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✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Hierarchies ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
With a few outliers, Caelu consider themselves equal. Houses divide duties fairly. These vary from house to house, but some are constant. Children are raised by an entire house and know only one Mother -- the divine. Parents are therefore referred to by affectionate nickname -- usually 'Mā' and 'Bà'. Caelu refer to one another as 'sister' and 'brother', except when speaking to those they have bonded with, who they will address by name. They will also address elected officials as 'Honorable (name)'.
Work such as housekeeping, cooking, and maintenance is assigned based on skill and physical capability, not gender. Caelu that are differently abled, be it from birth or by accident, are treated with the same privilege and respect as anyone else. Accommodations are made if Caelu require additional support within their house.
Elder Caelu are often deferred to over their younger counterparts. This is because of their experience, and for the wisdom they can offer. However, when it comes down to decisions that require a vote, or the sharing of most supplies, age does not become an influential factor.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Hierarchal Exceptions ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Houses elect a representative to stand for them in a council that will convene when necessary. In this council, one Caelu from each house will be chosen as a form of high government. The council is encouraged to be a free discussion of ideas, where perspectives are considered fairly. Ultimately, the high government will rule on matters presented to them, after hearing all points or evidence. The fact that there are three leaders means that a vote cannot be divided fifty-fifty, and each member of the high government must respect this, and cannot vote neutrally in any situation.
Other exceptions include those that are chosen as ambassadors, defenders, and traders. These Caelu are highly respected and are specially appointed by the council. All are trusted to keep Caelu house locations secret, as well as other sacred information.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Traders ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
The Caelu species cannot thrive entirely solo, and therefore rely on traders to source some materials from outside their mountains. Traders exchange house-made items for metals, jewels, crafting sundries, and so on. They employ a caravan made up of locally raised yaks to carry inventory. The house Cloud is responsible for rearing these animals. They also contribute the most trade inventory. Traders are usually of this house.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Defenders ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
A caravan is vulnerable alone, so defenders are assigned to accompany them. These Caelu are specially trained warriors of the house Sword. Depending on what the trader is carrying and bartering for, between one and three Caelu may be instructed to accompany it. Always armed and ready to protect, they will fiercely guard both a trader and their caravan, although they are not aggressive and rarely if ever initiate combat.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Ambassadors ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Ambassadors are sent to learn of the world outside and to broker peace, if nearby threats are located. Conversation and negotiation are the Caelu's first line of defence. An ambassador will travel anywhere from near the sacred mountains, to all the way across the world, both in pursuit of peace and knowledge. Caelu elected to this role are usually from the house Mother, and are chosen for their steady demeanours.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Further Exceptions ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Caelu that have broken communal law are referred to as 'shunned' in conversation, and not by name. The council and high government decides punishment for these individuals, which can range in severity from brief solitary pilgrimage, to total exile from the sacred mountains.
Shunned that are sentenced to pilgrimage will leave their house to live a nomadic, solitary life. A sentence may range from a week, to years, depending on the severity of their crime. Shunned must provide for themselves during this period, making their own shelters away from the houses and hunting for their own food.
Exiled Caelu are sent away from the Mother mountains entirely. The exiled will usually seek to pay penance somehow, often joining other societies as the lowest caste and humbling themselves in every possible way. In extremely rare cases, an ambassador may find an exiled Caelu and report back to the council on their changed life and status. The council may vote to invite the exiled Caelu to return to the mountains once more, if they believe the individual has learned and suffered enough. -
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Breeding ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Not all Caelu are chosen to extend the lineage. Having children is a two-pronged decision that is not a Caelu's choice to make alone. Only Caelu that have come of age (approximately twenty years) are considered. The council decides upon the intellectual portion of this choice; which houses need a population boost, which Caelu are the most genetically sound to breed, and the elimination of any inter-breeding. The house Mother is responsible for the divine portion of this choice, performing a ritual that identifies compatible Caelu spirits.
It is considered an honor to be chosen to further the Caelu line, by both sexes. Caelu cannot refuse this duty without good reason. A couple is expected to attempt to reproduce over a reasonable period of time. When the two have a healthy child, they are not expected to stay together if they have not bonded. However, this intimate process often results in a romantic life-bond.
Caelu that knowingly breed without permission will face council consequences, and their children may be exiled. It is not against the law to have of age sexual encounters outside of the duty of reproduction -- in fact, it is considered healthy. Female Caelu often take a contraceptive herb to prevent accidental pregnancy. Sexuality is an open spectrum; Caelu may be heterosexual, bisexual, homosexual, or asexual, and with differing preferences. Same-sex relationships are not taboo.
It is unknown whether or not Caelu are fertile with other species. Regardless, such a union would be against cultural law, and any offspring would not be recognised as Caelu.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Bonds ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
When two spirits meet, Caelu can form a life-bond. These links may be romantic, platonic, or honor-bound.
• Romantic bonds are between Caelu that love one another and are committed to upholding that love. Sexual expression is usually involved. Caelu may have more than one romantic bond, and can be polyamorous. With their core selflessness, it's not often in a Caelu's nature to be jealous.
• Platonic bonds are between Caelu that love one another intimately, but not sexually or romantically. These bonds include those of family, strong friendship, and house kinship. Some Caelu form platonic bonds and choose to spend their lives together.
• Honor-bound bonds are between Caelu that are indebted to another. The reasons for these bonds vary greatly. Examples include the saving of a life, or duty that goes beyond friendly expectation. Caelu that are honor-bound to another will be protective until the bond has been repaid or broken by other means.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Diet ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Due to the harsh climate they inhabit, Caelu are almost entirely carnivorous. They use herbs and spices for both spiritual reasons and culinary reasons, but are unable to digest the majority of any vegetation. Although they can eat raw meat if the occasion calls for it, most Caelu prefer their meat cooked and well seasoned. They are opportunistic hunters, and will make do with whatever meat is seasonally available.
The house Sword is responsible for most hunting. These Caelu track and kill deer, goat, and even bears. In the cold season when herds migrate, they will trap or shoot rabbits and hares, birds, and rodents such as marmots. In preparation for these months, they dry and store food. Yaks are useful and under the protection of the house Cloud. However, if times are dire, Caelu will kill and eat these creatures too. -
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Personality ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Sociable with one another and most often agreeable, Caelu get along peacefully amongst houses. Caelu are raised with a strong sense of community, and happily share almost everything. Their sense of 'personal' belongings, and sometimes space, is limited. The only true exception is a Caelu's jewellery, which they are very proud of. Despite a love for trinkets, no Caelu would ever steal jewellery from their peers.
Attitude towards outsiders is mixed. Traders, defenders and ambassadors will warn about hostile species they have met on their travels, and document their encounters in great detail. Caelu are extremely protective of their mountains and kin. The altitude that they make their homes at ensures that outside encounters are rare. If they are threatened and diplomacy fails, they will resort to violence.
Other personality traits are often house-inspired. For instance, those of the Mother tend to be patient, optimistic, and clever. Those of the Sword tend to be focused, humorous, and energetic. Those of the Cloud tend to be confident, imaginative, and curious.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Intellect ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
All Caelu are educated similarly as they are raised, regardless of house. Intellectual pursuits are encouraged throughout their entire lives. They are taught to be bilingual, and study both Common and Mandarin. Many Caelu will extend this linguistic study, and learn additional languages. Caelu learn to write, and favor ink and brushes. Sciences are taught, including formal, natural, and social sciences. The arts are just as important, with visual, literary and performing arts forming a thorough curriculum.
Caelu are naturally intelligent and learn quickly. Just as any other species, they will have academic strengths and weaknesses. Those that cannot learn in a traditional way -- such as Caelu that are visually or audibly impaired -- will have accommodations made for them. Survival depends upon a sharp mind.
Knowledge is adapted based on findings of those that are trusted to leave the mountains. All acquired or written text are stored in various Mother temples, and are accessible to all Caelu. Whilst they rely on outside information to shape their learning, some subjects are taught, but not believed -- primarily those that contradict their religious or social beliefs.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧ Technology ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Attitudes towards advanced technology vary. Most improvements in the areas of building, housekeeping, and cooking are welcomed. Caelu are always seeking to make more efficient use of their time. Technologies that interfere with traditions, however, are not integrated into house life, although they may be studied. Those of the Cloud boast the most technology, using it for various crafts, whereas those of the Mother employ the least. Those of the Sword are somewhere in-between.
Medical technology is available across all houses. Caelu practice a mixture of traditional Chinese medicine and other learned medicines. Traditional remedies include herbal tinctures and salves, acupuncture, meditation, and ritual cleansing.
