Stone Sup
"Of all the quaint little traditions which the Brugen participate in, you are most likely acquainted with the Stone Sup. I had seen them on other planets, of course. But nothing compares to seeing a group of ten or more Brugen, making polite conversation and then gargling a mouthful of gravel on their home turf. Usually, they stand next to a lake or river, the picturesque countryside around them, and make the most horrendous noises you will likely ever hear. Honestly, the noise alone is worth it. Just don't think too hard about what they're doing to make those sounds."
Background
The Brugen come from Unity and see themselves as sophisticated and creative. Artists, creatives, writers and performers as well as philosophers and thinkers are highly prized in their society.
They hold on to traditions which have meaning to them, but over the centuries and millennia, they have elevated them to match their sophisticated way of life.
The Tradition
Purpose
The Stone Sup serves two purposes, the first is biological and the second is social. Brugen have a complex biological system. While their body and palates have evolved, they have no teeth and are therefore not able to grind down harder materials to digest them. They get around this by swallowing small stones, grit and sand. These collect in the gizzard and when food and digestive juices enter the gizzard, the thick muscles and grit help pulverize the food. Since all Brugen need to partake in this stone swallowing, they have turned it into a social occasion and it is now considered something of a social lubricant. It is used as a way to meet people and talk in a more casual setting.Execution
Each Brugen partakes in a Stone Sup once every ten to twelve days. Generally, one goes with a group of friends or family members, but there are also social groups which run regularly. The whole event takes 1 to 3 hours and starts with a promenade together during which they can chat and enjoy their surroundings. Once they reach the predefined location where they know there to be suitable stones, grit or sand, they stand in a circle and use their beaks to identify what they want to swallow. The swallowing itself usually involves some quacking noises to ensure that the grit gets to where it needs to be. The group then takes a leisurely stroll back. This stroll is important as it allows everything to settle inside the Brugen and, if something goes wrong, the others are there to help ensure they get the medical attention they need.Offworld Variations
Stone Sups happen across Unity, but also take place in any society where Brugen live across the Peacekeeper Territories. They are a very good way for those living offworld to connect to other Brugen and are more common than many of the other Brugen traditions.
A solo Stone Sup is considered to be a very sad thing indeed.
Social Perception
It is said that many a law has been decided and marriage arranged over a Stone Sup. There is some truth to it. Within Brugen society, who you Sup with can be very important. The best social climbers understand this and have been known to adjust their own Stone Sup schedule to match those of people they wish to spend time with. There is also much judgment around the noises made during the Stone Sup. While the sounds are primitive there are those who believe you can tell a person's character from the nature of their quacking during a Stone Sup. Outside of Brugen society, most dismiss it as an awkward oddity not worth mentioning. The Terror, however, tend to find it quite charming and it is not unusual to see a Terror accompanying a group of Brugen on their Stone Sup offworld.Related Articles
| Culture | Brugen |
|---|---|
| Locations | Unity, The Aspiration System, Peacekeeper Territories, Peacekeeper Alliance |
I love the Brugen so much.
Explore Etrea | March of 31 Tales