Charrans

Emotions aren't wrong, it's okay to be imperfect, you're not weird, you're not a failure, and you're not alone.

— Nurno, Charan

Charra was a revolutionary who challenged the established Kaloan societal norms and expectations. He encouraged people to be more open with each other, to not feel the need to be perfect, and to not internalize their emotions so much. He also placed great importance on pacifism and helping the poor. He inspired quite a few people and those that embraced his ideas are called Charans. They try to live their lives emotionally open, not caring too much for being perfectly composed, having compassion for those that are less fortunate, and decrying war. Some people are more open about being Charan than others, with some being completely candid about their beliefs and others confiding their true beliefs only in fellow Charans. They tend to be called earrings after the distinctive earrings that their founder wore. Their simple and unusual style is a symbol of the Charans' care for the poor and defiance of typical Kaloan culture.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

All Charans are united in that they share the values of their founder. However, different Charans place different amount of importance on different tenets. All of the tenets are value to an extent and acted on by the community. Charans throughout the empire are known for standing up for their beliefs and even dying for them.

Common Dress code

Most Charans dress like Kaloans except for their earrings. Many open Charans wear earrings in the same style as Charra's famous earrings. It's also common for Charrans to have the earring symbol on their clothes. The obviousness of this depends on the individual ranging from an large colourful pattern that is easily picked out to a small discrete pattern worked in among other patterns along a hemline.

Charra by Rinmaru and Aleksandr Slobodianyk

Art & Architecture

The earrings are a popular symbol for Charans to work into architecture, textiles, and other works of art. Chara or Charan martyrs are popular artistic subjects. Additionally, Charan artists tend to portray people in the height of emotion, people getting along peacefully, the poor, or other subjects that represent Charan ideals.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Charans try to get together fairly regularly so that they can share company with those that share similar beliefs, discuss their emotions freely, organize projects, and discuss their role in the world. They also engage in community service projects regularly. Every year on the twenty third of Nigin , supposedly the date of Chara's death, is a day of remembrance where Charans remember and celebrate the life of Chara and the lives of other Charan martyrs.

Coming of Age Rites

I thought I'd see you around

— Rafri, Charan

When someone decides to join the Charan community, the community will throw them a party welcoming them. During this celebration, it's customary that the joiner is given a set of Charan earrings.

Funerary and Memorial customs

When a member of the community passes away, they typically have private funerals for the community and the those close to the deceased to attend. They are buried with their earrings in, even if they were more secretive about their beliefs and therefore didn't wear their earrings much in life. Their coffin is marked with the symbol of a single Charran earring. Funerals are very emotional and focus both on the sorrow of those left behind and celebrating the life that the deceased lead. Charan martyrs are laid to rest in coffins with two earrings marked on them.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

With their emphasis on openness and imperfection, most Charans aren't terribly concerned with their physical appearance or those of others. They do tend to prefer less formal attire and messier appearances.

Relationship Ideals

Charans tend to be very open with their partners and spouses. They value communication and honesty highly in relationships. They tend to try to avoid more violent arguments instead preferring more peaceful and calm discussions. They also tend to show more affection than most Kaloans.

Major organizations

I understand what you want and I sympathize with your cause but I will not engage in violence for it. No cause, no matter how just it may be, is worth the cost of violence.

— Nurno

While Nalgi's Revolution has stated that it draws inspiration off of the story of Charra, Charran attitudes towards the revolution are divided. Although they understand the revolutionists desire for change, most frown on the use of violence to achieve this. Most seek ways to nonviolently help the revolutionaries or act as mediators between the clans and the revolutionaries.

Related Organizations

• Ostarin Empire