Lavonians (la-voe-nee-an)
The Lavonians are a group of people who broke away from the Markians during Markia and Lavonia's Split and now identify themselves as a separate ethnic group. They are named after the newer Kingdom of Lavonia, which was established after the war. The Lavonians share many cultural similarities with the Markians, including their love of the sea and trade, as well as their appreciation for good food and drink. While Lavonians are similar to the Markians in many ways, there are two key factors that set them apart.
The first key factor is the Lavonians' opening and ongoing acceptance of demihuman culture. The Lavonians believe that demihumans (such as halflings, dwarves, and elves) are equal to humanity and should be treated with respect and dignity. As a result, many Lavonians have developed close relationships with many demihuman communities and have integrated many aspects of demihuman culture into their own.
The second key factor that sets the Lavonians apart from the Markians is their more democratic political system. While the Markians have a more traditional monarchy with a king or queen at the head of the government, the Lavonians have a more representative system of government, with elected officials and councils that make decisions on behalf of the people. This system has allowed for a more diverse and inclusive government, where different voices and perspectives are heard. This radical change was done so to ensure that the people have a voice and that previous conflicts between the lower and merchant class with the noble class does not repeat itself in the new kingdom.
Lavonia is a democratic country, with an elected parliament and a constitutional monarchy. The monarch, who is a member of the royal family, serves as a ceremonial head of state, representing Lavonia in official and diplomatic matters, and also plays a role in the country's governance.
The parliament, which is composed of elected representatives from various regions of Lavonia, is responsible for making laws, debating policy issues, and overseeing the work of the government. The monarch plays a symbolic role in the parliamentary process, opening and closing sessions of parliament and giving the royal assent to bills passed by the legislature.
The royal family also has a more direct role in the country's governance, serving as advisors to the government and working on behalf of Lavonia in international affairs. However, the monarch's role is largely symbolic, with the real power resting in the hands of the elected representatives of the people.
The Lavonian political structure is designed to balance the need for stable governance with the desire for democratic representation and participation. The monarchy provides a unifying force for the country, while the democratic parliament ensures that the people's voices are heard and their interests are represented.
Culture
Common Etiquette rules
Markians value a formal and hierarchical approach to social interactions, and strict adherence to social rank and customs is expected. They believe in being polite, but also in being clear and direct in their communication. They do not shy away from confrontation and often engage in heated debates to get their point across.
On the other hand, Lavonians place a high value on personal relationships and informal social interactions. They are much more relaxed and casual in their social interactions, and prefer to avoid direct confrontation or aggressive communication. They place a high value on diplomacy and negotiation, and often seek consensus and compromise in order to maintain harmonious relationships. They believe that social rank should be respected, but that personal merit and achievement should also be celebrated.
Common Dress code
The Lavonian cultural dress code is a combination of traditional Markian attire and their own unique styles. They often wear loose, flowing garments made of lightweight fabrics, such as linen, silk, or cotton. The garments are usually in floral colors, such as reds, yellows, and oranges, to reflect the warmth of the people's openness to others despite hardships.
One unique feature of Lavonian dress is the use of colorful embroidery and beadwork. Lavonian women are particularly skilled at embroidery and often decorate their clothing with intricate designs in bright colors. Men typically wear tunics or shirts with simple embroidery on the cuffs and neckline.
Another common accessory for both men and women is a leather belt with a decorative buckle. The buckles are often made of silver or bronze and are adorned with intricate designs, such as animals or geometric patterns.
Lavonians also place a strong emphasis on practicality in their dress. They often wear sturdy boots or sandals suitable for their rural lifestyle, and their clothing is designed to be comfortable and easy to move in.
Foods & Cuisine
Lavonian cuisine, while inspired by the Markian culinary traditions, has evolved to incorporate unique flavors and ingredients that are characteristic of the region. One of the key differences between Lavonian and Markian cuisine is the use of a wider variety of herbs and spices. Lavonians have a particular fondness for aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano, as well as pungent spices like cloves and cinnamon.
Seafood plays a central role in Lavonian cuisine, with the most common dishes featuring fresh-caught fish, shellfish, and other fruits of the sea. However, Lavonians tend to prepare their seafood in slightly different ways than the Markians. For example, they might use a more subtle blend of spices and a lighter touch with sauces and marinades to allow the natural flavors of the seafood to shine through.
One of the most beloved Lavonian dishes is a hearty seafood stew, made with a base of fragrant herbs and spices, tomatoes, and white wine, and packed with an assortment of seafood such as clams, mussels, shrimp, and chunks of fish. Another popular dish is a grilled fish fillet drizzled with a tangy herb-infused olive oil and served with a side of mixed roasted vegetables.
For dessert, Lavonians have developed a unique twist on a classic Markian treat. They take the traditional Markian fruit tart and fill it with a creamy custard infused with lavender, a popular herb in the region. This gives the dessert a floral note that sets it apart from the sweeter Markian version.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
After breaking away from Markia, the Lavonians developed their own unique customs and traditions, such as:
- Embracing Demihuman Culture: Unlike the Markians, the Lavonians have a more open and accepting view of the different demihuman cultures. They believe that everyone should have equal rights and opportunities, regardless of their race or cultural background. As a result, it is common to see Lavonians participating in events and festivals that celebrate the different demihuman cultures.
- Love of Literature: Lavonians have a deep appreciation for literature, and they are known for their extensive libraries and book collections. They have established a pattern of producing scholars, philosophers, and writers who have contributed to the development of their unique cultural identity. It is common for Lavonians to engage in passionate yet polite debates even with those of a higher station and share their experiences in the open as a way of expressing their feelings and preserving their cultural heritage.
- Celebrating Independence: The Lavonians are proud of their independence and celebrate it every year with a grand festival. This festival includes parades, music, dancing, and feasting, and is a time for the Lavonian people to come together and honor their history and cultural identity.
Lavonians are known for:
- Seafaring and Coastal Harvesting
- Expansion and Love of Literature
- Flavorful Cuisine
Physical Description: The physical appearance of Lavonians does not differ too much from the Markians they have branched from. Lavonians typically have a range of skin tones, including light to medium tan, but lacks distinguishing freckles or sunspots as each generation passes. Their eye color varies from light blue to warm brown, and their hair can be light to dark brown, sometimes with darker shades. Lavonians have a athletic and muscular builds due to their active lifestyles, still turning to the ocean for its bounty. Their hair is often worn in practical styles, such as braids or buns, to keep it out of the way during work or physical activity. They also tend to wear bandanas of various colors to protect themselves from the sun and wind.
Parent ethnicities
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