Maelstrom Culture
May 24, 2013 0:46:54 GMT -5
Post by Kender Bard on May 24, 2013 0:46:54 GMT -5
What do you get when you combine the fierce patriotism of Khelek, the racial superiority of the Old Way clans of Naurorod, the practice of slavery of Reave's ancestors, the gentleman's honor of New Anarlina, and the double-faced politics of Morilanta? Maelstrom.
Maelstrom's history has been fraught with conflict from within and without, starting with their founding through a split between Storms and the Winds caused by racial tensions (sparking an animosity that would last for hundreds of years.) But through it all, its people has kept a stiff upper lip and a strong sense of propriety that distinguishes their culture from everyone else's.
Maelstrom shares many of its cultural traits in common with Naurorod and Talen'sul. Its people, from all classes, subscribe to an idea of honor. But unlike Naurorod, where the definition of a man's honor is flexible and prone to varying interpretations, Maelstrom has bound up in its laws and social norms a very strict code of honor with rules that range from facing an opponent head on rather than making cowardly attacks from the shadows to the idea that a promise made is a promise kept (a sentiment echoed in New Anarlina.)
Social norms dictate more than just an idea of honor; there's a firm idea of what a person's place is in society and people are expected to conform to that idea. Women are quiet, mind the house and children, and serve to their husband's needs. Men are the strong rulers of the household, the movers and shakers of the world, and their sons are expected to pick up the torch once it's passed and carry on just as their fathers have. The poor are meant to serve, the rich are meant to rule. And even with slavery having been banished in the kingdom, these roles remain, even if they've been slightly altered.
Most Maelstrom born Storms ascribe to these beliefs no matter where they go, and so a traveling Storm may experience considerable culture shock when traveling beyond the borders of Maelstrom. How they react to challenges in their beliefs varies--some adapt, some try to teach others the error of their ways, and still more lash out or retreat home, unable to cope at all.
Maelstrom's history has been fraught with conflict from within and without, starting with their founding through a split between Storms and the Winds caused by racial tensions (sparking an animosity that would last for hundreds of years.) But through it all, its people has kept a stiff upper lip and a strong sense of propriety that distinguishes their culture from everyone else's.
Maelstrom shares many of its cultural traits in common with Naurorod and Talen'sul. Its people, from all classes, subscribe to an idea of honor. But unlike Naurorod, where the definition of a man's honor is flexible and prone to varying interpretations, Maelstrom has bound up in its laws and social norms a very strict code of honor with rules that range from facing an opponent head on rather than making cowardly attacks from the shadows to the idea that a promise made is a promise kept (a sentiment echoed in New Anarlina.)
Social norms dictate more than just an idea of honor; there's a firm idea of what a person's place is in society and people are expected to conform to that idea. Women are quiet, mind the house and children, and serve to their husband's needs. Men are the strong rulers of the household, the movers and shakers of the world, and their sons are expected to pick up the torch once it's passed and carry on just as their fathers have. The poor are meant to serve, the rich are meant to rule. And even with slavery having been banished in the kingdom, these roles remain, even if they've been slightly altered.
Most Maelstrom born Storms ascribe to these beliefs no matter where they go, and so a traveling Storm may experience considerable culture shock when traveling beyond the borders of Maelstrom. How they react to challenges in their beliefs varies--some adapt, some try to teach others the error of their ways, and still more lash out or retreat home, unable to cope at all.