General
-How do ordinary people feel about foreigners? Non-humans? How ready are they to accept different ideas? How cosmopolitan are they?
Ordinary people are somewhat averse to foreigners. Very few outsiders, asides from merchants, come to Arisaema. Naturally, there is much distrust towards foreigners at first; however, most foreigners who come to live in Arisaema for one reason or another are eventually embraced and become just as an important part of the community as any naga. There is a small population of humans at the tip of Arisaema; they have been a part of the capital city’s population for centuries.
Magic is a very polarizing thing in Arisaema. Most naga view it with envy and awe, as something irrevocably beautiful that they themselves cannot dabble in, being of the monster races. However, there are still many who view it as treacherous and wrong, something alien and abhorrent.
-How much social mobility is there? Is it easy or hard for a person born a peasant to advance to the middle class, or a middle class person to the upper class or nobility? How much resistance would there be? Would such a person ever be accepted socially?
There is a great deal of social mobility between the noble class and the working class. The cities in Arisaema are small, far from each other, and very few in number; as a result, communities are very close knit. There is very little poverty; those who suffer are often supported by their neighbors. Falling into poverty is not seen as a sign of laziness or weakness, but rather a sign of vulnerability, and of the nature of all beings to need help at one time or another.
Intermarrying between nobility and the working class is common, and is seen as a beautiful union. Love, family, and connection is crucial in Arisaeman culture; naga take marriage and courtship extremely seriously. Polyamory is unheard of; naga bond in romantic pairs for life. When two naga agree to court, it is taken by all as a very serious commitment. While it is recognized that pairings will not always work out, particularly in youth, when a naga agrees to be wed, it is not only seen as eternally binding, but also as a declaration of true, undying love. As such, married naga are viewed as the happiest and luckiest of Arisaemans.
Arranged marriages are seen as abhorrent, and an obstruction to true love.
Courtship begins with the presentation of gifts from the larger naga to the smaller; typically, this means that female naga are the ones showering the males with gifts, though this does vary.
This custom stems from instinct. The patron demon of the naga is Libidina, the serpent demon of lust and pride. Naga are a very proud people, who value love of all sorts above all else. Adorning one’s lover with gifts and finery is an intrinsic naga instinct, as doing so brings great pride to both parties involved.
This occasionally causes problems in the rare instance that a naga couples with someone from another race-the refusal of any such gift is seen as being spurned, and is seen as a breaking off of the relationship. Miscommunication is common, but is easily resolved through apologies and the acceptance of the gift.
-What items or foods or materials are luxuries — chocolate, coffee, silk, spices, flush toilets? Why?
Tropical fruits and some spices are seen as luxuries. Leather is also a luxury, but is rarely sought after due to its odd texture and how it keeps somewhat poorly in the heat. It is typically only used in weapons or jewelry.
-What do people generally look like? Would a blonde (redhead, brunette) stand out in a crowd? Someone 5′ 10″ tall? Do non-humans stand out in a crowd, or are there enough of them around that they’re considered ordinary?
The people of Arisaema are almost entirely naga; some humans and other mortals live near the coast, and, while they stand out due to their small size and lack of tails, they are typically considered ordinary and familiar parts of their communities.
Arisaema is a matriarchal society. Female naga tend to be larger and more powerful, typically between 18 and 32 feet in size. Male naga tend to be between 10 and 24 feet in size.
While male naga tend to have extremely bright, unnatural hued tails, hair, and eyes, female naga tend to have duller, more natural coloring.
-What are accepted norms of personal hygiene? Do most people bathe regularly, or is bathing considered a health hazard?
Most naga cities are situated on the banks of the enormous Serpent River, and so water is rarely an issue despite the fact that Arisaema is mostly desert. Water is pumped through the modern plumbing systems to bathhouses, which are grand buildings were naga all come to bathe. Bathing is a part of every naga’s daily routine.
-How is garbage and other waste material disposed of?
Garbage and waste is burnt, albeit a ways away from the cities. Garbage and waste is burnt, albeit a ways away from the cities. Waste is collected in chamber pots, and is collected daily to be disposed of.
-What is furniture like — big and blocky, delicate, simple, elaborately carved, painted? What is it mostly made of — cloth, wood, stone? Are certain things (like chairs with arms) reserved for high-status individuals?
Houses are enormous, always single-story, and resemble small palaces; there is a strong network of support in Arisaeman communities which ensures that all naga, whether related by blood or not, have a place to stay. Homelessness is unacceptable; it is a sign of a neglectful community and is seen as barbaric. As such, most homes are constructed with extra bedrooms, as places for others to stay in times of need.
Due to the size of most naga-full grown naga can be up to 32 feet long-house size is not a sign of luxury, but rather a needed practicality. As all naga are cold-blooded, sunroofs and areas to bask in the sun are a necessity, in and out of the desert.
Furniture is made of stone, and tends to be absolutely drowned in plush pillows and soft fabrics. Chaises are popular; every house has a large sitting room, complete with enough chaises for the family and guests, as well as pillars of varying heights to drape one’s tail over. Enormous piles of pillows are used in the place of beds; bedrooms tend to have no furniture other than the occasional chaise and copious pillows.
Food is prepared outside, in communal kitchens at the center of the city; food is either eaten outside near the kitchens, or in each household’s sitting room.
-What are the plumbing and sanitary systems like? Who builds and maintains them? How reliable are they, and who do you call when the drains back up? How do they differ from city to farm?
-How do people cope with various disasters — fire, floods, tornadoes or hurricanes, blizzards, plague, etc.? How common are such disasters?
-How early do people get up in the morning in the city? Country? Are clocks common, or do people tell time by the sun or by listening for church bells?
Naga tend to rise early in the day, though they do spend time napping in the sun throughout the day. Clocks are somewhat common, but the sun is also frequently used to tell time.
Fashion and Dress
-What do people wear? How expensive is it? Can the material be produced locally, or must some or all of it be imported?
It is not uncommon for naga to go about their daily life completely in the nude; however, many do choose to wear shirts or belts complete with draping fabric to cover the cloacal area. Clothing is made of soft cotton grown in the milder savannah areas of Arisaema and spun by naga artisans. Silks are also imported, but are typically worn only by naga living by the coasts in port cities.
Some naga, particularly those of high status, wear decorative metal bands around the ends of their tail. Different symbols on the bands signify different things-some, without symbols, are simply decorative, but others signify things such as one’s marital status.
-Are weapons a standard part of dress for any/all segments of society?
Weapons tend to be a standard part of Arisaeman dress. Many naga are hunters, tasked with providing for their communities as a whole in return for compensation from the ruling naga family in the form of goods, services, or money. Naga rely mostly on a barter system; however, they do use an international form of currency, as trade with foreigners is somewhat common along the coast of the Arisaeman peninsula.
As so many naga are hunters, weapons are a common part of naga fashion; decorative blades are worn by nobility and are occasionally exchanged as courtship gifts.
-Are certain clothes customary for certain occupations — e.g., military uniforms, judges robes/wigs, sports teams uniforms, etc.? How much variation is allowed — could a scholar wear a day-glow green robe as long as the cut is right, or would that be too much? Is it color or style that is most important?
Tail bands are always worn during weddings; marital bands have specific symbols on them to show that a naga has been wed.
-Are the dyes for certain colors — purple, indigo, etc. — rare, making cloth of that color more expensive and/or reserved for nobility or other high-status people?
Dyes for some colors, such as indigo, are rather rare; however, there are no taboos against wearing such colors. Brightly colored clothing is worn by all naga, who tend to be rather colorful themselves.
-Are there sumptuary laws, defining who can wear what? What are the penalties? Who decides when changes are needed? How often are they adjusted?
While all naga may wear bands around their tails, wearing five or more bands is specifically a sign of nobility, and, as such, common naga are not allowed to wear more than four bands. This is more of a social norm than a law.
-Are there fashions/fads in things besides clothes — styles of carriages, furniture, etc.?
Not particularly.
-How many changes of clothes can a normal person afford? A noble person? A peasant?
A normal person can afford several changes of clothing, if they so choose. Textile production is a huge industry along the rich banks of the Serpent River, where cotton is grown extensively; in Arisaema, cloth is in abundance and is used in all facets of life.
-What materials are appropriate to the climate? What materials must be imported, and are therefore for expensive upper-class clothes only?
Cotton tends to be the most common and climate appropriate material; silks are also used, though tend to be a bit harder to acquire due to the fact that they must be imported.
-What types of decorations and accessories are common? What colors and combinations of colors are thought to look well or to clash? Do opinions on this vary from race to race?
-What physical types and characteristics are currently fashionable — tan vs. pale skin, the “consumptive look” vs. robust good health, fat vs. thin, blonde vs. brunette, muscles vs. “dead poet”, etc.?
Diet
-Is sanitation good enough for untreated water to be safe to drink? If not, what do people drink instead?
-What things, while edible, are never eaten (what’s not kosher)? Why? Are some common human foods poisonous to dwarves or elves (or vice versa)?
-How many meals are considered normal in a day? When are they served? Which are substantial and which are smaller? Are certain foods (e.g., eggs and bacon) reserved mainly for a particular meal?
-What dishes or seasonings would be considered typical of this area? What wines or beers?
-What foods are considered peasant food? What foods are staples, commonly eaten every day? What foods are rare? What foods are normally eaten cooked/raw?
-What is the food like? What herbs and spices are readily available, and what must be imported? How common/expensive are imported foods and spices?
-What spices and herbs are produced locally, and which are rare and expensive? Which are most commonly used? Do people tend to like highly spiced food or not?
-Are there times when people are expected to fast (e.g., before solstice, after the birth of a child, during Lent or Ramadan, after the death of a ruler, etc.)?
Education
-What sort of education is available, and where? Are there schoolhouses in every town, or do ordinary people have to travel if they want to be educated? Are there universities? Private tutors?
-What is the level of literacy in the general population? Is literacy considered a useful/necessary skill for nobility, or something only scribes/clerks/wimps/bourgeoisie need? How common are books? How are they produced?
Customs
-Does the weather or climate contribute any habits or customs, such as the mid-afternoon siesta in hot countries?
-What is considered a normal family unit? How extended is an extended family? How important are family connections and responsibilities?
-What are the rites of passage in this culture? Are they formalized rituals, such as being dubbed a knight, or are they informal? Are they different for men and women? For nobility and peasants?
-What customs surround a birth and the introduction of a new child to the family? Is the mother sequestered for some period? Is the child? Is there a formal presentation of the new child to parents, grandparents, overlord, priest? Is a feast and celebration declared, or does everyone keep a low profile to keep from attracting demons or bad luck?
Who is normally present for births? Is it strictly a matter for women, or are men involved, or is the only woman present the expectant mother?
-Who raises the children? At what age do they begin to be educated or trained? By whom? Are they considered mini-adults? Do they dress differently from adults? If so, when do they change to adult dress?
-What customs surround death and burial? Is there a special class of people (doctors, priests, funeral directors, untouchables) who deal with dead bodies? What things must be done and why (burn hair to free spirit, burn body to prevent necromancy, coins on eyes for ferryman, etc.)? Are the dead feared, revered, or ignored?
-How do ordinary people feel about foreigners? Non-humans? How ready are they to accept different ideas? How cosmopolitan are they?
Ordinary people are somewhat averse to foreigners. Very few outsiders, asides from merchants, come to Arisaema. Naturally, there is much distrust towards foreigners at first; however, most foreigners who come to live in Arisaema for one reason or another are eventually embraced and become just as an important part of the community as any naga. There is a small population of humans at the tip of Arisaema; they have been a part of the capital city’s population for centuries.
Magic is a very polarizing thing in Arisaema. Most naga view it with envy and awe, as something irrevocably beautiful that they themselves cannot dabble in, being of the monster races. However, there are still many who view it as treacherous and wrong, something alien and abhorrent.
-How much social mobility is there? Is it easy or hard for a person born a peasant to advance to the middle class, or a middle class person to the upper class or nobility? How much resistance would there be? Would such a person ever be accepted socially?
There is a great deal of social mobility between the noble class and the working class. The cities in Arisaema are small, far from each other, and very few in number; as a result, communities are very close knit. There is very little poverty; those who suffer are often supported by their neighbors. Falling into poverty is not seen as a sign of laziness or weakness, but rather a sign of vulnerability, and of the nature of all beings to need help at one time or another.
Intermarrying between nobility and the working class is common, and is seen as a beautiful union. Love, family, and connection is crucial in Arisaeman culture; naga take marriage and courtship extremely seriously. Polyamory is unheard of; naga bond in romantic pairs for life. When two naga agree to court, it is taken by all as a very serious commitment. While it is recognized that pairings will not always work out, particularly in youth, when a naga agrees to be wed, it is not only seen as eternally binding, but also as a declaration of true, undying love. As such, married naga are viewed as the happiest and luckiest of Arisaemans.
Arranged marriages are seen as abhorrent, and an obstruction to true love.
Courtship begins with the presentation of gifts from the larger naga to the smaller; typically, this means that female naga are the ones showering the males with gifts, though this does vary.
This custom stems from instinct. The patron demon of the naga is Libidina, the serpent demon of lust and pride. Naga are a very proud people, who value love of all sorts above all else. Adorning one’s lover with gifts and finery is an intrinsic naga instinct, as doing so brings great pride to both parties involved.
This occasionally causes problems in the rare instance that a naga couples with someone from another race-the refusal of any such gift is seen as being spurned, and is seen as a breaking off of the relationship. Miscommunication is common, but is easily resolved through apologies and the acceptance of the gift.
-What items or foods or materials are luxuries — chocolate, coffee, silk, spices, flush toilets? Why?
Tropical fruits and some spices are seen as luxuries. Leather is also a luxury, but is rarely sought after due to its odd texture and how it keeps somewhat poorly in the heat. It is typically only used in weapons or jewelry.
-What do people generally look like? Would a blonde (redhead, brunette) stand out in a crowd? Someone 5′ 10″ tall? Do non-humans stand out in a crowd, or are there enough of them around that they’re considered ordinary?
The people of Arisaema are almost entirely naga; some humans and other mortals live near the coast, and, while they stand out due to their small size and lack of tails, they are typically considered ordinary and familiar parts of their communities.
Arisaema is a matriarchal society. Female naga tend to be larger and more powerful, typically between 18 and 32 feet in size. Male naga tend to be between 10 and 24 feet in size.
While male naga tend to have extremely bright, unnatural hued tails, hair, and eyes, female naga tend to have duller, more natural coloring.
-What are accepted norms of personal hygiene? Do most people bathe regularly, or is bathing considered a health hazard?
Most naga cities are situated on the banks of the enormous Serpent River, and so water is rarely an issue despite the fact that Arisaema is mostly desert. Water is pumped through the modern plumbing systems to bathhouses, which are grand buildings were naga all come to bathe. Bathing is a part of every naga’s daily routine.
-How is garbage and other waste material disposed of?
Garbage and waste is burnt, albeit a ways away from the cities. Garbage and waste is burnt, albeit a ways away from the cities. Waste is collected in chamber pots, and is collected daily to be disposed of.
-What is furniture like — big and blocky, delicate, simple, elaborately carved, painted? What is it mostly made of — cloth, wood, stone? Are certain things (like chairs with arms) reserved for high-status individuals?
Houses are enormous, always single-story, and resemble small palaces; there is a strong network of support in Arisaeman communities which ensures that all naga, whether related by blood or not, have a place to stay. Homelessness is unacceptable; it is a sign of a neglectful community and is seen as barbaric. As such, most homes are constructed with extra bedrooms, as places for others to stay in times of need.
Due to the size of most naga-full grown naga can be up to 32 feet long-house size is not a sign of luxury, but rather a needed practicality. As all naga are cold-blooded, sunroofs and areas to bask in the sun are a necessity, in and out of the desert.
Furniture is made of stone, and tends to be absolutely drowned in plush pillows and soft fabrics. Chaises are popular; every house has a large sitting room, complete with enough chaises for the family and guests, as well as pillars of varying heights to drape one’s tail over. Enormous piles of pillows are used in the place of beds; bedrooms tend to have no furniture other than the occasional chaise and copious pillows.
Food is prepared outside, in communal kitchens at the center of the city; food is either eaten outside near the kitchens, or in each household’s sitting room.
-What are the plumbing and sanitary systems like? Who builds and maintains them? How reliable are they, and who do you call when the drains back up? How do they differ from city to farm?
-How do people cope with various disasters — fire, floods, tornadoes or hurricanes, blizzards, plague, etc.? How common are such disasters?
-How early do people get up in the morning in the city? Country? Are clocks common, or do people tell time by the sun or by listening for church bells?
Naga tend to rise early in the day, though they do spend time napping in the sun throughout the day. Clocks are somewhat common, but the sun is also frequently used to tell time.
Fashion and Dress
-What do people wear? How expensive is it? Can the material be produced locally, or must some or all of it be imported?
It is not uncommon for naga to go about their daily life completely in the nude; however, many do choose to wear shirts or belts complete with draping fabric to cover the cloacal area. Clothing is made of soft cotton grown in the milder savannah areas of Arisaema and spun by naga artisans. Silks are also imported, but are typically worn only by naga living by the coasts in port cities.
Some naga, particularly those of high status, wear decorative metal bands around the ends of their tail. Different symbols on the bands signify different things-some, without symbols, are simply decorative, but others signify things such as one’s marital status.
-Are weapons a standard part of dress for any/all segments of society?
Weapons tend to be a standard part of Arisaeman dress. Many naga are hunters, tasked with providing for their communities as a whole in return for compensation from the ruling naga family in the form of goods, services, or money. Naga rely mostly on a barter system; however, they do use an international form of currency, as trade with foreigners is somewhat common along the coast of the Arisaeman peninsula.
As so many naga are hunters, weapons are a common part of naga fashion; decorative blades are worn by nobility and are occasionally exchanged as courtship gifts.
-Are certain clothes customary for certain occupations — e.g., military uniforms, judges robes/wigs, sports teams uniforms, etc.? How much variation is allowed — could a scholar wear a day-glow green robe as long as the cut is right, or would that be too much? Is it color or style that is most important?
Tail bands are always worn during weddings; marital bands have specific symbols on them to show that a naga has been wed.
-Are the dyes for certain colors — purple, indigo, etc. — rare, making cloth of that color more expensive and/or reserved for nobility or other high-status people?
Dyes for some colors, such as indigo, are rather rare; however, there are no taboos against wearing such colors. Brightly colored clothing is worn by all naga, who tend to be rather colorful themselves.
-Are there sumptuary laws, defining who can wear what? What are the penalties? Who decides when changes are needed? How often are they adjusted?
While all naga may wear bands around their tails, wearing five or more bands is specifically a sign of nobility, and, as such, common naga are not allowed to wear more than four bands. This is more of a social norm than a law.
-Are there fashions/fads in things besides clothes — styles of carriages, furniture, etc.?
Not particularly.
-How many changes of clothes can a normal person afford? A noble person? A peasant?
A normal person can afford several changes of clothing, if they so choose. Textile production is a huge industry along the rich banks of the Serpent River, where cotton is grown extensively; in Arisaema, cloth is in abundance and is used in all facets of life.
-What materials are appropriate to the climate? What materials must be imported, and are therefore for expensive upper-class clothes only?
Cotton tends to be the most common and climate appropriate material; silks are also used, though tend to be a bit harder to acquire due to the fact that they must be imported.
-What types of decorations and accessories are common? What colors and combinations of colors are thought to look well or to clash? Do opinions on this vary from race to race?
-What physical types and characteristics are currently fashionable — tan vs. pale skin, the “consumptive look” vs. robust good health, fat vs. thin, blonde vs. brunette, muscles vs. “dead poet”, etc.?
Diet
-Is sanitation good enough for untreated water to be safe to drink? If not, what do people drink instead?
-What things, while edible, are never eaten (what’s not kosher)? Why? Are some common human foods poisonous to dwarves or elves (or vice versa)?
-How many meals are considered normal in a day? When are they served? Which are substantial and which are smaller? Are certain foods (e.g., eggs and bacon) reserved mainly for a particular meal?
-What dishes or seasonings would be considered typical of this area? What wines or beers?
-What foods are considered peasant food? What foods are staples, commonly eaten every day? What foods are rare? What foods are normally eaten cooked/raw?
-What is the food like? What herbs and spices are readily available, and what must be imported? How common/expensive are imported foods and spices?
-What spices and herbs are produced locally, and which are rare and expensive? Which are most commonly used? Do people tend to like highly spiced food or not?
-Are there times when people are expected to fast (e.g., before solstice, after the birth of a child, during Lent or Ramadan, after the death of a ruler, etc.)?
Education
-What sort of education is available, and where? Are there schoolhouses in every town, or do ordinary people have to travel if they want to be educated? Are there universities? Private tutors?
-What is the level of literacy in the general population? Is literacy considered a useful/necessary skill for nobility, or something only scribes/clerks/wimps/bourgeoisie need? How common are books? How are they produced?
Customs
-Does the weather or climate contribute any habits or customs, such as the mid-afternoon siesta in hot countries?
-What is considered a normal family unit? How extended is an extended family? How important are family connections and responsibilities?
-What are the rites of passage in this culture? Are they formalized rituals, such as being dubbed a knight, or are they informal? Are they different for men and women? For nobility and peasants?
-What customs surround a birth and the introduction of a new child to the family? Is the mother sequestered for some period? Is the child? Is there a formal presentation of the new child to parents, grandparents, overlord, priest? Is a feast and celebration declared, or does everyone keep a low profile to keep from attracting demons or bad luck?
Who is normally present for births? Is it strictly a matter for women, or are men involved, or is the only woman present the expectant mother?
-Who raises the children? At what age do they begin to be educated or trained? By whom? Are they considered mini-adults? Do they dress differently from adults? If so, when do they change to adult dress?
-What customs surround death and burial? Is there a special class of people (doctors, priests, funeral directors, untouchables) who deal with dead bodies? What things must be done and why (burn hair to free spirit, burn body to prevent necromancy, coins on eyes for ferryman, etc.)? Are the dead feared, revered, or ignored?
Moderators: whispers -NightShade-