Landisian Culture
From Dynasts End
Contents |
[edit] Politics
Landis, as it was once ruled by a republic formed from the most highly-esteemed members of each of its villages, was a symbol of equality Ivalice-over. Now firmly under the Archadian Empire's control, equality had been replaced with subjugation and hate. Landisians, for the most part, serve their Archadian conquerors like loyal hounds, grateful for what they receive but unable to ask for more. The Consul of Landis has complete control of the territory and his decisions can only be repealed by Emperor Larsa himself. A group of Judges, for one reason or another unsuited to service within Archadia-proper, do the Consul's bidding. Native Landisians are occasionally called upon to help with the transition of Landis back into its own state, but many regard this as merely show. Landis is too broken and loyal a pet for Archadia to let it off its chain.
Some Landisians who are not as quick to turn a blind eye to their circumstances have formed a resistance movement whose goals are regaining control of their country, assassinating the Consul and, some rumors suggest, assassinating Emperor Larsa as well. The group is wide-spread but small in numbers, as it must be. Were a single untrustworthy member allowed into the movement, the whole of it could fall. Secrecy is their number one priority. The resistance movement operates by means of a series of contacts- each member, aside from those at the top of the organization, know only a handful of other members. Orders filter down from the top and few people know the identity of the leader of the movement. Using guerrilla warfare tactics to battle the well-trained soldiers of the Archadian Empire, the movement can and will take whatever means necessary to secure their own freedom, even if it means sacrificing the lives of innocent civilians.
[edit] Economy
With the most fertile soil in Ivalice, Landis' economy is dependent almost entirely on agriculture. Should a year's worth of crops fail, the country will decline into a terrible famine, being unable to feed itself not pay for food to be imported. The majority of Landis' profits go to the empire, leaving it poor and colloquial. Some trade goods pass out of its borders, such as knitwear, woodcarvings and furniture valued for their rustic style.
[edit] Education
One of the few benefits of Archadian colonization, all Landisian children are given a basic education in reading, writing and arithmetic before they are taught in the ways of their family's trade. Most Landisians are farmers, though the country is home to quite a few innkeepers, tailors and actors trying to make a life for themself at the Balfour Opera. Male children usually follow in the footsteps of their fathers, adopting whatever occupation they possessed. Some are taken on by childless tradesmen and farmers (or simply male childless) as apprentices.
Landis produces very few scholars and most people with any magical talent opt to become white mages and serve as a village healer or midwife.
[edit] Hierarchy & Values
A thoroughly merit-based society (outside of gender relations), race, wealth and occupation have little bearing on social interaction in Landis, and nationality is only an issue if one is Archadian. A man is valued by his honor and his standing in the community. Being a good neighbor is one of the highest things to which a Landisian can aspire.
The virtues held in the highest respect are chastity (before marriage), honor, fidelity, humility and perseverance. Landisians see few things in grey terms; there are simply things you can bear and things you must throw off.
The most reviled traits in Landsian society are lasciviousness, dishonesty, hubris and vanity. As such, despite the Archadian's subjugation of their people, Landisians have more reason to hate Rozarrians on a cultural basis.
[edit] Gender & Sexuality
Considered prudish and easily embarrassed by many other cultures in Ivalice, making a Landisian blush is as easy as falling off a log. Rarely do they speak about sex and even then, it's considered only a means by which to bring more children into the world. Sex for pleasure is practically unthinkable and homosexuality is seen as unnatural.
Men are viewed as superior to women, as in the Republic only men could inherit property and elect political leaders, but women are treasured as a source of gentleness and life, treated more like precious possessions than living creatures.
[edit] Stereotypes
Simple, oafish, backwater dogs of the empire. Generally honorable and good-natured but as intellectually stimulating as a rock.
[edit] Official Language(s)
Archadian, Landisian.
