Post by Azuloth on Apr 30, 2015 23:10:42 GMT -5
The Drokagr of Korasus, and ultimately the half-Drokagr as well, follow a common culture.
Azuloth is the god known as the redeemer. The word Ne'Azulath means "The Redemption", but can also be intepreted as "The Death". The Drokagr believe that the ultimate redemption for all of the crimes one commits is the act of death, and as such they do not view death as something to be afraid of, rather that it is something that should be approached with wonder. Many extremist Drokagr commit suicide in groups, seeking to be with Azuloth earlier, as it is said that his embrace is the ultimate nirvana, and ultimately a reward. Most Drokagr and moderate religious scholars do not condone suicide, as it is viewed as 'before one's time'.
According to the religion, the Drokagr were made as part of a curse on a pair of forbidden lover's children. Two lovers, each betrothed to another, could not stand to be apart. Their Elkagr passion drove them deeper and deeper into lust for one another and eventually the woman became pregnant. The lovers' parents cursed their children to only see the light of day when thousands of their offspring die daily from starvation. Then they were banished to the far corner of the world. There the capitol city was founded in a deep and sprawling cavern. For countless millenia the Drokagr race grew, never repenting for their sin.
The religion gained affirmation when during a time of great strife for them, they went to the surface to found a colony on fertile land because food had become a thing that only the rich could afford, cramped in that cavern which had grown tiny. However, a human kingdom was there where there had been none before when they had passed through originally. The kingdom was kind enough to grant a charter for an enclave. Since then that kingdom has crumbled to ruin. Yet Korasus remains.
The religious drokagr seek to redeem themselves for this insult through deeds of kindness and charity to one another and other races. However, the Elkagr spurn them, and want nothing to do with them. As such the Drokagr believe their final redemption is Ne'Azulath.
Kalimbra or "Standing Flower" are a cast of female Drokagr that have the gift of magic and are trained to use it to alter their appearance with glamours. The majority use the magic to permanently alter themselves into beauties. Others that are born naturally attractive change their skin, hair, and eye color. Kalimbra are revered, and therefore touching them is forbidden and carries a death penalty. Their role in Korasuan society is to serve as decoration for those that can afford them. Being a Kalimbra takes huge force of will and physical stubbornness, as it calls for standing perfectly still without passing out for countless hours. It is considered an art form by Korasuans. It is considered thus because of the willpower required, that and it is aesthetically pleasing. Almost all Kalimbra practice their art wearing only jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, head-dresses, armbands, rings, anklets, and navel piercings. Prior to an event the Kalimbra are positioned throughout the venue in artful poses until the event is over. Kalimbra are usually very wealthy between being hired to stand for private parties by rich families, the high council as decoration for meetings (Those are sworn to secrecy, a vow that if they break it will cost them their life), and some are on retainer by families for daily standing.
Kalimbra are bound by a strict code of ethics. They never engage in any sexual acts for coin, nor with clients, and not even for the council. They embody the "look but don't touch" phrase. They may only accept coin from public establishments, or businesses open to the public, or the Korasuan government. Private citizens or families must acquire a license from the Korasuan government to hire Kalimbra, and then they must file a signed contract between the Kalimbra and the private citizen or family. Once a year the Kalimbra's finances are audited by the Korasuan government, and any coin earned that can't be proven is confiscated. Kalimbra are tax exempt because of their role in society. Kalimbra are typically not allowed to contract with foreigners or foreign establishments or governments, without approval from the entire guild.
Kalimbra tend to not have families while they practice the art. Once they retire they let their membership lapse and live whatever life they choose to, however Kalimbra are usually famous and tend to be recognized by Drokagr the world over (this is because of highly distributed periodicals among all Drokagr cities, despite Kalimbra being a Korasuan specific occupation).
Korasus' government uses Executioners to mete out justice among the lesser nobles and the low-born population. This also includes foreigners that are citizens of the city/colony (having lived there more than three years). Foreigners that are not citizens are banished. If they return they are killed. An executioner can choose any punishment between a fine and death. There is a limit on this, an Executioner can not order someone into slavery, nor can they do any violence upon them other than death, a fine, banishment, or confinement. Executioners will sometimes be sent out into the other countries to extradite a Half-Drokagr or Drokagr prisoner. Or if a Half-Drokagr or Drokagr is wanted for some crime that is not viewed as a crime in Korasus, then the executioner will rescue them and bring them back to Korasus. The Korasuans tend to view crime simplistically. Here is a list of crimes that are punishable:
--Theft
--Murder
--Other Violence
It is consistent with Drokagr thought to consider any crime as falling under one of those three categories. However, not all crimes are equal. Murdering a servant will likely cost a Drokagr a fine equal to that servants wages for three or more years paid to the servant's family or next of kin. Where as a murder of a noble will carry the sentence of death.
Korasuans do not allow many foreigners into the colony. As such, any that do better have goods to trade or coin to spend, or barring that, some kind of diplomatic mission. All others are stopped at or near the border. Those intent on continuing without having goods to trade, a diplomatic mission, or coin to spend, are captured or killed.
Korasus does not accept any Cruinthian currency lower than a Ritz. On the other hand. Cruinthe and the Southern Kingdoms accept Korasuan currency greedily.
-Cheleso: A term of endearment, usually reserved for a child.
-Sess: A term of endearment, reserved for females.
-Amam: A term of respect, reserved for old women.
-Kalimbra: See the above section.
-Azuloth: See above section.
-Arrendar: A derogatory term for Elkagr.
-Arren'El: Elkagr
-Hanneth: Humans
-Cruineth: Cruinthians
-Cruilar: A word for particular kind of annoying yet pitiful spider, used as a derogatory term for Cruinthians, and sometimes for humans in general.
-Seldro: Selbrians
-Fringeth: Fringothans
-Hekketh: Hek'Cruicans
-Cahaj: Cahalians
-Daelar: "As the gods made us", a term for going without clothes or very little clothing.
-Skali: Skaldi
-Nimwa: A term for a romantic relationship. Especially used for young people.
-Narmwa: A term for a romantic relationship.
-A'Ruha/A'Rujha: Book, Books. Also used as a term for law. Or knowledge.
Kalimbra Na'drakka: "Crushing the Standing Flower", a term for the act of touching a Kalimbra. This is always shouted as loud as possible by someone observing the illegal act.
Arrecio: Foreigner.
Ash'Nadar: Greetings.
Veraku Nadar: Safe Travels.
Veraku Ash'Nadar: Congratulations on your safe return.
Korasuans tend to wear lightweight clothing, typically made from spider silk, or some type of cloth. The wealthy are rarely seen without jewelry. Usually the clothing is quite revealing. Though for the case of men the opposite is true. As Drokagr tend to view men as necessary but unsightly, and expendable. Many Korasuans will be Daelar during the Rains, Spring, and Summer months. This is usually determined by what level of the city they live on (those that don't live in the city don't follow this), usually it is the top two levels where the sun actually reaches them.
Between Drokagr, love is a sacred thing that doesn't happen often. They are a matriarchal society and as such the females tend to be in charge of everything, and are also in power. The males are usually regulated to manual labor. Very few are accepted anywhere else. Families will tend to only raise one male child, and as many female children as they have. Marriage depends on the availability of wealth. The poor tend to pair up with each other. The rich tend to select two to four spouses, usually of a lower nobility than they are. The rich will have a disproportionate gender spread among their spouses depending on their preferences. Either way only females may initiate a marriage, and they may divorce their husbands at any time for any reason. However, they can not divorce their wives at all, as that is seen as a partnership, where as husbands are more or less servants.
For Cruinthians, the Drokagr, Half-Drokagr, and Korasuans in general, are seen as two things. Very charitable and humanitarian, as the poor Cruinthians love the Drokagr Initative and their works of charity. On the other side of the coin, the Cruinthians, view them as strange and alien.
Hek'Cruicans hate Drokagr, and think they are hedonistic mongrels.
The Elkagr hate the Drokagr with a burning passion.
Selbrians don't have much contact with Drokagr, and thus simply think they are variety of Elkagr.
Cahalians have the same opinion as Selbrians.
Fringothans are indifferent towards Drokagr, even though they know the difference between them and Elkagr.
Skaldi view them as frighteningly alien.
Half-Elkagr on average are of either a human opinion, or an Elkagr opinion, depending on which parent they take after more.
Azuloth
Azuloth is the god known as the redeemer. The word Ne'Azulath means "The Redemption", but can also be intepreted as "The Death". The Drokagr believe that the ultimate redemption for all of the crimes one commits is the act of death, and as such they do not view death as something to be afraid of, rather that it is something that should be approached with wonder. Many extremist Drokagr commit suicide in groups, seeking to be with Azuloth earlier, as it is said that his embrace is the ultimate nirvana, and ultimately a reward. Most Drokagr and moderate religious scholars do not condone suicide, as it is viewed as 'before one's time'.
According to the religion, the Drokagr were made as part of a curse on a pair of forbidden lover's children. Two lovers, each betrothed to another, could not stand to be apart. Their Elkagr passion drove them deeper and deeper into lust for one another and eventually the woman became pregnant. The lovers' parents cursed their children to only see the light of day when thousands of their offspring die daily from starvation. Then they were banished to the far corner of the world. There the capitol city was founded in a deep and sprawling cavern. For countless millenia the Drokagr race grew, never repenting for their sin.
The religion gained affirmation when during a time of great strife for them, they went to the surface to found a colony on fertile land because food had become a thing that only the rich could afford, cramped in that cavern which had grown tiny. However, a human kingdom was there where there had been none before when they had passed through originally. The kingdom was kind enough to grant a charter for an enclave. Since then that kingdom has crumbled to ruin. Yet Korasus remains.
The religious drokagr seek to redeem themselves for this insult through deeds of kindness and charity to one another and other races. However, the Elkagr spurn them, and want nothing to do with them. As such the Drokagr believe their final redemption is Ne'Azulath.
Kalimbra
Kalimbra or "Standing Flower" are a cast of female Drokagr that have the gift of magic and are trained to use it to alter their appearance with glamours. The majority use the magic to permanently alter themselves into beauties. Others that are born naturally attractive change their skin, hair, and eye color. Kalimbra are revered, and therefore touching them is forbidden and carries a death penalty. Their role in Korasuan society is to serve as decoration for those that can afford them. Being a Kalimbra takes huge force of will and physical stubbornness, as it calls for standing perfectly still without passing out for countless hours. It is considered an art form by Korasuans. It is considered thus because of the willpower required, that and it is aesthetically pleasing. Almost all Kalimbra practice their art wearing only jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, head-dresses, armbands, rings, anklets, and navel piercings. Prior to an event the Kalimbra are positioned throughout the venue in artful poses until the event is over. Kalimbra are usually very wealthy between being hired to stand for private parties by rich families, the high council as decoration for meetings (Those are sworn to secrecy, a vow that if they break it will cost them their life), and some are on retainer by families for daily standing.
Kalimbra are bound by a strict code of ethics. They never engage in any sexual acts for coin, nor with clients, and not even for the council. They embody the "look but don't touch" phrase. They may only accept coin from public establishments, or businesses open to the public, or the Korasuan government. Private citizens or families must acquire a license from the Korasuan government to hire Kalimbra, and then they must file a signed contract between the Kalimbra and the private citizen or family. Once a year the Kalimbra's finances are audited by the Korasuan government, and any coin earned that can't be proven is confiscated. Kalimbra are tax exempt because of their role in society. Kalimbra are typically not allowed to contract with foreigners or foreign establishments or governments, without approval from the entire guild.
Kalimbra tend to not have families while they practice the art. Once they retire they let their membership lapse and live whatever life they choose to, however Kalimbra are usually famous and tend to be recognized by Drokagr the world over (this is because of highly distributed periodicals among all Drokagr cities, despite Kalimbra being a Korasuan specific occupation).
Korasuan Justice
Korasus' government uses Executioners to mete out justice among the lesser nobles and the low-born population. This also includes foreigners that are citizens of the city/colony (having lived there more than three years). Foreigners that are not citizens are banished. If they return they are killed. An executioner can choose any punishment between a fine and death. There is a limit on this, an Executioner can not order someone into slavery, nor can they do any violence upon them other than death, a fine, banishment, or confinement. Executioners will sometimes be sent out into the other countries to extradite a Half-Drokagr or Drokagr prisoner. Or if a Half-Drokagr or Drokagr is wanted for some crime that is not viewed as a crime in Korasus, then the executioner will rescue them and bring them back to Korasus. The Korasuans tend to view crime simplistically. Here is a list of crimes that are punishable:
--Theft
--Murder
--Other Violence
It is consistent with Drokagr thought to consider any crime as falling under one of those three categories. However, not all crimes are equal. Murdering a servant will likely cost a Drokagr a fine equal to that servants wages for three or more years paid to the servant's family or next of kin. Where as a murder of a noble will carry the sentence of death.
Migration
Korasuans do not allow many foreigners into the colony. As such, any that do better have goods to trade or coin to spend, or barring that, some kind of diplomatic mission. All others are stopped at or near the border. Those intent on continuing without having goods to trade, a diplomatic mission, or coin to spend, are captured or killed.
Korasuan Coin
Korasus does not accept any Cruinthian currency lower than a Ritz. On the other hand. Cruinthe and the Southern Kingdoms accept Korasuan currency greedily.
Korasuan Terms, phrases, and Slang
-Cheleso: A term of endearment, usually reserved for a child.
-Sess: A term of endearment, reserved for females.
-Amam: A term of respect, reserved for old women.
-Kalimbra: See the above section.
-Azuloth: See above section.
-Arrendar: A derogatory term for Elkagr.
-Arren'El: Elkagr
-Hanneth: Humans
-Cruineth: Cruinthians
-Cruilar: A word for particular kind of annoying yet pitiful spider, used as a derogatory term for Cruinthians, and sometimes for humans in general.
-Seldro: Selbrians
-Fringeth: Fringothans
-Hekketh: Hek'Cruicans
-Cahaj: Cahalians
-Daelar: "As the gods made us", a term for going without clothes or very little clothing.
-Skali: Skaldi
-Nimwa: A term for a romantic relationship. Especially used for young people.
-Narmwa: A term for a romantic relationship.
-A'Ruha/A'Rujha: Book, Books. Also used as a term for law. Or knowledge.
Kalimbra Na'drakka: "Crushing the Standing Flower", a term for the act of touching a Kalimbra. This is always shouted as loud as possible by someone observing the illegal act.
Arrecio: Foreigner.
Ash'Nadar: Greetings.
Veraku Nadar: Safe Travels.
Veraku Ash'Nadar: Congratulations on your safe return.
Korasuan Clothing
Korasuans tend to wear lightweight clothing, typically made from spider silk, or some type of cloth. The wealthy are rarely seen without jewelry. Usually the clothing is quite revealing. Though for the case of men the opposite is true. As Drokagr tend to view men as necessary but unsightly, and expendable. Many Korasuans will be Daelar during the Rains, Spring, and Summer months. This is usually determined by what level of the city they live on (those that don't live in the city don't follow this), usually it is the top two levels where the sun actually reaches them.
Korasuan Relationships and Matriarchy
Between Drokagr, love is a sacred thing that doesn't happen often. They are a matriarchal society and as such the females tend to be in charge of everything, and are also in power. The males are usually regulated to manual labor. Very few are accepted anywhere else. Families will tend to only raise one male child, and as many female children as they have. Marriage depends on the availability of wealth. The poor tend to pair up with each other. The rich tend to select two to four spouses, usually of a lower nobility than they are. The rich will have a disproportionate gender spread among their spouses depending on their preferences. Either way only females may initiate a marriage, and they may divorce their husbands at any time for any reason. However, they can not divorce their wives at all, as that is seen as a partnership, where as husbands are more or less servants.
Other Views
For Cruinthians, the Drokagr, Half-Drokagr, and Korasuans in general, are seen as two things. Very charitable and humanitarian, as the poor Cruinthians love the Drokagr Initative and their works of charity. On the other side of the coin, the Cruinthians, view them as strange and alien.
Hek'Cruicans hate Drokagr, and think they are hedonistic mongrels.
The Elkagr hate the Drokagr with a burning passion.
Selbrians don't have much contact with Drokagr, and thus simply think they are variety of Elkagr.
Cahalians have the same opinion as Selbrians.
Fringothans are indifferent towards Drokagr, even though they know the difference between them and Elkagr.
Skaldi view them as frighteningly alien.
Half-Elkagr on average are of either a human opinion, or an Elkagr opinion, depending on which parent they take after more.