Ilian
From the Chronicle of the Court Chronicler of the Kingdom of Ilios
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Many women bear feminine forms of standard masculine names (e.g. Nikomakhe instead of Nikomakhos). However, there are also names with no masculine equivalent, such as Glykera which means "sweet one". Additionally, women may be named using the neutral diminutive suffix - ion, or the neutral suffix -on.
Masculine names
There are four common name types for men in Ilios.
- Compound names combine two roots to form one name such as demos "people" and sthenes "strength" to form Demosthenes "the people's strength".
- Shortened versions of compound names such as taking the root Kall- "beauty" and using it to form Kallias, Kallon, and Kallis.
- Names coming from nouns and adjectives are quite popular. Common nouns and adjectives are colors, animals, physical characteristics, or parts of the body.
- Theophoric names are also quite popular. Many people are named after the Ilian gods. A good example of a theophoric name is Theodekles, named for the Ilian god of knowledge.
Unisex names
Many names found in Ilios can be made into unisex names by removing the gendered suffix of the name and replacing it with a neutral suffix. For example, changing the name Kallias into Kallion.
Family names
Family names in Ilios are mostly found among the elites; it is not too uncommon, however, for soldiers or merchants to have a family name. The most common types of family names are patronymics or cognomens. The lower class does have rudimentary surnames, in a sense. For example, [name] of [village] or [name] [patronymic]. The patronymics among the lower class are not always passed down as a family name is.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Ilian, Romulan, and Makraseias are the three major languages spoken in Ilios. While there are several dialects of the language, the Ilian accent is noted to be melodic as it is a pitch-accent language.
Shared customary codes and values
Ilian culture places excellence, moderation, guest right, hospitality, honor, and bravery in high regard.
Common Etiquette rules
Guest right and hospitality are held in high regard by Ilians.
Common Dress code
Many members of the elite, merchant class, and soldiers wear chitons with breeches. Among the lower classes, however, breeches and tunics are common among the men. Short and long cloaks are common among all social classes.
Art & Architecture
Ilians are known for their pottery and sculptures.
Architecture in Ilios is very formal and stylized when it comes to temples. Houses are built around a central courtyard meant to house a hearth.
Foods & Cuisine
Wheat, olive oil, fish, spices, lemons, and wine are common in Ilian cuisine. Dari beans are somewhat popular, however, a large amount of the population is allergic to the beans.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
On the seventh day after a baby is born, a feast is held at the family's house. During this feast, the baby will be presented to the gods of the house and the family. This is when the baby would receive its name. Around the doorway of the house, the family would hang garlands of laurel if the baby was a boy or garlands of myrtle.
Coming of Age Rites
Until the age of 12, boys and girls wear an amulet dedicated to either of the childhood protection gods, Arion or Kilissa.
Funerary and Memorial customs
A coin is placed in the deceased person's mouth, under their tongue. The body is then carried to the final resting place with close relatives leading the procession. After the burial, the deceased person's belongings are washed with saltwater spiced with fennel. On the 2nd day of the month of Dekia, libations are poured out for deceased loved ones.
Common Taboos
Kinslaying, cannibalism, close-kin incest (degree of 3 or less), and desecration of a body are considered taboo in Ilios.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
In Ilios, the perfect man is thought to be athletic and strong, so as to be able to defend the city. Women, however, are thought to be beautiful by having a full figure and a good morality.
Gender Ideals
Men in Ilios are supposed to be strong, athletic, and hospitable, yet cunning. Women are supposed to be virtuous and hospitable.
Courtship Ideals
Unless the marriage has been arranged, when a girl reaches sixteen, her guardian will announce that she has reached marriageable age. Suitors then come to compete for her hand in song, dance, archery, footraces, and wrestling. They may also present gifts to the kyrios (guardian). When the suitor has been chosen, he will exchange vows with the kyrios, betrothing him and the girl. After this, a three-day ceremony will occur with the couple being wed on the second day (gamilia).
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