Nimýrité

Table of Contents

The Nimýric Empire encompasses most of Chryphóra's largest continent, Gysuphun. Its culture is characterized by a strong focus on unity, education and aesthetics.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Female names usually end in vowels or diphthongs, such as -a, -éa, -ia or -y.

Masculine names

Male names generally end in a single consonant, for example in -as, -in, -on, or -ór.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The official language is Nimýric, which is also the primary language in those nations most closely associated with the Empire. In more loosely-connected areas, children are often raised as bilingual. Learning languages besides Nimýric does not have a high priority, except for diplomats or teachers tasked with bringing enlightenment to less-developed cultures.

Shared customary codes and values

Conformity plays an important role in Nimýric society. People are expected to obey authority figures, who in turn are expected to have the people's best interests in mind. Great emphasis is placed on spreading cultural and scientific achievements so that everyone can benefit from them. Personal sacrifice for the greater good is highly regarded - be it for the family, one's home town, a country, the Empire, or the planet as a whole.

Common Etiquette rules

Politeness plays an important role in Nimýric society. Expressing one's wishes directly is frowned upon, and mostly reserved to those with a legitimate power to command others. Likewise, open insults are avoided in favor of vague insinuations. A second factor is obedience. Higher-ranking or more experienced individuals have an implicit right to speak first or interrupt others. Even among equals, refusing an offer or a request is generally seen as selfish, unless it is against the law or common moral standards.

Common Dress code

Women generally have longer hair and wear dresses or skirts that reach their ankles. These serve to emphasize the smooth curves of the ideal female body. Men are more likely to wear pants and shorter tunics. They usually keep their hair short so that it does not distract from their jawline. As for body decorations, most women wear colorful eye make-up and lipstick matching their hair. Jewelry is mostly limited to nobility showing off their wealth, with the exception of religious talisman pendants.

Art & Architecture

Nimýric art favors naturalistic sculptures and paintings which showcase the artist's skill in recreating the subject. Colors are often idealized to appear more harmonic. Common decorative elements are elegant, flowing shapes inspired by nature. Architecture is mostly functional, but does not neglect aesthetic aspects either. Buildings are usually decorated with ornamental sills as well as latticed windows and fences. The material of these decorations depends on the wealth of the inhabitants - in rural areas, they are mostly made of wood, whereas representative buildings in highly-developed towns favor marble, brass and even precious stones. As for music, the most popular instruments are strings, woodwinds and wood-based percussion. Since the invention of recording devices and radio transmitters, orchestral performances have risen in popularity, becoming available to everyone. Vocals are commonly supplied by small groups or choirs.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

The Hémélun Celebrations

In ancient times, the "Month of Dancers" was the time of courtship, since it coincides with the fertile phase of the species. While modern society became more flexible regarding the timing of courtship and weddings, it is still tradition to gather for opulent celebrations during this month.

Inheritance

People are considered related to both their mother's and father's bloodlines. However, only the children of the eldest living clutch are eligible to inherit their parents' possessions, which are equally split between them. If a person has no children of their own, their possesions are passed on to their next of kin. In most cases, these are the siblings from the same clutch or said siblings' heirs.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Bright colors are seen as a sign of youth and fertility, leading many people to dye their hair. Angular forms are considered attractive in men whereas rounded shapes are preferred for women. Furthermore, short jaws are favored because they are common among members of the royal families.

Relationship Ideals

Family relationships focus on the siblings and parents, especially for those people who do not have their own children yet. Uncles, Aunts and Grandparents play a minor role. Children hatching from the same clutch are particularly close. They are called "ciphrýné", which translates as "nest siblings". Earlier clutches are expected to help looking after their younger siblings.

Diverged ethnicities