Mala
History
In the year 72, the Magisterium/Council outlawed the use of Dark Magic in Ilyrium, regardless if one had been born with it. Those born with it were imprisoned, and many fled in fear of the government's punishment. On 16 October 73, the Magisterium rounded up 100 witches suspected of being born with, or using, Dark Magic. They erected 100 stakes and prepared for barbaric executions by fire. Many inhabitants of Ilyrium warily came to witness the event. Because it was a public event, the celebrated Vates Charmion Ligeia, a witch secretly using Dark Magic, attended to entertain. Although Charmion strenuously objected to the deaths, the Magisterium ignored the young girl and simply ordered her to sing for the entertainment of those that had gathered to watch the deaths of the Dark witches. Charmion did, indeed, begin to sing, and when she saw the massacre of Dark witches that was about to take place, she used her magic to call forth all manners of Dark creatures (as far as she knew, a talent unique to her), whom she knew would follow the command of those with Dark Magic. Charmion hoped that fatalities would be kept to a minimum, but the battle whipped up the fury of the Dark witches (both those about to be executed and those that were not yet captured), and many thousands of witches lost their lives that day, despite Charmion's desire for that not to happen. The Mala, angered by their maltreatment and attempting to fight their way out of Ilyrium, ended up slaughtering 7000 Ilyrians with their lethal Dark Magic; only about 1500 perished. After, the Dark Magic witches fleed Ilyrium and settled in the Crypta Labyrinthus.Future
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The Mala speak Latin almost exclusively; the only Mala that speak another language are those that are Emissarii in UBH. The Mala feel as though Latin is a superior language and do not want their own learning other languages.
Shared customary codes and values
Because of the Mala's continued exposure to Dark Magic, they have become a cold, brutal people. Their only goal is to rise up against Ilyrium and the witches of the world and eventually control them, and as such, their singular focus has created a hostile environment inhospitable to almost any other kind of magic. The Mala are expected to be unquestionably obedient. They are ruled with an iron fist by the Imperium and any dissidence is swiftly punished. The Mala are also expected to take their professional assignment with no argument. The Mala have weak relationships amongst one another and even families are typically not very close, due to their cold nature. It is rare for the Mala to have friendships at all. However, despite their lack of relationships, their shared goal of overtaking the world's witches bonds them very deeply. The Mala rarely show emotion, and someone who does is viewed as weak. Usually, the only time a celebration is merited is when a new Dark witch is produced. Even at funerals, any emotion, besides respect, is viewed as something that should be avoided.
Average technological level
The Mala are more technologically advanced than the witches of UBH, although how much is still a developing topic.
Common Etiquette rules
The Mala are courteous and despite their aloofness, a certain level of courtesy is expected while at work, to ensure an efficient work environment. The Mala typically do not associate with others outside of work, although children may be allowed to associate with preapproved friends outside of school. Within a family, respect for the parents is required, and children are held on a tight rein. Respect for elders outside the home is also expected of children, especially at school. Since children are not yet as affected by the Dark Magic, they may be loud and unruly, which is punished swiftly.
Common Dress code
The Mala all wear cotton jumpsuits crafted with magic, from birth to death. The jumpsuit's color indicates their profession or sector and has their names printed on a pocket for easy identification. Failure to wear the jumpsuit in public constitutes a crime.
Art & Architecture
The Crypta Labyrinthus, where they reside, is sparsely decorated. Due to the Mala's cold temperament, the city is very austere and decorations are mainly centered around murals depicting their ancestors' journey and the foundation of the city or futuristic events in which the Mala will be the supreme leaders of the world.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
The Mala do not have any observed traditions, although some may celebrate their children's day of birth. Customarily, the Mala have one day off a week and work many hours a day, as a Mala's work is considered the most important aspect of their life. As such, this makes for a joyless existence by many, although many consider their existence a sacrifice for the day when the Mala are in charge of the world.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
All babies born are tested by Sensitive, much like in Ilyrium. If the child has Dark Magic, it is a celebration. However, if the child is born with any other kind of magic, more steps are taken. If the child is born with Nature Magic, Illusion Magic, Elemental Magic, and Healing Magic, the register kept by the Imperium must be consulted, as only a small number of those witches are allowed for maintenance of the city. If the allotment has not been reached, the child lives. If it has been reached, the child is executed. Any child born with any other kind of magic is immediately executed.
Coming of Age Rites
Around age 16, the Mala graduate from school and are assigned their jobs, as everyone in the Crypta Labyrinthus must work. Some learn a trade to maintain the city, while others become dedicated to the study and execution of Dark Magic. Finding out their assignment at age 11 is considered the most important event in a Mala's life, only behind producing more Dark witches.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Because of the weak relationships amongst the Mala, deaths are rarely treated as a very somber event. Usually, a small service may be held with close family, and then the body is transported to the catacombs.
Historical figures
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Because of the selective breeding, most Mala look fairly similar, with brown to dark brown hair and brown eyes, although obviously other eye colors do appear occasionally. Those with other hair colors are considered unique and sought after.
Gender Ideals
Men and women are treated equally, as it is one's level of magic that constitutes their place in society.
Courtship Ideals
Many relationships amongst the Mala are arranged in order to bring prestige and/or wealth to families. Dating is uncommon, but not unheard of.
Relationship Ideals
Because of the Mala's overall temperament, relationships amongst each other are often weak, even amongst families. The strongest relationships are probably between parent/child, although even those relationships weaken as children age.
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Comments
Author's Notes
Hopefully, if I ever finish my book and the next one, I really want to feature the Mala as the main antagonists of the third book (and the series as a whole). They probably won't even probably be discovered until the second book, if that. I think they'll be fun to write about, and I plan on at least one of the Mala playing a big part in the resolution of the series. I actually developed the Mala for the Crypta Labyrinthus colony challenge, but man, maybe it was just a subconscious plan or whatever, but they work out perfectly for what I want. Any suggestions are welcomed, as always!