Menas Culture

Overview and History

The Menas are a culture inhabiting the southern oceans, off the coast of Sulenmei. As a result of a failed attempt to revolt against the Kingdom of Anlia, they were left destroyed, and subjugated as a colonial territory. The revolt was an attempt by the order of Menalos to purge any foreign influence from the island, and to remove the treaty port established by the kingdom of Anlia. The revolt was a catastrophe for the Menas as their population had been taken down to a 10th of it's original size, as a result of famine, disease. The isle of Menalos was renamed to Batton island, as a punishment by the Anlians, along with cementing their claim on the isle of menalos. They're currently prohibited from owning land along the coast of the island, The construction of new Menas temples is prohibited, and many menas men are recruited into the military, as a way to prevent revolt.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Feminine names in the Menas language end in Vowel sounds to help mark the individual as a woman. Names like, Kita, Nore, And Ala

Masculine names

Masculine names in the Menas language end in consonants to help mark the individual as a man. Names like Naras, Katon, and Atrax

Family names

Family names of the Menas are normally the first name listed. Early on in Menas history, they were divided amongst various clans on Menalos, and thusly the identifier of their clan became an important marker of where an individual had come from.

Culture

Average technological level

The Menas have remained relatively isolated for the past 2000 years. Resulting in many of their technological developments to be made independently. Simple tools made from Iron, along with arms and armor show their advancment. Wagons contain very little metal in them besides the nails to hold them together. Ploughs don't need need to be made of steel with the soil being soft enough to not need it.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

The feminine form is seen as normal in Menas society. Women often wear robes that reveal the arms, and chest as a way to keep the body cool in the semi-tropic climate. Food is plentiful due to the rich soil, and has informed a standard of relatively thin bodies, showing self restraint, and good health. A recent curiosity has been foriegn stylings, with Menas women modeling their hairstyles off of the styles of Nurses and supporting staff at the treaty port.

Gender Ideals

The Menas are a matriarchy, and often elevate women in their societies. The priestesses are the leading caste of Menalos. Men are still seen as important to society, often filling more menial roles, but still having a place in terms of leadership. Priestesses are leaders of the broader society, while men often fill more local roles of leadership. Local village leaders are often male, while temples are the seat of government for larger provinces of the islands.

Major organizations

The Order of Menalos

The Order of Menalos is the central religious organization that leads Menas society. Being made up of the various temples and shrines that scatter the island. The order is seen as the leading governing body, handling relations and interactions with the world beyond the island.