perverted by indirect government intervention, and enlightenment is now often equated with the Republic. Believing that suffering is required to reach enlightenment, Republican Buddhists have few problems reconciling the warlike nature of their government and their faith. They feel any death caused, no matter which side, will help the deceased progress towards enlightenment, and the dead are revered in celebrations designed to aid them in this progression.
Jerusalemism is the second largest faith in the Republic, though the belief as practiced by Republicans i s harsher than most Terranovan religions. Adherents believe in the superiority of their culture, and pray for God to extend it across the land, by any means necessary. Fanatical worship ceremonies, and ritual purging of impure thoughts color this religion i n the eyes of many others, making it seem unattractive due to the level of commitment required. The faithful simply see it as their religious duty.
The fundamentalist elements with Republican Jerusalemism are certainly the most well known , but there are many sects that practice a more pacifist and subtle form of worship. Tracing their origins to more peaceful prophets, most notably the Terranovan Ezrach Ibn-Muhammad. There is a growing movement among this more peaceful wing of the polyglot faith to reclaim the public image of Jerusalemism. Imam Luc Delamar has become a vocal campaigner for the so-called "new Jerusalemism" and has been opposed by several fundamentalist leaders. Delamar has also come under fire from the government because his views lean toward anti-militarism, although he has been careful not to criticize the state directly.
Marginal Faiths
With religion relegated to obscurity, Republican life revolves around the politics and philosophy of the state. Viewed as an omnipotent entity formed by the valor of past and present citizens, the state fulfills the population's desire for destiny, and is revered by many. While this may be a majority view, it i s by no means the only one.
The upper echelons of Port Oasis founded a Greco-Roman mystery cult called the Orpheans in TN 1156 to inspire the population to greatness through mythical association. Rites of passage, rites of marriage, and the quest to seek a challenging life formed the cornerstone of this system of belief. Though few practice the belief, Orphean influence can be clearly seen in the city's architecture.
In Ashanti, a religious society known as the "Perfect Soul" organizes the "Festival of Spring" on 1 Spring, which serves as a day long celebration of fertility. A public parade features frenzied dancers, people costumed as grotesque monsters, flute-playing children and more. The parade becomes a marathon of dancing and celebrating, and prior to daybreak, a man and a woman are chosen. The man is hailed as Dionysus and the woman Ariadne and they become leaders of the religious society for a cycle.
In Newton, the Tabula Rasa (Latin for "blank slate") is becoming a major concern. Led by Reverend Michael, a Sorrento Revisionist exiled by Second Follower Thor Hutchison , the Tabula is concerned with transforming Republican society from a decadence-filled enclave to a purer state. Their members are drawn from Newtonian students who sink into the chemical morass of addiction to drugs, which are peddled by the group to ensure their own success. The group helps the students to break the physical addiction, then introduces them to the mysteries of the cult. A subtle brainwashing is performed, during which initiates are told of a fictitious high-level Southern traitor who almost cost Terra Nova the War of the Alliance. The initiates emerge with a deep mistrust of their own government, and implanted suggestions to undermine it whenever possible without compromising their own safety. The students then return to regular school activities, generally achieve better grades, and improve their health with regular exercise. After graduation, these indoctrinated students step into daily life with a dangerous hidden agenda.
Prejudice
The rise of various nations on Terra Nova, with their own views and opinions has resulted in the emergence of prejudice as a societal galvanizing agent. Politicians use differences in philosophies and lifestyles to boost their citizens' morale and to create hatred and fear of others. Even amongst themselves Republicans are prejudiced. Social status is very important to a Republican, as is a successful career. Those who are lower class and do not have an occupation which is deemed worthwhile are the constant target of criticism.
With the Southern Republic's supremacist views, it i s unsurprising that Republicans tend to view other societies with a great deal of prejudice. Though intelligent, cultured and powerful, they will often fall into the easy habit of denouncing others over minor differences. The people of the AST, for example, are seen as unenlightened children who must be shown the way to happiness and fulfillment through the grace of the Republic. Ending the petty wars between the Southern nations, the Southern Republic has conclusively unified them under one banner.
Republicans believe Northerners to be a flock of sheep led by the church, stripped of spirit and creativity. Individualism appears to be a dead concept in the CNCS and the idea of the church having political clout is revolting to most Republicans. The Northern leagues are also the target of insults because they are the only nations who officially pose a threat to the Republic's destiny. Republicans would like nothing better than to remove the church's political power and the secular officials who allow it. Badlanders are respected for their courage and spirit to tame the wild, but few Republicans understand why people would live in such areas when there is plenty of freedom and opportunity in the Republic.
Another form of prejudice dates back to the War of the Alliance. The Earth forces used GRELs (genetically engineered supersoldiers) as their shock troops and Terranovans, understandably, feared these great warriors. When Earth withdrew, it left thousands of GRELs behind and these soldiers were seen as being somehow less than human because of their artificial origins. Due to the GRELs' superior physical structure and their artificial origins, many Republicans began to feel threatened by these supersoldiers and the prejudice of genetics has reared its ugly head recently. Many supersoldier prisoners (often called vatfreaks) were subjected to inhumane treatment by the Republic during and after the war.
Republicans Abroad: The South
Republicans who travel or serve in the vassal states of the Allied Southern Territories are clearly subject to prejudice, although fear and power go a long way to hide resentment and distrust. Republicans expect others in the South to recognize their superiority and are often shocked when Humanists,Dominionites or Easterners refer to them as uncultured or full of themselves. The social models in the three vassals states are so different from the Republican one, that the citizens of these leagues often have as little understanding of Republicans as the other way around.
Republicans must also always be aware that they are seen as conquerors and occupiers. It is virtually impossible for a citizen of the vassal states to look at a Republican without being reminded that their state and society is in some form of bondage - it is totally impossible to do so when dealing with a Republican official or soldier. This perception is expressed in various ways, including extremes like nationalist attacks on Republican personnel and groveling collaboration by opportunist locals. More subtle expressions of prejudice are even more common, however. Republicans working abroad often report that friendships are fleeting and that most locals keep their distance. Many Southern cities with a significant number of Republican transients react with an insular social life, often using local languages rather than Universal French or Anglic so as to isolate the occupiers. Republicans usually respond by creating their own social networks in these cities, totally ignoring local influences except when they can be used for reasons of fashion and style. Many Southern city-states have a series of clubs, restaurants and bars dedicated to serving a Republican clientele. These establishments are often called "imperial clubs" by locals as a sign of derision, but the term has been adopted by many Republicans who quite like the association with past empires. Locals who work at imperial clubs are generally well trained to show "proper respect" to the clientele and are well aware that in most cases they are completely unprotected by local legal or social standards. Slavery, abuse and even murder are far from unknown in these establishments and feed the outrage of the dominated populations.
Republicans Abroad: The Badlands
Republicans traveling in the Badlands find themselves in the unique position of being lumped together with Northerners. All polar citizens are subject to the same scorn from Badlanders who see them as easy-living "city-skags" there to take their freedom away from them. Aquitains are especially sensitive to this type of remark because they pride themselves on being the "Badlanders of the South" and picture themselves to be true Badlanders at heart. It is always a rude awakening for an Aquitain to actually travel north into the desert and find that all his vaulted "survival skills" are not enough to keep him alive and that Badlands society is nothing like he imagined it. I n point of fact, the Aquitain perception of the Badlands has more to do with holofilms and urban legends than any actual experience. Badlanders take great pleasure in letting these "tough Republicans" slowly and painfully discover that they are way out of their depths. There are some Aquitains (and other Southerners) who do actually know the deserts and they do garner respect from Badlanders, although often enough they also acquire an undesireable aura among other Republicans.
Lifestyle
Saddled with a reputation for lax social morals and hedonistic desires, Republicans are generally characterized as being of decadent stock. The truth, however, is a far cry from this simplistic view. A vibrant people with a love for life, Republicans live in ways that span every extreme of possibility and taste; despite the common bonds they share, Republicans are often at odds over the definition of an "appropriate" lifestyle. Therefore citizens must decide for themselves how to live, and suffer the consequences of their choice.
Generally speaking, Republicans are enterprising individuals who believe in prosperity at any cost. The energy behind this drive to succeed is so great, that Republican society produces a proportionally small lower class. Children are reared with the intention of instilling in them at least a glimmer of this desire to achieve.
Despite their freedom to choose their place of residence, trends based on geographic situations are apparent and most Republicans acknowledge their society is separated along urban and rural lines. The city-states have produced Republicans who enjoy the fast pace of life within an artificial environment. Trendy nightspots and ostentatious social gatherings are beacons calling to them. Clothing tends to be flashier and meals more elaborate than in the countryside, and the people have a tendency to seek excitement wherever it lurks. Urban life i s considered harried by some, but exhilarating by most who live within high steel and glass enclosed structures.
Life in the rural regions is carried out at a more languid pace. Rural Republicans find comfort in good company and good food, and long workdays are rewarded by simple and quiet nighttime endeavors. Stoic and intensely loyal to the Republic, inhabitants of the regions simply do not feel the need to overextend themselves socially. They prefer to keep their drive and ambition for work, where they can do the most good for their nation and community
Language
The official tongues of the Southern Republic are Universal French and Anglic, although most business is conducted in Anglic. There is also a significant Eurogermanic-speaking minority in the Republic, which explains, for example, the origin of the Jager Gear's name. Elementary and secondary schooling in the Republic is predominantly French; at the college and university levels, however, most classes are taught in Anglic due to the large number of foreigners who come to study in the Southern Republic. All international students are forced to take at least one cycle of French classes and most do well, but the results of a recent poll show that over 80% of them cannot recall more than a few words five cycles after graduation. Republicans look upon this as further proof of their own superiority.
Republicans, not surprisingly, consider Universal French to be a cultured and educated tongue, perfectly representing the nation that speaks it. From the poor rice farmer all the way to the successful businessman, people of all ages consider language to be an integral part of their heritage. No Republican in his right mind would ever consider not teaching French to his children and heirs. Hence, language laws are fairly lax in the Republic, with the notable exception of Law 301-D, which subjects all non-French literature sold within the borders of the Republic to a 25% sales tax. Needless to say, imported literary works do not sell terribly well.
Residence
Domiciles vary greatly from city-state to city-state and region to region, but some generalities do apply. Within the citystates, housing's sole purpose is for residence. The two-room apartments and condominiums that serve as the living spaces for the working class inside the walls of most cities are quite cramped compared to the townhouse and residential complexes that lie just outside the fortifications. Another factor influencing city-state housing is district, which shows differences in layout and structure according to the caste of the intended residents. Upper class districts usually feature lavish dwellings occupying a large area for aesthetic reasons rather than functionality. Middle class districts are the most diverse, with moderate condo complexes and symmetrical townhouse compounds being the norm. Lower class citizens are allotted apartments in the general housing projects, with the size of the dwelling dependent on the number of occupants.
Residential structures and compounds in rural regions serve dual functions of housing and livelihood. The size of compounds vanes as greatly as its function. Farming communes differ in layout based on the number of residents, the relationship between the residents, and the prime function of the commune. The relationship between the occupants will dictate whether a series of dwellings or a single domicile is optimum for the commune. This is best demonstrated in the Sukhavati region by comparing the farming village/communes to the monastic communes. The size of the single or multiple residential structures is proportionate to the number of occupants, often accounting for a possible increase in inhabitants. The commune's function w i l l dictate the nature of structures affixed to the residence or justify the existence of these structures within the compound.
The Republican state is involved in the allocation and creation of housing through the guise of the Human Affairs Ministry (which is also responsible for education, job-training and health) but its aid comes largely in the form of financial subsidies to the city-states. Local communities are mandated to set standards for residences and other structures and manage construction either through municipally owned buildings or through zoning regulations. When the political and bureaucratic will allows it, however, the Ministries of Culture and Human Affairs have been known to cooperate on "urban glorification" campaigns aimed at making specific buildings or entire neighborhoods worthy of the Republic. Port Oasis and the smaller communities of the Albigen region are the most common recipients of these funds, used to beautify streets and erect new and impressive commercial and residential structures.
Rites
The rites adopted by the people of the Southern Republic are unique in Terranovan society. The Republic's supremacist philosophy has directly influenced many of the customs that surround events in the lives of citizens, and many customs that are held as universal have no place in the SR. For example, birthday celebrations, which are common on Terra Nova, are rare occurrences in the Republic. Citizens see surviving the cycles as a logical thing, so celebrating the passing of another is pointless.
Certain other rites are given great value in Republican society. The Rite of the Circle, in which a child is officially recognized as a full citizen of the Republic, is arguably the most important of these. This ceremony, attended by the child's circle, is performed at the end of high school, and allows the new Republican to formalize his conviction and dedication to the state. Some family traditions, such as the animal sacrifices of the Rostovs of Port Oasis, add a brutal ritual to this changing of status. Once the ritual is complete, the new citizen is a full member of society, expected to aid in its development and fully bound by its laws.
The addition of a new life to advance the community i s seen as a joyous occasion, and formal ceremonies are held a season after the baby's birth. The ceremony varies from region to region, but normally incorporates the child being blessed by the combined circles of the parents as well as the bestowing of a birth name selected by the circles. Birth names do not replace the name selected by the parents, but are frequently used as middle names. Traditionally, these birth names are chosen to honor historical figures from within the child's own family background or heroes of the Republic. Arland has become a common birth name since the end of the War of the Alliance in tribute to the sacrifice of Prefect Arland Longchamps during the struggle, but more traditional names such as Emile, Lynda, Hazel and Napolgon are still popular. Another recent trend has been for the parents of male children to name their son Louis with the expectation that their circles will give him the birth name of Philippe in emulation of the Prime Minister. Some cultural pundits have discreetly expressed concern that traditional heroes of the state and its culture being eclipsed by a living figure, no matter how popular, is somewhat improper.
Another major Republican ritual is the death rite. When a citizen passes away, it is customary for the deceased's circle to bury the body in the chosen resting place of the deceased. This place is known only to the circle, but for practicality's sake, the state run cemetery's head keeper must be informed of a circle's intent to break into their facilities and bury a new body. The circle will then erect a headstone and carve their names into it, passing on their strength to their departed loved one. Some particularly daring people have chosen to be buried in odd places. Perhaps the strangest request was made by Jean Colle, who asked to be mummified and placed inside the Estates General House of Parliament. His circle maintains that his final wishes were respected, but the body has never been found. Birth rituals have an important place in Republican society.
Food and Drink
Living in one of the richest nations on Terra Nova, Republicans have access to the planet's full bounty. Southern markets fill to overflowing with an exquisite variety of goods, from the commonplace to the exotic, and all citizens are able to partake of this abundance. Prices are generally reasonable, allowing for a healthy nutritional balance, but are obviously dictated by an item's rarity.
In this land of plenty, innovation and adventure are prized assets among the culinary elite; Republicans feel it their duty to raise gastronomic excellence to new heights. Distinguishing themselves through their diversity, Republicans, regardless of class, adhere to no specific culinary regimes. Regional specialties do exist, but these individual foods are used in a variety of ways to lend an overall idea or theme to meals. Most Republicans are willing to admit harboring a fondness for a particular food, which explains the phenomenal popularity of cawfee, but almost all Republicans feel that eating the same meal twice in a season is to admit creative defeat. Trends do, however, crop up from time to time; Louis Philippe deRouen's passion for grilled hopper and cold johar has caused season-long shortages of both as people seek to emulate the Prime Minister.
Republicans eat three or four small meals a day. Morning i s dedicated to high energy carbohydrates and fruits to replenish natural sugars. Afternoon meals tend to concentrate on protein and energy sources. Evening meals are more spontaneous, dedicated to culinary delight rather than nutrition. The act of gathering for a dinner engagement is used to bolster Republican civilization and culture, or to impress one's peers. Families use meals to teach their children Republican ideals, the importance of the state i n their lives and proper etiquette. Large dinner parties have strict codes of conduct, and hosts are expected to entertain guests by weaving tales of intrigue and adventure throughout the meal's course. It is common among the social elite to tell stories of great victories and defeats using regional delicacies or favored dishes to emphasize points in the tale. The greatest hosts can use contrasting choices to create a subtle sense of irony.
Clothing
In the Southern Republic, all kinds of fashions and styles can be found in a harmonious blend of colors and fabric. Looking good i s a of prime importance in a status-conscious society such as the Republic and most city-dwellers with disposable income spend a great deal of time and energy on fashion. Although styles from other leagues are sometimes popular (usually as part of a brief fad), Republican designers are generally favored. FashionSense i s the premiere style magazine, where one can find all the tidbits of information needed to be fashionable and comfortable.
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