Gratic

"As Kiral began to sculpt the peoples of the world from clay, He quickly understood that these peoples were of different colours of clay, with some being dark like wood, others light as cream, and everything in between. He then, in His wisdom, placed them separate from each other, with the darker-skinned people placed on the other side of the mountains from the lighter skinned ones.
As time passed and these people began to pray to their gods, only the lighter-skinned people would say the right names and make the right sacrifices. These people became Kiral's chosen people, and He spent much of His time among them, teaching them the various crafts that He knew."
~The Étak Writings, the Book of Etheric

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Alana, Parelia, Kenti

Masculine names

Jonitan, Meti, Varen

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

All Gratic speak Common Gratic, but between members of their town or village they will use their local dialect.

Culture and cultural heritage

Gratic culture is deeply tied with the history of the Gratic Empire and their devotion to the Imperial Temple. They take some pride in the accomplishments of the Empire as well as pride in their local area or region.

Shared customary codes and values

The Gratic people are obsessed with tradition and castes, with social classes being closely defined by what job one's parents did and what occupation you perform. The lowest classes are the farmers, labourers and servants that help keep the Empire afloat, with merchants and tradespeople belonging to a growing middle class. The top of the social ladder is the Emperor and his councillors, with Magistrates and village priests holding special status as well.
The Gratic people are also incredibly proud of their military in most cases, with the prosperity of The Gratic Empire being thanks to the brave men who defend the Empire's borders and towns.

Common Etiquette rules

The recent fashion of serviettes and handkerchiefs at meals means that wiping hands between courses is much more polite.

Common Dress code

Lower class: simple tunics and trousers, often of darker colours, for the men, while women are often clad in gowns or dresses of light colours or the same clothing as men.

Middle class: vests and longer coats become more common among the men, and there is switch from dark colours towards bright and/or colourful ones. Women are more closely confined to dresses instead of gowns, but these dresses are significantly more elaborate and jewelry becomes more common.

Higher class: Long robes and more colourful coats, tunics and trousers become popular among the men. Women are almost always in dresses or gowns, and jewelry becomes increasingly shiny and elaborate.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to shake both of their hands, crossing one arm over the other.

It is considered rude to not ask how they are doing whenever you talk with anyone.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

Children are often born at home, and the parents usually give the child a name within two days. Once the child has a name, they are required by law to report its birth to the local Magistrate's office so that the parents can be taxed properly. Within a week of the child's birth, they are brought to the local temple, where the priest brings them into the religion of the Four with a short ceremony.

Coming of Age Rites

The vast majority of Gratic men are drafted into the army for a year once they come of age at seventeen, although it is possible to skip the draft by performing other services for the imperial government, such as acting as a scribe or servant in a Magistrate 's household.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Gratic people hold Imperial Temple funerals.

Common Taboos

Gratic people are wary of the colour pink and the number five due to religious connotations.

Common Myths and Legends

Children of various Gratic communities are taught the names of various heroes, as well as the stories from the Étak Writings.

Historical figures

The various figures who have held the rank of Emperor/Empress of the Gratic Empire, which Gratic schoolchildren are taught to rattle off with no difficulty.

Many folk heroes, such as Daz the Dragonblood and Fasni the Twice-Lucky.

Diverged ethnicities

• Orenian

Encompassed species

• Endamian Human

Related Organizations

• Imperial Temple
• The Emperor's Messengers
• The Gratic Empire
• The Imperial Army
• The Imperial Navy
• The Lordbreakers
• The Thieves' Collective
• The University
• Wildmen of Wildemar

Languages spoken

• Common Gratic

Related Locations

• Endaman

Art Credit: emperorcharlesii (me!)