Vect
The people of Veczi are known as the Vect, and are generally regarded as honest and reliable, if somewhat formal and careful in their interactions with others. They are primarily found in Veczi, Aswana, and Bocrae.
Most Vect are humans with warm medium to dark skin, and brown or black hair. They are relatively uncommon outside of Veczi, and often mistaken for Aswani with whom they share common cultural roots. Few people immigrate to the nation, and it is not terribly diverse. They are known for being taller than average.
Naming Traditions
Unisex names
Vect names are inspired by a mix of Slavic and African names. Generate more here.
Culture
Common Dress code
Vect clothing primarily consists of simple earth tones, and clothing is designed to favor function over form - even the outfits a noble might wear to a gala are fitted to allow free movement. Fine clothing in the Vect style focuses on impeccable stitch-work, and high quality materials more than flashy colors or jewelry.
Vect clothing is generally layered, and consists of wool and fur outer layers, and occasionally inner layers made with finer, softer cloth imported from Aswana. It is simple to remove for duels, and both men's and women's clothing is available designed for prospective duelists.
Sayings & Cultural Touchstones
"As beautiful as a Vect handmaiden" - A derogatory euphemism directed at a woman's appearance, a reference to the fact that most handmaidens in Veczi are chosen for their skill in dueling rather than social savviness, or experience interacting in noble circles. This notion is sometimes also flipped around and treated as a positive, instead attributing beauty to one's skills and dedication rather than appearance.Code Duello
One of the most well known pieces of Vect culture outside of its nation is its code duello. It is a set of rules that has existed for several hundred years with few changes, and its usage has spread across the continent. These rules set a common framework to understand a challenge.Duels must be conducted based on skill alone, without the aid of magical enhancements. Any mundane weaponry is permitted. The challenged party may choose whether armor is permitted. The challenging party chooses time and location, which must be agreed upon by the challenged party. A duel may be to the blood, pain, or death, chosen by the challenging party and agreed upon by the challenged party. Interference in any form from outside parties is strictly forbidden. Seconds must be chosen to negotiate, and to act in their stead if a challenger or challenged party is unable to. In challenges between organizations, a champion and second must be chosen.
Art & Architecture
Wood sourced from Veczi is particularly suited for use in musical instruments, and the Vect have a rich history of stringed instruments. Vect musicians favor orchestral arrangements and music without vocal components - when singing is incorporated into music, it most commonly takes the form of wordless singing, chanting, and intonations to accompany the rest of the instruments. The most popular genres in Veczi are slow, somber, and emotional music, as well as more lively dancing music common in celebrations and taverns.
There is little flat land in Veczi, and buildings are frequently built into steep hillsides and mountains. A sprawling single story building on a flat plot of land is considered a luxury and sign of wealth in most major cities, while a house at least partially on stilts is common among the average person. Most buildings are timber and cobblestone mortar, with tall, slanted roofs to prevent collapse during heavy snowfall.
Funerary and Memorial customs
It is tradition that the Vect are placed in burial mounds topped with local flowers that will naturally flower each year. More wealthy individuals construct small tombs that are then sealed and covered in dirt, with the most honored and prominent people being buried in highly visible locations.
Thanks to the relative difficulty of digging up and unsealing these tombs, graverobbing is uncommon and many Vect are buried with some of their valuables. It is accepted that in times of great strife, a family member may be allowed to reclaim these treasures.
The Halls of the Revered are a prominent burial ground outside of the capital of Veczi.
Ideals
Gender Ideals
Vect culture has fairly strong gender roles. Men are expected to be protective of their families and be the primary source of income for a family, while women are expected to maintain the house and raise children. As part of raising a family's children, women are expected to teach them dueling skills while men dedicate more of their time to trade. As a result, the best duelist in a family is often the mother, who often spend many hours a day teaching their children dueling skills.
Vect society has only a nascent understanding of nonbinary genders, and many remain somewhat hostile to the concept.
Relationship Ideals
Vect relationships revolve around one-upsmanship - couples are frequently challenging each other, proving their worth, and comparing skills. This isn't restricted to dueling ability, it ranges from cooking, athleticism, sex, and any number of other activities. Most couples end up having very similar interests and are at similar levels of skill in their fields.
Most Vect marriages include choreographed duels or dances between the married couple, and others include friendly duels among guests as a show of the skill of the couple's allies and family.
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