Revolutionary counterculture

It had been a while since Izar had ventured onto the city streets alone, and the people had shifted in more than countenance since her last foray. They dressed darkly, clad in winter shades: blacks and greys and browns devoid of bright colour, unadorned and unembroidered, even by a simple hand. Corsets had been forsaken for waists dropped from dresses, or even breeches and tunics worn in their place, and the pins Izar had once pulled in multitudes from her hair had been abandoned in place of natural tresses, thick curls and fine locks in all colours flowing unbound over shoulders. The men, too, had abandoned their powdered wigs, their fine ribbons, their ornate coats, catching Izar's eye in their understated simplicity.
All made certain that the revolutionary crest was emblazoned upon their forms, a curl of iron pinned to their breasts or clasping together their cloaks. All wore their weapons in plain view, daggers strapped in girdles to their thighs or sheathed at their hips, pistols holstered brazenly across their chests. Few smiled, but when they did it appeared radiant, almost wild, their eyes bright and their laughter booming.
Somehow, the people of Laertes seemed more dangerous and more free all at once. Izar's fingers tightened around the twine hilt of her dagger.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

Freedom of speech, universal suffrage, freedom of dress, the right to bear arms – these are all rising values which define the revolutionary counterculture. Fraternity is a rampant ideal, with many prioritising friendship, companionship and brotherhood above all else (which has, in part, contributed to the decline in formalised courtships). Equality is an incredibly important value to the entirety of the counterculture, with equality in gender and class heavily pushed.

Common Etiquette rules

The refined mannerisms of the aristocracy have been shunned in place of free movement and conversation, loud laughter, loud conversation, and song. While many keep to traditional methods of conduct, the youth in particular appear increasingly wild. It is, however, highly prized to be educated; learned individuals are often viewed as revolutionary leaders.

Common Dress code

Dark-coloured clothing, breeches, loose dresses, and cheaper or more comfortable fabrics have all become the norm. Elaborate hairstyles and wigs have been abandoned and the artistry of gold embroidery and painted buttons have been largely shunned.

Art & Architecture

Revolutionary architecture and art has not had much time to bloom, but it is quickly showing itself to be a much harsher thing than what came before. Centuries-old buildings have been torn down and replaced with unadorned brick structures, and statues have been largely abandoned in place of paints. Paintings, however, are brighter than before, perhaps expressing the colourful optimism of revolutionary ideals.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Beauty ideals remain problematic: Itxaroans tend to condemn or slight those with foreign features, in part due to mistrust in their monarchy and their queen. Those with darker features, particularly women, are often treated with unjust disdain. The "romantic" picture of the slender, fine-boned woman remains, but it is being slowly replaced by stronger images of revolutionary women. This is only in some circles; others perpetuate the soft ideal, and wish to maintain it.
As a matter of habit and governmental decree, lighter eyes tend to be in equal parts coveted and condemned. It is the product of dark irises remaining "safe".

Gender Ideals

While equality remains a long way off, the patriarchal gender ideals of the Itxaroan monarchy have in part been forsaken for a more level footing. Women dress more like men and are permitted into more male practices, clad in breeches and riding on horseback, even carrying weapons of their own. They partake in many women's marches and movements, and push for a say in the male-dominated new state.

Courtship Ideals

Like gender ideals, courtship ideals have largely been relaxed with the rise of the revolution. Previously, courtship was a formal affair, and it remains so in circumstances of marriage. Many men and women are partaking in free romances, however, with a much more wild spirit than has been shown before.

Major organizations

In secret, many members of the leading revolutionary body – the Commune – are loyal to the Valnessean Empire, which seeks to destroy Itxaroan stability. In public, the Commune is aligned against almost every single one of its neighbouring countries, which condemn it for its actions against the king and queen, but it seeks alliances with the Isles which, it believes, can help equip it with necessary arms and forces in the anticipated war.