Post by Lunari on Aug 21, 2021 22:12:10 GMT -5
. NOISTAR'S CULTURE and SOCIETY .
NOISTAR'S OVERALL CULTURE
The Republic of Noistar is a relatively young nation, created after the arrival of the Nostras. They are exceptionally proud of their democratic voting system which allows citizens to choose the Exemplars that represent them. The Exemplars are held to high standards of excellence--they can be removed if they lose the favor of the electorate. All citizens can vote beginning at age 20. (Extensive birth records are kept for this reason.) In addition to the democratic system, the Republic has also eliminated all noble titles and aristocracy. All citizens are technically the same class regardless of heritage, income, or race.
The Republic itself is more like a city state--the archipelago is actually relatively small, and its smaller islands function more as neighborhoods than as separate islands. The natural straits and creeks have been enhanced to create a series of branching canals that allow boat travel throughout the republic. The smaller canals can only be traversed by gondola, while larger straits allow small cargo boats to be unloaded directly into some areas.
The larger canals also divide the city state into its five districts: Venitzia, Mercato, Merine, Creare, and Tessere. Each district specializes in a particular kind of work, and venerates a specific deity. See the district descriptions for more details.
The military of Noistar has been trained in the unique naval style of the Nostra who conquered and reformed the land. All citizens participate in the military part-time for 3 years as part of their commitment to the nation. This begins at age 20, when they are considered an adult. The 3 years are spent learning discipline, basic combat, basic swordsmanship, and basic first aid. Citizens who do not continue in the military will not be extremely skilled fighters, but they know the basics in case they are called on to defend their home.
The overall values of the land center on "Arete" which loosely translates to 'excellence' or 'virtue.' Citizens are encouraged to follow their vocations and become the best at whatever is their strength. Ideals of beauty often tie into this and center on symmetry, balance, and 'perfection.'
The ideal of "Arete" also leads people to be exceptionally competitive in law, business, and even sports. Competitive sparring matches, track events, archery competitions, and dance competitions are all methods of entertainment in the city.
TESSERE DISTRICT
Culture: People of this district are hard-working individuals who work to ensure the people of Noistar are well fed. They tend to be the most peaceful, and similar to the Merine district, they put work before anything else. They take pride in this and are very proud people, as well as considered some of the most stubborn of the republic, believing they are capable of anything should they put their mind to it. They tend to mind their own business, but are willing to give others a helping hand. They take great joy in sports and hold monthly sporting events that all are welcome to come spectate or join in.
Stereotypes: The people of Noistar view Tessere as gentle giants, who often don’t start anything unless provoked. They’re hard workers, and are often recognized for their efforts. Some might believe them to be the less educated of the archipelago, as they don’t have time for an education from working in the fields all day. Some consider them “meatheads” given their strong builds and their natural knack for athleticism. Most people in Tessere excel in some form of sporting event.
Religion: Many in this district are followers of Urs, hoping he’ll bless the harvest and bring fertile soil.
Military Affiliation: A portion of Tessere is dedicated to training the citizens of the republic, where a majority spend their three years of service. Those that decide to stay in the service either reside here to be a part of the Soldati, Protettori, or become a part of the Marinai.
Society Classes:
Land Owners: Middle to High class depending on the state of their land and their crops/livestock
Workers: Lower class members work in the fields and live either on the land or in communal housing (similar to apartments, made from old noble homes). Some workers also come in during the harvest from other districts and camp out at the edges of the field.
MERINE DISTRICT
Culture: People of this district are hard-working, rough around the edges, and tend to be known to put work before anything else. They are the types of people who keep their heads down, get to work, and don’t complain about it. What needs to get done is almost always done without question. In contrast, there are parts of Merine where the poor live, slums exist, and you never know what might be lurking around a dark corner.
Stereotypes: The people of Noistar view Merine as intimidating, hard-tempered, yet they are respected (mostly those who are part of the Marinai). It is assumed if you are from Merine (based on appearance mainly), you are either poor, hardened, cold-hearted or a Marinai.
Religion: People of Merine typically focus mostly on work, so religion is something that they may hold if they so wish to, but they do not tend to go out of their way to practice/ worship. Many of the Marinai and sailors will say a prayer to Rhona in hopes she will ensure them safe travels and calm waters.
Military Affiliation: Merine is heavily involved with the military. It houses the Naval school, in which if you enroll, you are highly expected to be part of the Marinai. Many from this district decide to remain within the military after their mandatory three years.
Society Classes: Mainly the working lower class reside in Merine.
CREARE DISTRICT
Culture: People of this district are some of the most creative individuals you will find on the archipelago. They are also some of the friendliest, often eccentric individuals you will meet. People from this district form very tight communal bonds, and are very willing to help their neighbors out, whether it be breaking bread with them, sharing ideas, or what have you. It’s probably one of the “safest” places in Noistar, and they’re always welcoming to outsiders. They’ve fully embodied loving thy neighbor and appreciating life. On the flip side, the richer part of the district tends to sometimes forget where they come from, and where they started, in which case, can cause some tension.
Stereotypes: The people of Noistar view those from Creare as lazy and irresponsible for their lack of “real effort” when it comes to hard labor. They are considered naïve to the realities of the world, and are hardly ever taken seriously. They’re very “colorful” people and you can spot someone from Creare easily out in the crowd. They’re often thought to always be partying, rather than working. They have a very carefree nature, and most think they’re mostly dreamers who will never truly amount to anything. Those that are in the psychic and more mystical trades, are often called conmen and jokes, and are not to be believed because all they do is spread lies. If you are from Creare, it is automatically assumed you come from one of the poorest classes in Noistar.
Religion: Most people in this district are followers of Linh, as they embody what many in Creare lead their life by. Which is life and spirit, and that everyone is connected somehow in the grand scheme of things.
Military Affiliation: Many Crearites don’t stay in the military after serving their mandatory years. Instead, they are often tasked with helping design uniforms and producing the fabric used, or creating ship flags. Some are even tasked with creating military weapons.
Society Classes: Lower class. Many in Creare are starving artists or just barely making it by. Those in the richer part of the district are high class, and are well-renowned artists.
MERCATO DISTRICT
Culture: While you might expect merchants to be focused purely on money, the people living in Mercato are also very family oriented. Many businesses are passed down through the generations or to apprentices who are treated as adopted children in the family. They celebrate extensively when children come of age as new adults at 20 and on wedding anniversaries at 5, 10, 20, etc. Some extended families may all live in the same piazza (square) with separate houses for the adult children and all of their children, but still share meals on Sunday and interact extensively.
Now, that's not to say that they don't love a good deal! Merchants in Mercato are always happy to haggle, and will often barter among themselves--trading things they might have sold in their shops to each other for what is needed. It's common to get something through a long chain of favors--give a roasted chicken to Mrs. Gains so that she'll give you an embroidered tablecloth. Give the tablecloth to Mr. White for a basket of peaches. Give the peaches to your cousin Henry for a fancy bottle of wine you need for your anniversary. Give the wine to your wife on your anniversary for a happy wife and a happy life!
Stereotypes: People from Mercato are believed to be noisy, nosy, and nitpicking. They often seek to bargain on deals and ask how much people's clothes and things cost, and other districts who are not used to that culture may be offended.
Religion: Many in Mercato are worshippers of Aura, hoping she’ll grant them inspiration for new business endeavors. They are also celebrants of her joy and vibrant life.
Military Affiliation: Mercato is where the military gets a lot of its goods from. Whether it is supplies for the voyages, weapons, and anything else they might need. Sometimes, they get imported weaponry and things that they might not be able to make on Noistar.
Society Classes:
Workers: people who work in the area are mainly lower or middle class, particularly if they work for another store/family.
Owners: some shops or city blocks may be owned by larger, more wealthy families, and rented out to middle class people who then hire lower class workers…etc.
VENITZIA DISTRICT
Culture: Venitzia is very clean, organized, and fast-paced. Business and law are extremely important to citizens here, and they almost always rush from place to place. Connections matter--knowing the right people and the right forms to fill or questions to ask can make all the difference. While lawyers are very direct and will call you out on something they feel is wrong, many of the more socialite types are more passive-aggressive. Rather than get into an outright argument, they'll accuse you of cooking the books, or some kind of theft, some small crime, but haul you into court and plague you for weeks, months, or even years. Be careful who you tangle with.
Stereotypes: People of Venitzia are often seen as snooty or condescending. Jobs within the city often require having graduated from the academy, so they're also seen as exclusive and judgmental. Very stiff, stick in the mud types.
Religion: Most people in Venitzia are followers of Aed, as he embodies justice and righteousness, which many of this district stand to have and defend.
Military Affiliation: Many guards are stationed in this area, especially in the White Citadel's courthouse area. While many goods are bought and sold in Mercato, major business deals and land contracts are handled there.
Society classes:
Middle: scribes, accountants, tutors, teachers, guards, bankers
High: lawyers, judges, large business owners, major bank owners