Culture
Jul 15, 2018 13:35:32 GMT -5
Post by Grant on Jul 15, 2018 13:35:32 GMT -5
CULTURE OVERVIEW
The Kingdom of Khandor is a vibrant place to live. They have advanced, steam-powered technology, an appreciation for the arts, and competitive and renowned centers of education. In many ways, the city never sleeps, as there are reasons to be out and about at all hours of the day or night. People generally live happy, comfortable lives, despite the stirrings of discontent between the oppressed magic users and non-magic users. Those who live in the farming communities live more simply, but have the same technological comforts as those living in the city. The pace of life is slower in the farming villages, and they are more removed from political and societal tensions that exist in the city.
GENERAL NOTES
- Men and Women are considered equal in Khandor. They can hold the same power, jobs, property, etc. It is still typical for women to stay home and raise children when that point of life comes. That said, a woman with a lot of power or wealth could also choose to hire nannies or other child care and continue in their position and it would not be looked down upon.
- Men and women become adults at the age of eighteen, and the age of consent is also eighteen.
- Bastards and how they are regarded depends on the family they are born into.
- Homosexuality is frowned upon and same sex marriage is illegal, and if two people of the same sex live with each other, then they need to be labeled as roommates and not "partners". This is due to the fact the setting is Victorian Steampunk.This is purely IC. OOCly, Grant , Vee and Wolfsong don't care.
- Medical care is very basic. It is plant-based and in some cases highly experimental. Concepts of bacteria and viruses are new so modern medical advances are at the very beginning of being made.
- Education is considered incredibly important, so everyone in Khandor can read, write, and do basic mathematics. With the exception of the lowest classes, many Khandorians will seek out higher education.
- Art is equally appreciated in Khandor. There are active theatres, operas, art galleries, dance companies, etc. The wealthiest may patron specific artists or specific groups but the idea of the "starving artist" is foreign in Khandor. An artistic child would be just as supported as an academically talented child.
- "Blue-collar" workers (blacksmiths, shopkeepers, midwives, etc.), while essential, do not rank as highly as "White-collar workers" (lawyers, inventors, politicians). These groups coexist but do not generally intermarry - if they do it is a woman marrying into a higher class family. The exceptions are people in artistic professions and mechanics, who exist somewhere in the middle.
Nobility (Royal family members)
Upper Class (Council members, aristocrats)
Middle Class (Merchants, store-owners)
Lower Class (Shop workers, etc.)
Working Class (Farmers, blacksmiths, etc.)
Impoverished (Known magic users)
[li]It is forbidden for non-magic people to marry magic users. NO EXCEPTIONS (as of now, never know what the future will hold)[/li]
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GOVERNMENT
Khandor is a Kingdom (in case you hadn't noticed yet), and is thereby governed by a monarchy. The current ruling family is the House of St. Germaine. In addition to the Royal Family, there is a Council of elected officials. The Head Councilman or woman is the King/Queen's number one adviser. The King/Queen may follow their counsel, but ultimately they make the final decisions on everything.
CLOTHING
Clothing in Khandor is Victorian influenced with a twist! Technology can be incorporated in a number of ways, from high-tech goggles to gear buttons. Generally, richer, darker colors are preferred over pastels (with a few exceptions like weddings). Khandorians do prize creativity, so showing one's personal flair in a unique way would not be unusual.
There is, however, a concept of modesty. Bikinis, excessive skin, or complete exposure would be seriously frowned upon in keeping with Victorian influence. For example, a man would not be seen in public completely shirtless.
RELIGION
Once upon a time about 20 years ago and earlier, those with Magic were in a sense worshiped by non-magic users. However, with the decimation and suppression of these people by the Royal Family, this worship has died. Some Khandorians maintain a sense of spirituality, or even a fear of those with magic - but ultimately technology defeated magic; therefore what is there to believe in really? So on a whole there is no "religion" and any religious inklings are personal and unique to each individual.
MILITARY
Khandor has a powerful standing army that functions under the direction of the King/Queen. Military service is highly respected though non-compulsory. It is open to both men and women like everything else. The military is well armed, armored, and highly trained, allowing only the best amongst even their lowest ranks. Given the tensions between magic and non-magic users, those in the military are trained to identify magical items and happenings. The lowest ranking members of the military also function as general guard and police for Khandor. There are two factions of the military: The Army and the Navy (which includes both water and airborne ships). The hierarchy is the same for both groups, though there is separate leadership up until the King/Queen
MILITARY HIERARCHY
- General
- Sergeant
- Lieutenant
- Private