From Dynasts End

Revision as of 05:43, 19 January 2009

Lemures Culture

Politics

Ruled over by a senate, all aegyls are allowed and even expected to come listen to its sessions, though only senators are allowed to speak at such meetings. Aegyl politics are exceedingly blunt, to the point and conservative. Decisions are made based on the good of the whole, not the individual and rarely are matters that relate to Ivalice at large discussed.

The aegyl have no military to speak of, more a national guard which protects their kind from yahri beasts and sky pirates. The slave trade, which used to plague the people of Lemures, has been put to an end. Sky pirates, spurred by rumors and legend, still pillage for aegyl treasure they believe must be hidden somewhere on the continent.

Economy

No aegyl currency exists and all trade is done through bartering. Lemures does not have an economy to speak of, as every citizen has a role to fulfill that will better his own standing and the standing of the community. Aegyl who do not pull their weight are sent before the senate and, on severe occasions, banished. No trade passes between Lemures and the rest of Ivalice.

Education

All aegyl are taught a family craft by their parents, be it farming, tailoring or smithing, and some degree of combat and oral history by high-standing members of the community. Aegyl who are striving to become senators learn to read and write and study of Archadian has become increasingly popular due to the volume of scholarly works written in the language.

Hierarchy & Values

Stoicism, control and poise strongly affect hwo members of aegyl society are viewed, despite their newly rediscovered ability to feel emotions. Should a community member be viewed as emotionally weak or volatile, they will be looked down upon and patronized as if they were children. Aegyls who feel too much and cannot control their emotions often leave Lemures for Ivalice- usually Dalmasca, for its acceptance, or Bhujerba, for its similarity to home.

Family is extremely important and mothers and fathers are seen as equal partners in discipline and nurturing. To disobey one's parents is the most disrespectful thing an aegyl can do. Senators are seen as extensions of mothers and fathers, acting as parental types to the entire aegyl race. They can even be referred to as 'Mother ____' and 'Father ____'.

Prized virtues of aegyl society include contentment, modesty, integrity and restraint.

Major vices are as follows: selfishness, caprice, vanity and treachery.

Gender & Sexuality

Men and women are viewed as equals to the point that in the Lemures language, there are no masculine and feminine pronouns. No clearly defined gender roles exist within the culture and homosexuality is simply viewed as an alternative to heterosexuality. Interspecies relationships are seen as shameful, as most aegyls view all terrestrial races as sinful and inferior.

Sex is considered as natural as eating or drinking; it is a necessity that can bring pleasure if pursued with taste. Their nonchalant view of sexuality shows in their dress, which is breezy and sparse and considered indecent by most humes.

Stereotypes

Aegyl are often viewed as emotionless, isolationist, indecent, untrustworthy savages. Humes (especially Archadians) believe they were banished by the occurians for their wickedness.

Language(s)

Lemures.

Bhujerban Culture

Politics

The skycity of Bhujerba, while it is part of the larger region of Dorstonis region, is ruled regionally by a Marquis, a title while rotates between several noble families who have lived in Bhujerba for generations. The Marquis controls the police, leaving all other matters to a municipal council.

Bhujerba retains a small army. Military force, however, is not what protects the city from invasion. As Bhujerba is viewed as primarily neutral by the countries of Ivalice, whoever has the city on their side increases their influence with the others. Bhujerba is still loyal to Archadia above all others, but its faith in Emperor Larsa is waning, or so some claim.

Economy

small, yet vibrant. lots of merchants pass through bhujerba, as do sky pirates which has led to a booming black market. very little agriculture to speak of but makes a fortune in magicite and ores coming from the rich mines scattered across the island. leading exporter of magicite.

Education

The Bhujerban educational system can be summed up in a single word: lacking. Though Archadian standards are admired, Bhujerba does not possess the facilities to uphold them. Parents would rather send their children directly into a profession rather than waste time and money on a well-rounded education. Typically a trade-oriented city, the city produces few scholars. Most Bhujerbans with the necessary means and any aptitude for abstract learning are drawn to cultural capitals such as Archades, Rabanastre or Tartessos.

Hierarchy & Values

As members of the nobility area rare find in Bhujerba, prejudice does not come on the basis of class, nor race or gender. Bhujerbans are a generally accepting people, outwardly sweet, respectful and accommodating. They do, however, have a terrible reputation for passive-aggressively venting their frustrations.

Bhujerban virtues include tactfulness, prudence and pacifism. Preferring to cast a blind-eye rather than breed conflict, many Bhujerbans believe that, so long as it doesn't cause a scandal or visible harm, a person can do whatever they please behind closed doors. Everyone is happier that way- public relations remain pleasant.

Bhujerban vices include nosiness, wantonness, brashness and arrogance.

Gender & Sexuality

again, as long as you don't make it anyone else's business, no one else cares what you do. flaunting any sort of sex relationship in public is viewed as disgraceful. sometimes even holding hands is enough to earn people dirty looks.

there are longstanding gender roles in bhujerba- men mine and craft, women sew and tend to the house. though viewed as distinctly separate, neither sex, bhujerbans claim, is superior to the other. men do, however, receive more freedom than womem a marquise has never ruled over the city.

Stereotypes

amoral, passive-aggressive, ignorant (as in they ignore anything and everything unpleasant), politically neutral pacifists.

Languages

bhujerban archadian, archadian, dalmascan.