Rozarrian Culture
From Dynasts End
Contents |
[edit] Politics
Though technically a kingdom, Rozarria functions more as an oligarchy than a true monarchy. Nine aristocratic families whose eldest son bears the title "al-Cid" (lord) rule the country with one of the lords serving as king. Succession as king is decided by the al-Cids but, due to the slanderous tongues of Rozarrian socialites, few men campaign for the position. Should there be the tiniest spot on their record, the other al-Cids will find it out and blow it spectacularly out of proportion. Though the king reaps many benefits- a larger allowance, residence in the Palace of Lords and the final say in military matters, the council of al-Cids makes the brunt of the decisions, ruling over Rozarria through their status and vast wealth.
The current king of Rozarria is al-Cid Asturace of House Astulias.
The virtue of the Rozarrian military is its sheer size, with almost twice as many men as its Archadian equivalent. A patriotic people, serving in the Rozarrian army is considered an extremely honorable occupation that a man from any social rank can take up. Most of the army's budget is spent on weapons and armor, leaving little to pay for a soldier's training. As such, outside of Rozarria its soldiers are known for their chaotic fighting style and cowardice.
[edit] Economy
Despite Archadian embargoes, the Rozarrian economy is the most prosperous in all of Ivalice. Few foreigners can afford to visit Rozarria due to how expensive even the barest of essentials are. Rozarrian commoners who consider themselves poor are usually at least the equivalent of other countries' middle class, which is probably why Rozarria's emigration rates are so high. The economy itself is based primarily on manufacted goods, turning raw materials purchased from other countries into trade goods, such as fine clothing, jewelery and weapons. Rozarria does, however, have a few oil fields and crops of their own, such as olives and melons.
[edit] Education
Only the noblest, wealthiest citizens receive a proper education in Rozarria, leaving the lower classes for the most part ignorant and illiterate. Some plebeians have been taught to read and write, but it is highly uncommon to come across a poor scholar within the country's borders. Tutors (rare, usually foreign, educated commoners) form the backbone of the Rozarrian educational system, taking on only a few pupils a year for private lessons in languages, histories, music, chemistry and combat.
[edit] Hierarchy & Values
Money, as it is extremely plentiful in Rozarria, does not serve as a major class-structuring force. People with more money are generally better regarded than people with less, but wealth pales in comparison to status (that is, nobility and reputation) and gender as stratifying attributes. An intensely gossipy society, being well-known in Rozarria means constantly being talked about. And, should any nasty rumors crop up about someone, they will never be forgotten. Women of all races are seen as second-class citizens; they cannot hold a job, they cannot receive lessons in combat, chemistry or histories, and they cannot inherit money, titles or property. Race is more or less overlooked, though all aristocratic families are humes.
The highest virtues valued by Rozarrians are beauty, curiosity, hospitality, assertiveness and masculinity.
The most loathed vices are effeminacy, gluttony, vulgarity and self-pity.
[edit] Gender & Sexuality
A highly homophobic country, the love of a member of the same sex is viewed as unnatural, shameful and grounds for being ostracized from the community. Most homosexuals hide that facet of themselves, either ignoring it entirely or keeping up a proper public image while entertaining lovers in secret. Should a man be caught in the act, he is officially rewritten as a woman in the books of the land and therefore loses all wealth, titles and property that had been in his holding. Lesbians, who are viewed as transgressive by attempting to take the role of a man, are imprisoned, exiled or killed.
Men are expected to be the pinnacle of virility- it is socially unacceptable to not keep at least a few 'secret' mistresses- and receive a kind of value from the number of sons they've sired. Women are expected to either run the household and raise the children or to expend themselves in the pursuit of lady-like arts, such as needlework, music and flower-arrangement.
[edit] Stereotypes
Rozarrians are commonly seen as lustful, misogynistic, gossipy, uneducated, homophobic, flippant cowards.
[edit] Language(s)
Rozarrian and, in trade matters, Archadian and Dalmascan.
