Post by Mysteria on Dec 20, 2014 19:16:24 GMT
CULTURE
Teair is a country that is extremely proud of its cultural heritage. Foreigners might look upon some of the customs as bizarre, but they are practiced avidly by all members of society, even those who are usually stoic in the public eye. To not partake in local custom is seen as unspeakably rude.
L i f e S t y l e
ROYALTY
The life of Nova's royals is centered on the exciting business of keeping the kingdoms afloat. The royal family, the Noru Family, are huge, and together they act as a government, passing laws to further develop their kingdom's interest, and maintain a tenuous sort of peace. The royals are in charge of the Military and also, though to a lesser extent, the Rose Court and Arch of Ages. Mostly the royals live in their palace, although some live in other areas outside their castle walls.
In day to day life, the royals, in particular the children, enjoy learning. The palace is often filled with the sound of music from those royals who are studying it. Women are taught to act properly in the public eye, and the men are taught to fight. To mix roles is considered taboo and is generally frowned upon. Additionally, the nightly banquet is integral to life in the palace, where time is spent feasting and discussing all manner of things, often politics or foreign relations.
THE WEALTHY
Those lucky few in Nova's society who are wealthy enjoy an excellent quality of life. Although the women spend much of the day cleaning, or preparing drinks and entertainment for guests, and will often complain of how difficult life is, the wealthy are, in general, extremely happy. Wealthy men often have jobs as business owners or guildmasters -- as such, the houses of the wealthy are impeccably decorated with all manner of things, some hand-made by the denizens, and many imported from other countries. The wealthy don't have jobs in government, so their lives are usually dedicated to contributing to the country's economy by buying and selling a ridiculous amount of goods.
The children of wealthy families, much like the royal children, spend much of the day learning. Both men and women, upon reaching sixteen years of age, are expected to be engaged to a suitable partner (someone of similar social standing). Marriages outside of these strict social barriers is not encouraged. Popular entertainment includes balls and tea parties, which are generally quite strict occasions, until the alcohol is broken out.
COMMONERS
The urban and rural commoners of Nova lead extremely different lifestyles.
URBAN
Some commoners who live in the city lead a respectable life, working in shops or in the marketplace. They have access to the many comforts of city and town life, including sanitation, education and public facilities. Others, however, by unfortunate circumstance, are forced into a life of crime, or living on the streets. There are few homeless shelters in Nova, and so those who have been given a raw deal by life are often forced to worsen it, only in order to survive.
RURAL
Rural life is dominated by the farm. Nova's rural people are up early in the morning for tilling, plowing, harvesting, milking the cows, collecting eggs, herding sheep, shearing, lambing, and innumerable other necessary jobs. Farm laborers rarely have time for comforts or relaxation, however it's commonplace for the family to gather around the fire or a hearty meal at the end of the day.
FASHION
There are several clothing styles that are common to Nova's natives.
ROYALTY
Nova's royals often wear elegant, layered, fitted black and purple garments. Purple is a difficult dye to come across, and is incredibly expensive. The women wear long, ornate dresses, decorated with frills and lace adornments, with keyhole or sweetheart necklines. The men generally wear black jerkins with brightly-colored shirts underneath. Tights are also customary. Masks -- beautifully ornate things -- and gorgets are popular accessories, along with jewelry of all designs. Bright colors offset with black are popular amongst the royals, but red, green and purple seem to be the prevailing hues.
THE WEALTHY
The wealthy citizens of Nova have a style that rivals the royals' in terms of decorum. They wear loose garments in an array of colors, usually dark, but hardly black sense that is a color royals tend to wear. Tops are typically long, with high necklines, and give a sense of austerity. For women, it is acceptable to wear short dresses, however white tights must be worn: to reveal one's bare legs is unacceptable. Men generally wear breeches and high, tough boots. Rings are popular for both men and women. Bronze and brass accessories are favored by the wealthy. Popular colors include navy blue, green, and recently red has become more popular, especially to young women. Cosmetics are popular; face powder in particular. Young ladies are encouraged to whiten their face and redden their lips.
COMMONERS
Commoners are usually unable to afford voluminous, pretty clothing. However, the tailors of Nova's common people are versatile and skilled with their work. The prevailing color is brown, and garments have to be simple for the sake of cost. Breeches, jerkins and cloaks are common even among women, for skirts and cinched dresses are impractical for the hard work that the common population must undertake. White and beige are also common, although generally it's in the form of scratchy, untreated fabric. Typically, tops are long sleeved; men may wear plunging necklines, but women generally remain modest. Boots are a necessity. To make their clothing less boring, Nova's common people use all sorts of accessories: brooches, brass and copper jewelry with cheap gemstones, wraps, scarves, shawls, hats, bracers, even brightly colored bootlaces and belts. The love of color and artistry prevails even in their fashion. Also Nova's people often apply kohl to their eyes; this applies to all sections of society.
SUPERSTITIONS
ART
Novians adore art in any form, however there is a distinction made between Art and Performing Art: both are equally important. Paintings, sculpture, carvings, pottery and textiles are considered to be 'Art' and often involve the Deities, or epic scenes from Nova's past. The nationalistic nature of the country comes through strongly in their artwork -- depictions of humans pillaging foreign villages or saving fair maidens are common, although more modern art tends to portray the country's landscape.
Some of the more famous pieces of artwork include:
PERFORMING ARTS
Dance, theater, music, circus and puppetry are equally cherished in Nova. Dramas often revolve, much like artwork, around fables and myths from Nova's tumultuous history, although there are some modern plays that deal with society's ills. Dance is practiced by almost everybody, although those with two left feet tend to stick to the typical folk dances of Nova, which are always riotously popular.
BALLADS
Song has been popular in Nova for as long as the country has existed. Ballads are regarded as one of the kingdoms many treasures, and there is nothing that the Queens enjoy more than to be sung to by their minstrels. Examples of more famous ballads include:
ECONOMY
Noruvian Coins
A directive gold coin that has a side portrait silhouette of the 9th King of Nova, Noku Noru, engraved into the center. The border around the center design of the King, a wreathe surrounds the king along with a stamped date of when it was mended.
The Noruvian's are the current currency in Kingdom of Nova, put into effect 3 months after Noku's inauguration as the King. With the law, written by Noku Noru the 9th, states that all foreign currency must be exchanged or banned for trade or to make simple purchase. Which means shops or merchants can not accept gold or any other type of coin or currency other than Noruvians.
No matter what your character is carrying. Being 1 silver piece or 1 gold. It will all exchange out to be 1 Noruvian. Which means Noruvian's can be gained faster by saving it into your vault, Joining a job or faction. Or you can even save up to purchase your own store and sell your own goods your character make's in game or finds.
1 Gold --- 10 Noruvian
1 Silver --- 5 Noruvian
1 Copper --- 1 Noruvian
Coinage can be swapped between at the Vaults in each main city.
Nova's main export is raw ore, and its main import is cash crops. It has a surplus of precious metals, and is very stable and improving. However, wealth is concentrated in a small upper class, with everyone else -- usually -- having enough to get by. Homelessness and thievery exist for a reason, though.
DIVORCE & MARRIAGES
Annulment is no longer a legal means of separating a marriage in the Kingdom of Nova. All marriages must be acknowledged by the Regent or have one of the King's advisors signature on the contract drawn up between both parties; Plus if the circumstances are that the marriage has ended, the Regent or Advisor's signature is again required, and the documents are then filed away for the Crown to make use of when necessary. Along with this paper trail, the Crown recognizes all marriages entered into as legitimate and binding while they remain intact.
[/p]
THE AFTERLIFE
Teair's understanding of an Afterlife is a relatively confusing one. It is believed that, when people die, they go to either Yursoul, Morgg, or if they are lucky and have done extraordinary things, The Glad of Heros.
The people of Nova are equal parts terrified and enthralled with death. There is no proof that souls go to any of these places so most natives are agnostic; or follow their chosen deities devoutly in hopes of living with them for eternity in the afterlife.
YURSOUL
The land of the Dead
The place where souls go after they have passed on from the world of the living. In the fables told down by generations; its said that Helena guides lost souls to Yursoul to be brought before the Allfather. If a soul wishes to rest, they would be allowed to do so or be permitted to be re-incarnated back into the world once again.
MORGG
The Nightmare you can't escape
If there is a place that souls can go to live eternity in peace; then there is defiantly a place where souls are brought to continue out their eternity in torment and anguish. Morgg is what the natives would call... Hell so to speak. It is a place where Zeapon rules over and it is said that Helena drags wicked souls down into this place for her father to torture.
GLADE OF HEROS
the land of legends
The Glade of Hero's is the realm in which the Gods reside and live among with the mortal hero's that helped shape the world of Teair. If a soul were to be brought to the Glade of Heros, they would be permanently placed among the legends. Hero's must accomplish many tasks, do great things, and become more renown to the people while alive to be considered worthy by their deity or another deity to be considered into the Glade of Hero's.
Teair is a country that is extremely proud of its cultural heritage. Foreigners might look upon some of the customs as bizarre, but they are practiced avidly by all members of society, even those who are usually stoic in the public eye. To not partake in local custom is seen as unspeakably rude.
L i f e S t y l e
ROYALTY
The life of Nova's royals is centered on the exciting business of keeping the kingdoms afloat. The royal family, the Noru Family, are huge, and together they act as a government, passing laws to further develop their kingdom's interest, and maintain a tenuous sort of peace. The royals are in charge of the Military and also, though to a lesser extent, the Rose Court and Arch of Ages. Mostly the royals live in their palace, although some live in other areas outside their castle walls.
In day to day life, the royals, in particular the children, enjoy learning. The palace is often filled with the sound of music from those royals who are studying it. Women are taught to act properly in the public eye, and the men are taught to fight. To mix roles is considered taboo and is generally frowned upon. Additionally, the nightly banquet is integral to life in the palace, where time is spent feasting and discussing all manner of things, often politics or foreign relations.
- - - - - - - - -
THE WEALTHY
Those lucky few in Nova's society who are wealthy enjoy an excellent quality of life. Although the women spend much of the day cleaning, or preparing drinks and entertainment for guests, and will often complain of how difficult life is, the wealthy are, in general, extremely happy. Wealthy men often have jobs as business owners or guildmasters -- as such, the houses of the wealthy are impeccably decorated with all manner of things, some hand-made by the denizens, and many imported from other countries. The wealthy don't have jobs in government, so their lives are usually dedicated to contributing to the country's economy by buying and selling a ridiculous amount of goods.
The children of wealthy families, much like the royal children, spend much of the day learning. Both men and women, upon reaching sixteen years of age, are expected to be engaged to a suitable partner (someone of similar social standing). Marriages outside of these strict social barriers is not encouraged. Popular entertainment includes balls and tea parties, which are generally quite strict occasions, until the alcohol is broken out.
COMMONERS
The urban and rural commoners of Nova lead extremely different lifestyles.
URBAN
Some commoners who live in the city lead a respectable life, working in shops or in the marketplace. They have access to the many comforts of city and town life, including sanitation, education and public facilities. Others, however, by unfortunate circumstance, are forced into a life of crime, or living on the streets. There are few homeless shelters in Nova, and so those who have been given a raw deal by life are often forced to worsen it, only in order to survive.
RURAL
Rural life is dominated by the farm. Nova's rural people are up early in the morning for tilling, plowing, harvesting, milking the cows, collecting eggs, herding sheep, shearing, lambing, and innumerable other necessary jobs. Farm laborers rarely have time for comforts or relaxation, however it's commonplace for the family to gather around the fire or a hearty meal at the end of the day.
FASHION
There are several clothing styles that are common to Nova's natives.
ROYALTY
Nova's royals often wear elegant, layered, fitted black and purple garments. Purple is a difficult dye to come across, and is incredibly expensive. The women wear long, ornate dresses, decorated with frills and lace adornments, with keyhole or sweetheart necklines. The men generally wear black jerkins with brightly-colored shirts underneath. Tights are also customary. Masks -- beautifully ornate things -- and gorgets are popular accessories, along with jewelry of all designs. Bright colors offset with black are popular amongst the royals, but red, green and purple seem to be the prevailing hues.
THE WEALTHY
The wealthy citizens of Nova have a style that rivals the royals' in terms of decorum. They wear loose garments in an array of colors, usually dark, but hardly black sense that is a color royals tend to wear. Tops are typically long, with high necklines, and give a sense of austerity. For women, it is acceptable to wear short dresses, however white tights must be worn: to reveal one's bare legs is unacceptable. Men generally wear breeches and high, tough boots. Rings are popular for both men and women. Bronze and brass accessories are favored by the wealthy. Popular colors include navy blue, green, and recently red has become more popular, especially to young women. Cosmetics are popular; face powder in particular. Young ladies are encouraged to whiten their face and redden their lips.
COMMONERS
Commoners are usually unable to afford voluminous, pretty clothing. However, the tailors of Nova's common people are versatile and skilled with their work. The prevailing color is brown, and garments have to be simple for the sake of cost. Breeches, jerkins and cloaks are common even among women, for skirts and cinched dresses are impractical for the hard work that the common population must undertake. White and beige are also common, although generally it's in the form of scratchy, untreated fabric. Typically, tops are long sleeved; men may wear plunging necklines, but women generally remain modest. Boots are a necessity. To make their clothing less boring, Nova's common people use all sorts of accessories: brooches, brass and copper jewelry with cheap gemstones, wraps, scarves, shawls, hats, bracers, even brightly colored bootlaces and belts. The love of color and artistry prevails even in their fashion. Also Nova's people often apply kohl to their eyes; this applies to all sections of society.
TABOOS
- While it's common for females to wear male clothing in the lower society classes; It is still highly frowned upon by anyone of a moral or noble status. If your profession in the city is to wear men's clothes; then its not something that would be appealing or sexy in nature by social standings, but rather odd. It would be considered poor taste for woman to dress in a male garments and walk about. Females caught pretending to be a male while training to be a knight would be arrested or put in the stocks for a few days.
- Showing a large amount of skin is considered inappropriate or taboo; generally those who show a lot of skin are prostitutes or people that are promiscuous in nature.
- Dressing above or out of your class is considered bad taste and even illegal depending on who you're trying to pretend to be.
SUPERSTITIONS
- Never sharpen weapons on a full moon; they're doomed to tarnish and blunt.
- Black cats make milk curdle. (The evidence for this is spotty at best).
- Don't begin a romance without first ensuring your shoes are tightly laced.
- Being slapped in the face by the tail of a fox is good luck.
- Be careful what you say about the gods, you don't know when they are listening.
ART
Novians adore art in any form, however there is a distinction made between Art and Performing Art: both are equally important. Paintings, sculpture, carvings, pottery and textiles are considered to be 'Art' and often involve the Deities, or epic scenes from Nova's past. The nationalistic nature of the country comes through strongly in their artwork -- depictions of humans pillaging foreign villages or saving fair maidens are common, although more modern art tends to portray the country's landscape.
Some of the more famous pieces of artwork include:
- A gigantic tapestry, currently hung in the Palace, depicting the King of Nova upon his throne.
- The sculptures of the Deities that are scattered around Teair.
- A small bronze sculpture, like a hand-held totem, of Caster, that is currently in the possession of the Arch of Ages. It's said to have magical properties.
PERFORMING ARTS
Dance, theater, music, circus and puppetry are equally cherished in Nova. Dramas often revolve, much like artwork, around fables and myths from Nova's tumultuous history, although there are some modern plays that deal with society's ills. Dance is practiced by almost everybody, although those with two left feet tend to stick to the typical folk dances of Nova, which are always riotously popular.
BALLADS
Song has been popular in Nova for as long as the country has existed. Ballads are regarded as one of the kingdoms many treasures, and there is nothing that the Queens enjoy more than to be sung to by their minstrels. Examples of more famous ballads include:
- A 3-verse tragedy concerning Caster's fall from the pantheon. Every bard who is worth salt can sing it excellently.
- An intrigue-filled ballad with 4 verses, telling the story of Zepon's and Ai's tempestuous relationship. It has been banned in the First district as it is incredibly risqué, and some bards refuse to sing it at all.
- A complicated and educational epic (7 verses!) about the importance of respecting one's teachers. The melody is quite soothing, however, and children often hum it to themselves.
ECONOMY
Noruvian Coins
A directive gold coin that has a side portrait silhouette of the 9th King of Nova, Noku Noru, engraved into the center. The border around the center design of the King, a wreathe surrounds the king along with a stamped date of when it was mended.
The Noruvian's are the current currency in Kingdom of Nova, put into effect 3 months after Noku's inauguration as the King. With the law, written by Noku Noru the 9th, states that all foreign currency must be exchanged or banned for trade or to make simple purchase. Which means shops or merchants can not accept gold or any other type of coin or currency other than Noruvians.
No matter what your character is carrying. Being 1 silver piece or 1 gold. It will all exchange out to be 1 Noruvian. Which means Noruvian's can be gained faster by saving it into your vault, Joining a job or faction. Or you can even save up to purchase your own store and sell your own goods your character make's in game or finds.
1 Gold --- 10 Noruvian
1 Silver --- 5 Noruvian
1 Copper --- 1 Noruvian
Coinage can be swapped between at the Vaults in each main city.
Nova's main export is raw ore, and its main import is cash crops. It has a surplus of precious metals, and is very stable and improving. However, wealth is concentrated in a small upper class, with everyone else -- usually -- having enough to get by. Homelessness and thievery exist for a reason, though.
DIVORCE & MARRIAGES
Annulment is no longer a legal means of separating a marriage in the Kingdom of Nova. All marriages must be acknowledged by the Regent or have one of the King's advisors signature on the contract drawn up between both parties; Plus if the circumstances are that the marriage has ended, the Regent or Advisor's signature is again required, and the documents are then filed away for the Crown to make use of when necessary. Along with this paper trail, the Crown recognizes all marriages entered into as legitimate and binding while they remain intact.
RELATIONSHIP TABOOS
Social standing is considered one of the most important factors in Novanian life. To associate in a friendly manner with one below your rank is not common and generally not viewed favorably especially amongst the nobility. However there are a few exceptions to this rule. One can increase their social standing through marriage; however generally the difference in rank is not very large. So a noble marrying or having a romantic relationship with a commoner is strictly taboo. However a lesser marrying someone from a notably wealthy family can be seen as acceptable in society.
- A unmarried man seen alone with a unmarried woman is considered questionable to both parties honor; This taboo mostly falls to those of a noble or royal class. Those in lower classes are not judged as harshly for public displays of affection when seen. So it's not much of a taboo for lower class civilians.
- Marrying a person with a unknown or unfamiliar background is considered not only strange but possibly insane.
- Nobles or Royals are normally subjugated to arranged marriages by the head of their families; marrying someone outside the arranged marriage is considered taboo and disrespectful to the head of house and other family involved in the arranged marriage.
- Without being married it is considered taboo to live with someone of the opposite gender.
[/p]
THE AFTERLIFE
Teair's understanding of an Afterlife is a relatively confusing one. It is believed that, when people die, they go to either Yursoul, Morgg, or if they are lucky and have done extraordinary things, The Glad of Heros.
The people of Nova are equal parts terrified and enthralled with death. There is no proof that souls go to any of these places so most natives are agnostic; or follow their chosen deities devoutly in hopes of living with them for eternity in the afterlife.
YURSOUL
The land of the Dead
The place where souls go after they have passed on from the world of the living. In the fables told down by generations; its said that Helena guides lost souls to Yursoul to be brought before the Allfather. If a soul wishes to rest, they would be allowed to do so or be permitted to be re-incarnated back into the world once again.
MORGG
The Nightmare you can't escape
If there is a place that souls can go to live eternity in peace; then there is defiantly a place where souls are brought to continue out their eternity in torment and anguish. Morgg is what the natives would call... Hell so to speak. It is a place where Zeapon rules over and it is said that Helena drags wicked souls down into this place for her father to torture.
GLADE OF HEROS
the land of legends
The Glade of Hero's is the realm in which the Gods reside and live among with the mortal hero's that helped shape the world of Teair. If a soul were to be brought to the Glade of Heros, they would be permanently placed among the legends. Hero's must accomplish many tasks, do great things, and become more renown to the people while alive to be considered worthy by their deity or another deity to be considered into the Glade of Hero's.