Lirandine
Social Structure and Family Life
Among the Lirandine, society is built upon a strong sense of family and legacy. Each family is led by a head, typically the father who inherited the authority from his father and whose word is respected and followed. The concept of family honor is considered important among them, and every individual is expected to uphold the family's prestige, by avoiding actions that could bring shame. Less importance is put on the lower classes to uphold this, while middle classes care for it and the upper classes holds it as an important aspect of their dynasty. Lirandine societies are usually stratified into three distinct classes:- Lower Class: These are generally the poorer populace, often residing in the countryside and working as farmers or laborers.
- Middle Class: Representing the typical city dwellers, they enjoy a modest lifestyle in urban areas.
- Upper Class: This class includes the wealthy citizens who often associate with nobility. While they enjoy a luxurious life, not all are nobles by birth.
Relationship and marriage
Relationships and courtships have varying meaning depending on ones place in society.- For the lower and middle class, it is common for them to be lovers, with the only expectation of them is to be wed in a church.
- For the upper class, it is more elaborate. The person with the most power is expected to initiate the courtship, impressing the other with displays of affection, shows of power and wealth, and prove they live up to the ideals of being a Lirandine. In the case they are of equal power, the one taking the initial fancy for the other is expected to be the one to initiate the courtship.
- In the case of a upper class and a middle or lower class taking a liking to each other, the upper classes required to prove their affection, as a upper classes not allowed to marry anyone of a lower class. This is to be done by convincing ones leader, in person, that the one who has caught their fancy is worthy of being granted a title, such that they can court them legally. Depending on who the leader of the time is, this can vary from an easy task, to being very difficult.
Clothing
Lirandine clothes are typically made from breathable materials such as linen and wool. For women, the clothes tend to be long, flowing garments such as dresses that are typically sleeveless, often with a sash or belt worn too. They are then layered with a light shawl or cloak with are fastened around the shoulders with decorative brooches. The clothes typically feature different colors, with particularly white, blue and purple being favored among higher society while lower society tend to opt for more earthy tones.Men tend to go with tunics that fall just above the knee, paired with trousers or leggings. They typically have short sleeves and a belt. Depending on weather, they might also wear short cloaks or capes, secured at the shoulder. For both of these clothes, they tend to feature decorative patterns, though they tend to be simpler than those found on women's attire.
Jewelry is popular, with lower classes often wearing simple ones made from wood and rope and middle and upper classes using metals. The most common types of jewelry tends to be brooches and cloak clasps which can feature elaborate designs and among the nobles they tend to be used to signal which house one belongs to.
Arts and Crafts
The upper class and lower class tend to have different opinions on the arts. The upper class has a preference towards decorating their homes with paintings, sculptures and tapestries with depictions that often feature nature, mythology and grand stories. They are also the primary people who can afford books which tend to come across as a thing for the educated, though there are storybooks that are popular with the lower class as well. Theatre is popular among the upper class as well, often featuring dramas and comedies with themes around morality and heroism being a particular favorite. The lower class on the other hand tend to keep it simpler, with their preferred home decorations often being carved from wood and pottery, often with depictions of a common life, mythological beings and animals. Typically they tend to enjoy storytelling with music which is often found in taverns where they socialize with each other.Education
Education is considered a privilege among the Lirandine. Only the upper and middle class can generally afford a formal education. More commonly for both the middle and lower class is for their family to take on the role as mentors and teachers. Apprenticeships are the norm for entering either skilled trades or the trades with guilds associated with them, with the apprentice entering them in the mid to late teens. These apprenticeships often come with payment to the mentor who in turn teaches the apprentice not just about the work, but also their connections and the guild rules should one be associated with the trade.Food
Lirandine cuisine is hearty, with a strong emphasis on meaty dishes, particularly from farmed animals. Sheep is a staple among it, with many dishes being centered around involving sheep meat as a part of it. Often the dishes will be served alongside fruits and vegetables as well as bread.- Iserin Bread is a hard, flat bread often used by the lower classes instead of plates and which is eaten after a person is done with their dinner.
- Wurrik Stew is more common among the middle classes, or a thinner version for the lower classes. It is a hearty stew typically made with mutton, root vegetables and a savory broth in large cauldrons meant to serve larger families.
- Givlaen Platter is a dish usually reserved for the upper class. A mix of thinly sliced, grilled meat of at least three animals, often with lamb among them, is marinated in wine, garlic and rosemary and served on a large plate alongside roasted vegetable and sheep milk cheese.
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