Carista
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.



 
HomePortalLatest imagesSearchRegisterLog in

Welcome to Carista. We are an original fantasy roleplay forum set in the world of Carista -- a place where the eight different systems of control are divided across countries and oceans and blood. The systems of control are Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Ice, Plant, Health and Time -- all given to humanity in ages past.

Now, during a golden age throughout the kingdoms, rumors have come of the Loners discovering an ancient building deep underground that contains a legendary Relic that may hold the key to ultimate power or destruction. And so the race of kingdoms begin with the prize being a Relic of untold power...


Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket

Affiliate With Us

Our Affiliates

RPG-D RPGD Topsites Distant Fantasies

The plots and creative work of the site are thanks to Delilah and Vulcan. The graphics and skin are custom made by Delilah for Carista.

The Panels were inspired by the staff system on Bloodrites.net

All written role play content belongs to the designated writer.







Carista is PG-13 with all M+ threads in forums only seen by 18+ year old members.


 

 Culture

Go down 
AuthorMessage
milksteak
Review Panel
milksteak


Posts : 172
Total Experience Points : 4
Join date : 2012-11-27

Culture Empty
PostSubject: Culture   Culture I_icon_minitimeFri May 03, 2013 2:10 am

The cultures and traditions of Valetudo can be difficult to navigate for newcomers. With the country's wealth, artistry, longevity, and health, they are known to take things slowly and easily - on the surface, at least. In this thread, you will find a detailed overview of certain aspects of the Valetudien lifestyle.

Occupations and Social Hierarchy
Customs and Traditions
Cuisine
Arts and Fashion
Back to top Go down
milksteak
Review Panel
milksteak


Posts : 172
Total Experience Points : 4
Join date : 2012-11-27

Culture Empty
PostSubject: Re: Culture   Culture I_icon_minitimeFri May 03, 2013 2:11 am

Occupations and Social Hierarchy

Due to the country's wealth and liberalism, Valetudo has been noted for being exceptionally egalitarian in allowing its people to attain high qualities of living. Though there will be obvious advantages or disadvantages in one's birth and preestablished status, most anyone can become well-off and respected if they are willing to work and create. This is not to say, however, that no importance is attached to social ranking. There is a definite caste system, but motion between the castes is not impossible.

At the bottom of the ladder are the homeless. They are not many, are almost all exclusively of the Citizen classification, and make their money through begging, odd jobs, and government assistance. These are usually people without families, gainful employment, and with alcohol or drug addictions. They are all collected within major cities, though every village may have a single town drunk. The government funds numerous shelters for them, but they are actually a very small population.

Next are the unskilled laborers - farmhands, factory workers, janitors, etc. Though their economic standings vary, they are usually looked down upon by those in the higher eschelons of society. Many foreigners first immigrating to Valetudo take occupations of this nature. If one of these laborers happens to show a higher classification than Citizen or Apprentice, they are likely to find better work elsewhere.

Farmers, fishermen, and other food and drink purveyors (butchers, grocers, winemakers) enjoy a much higher status than the average unskilled laborer. Valetudiens love their food and those who supply it are treated with great respect. Very few people choose these professions, but are born into them and are passionate about their family tradition. Indeed, some butchers have had their shops open for centuries. With a strong, established brand and quality product, these individuals can become extremely wealthy. Those of higher classifications may be voted to rule their villages or towns. Skilled labor requiring apprenticeships such as blacksmithing, prostitution, and locksmithing are also highly valued. Each city has guilds for all of them and are mostly left to govern themselves.

The arts are very important in Valetudo and thus, artists are as well. Painters, sculptors, actors, playwrights, and poets fit into this category, as well as cobblers and tailors. This is one of the hardest industries to find success in, but is also the most lucrative. Artistic patronage is fashionable among the very wealthy and even the middle-class are raised to appreciate and collect quality art. Each city has its own arts district containing playhouses, museums, and clothiers.

True scholars in Valetudo can achieve just as much fame and renown as the artists. It is not unusual for a moneyed family to hire three or four of them to tutor their children. Valetudien scholars can also find success abroad. Philosophers especially enjoy a high social status and the more famous ones can attract huge crowds when they lecture. It is unusual for a scholar to have come from a low-born family, as university is very expensive and gives scholarships very rarely. They can be of any classification, but those specializing in elemental theory are naturally expected to be Consulars at least.

Physicians are plenty in Valetudo, especially with the high concentration of Health Controllers. Apprentice level controllers with potential for higher can find work in local clinics. Consulars can head those clinics or become nurses at paid hospitals. Most hospitals have a Grand Master in charge and are visited by the very sick or the very rich. With healthcare being so prevalent, the infant mortality rate is almost zero and people die from old age more often than anything else.

The noble class comprises of the most elite members of society. Nobles are usually born into their station, but it is not unheard of for a particularly successful merchant, a well-respected scholar, or a celebrated artist to be considered one. They are raised from birth to marry well, have many children, and to take office in major cities. The nobles are as cutthroat and competitive as one might imagine, always seeking to gain favor among themselves, the royal family, and the people. There are houses that have been rivals and enemies for ages, without either party remembering exactly why the rivalry began in the first place. Those things said, however, actual corruption is quite low.

Royalty consists of those born into the Ilda family. The Ilda Dynasty has lasted for nearly five hundred years, beginning when the throne was usurped from House Agnostis during a bloodless coup. Generally, the eldest child of the king or queen becomes heir to the throne, regardless of gender. The reign of the Ildas has been characterized by centuries of peace and prosperity, resulting in their being very popular with the people.
Back to top Go down
milksteak
Review Panel
milksteak


Posts : 172
Total Experience Points : 4
Join date : 2012-11-27

Culture Empty
PostSubject: Re: Culture   Culture I_icon_minitimeFri May 03, 2013 2:12 am

Traditions and Customs

Being that the Valetudiens are a very long-lived people with the average lifespan being around a hundred years, they are known for their unhurried lifestyle steeped in tradition. Elders are treated with due reverence from all younger citizens, be they paupers or princes. To stray from the local norms is to invite dirty looks at best and open criticism at worst.

Gender equality is a simple fact of life in Valetudo. Men and women both can own and inherit property and businesses. Wives do not always take the surnames of their husbands; the spouse with the higher social status is what decides the name change. If the husband and wife are of equal status, either can switch or they can choose to hyphenate. It is considered distasteful for women to be hired as scantily clad tavern wenches to cater to male clientele. Prostitution is freely practiced by both sexes and is legal in brothels, but not private practice. Prostitutes are required by law to have themselves examined weekly for disease.

Marriage is legal between all consenting adult pairs, regardless of gender or orientation. Courtship between two lovers can take years to come to fruition with hundreds of gold's worth in gifts being exchanged. In the noble circles, unions are arranged more often than not and the arrangement is nearly always between male and female to encourage offspring. Same sex couples may adopt (though orphans are hard to come by) or conceive via surrogacy. Wedding ceremonies can last anywhere from weeks to months. Generally, they include a pre-wedding feast, various private unity ceremonies between the betrothed, prayer sessions, the actual wedding, and a post-wedding reception. In modern times, many of these customs can be skipped without much to do. Adultery is somewhat commonplace, but treated with discretion so as not to insult one's spouse.

Funerals are often long, dreary affairs, lasting hours upon hours. The proper mourning colors are black and white together and the bereaved are expected to stay in mourning for two months. Most people have a burial, while the very poor or the diseased are cremated. Every member of the dead's immediate family are expected to speak at the funeral and a local priest - either Elementalist or Creationist - reads off all the deceased's major accomplishments from birth until death. "Major" is subject to interpretation. After the funeral, all who attended the funeral must bring a gift of food or flowers to the family of the deceased within a week, or else it is considered an insult.

Valetudiens love a good party and can find a reason to celebrate anytime. There are six common major festivals a year, each lasting for about a week. In certain regions, there may be even more, but these are often smaller. The first - the Spring Festival - begins when the weather first begins to warm and is considered an especially appropriate time to begin a courtship, as the beginning of the planting season may be interpreted as planting the seeds of a new love. The second is the Dynastic Festival, held a month later, to celebrate the rule of the Ildas. The third is simply known as High Summer, with all revelry being held exclusively at night. Light shows are especially popular at this time of year and storefronts will compete in decoration competitions. Fourth is the Harvest Season, starting usually in very late summer or early autumn. Young wines are tasted and shared throughout. The Dynastic Festival, dedicated to the rule of the Ildas, is shortly thereafter. The last of the festivals is the Year's End, and is more somber in tone as it is intended to be a time of reflection.

It is considered an attractive trait to be open and honest with one's feelings. Crying and expressing affection in public are thought of as normal and natural. To be cold and tight-lipped denotes an untrustworthy individual to commoners. Among the noble classes, their behavior is almost a mockery of the desire for emotional honesty, as most of them are acting. Empathy is highly valued and anyone who might scoff at sensitivity is dubbed a brute or a savage.
Back to top Go down
milksteak
Review Panel
milksteak


Posts : 172
Total Experience Points : 4
Join date : 2012-11-27

Culture Empty
PostSubject: Re: Culture   Culture I_icon_minitimeFri May 03, 2013 2:13 am

Cuisine


Food is an extremely important part of the average Valetudien's life. Even the poor are able to eat relatively well. Every household, no matter what the size, has a small garden dedicated to herbs. Fathers and mothers take it upon themselves to teach every single one of their children how to cook at least basic dishes. Families have guarded recipes that have been passed down since time immemorable. One of the greatest gift a parent can give their child is a recipe book upon their wedding day.

The culinary philosophy of Valetudo begins and ends with freshness. Good, fresh ingredients are absolutely crucial. The diets of most citizens are completely dictated by what is locally grown and in season. The wealthy may occasionally import exotic foods from Sera or Unda to impress guests, but this is considered gauche. Commoners make daily trips to the market. The only preserved foods accepted are mushrooms, fruits, and meats and the only aged foods cheese and wine.

Meat and poultry enjoyed by those of the middle class and higher. The most easily accessible are chicken, pork, beef, lamb, and mutton. Along the coast, seafood is also popular. The less fortunate meet their protein needs through nuts, legumes, dairy, beans, less expensive cuts of meat, or offal. Venison, duck, pheasant, quail, boar, and rabbit are popular game meats. Braising and stewing the preferred methods of cooking meat, as it guarantees a tender, flavorful product, regardless of cut, and requires little attention from the cook.

Vegetables and fruit indigenous to Valetudo include, but are not limited to, pomegranates, olives, tomatoes, citrus, artichokes, figs, eggplant, chickpeas, potatoes, and cabbage. Vegetables are preferred lightly cooked with a good amount of texture left to them. Fruits are most often eaten raw, though they can be cooked into pastries or bread, stewed with sugar and honey, or served with cream. In the west, they are known for putting fruits in their savory dishes.

Grains are a staple in Valetudo. Every region has its own style of bread - unleavened in the north, crusty and soft in the west, slightly sour in the east, and hard and chewy in the south. Pastas of all shapes and sizes are popular throughout the country except for the north, where rice is preferred. To compliment these many starches, there is an endless panoply of sauces. Again, regionality plays a large part. Northerners prefer salty sauces, heavy in citrus and both sweet and sour. In the south and the west, rich, heavy sauces are in vogue. In the east, the sauces are only thick enough to coat the starch and are generally milder in flavor and without meat.

Though Valetudo rarely imports foodstuffs, they are known for three main culinary exports: wine, olive oil, and cheese. Valetudien wine is considered some of the best in Carista, with high standards regulated by the government. The country's olive oil is characterized by its sweet fragrance and higher than average smoke point. Valetudo has over fifty different varieties of cheese, but only exports the hards or semi-hards with rinds.
Back to top Go down
milksteak
Review Panel
milksteak


Posts : 172
Total Experience Points : 4
Join date : 2012-11-27

Culture Empty
PostSubject: Re: Culture   Culture I_icon_minitimeFri May 03, 2013 2:13 am

Arts and Fashion

As touched upon before, the arts are extremely important in Valetudo, with each major city having at least three to four museums. Every settlement with a decent population has an arts district, in which all artists live, perform, and sell their wares. Noblemen and women are expected to learn some sort of artform as a part of their early education.

Artists can find themselves in a position of high standing, regardless of birth, if they are talented. Wealthy members of society are always on the look out for new talents so they might patronize them. Having one's visual art displayed is as easy as submitting it to one of many local galleries and giving them a cut of the pay when it is sold. Some of the more established artists might even have their own galleries, or they may be commissioned by nobles for portraits or assistance in decorating their homes.

Musicians of renown are often hired by those of the upper crust to perform at parties or feasts. Some work for local theater companies. Most can find employment in taverns, inns, or brothels. Bards are particularly successful, so long as they have good stories to tell. Many choose to follow adventurers for inspiration. A small percentage of musicians may perform on street corners, but this is usually in dire straits as musicians in Valetudo tend to think of busking as beneath them.

Writers, poets, and the like tend to have the hardest time making it by in Valetudo. With the technology of the printing press, books are more accessible than ever before, but a novel must be truly exceptional to sell well. Likewise, poets have difficulty unless they combine their skill with music. To pay the bills, most align themselves with theaters, writing scripts. Some might choose to become journalists, as the journalism in Valetudo is more reliant on rumor and sensationalism than actual facts.

Show business in Valetudo is lucrative, but cutthroat. Even the smallest villages have a theater, usually run by volunteers and locals, while large cities will have a number of competing ones of varying sizes. Almost all can be found in the theater district. The more luxurious theaters will have stadium seating and private boxes for illustrious guests; those meant for commoners might have standing room only. Actors and actresses can achieve great fame throughout Valetudo, with those of greater talent being employed in the more exclusive theaters. On occasion, the upper crust might have a show performed in their homes as a display of wealth, as to do so is extremely expensive. Some companies might even take their shows on the road. While there are some standbys as far as plays go, generally, every theater will have their own in-house playwrights, who are pressured to create new stories monthly. To accuse another theater of plagiarism is to create a huge scandal.

Valetudien fashion is some of the most elaborate in the world. Styles are constantly changing and it can be difficult for non-natives to follow them. Seamstresses and tailors who design rather than follow current fashions are considered artists in their own right. Trends usually begin in the theaters and spread outward from there, becoming less (or more) costumes and more (or less) practical. Each noble house within Valetudo employs their own stylists.

Due to the warm weather in the northern parts of the country, it is fashionable for both men and women to show skin, whether it be via cut-outs or sheer panels. Clothing made from breathable, non-clinging materials are much preferred. Loud, rich colors among the wealthy are very popular, whereas the peasant classes usually opt for more modest hues. As simply layering fabric in the oft humid climes as a means to creating complexity is impractical, the fashion forward of northern Valetudo have found other ways to create interest. Patterns, ruffles, lace, and asymmetry are often used.

In the south, temperatures are much lower and thus, the fashion trends are closer to the other more developed countries. Fur and exotic leathers are considered the height of luxury. While revealing clothing is not nearly as popular here, it is preferred for things to be worn tighter, especially across the chest. The south leads Valetudo in fabric and draping innovations. Their shoes are also considered to be more valuable than those of the north.

All castes of society enjoy the arts and most Valetudiens can play an instrument or draw, but very few decide to make their hobbies a career. As a result, the artist community is known as a small, tight-knit group and, because of their creativity and ways of showing them, their extreme eccentricity. They tend toward the dramatic and strange in their appearance and personality with encouragement from their fans. Otherwise inadmissible behavior - lewd public displays of affection, large amounts of skin bared - are accepted from artists.
Back to top Go down
Sponsored content





Culture Empty
PostSubject: Re: Culture   Culture I_icon_minitime

Back to top Go down
 
Culture
Back to top 
Page 1 of 1

Permissions in this forum:You cannot reply to topics in this forum
Carista :: Plotting :: Kingdom Archives :: Valetudo-
Jump to: