Antils (Man)
Antil peoples inhabit the fertile jungle valleys and hills of the Utulu Vale, and though the peak of their civilisation was cut short, they remain a peaceful and cultured, but isolated people.
Antils faced many of the same threats, fears and superstition as their Utu forebears, but with the development of written and spoken language, existing themes of unity present in their culture were relaxed alongside territorial tendencies.
Stories of danger and of success helped to dispel some beliefs and strengthen others, and the rich and varied cultural identity the Antils grew around their developing civilisation.
The height of the Antil presence in Antillion saw the birth of metalworking practices, detailed architecture and mathematics, animal and plant husbandry, early medicines, land management and a wealth of written, spoken and illustrated art, some of which survives to the modern day.
Antillion was invaded by the Malari, effectively ending the burgeoning civilisation, who used the Antils as slaves and sacrifices in their pursuit for physical perfection.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Malana, Ketsada, Anami, Topra, Boulani
Masculine names
Palani, Laik, Akanu, Songak, Myono
Family names
Chanpra, Phekon, Mothan, Musavam, Ravanna
Other names
Family homes are named after the family who first lived there, and homes and estates are referred to as if they were an individual. In this way, the heritage of a location is respected and remembered, and a consideration for the land and building is maintained for generations.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Average technological level
Major technologies of the Antils include agriculture and husbandry, carpentry, fire, mining and masonry, early metalworking, mathematics, architecture, land management, pottery, writing, weaving, and herbal medicines.
Common weapons for Antils include the kuan, a short hatchet of knapped stone, the kokr, a sturdy rod with a sharply hooked end, the saikad, a wooden buckler ringed with long spikes, and simple weighted throwing spears, called saihok.
Common Etiquette rules
In formal settings, speaking over another was considered to be rude. An order to who was to speak was maintained by unspoken custom - in the home, deference to the satri present, and to the eldest satri present, was expected. Beyond a family estate, deference was given to the sai present, and to the eldest sai present. Alim were given deference when offering insight or advice, and it was considered to be especially offensive to interrupt their counsel.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Natural beauty and a delicate balance of manicured order and freeform expression define Antil beauty standards.
In architecture, this often means carefully planned and sculpted structures arranged to resemble a flower in bloom, in curated gardens let to overgrow, in flawed wood and stone being incorporated into a home.
In fashion, this often means simple drapes of simple design and gentle colours folded and tied to emphasise the body beneath, usually by framing the exposed chest, in long hair loosely managed and pinned with decorative jewellery, and in natural motifs, especially floral.
In the human form, this often means exposing the body with the exception of the sexual organs, with both males and females highlighting their chest, backs and arms while generally concealing all parts of the body below the waist.
In music, this often meant ponderously slow acoustic strikes climbing into flowing staccato, trilling choruses resolving into warbling patterns, and the appreciation of local songbirds.
In the visual arts, this often meant object focus works centred on plants and animals, intricate and stylised floral patterns, pictographic icons of animals and plants, and realistic landscapes and murals.
Gender Ideals
Antils perceive three genders in their culture, and each have social expectations they are held to.
Women (satri) of the Antils own the land, with the eldest member of a household having final say on matters pertaining to property. They are expected to care for the children of the family and perform all domestic chores including everything from replacing roof tiles to repairing clothes to cleaning floors and cooking.
Men (sai) of the Antils work the land, with the eldest member of a household having final say on matters pertaining to any physical work, hostilities, or defence, and their decisions are considered to have more weight than their satri counterparts. Sai could own property, but not land.
Neuters (alin) of the Antils work to preserve knowledge and history, expected to provide secular and spiritual advice, to handle records, and maintain the gardens of the family estate. They were permitted to assist with any other tasks considered to be sai's or satri's work, but this was considered to be a failing on the part of the sai or satri who could not manage without the alin. Alin were celibate, and forbidden from owning property or land, but otherwise free to engage with any part of society.
Courtship Ideals
Polygamous families are the norm for Antils, whose notion of the family unit generally extends to direct blood relations and members of the household.
The mechanics of how these households are created, intermingled and divided is straightforward in practice, but difficult to track in theory.
As the household is considered the basis of a family, someone wishing to join a family engages in an extended courtship period in which they visit regularly, bringing gifts and food over the course of at least a year, which are given not just to the object of their affections, but to the entire family, who will ultimately accept or reject the suitor.
All three genders participate in this courtship behaviour as they come to know the different members of their would-be family and get an idea as to how compatible they would be with the new household. Though satri own the land, the eldest satri govern the family estates, leaving younger women free to pursue their own romantic interests.
If a family becomes too large to house in the one estate, the youngest relationship group will arrange for the construction of a new estate nearby, creating their own home and a separate household. Though the process can be difficult, it is seen as a celebration of love and of new beginnings.
Relationship Ideals
Relationships among the Antils are open, and built upon precepts of communal living, sharing and respect. Polygamous relationships are the social norm, with each group of partners forming a family within a shared household.
Major organizations
Parent ethnicities
Diverged ethnicities
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