Abenese
Content Warning: This page contains allusions to abuse and murder toward children.
The people of the Abenese Empire are split into four social castes, and each have their own distinct norms. The boundaries between these castes are strictly enforced, and caste defines much of any Abenean's life.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Darya, Valera, Ahata, Katsyaryna, Halina, Maryya, Tatsyana, Valyantsina, Larysa, Anastasiya
Masculine names
Bazyl, Anatol, Dzmitry, Kirill, Mikhal, Jahaila, Valadar, Lauren, Ambros, Kazimir
Family names
Skaryna, Aleksandrovič, Astrouski, Rusak, Kavalenak, Tarasau, Starčanka, Aničenka, Kupava, Lyakh
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Abenese is the nation's official language, though upper Drimani and nearly all Magistrati speak additional languages to this. Magistrati, as a rule, double in Draconic, which is considered the language of magic. Because the more languages one speaks, the more one can learn, Magistrati seek after linguistic proficiency almost as eagerly as magical proficiency.
Common Dress code
Magistrati can be identified easily by the lightweight, crimson, skin-baring garments they wear. These upper-society spellcasters have honed their magic to such a fine edge that relying on clothing to keep warm in Abenea's harsh climate is seen as utterly pedestrian. Most Magistrati also shave their heads, either completely or into a slender topknot, to emphasize their magical prowess. This much visible skin has also made tattoos popular among this class, most commonly of magical runes and glyphs. Members of the Prosveteni are distinguished by flared, high collars and golden circlets in addition to these robes.
Drimani, especially those boldly seeking elevation or who merely wish to affect seniority over their peers often dress in lighter layers, enduring the cold for the sake of the posh impression it makes. Red is also popular and expensive for the same reason, though the specific robes of the Magistrati are not permitted to be worn by other castes.
Among lower-class Drimani and the Nitz, practicality reigns. Multilayered outfits featuring furs and fat-slicked leathers to keep the wet snow out are ubiquitous, especially in wintertime. These dense garments are decorated with complex embroidery and bead-work, a tradition passed down since ancient times.
Art & Architecture
Formal artistic education is restricted to the Magistrati, though a favoured Drimani may receive permission to train in a particular topic to better serve their Magistrati patrons. Fortunately for the rest of the population, art has never required formal education to exist.
Without widespread access to literacy, the Nitz and most Drimani are people of oral culture, reciting and singing their histories around hearth and campfire. The bead-work and embroidery of their clothing is of an uncommon intricacy and vibrancy, and their dances are always performed in groups, with specialized dances and associated costumery for weddings, funerals, birthdays, and even prayers.
Foods & Cuisine
Magistrati indulge in exotic dishes on a regular basis, frequently dining on rare creatures from far realms. Their chefs work every day to produce never-before-tasted seasonings from bizarre and difficult-to-obtain ingredients. A roasted Ki-Rin with a pinch of actual-diamond dust might do for a modest dinner party. Meat is a regular part of the diet, and usually served rare.
In upper Drimani households, meat is a once per week - or month - affair, and is usually local game such as elk. For all others, it is a special treat. Livestock are difficult to keep in the harsh environment with limited access to feed and shelter, and restrictions on hunting and fishing limit these resources, though a starving Nitz will often risk the swift death of an enchanted arrow for the chance of a poached fish in Magistrati waters.
Excepting the reduced incidence of meat, however, everyday fare is not so different from peasants in the rest of the Realms, though considerably lesser in its portions. Most Drimani eat stews, roasts, pottages, and other familiar fare. Most traditional dishes are heavily spiced, as much for the artificial warmth as to cover up food nearing the end of its storage life. Such spicing is considered indulgence in other Prime realms, but as much of the herbs and roots required grow locally, it is common fare for Abenea.
Nitz have no culinary norms, as the majority of this population must eat whatever they can scrounge.
Coming of Age Rites
Among the magistrati, children of around age five are presented to their peers for their first public spellcasting. Nonmagical magistrati do not officially exist, and so this ceremony is mandatory for all children.
Unrelatedly, the Magistrati have an uncommonly high child mortality rate around age four.
Common Taboos
Officially, there is no forbiddance on magic use among the Drimani and the Nitz, it is only that such ability flows only among the Magistrati. In reality, however, non-Magistrati who show signs of magical talent are swiftly eliminated. Parents of non-Magistrati children who show potential go to great lengths to conceal or snuff out this dangerous gift.
Particularly ambitious (or foolish) Drimani who can wield magic may attempt gain entrance into the Magistrati caste, but they must be incredibly clever and cautious to keep their head during these manoeuvrings.
As the Magistrati overall pay little attention the Nitz, it is speculated that magic-use among this caste may be more likely than they think, and is simply practiced in secret.
Common Myths and Legends
According to legend, the dragons were the first spellcasters, and taught all their lore to a family who became the first Magistrati. As they excelled beyond any other mortal creature at this art, others flocked to share in their glory, begging to serve that they might bask in their wonders. This story is held to be the basis for why magic only flows in Magistrati families.
Ideals
Relationship Ideals
One of few things common to all castes is the desirability of an upward match. Marrying above one's station elevates oneself and one's entire household. The security of a higher position is often prioritized above personal feelings. To increase odds of upward mobility, the services of a matchmaker are commonly employed.
Related Organizations
Languages spoken