Peoples of Theligose
Since The Rise of Man, Theligose has largely been populated by humans, the majority of the denizens of the Hells having been driven out during this conflict. However, the influence of their overthrown Infernal masters can still be seen in the humans of today - on occasion, a child may be born whose Infernal ancestry is clear. These individuals are known as Infra'Sha. Similarly, Angelic blood flows in the veins of many humans, sometimes obviously manifesting itself via a number of traits. Individuals who bear these physical traits are known as Supra'Sha.
Naming Traditions
Family names
The Great Houses
- House Abydos
- House Qureshi
- House Manseur
- House Ahmose
- House Amara
- House Luxor
- House Mehet
- House Naqadah
- House Nassar
- House Qantir
- House Tenir
Other names
Names based on the Egyptian pantheon.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The continent as a whole shares a single unified language, though small regional dialects inevitably developed. The writing system for this language uses the latin alphabet, and is based on syllabic writing. There is, however, an older form of language from when the Hells reigned that has survived. The writing system for the Hieratic language is based on pictograms - as a result, it is far more complex and difficult to learn. Almost nobody outside of The Order of Binders and the Nobility have any use for this language, and it is no longer commonly spoken outside of the tribes that live on the outskirts of society.
Shared customary codes and values
The concept of duty is central to Theligosian society, with people from all walks of life believing that they have a role to play. Most positions of authority, such as the seats on the councils that oversee the Three Cities, are held by Nobles without exception, though minor roles may be held by common folk, especially in smaller towns and villages.
It is expected that Nobles will use the power afforded to them as a result of their lineage to protect and serve the people in their care. Similarly, the Lowborn also contribute to the proper functioning of society - as farmers or tradesfolk, for example. Many are employed in the same professions as their parents and grandparents before them, serving a particular role because they were born into it just as Nobles are.
This class system means that few people are afforded the luxury of choice, and it is not unusual for those of low birth to remain in the place where they were born for their entire lives. Despite their wealth, some Nobles also have little freedom, being assigned as the Lady or Lord of a particular area by the head of their House.
Common Etiquette rules
The nobility refers to each other almost exclusively through titles and last names. Using only the family name when referring to another person is considered a mark of great disrespect, whilst using their first name alone is far too familiar for most casual acquaintances.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Though the society has sought to hold itself apart from religion and Gods as much as possible, there are still traditions that are observed. The most common is the celebration of the Lunar Festivals, celebrations based on the lunar cycle.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Bodies are burned, as the most efficient way of disposal. It is also theorised that this severs the link between the physical form and the deceased's soul.
Written records of someone's life may be kept in the Musea Memoranda for others to learn from. The most influential individuals have had entire tomes dedicated to their life - the closest any member of society could hope to come to immortality.
Ideals
Gender Ideals
Whilst gender is not a major consideration, some older attitudes still remain. Women are considered to be better choices as leaders, and men better soldiers. These biases are small and often inconsequential, though some may still react with mild surprise if they discover a House's affairs are run by the husband.
Courtship Ideals
Courtship is considered a private matter that should be kept between the individuals in question. Large romantic gestures are frowned upon and are often a mark of extreme inexperience.
The surest way to tell two people are romantically involved is if they use a nickname, or shortened first name, when speaking about each other - shortened first names are only used for close family, intimate partners or incredibly close friends. Using a shortened first name when speaking to another person is considered - depending on the context - to be akin to asking that person if they wish to enter into a romantic relationship. A great number of awkward young men and women have accidentally revealed their true feelings this way, for good or ill. As biases towards one gender or another are largely non-existent, either party can make their desires known to the other regarding relationships – either sexual or romantic. Attitudes towards sex are similar to those regarding courtship in general – the matter is the business of the individuals involved and no one else. As a result, casual sex is not particularly frowned upon, so long as both parties are happy with the arrangement.
Relationship Ideals
Marriage is a lifelong commitment, a partnership between two people. Among Nobles this partnership may be more practical in nature, with marriages allowing Houses to form alliances and strengthen bonds between their families. Few nobles have the luxury of marrying for love, though there are notable exceptions. Instead, they are duty-bound to consider the future of their family line and those who depend upon them, ensuring that they provide an heir. In contrast, the Lowborn are generally free to marry who they please, usually doing so after an extended courtship period. Marriage is seen as a prerequisite to having children in order to ensure that they are raised in a stable home.
Major organizations
There are a number of organisations which contribute to the smooth functioning of Theligosian society. Few would disagree that the Order of Binders is the most important among them. Its ranks of Binders, led by the Archgaoler, protect the realm from extraplanar entities such as devils and angels. Though few people are likely to meet a Binder during their lifetime, these highly-trained magic users are instantly recognisable due to their flowing white robes.
Of similar importance but far less visible is Heru's Eye. Any noble child could tell you stories of this shadowy organisation, whose agents work to ensure that those members of society entrusted with power properly wield it. Their activities are varied, including some that could be called criminal. However, such means are sometimes required to prevent nobles from neglecting their duties.
In contrast, Imuet's Scales are viewed as an annoyance rather than a necessity. Though their members, too, serve a purpose in society, hunting beasts and sometimes people, they do so for personal gain rather than the good of Theligose as a whole. This motivation places them in opposition to a society that places duty and the good of others above an individual's own wishes and desires.
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