Amarithian
Culture
Culture and cultural heritage
Amarithian culture is strongly militaristic, with soldiers and military veterans being venerated by most people. Prisoners of war from other countries are also typically treated with respect unless they belong to an extremely hated group. Knights are held in extremely high regard and are often considered the highest rank of nobility below royalty.
Alchemy is very popular in Amarith, and alchemists tend to be well-respected people. Most Amarithians have some basic knowledge of alchemy, typically enough for first aid and effective homemade remedies for common ailments.
Opinions on dragons and draconians generally range from disdain to outright hatred. This is very common across Zelunica because of the New Abrizan Empire, although as time has passed this hatred has begun to wane. It's more ingrained in countries with strong ties to the people who overthrew the Empire.
These parts of Amarithian culture stem from the fact that the royal family are descended from the founder of the Kingdom of Amarith, Colart Amarith, who was an alchemist, and a member of the Circle of Mages. Many of the oldest families in the Kingdom of Amarith also trace their lineage to Colart's original followers from after the Empire's fall.
Food is also a large part of Amarithian culture. People who don't know at least basic cooking are typically viewed with disdain. Beef, chicken, and fish are the most popular meats in Amarith. Baked goods are very popular, with many different traditional variants for different seasons and different meals. It is common for food to be preserved with alchemical preservatives. Some of these preservatives are even ingredients in various recipes.
Common Etiquette rules
In Amarith, honesty and directness are highly valued. Liars, and people who try to disguise their words, are looked down upon. Profanity is not uncommon, even among the nobility, but unnecessary rudeness towards a person isn't typically well-received.
When eating, use of the hands is generally considered rude, except for certain foods, such as sandwiches. A person licking their fingers is also considered rude. If a host has neglected to provide napkins, wiping hands on the tablecloth is common. Failing to provide napkins is generally a forgivable oversight, as long as it doesn't happen often.
Common Dress code
Clothing decoration is common in Amarith, but decorations that impede the practicality of clothing are generally disliked. It is common and expected for people to own and carry some kind of weapon.
Art & Architecture
Amarith was the birthplace of a form of art where the artist "paints" on a surface with an acidic substance. Common materials to do this on are wood, stone, and metal. Sometimes these are then painted with traditional paints, and sometimes they're left as is. A variant of this is sometimes used in landscaping, where herbicides will be used to create patterns or images in grass or other plants.
Coming of Age Rites
When an Amarithian child reaches the age of thirteen, they are traditionally gifted a weapon by their parents, such as a sword, spear, dagger, or crossbow. They are then expected to carry this or another weapon throughout their lives. Intentionally getting rid of this weapon is considered incredibly rude, to the point that it isn't unheard of for someone who does to be disowned. Unintentionally losing it is typically considered something to be ashamed of, but isn't looked upon nearly as harshly.
Funerary and Memorial customs
When people die, they are typically buried in a cemetery, or if they're wealthy enough, a crypt. People are typically buried with the weapon they receive at age thirteen, or, if they don't have it, whatever weapon they valued the most, excluding heirlooms.
Common Myths and Legends
The story of The Hag, an old woman who kills young men, began in the Kingdom of Amarith, and it is still most popular among Amarithians.
Stories about The Green Gendarme, a bizarrely-armored traveller, are popular in some areas of the Kingdom of Amarith.
Ideals
Courtship Ideals
In regard to courtship, directness is generally preferred in Amarith. People who use hints, games, or trickery are generally ignored.
Relationship Ideals
Relationships in Amarith are typically monogamous. Slaves are not usually considered part of a relationship.
Major organizations
Related Organizations
Languages spoken
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments