Belsan

The culture of Belsa reaches back to the earliest days of the people. They take pride in their land and the many ways it provides for them.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

Though small, Belsans compose themselves with with a stately grace. They love words and find delight in epic tales and well-wrought poetry.

Common Etiquette rules

The traditional greeting in Belsa is for both people to bow their head toward each other.

Neither men nor women are dominant in Belsan culture.

Dressing well when possible is considered best manners.

Common Dress code

The most important wardrobe piece to a Belsan is their coat. The coat is close fitting on the top part of the body with the sides crossing to close with pairs of buttons. Men's coats continue straight down to just above the knee. Women's coats are gathered at the waist and the hemline is about a hand's span above the knees in the front and about the same distance below the knee in the back. Under the coat, the cut of their shirts are fairly plain and fall to below the waist. Both men and women wear knitted leggings that cover their feet, legs and hips. Leather shoes are worn.

The second most important piece is usually worn for a functional purpose. Belsans, especially those living on SkyLand or on Cricket Flats is a hat. Their pale skin burns easily so a head covering is essential in the open. Of course, the more money one has, the nicer the hat can be and the hats on affluent Belsans can vary between tasteful and functional to extravagant.

Wealthy Belsans also wear elaborately decorated coats and the hemlines are often lengthened. Their leggings and shoes are also richly decorated.

Art & Architecture

Fine fabrics are the hallmark of the Belsan people, from knitted wool leggings with multiple accents threads running through them, to sheer woven silks, to linens in every color imaginable. Though their homes and buildings have a variety of art within them, it is the fabulous apparel that they wear that most attracts the eye.

SkyLand buildings are usually made of wood, though some of the more expensive use brick or imported stone in part. What makes Belsan cities and towns different from others, is that there are canopies elevated over the streets to protect the citizens from the burning sun. In affluent areas, there are fine canopies over most streets. In the general city, there are sturdy linen ones suspended over the market areas.

Belsans who live on or near the Cricket Plains dwell in underground caves, sheltered from the sun and cool inside. Indeed, there are many cave homes scattered throughout Belsa.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Meals are usually made up of fish or meat accompanied by many small side dishes of fruit, vegetables, and fungi.

Family is important and extended families gather together several times a year.

Common Taboos

Belsans do not generally touch each other casually unless they are family members or trusted friends.

Sharing the secrets of silk production is a treasonable offense.

Diverged ethnicities

• Filhonin

Encompassed species

• Nairian

Related Organizations

• Belsa

Related Locations

• Cricket Flats
• Tall Timberlands
• Woodpecker Woods