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Cultures for Malevolent Times LRP The rest will follow soon |
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1. South The inhabitants of these lands are an industrious people, dedicated to the perfection of whatever they pursue, be they bakers, scholars or warriors. Iron discipline underlies their daily life, giving a sense of a greater good to be achieved through joint endeavour. No one questions the tasks they perform, believing in the vision long held by their people that success will follow routine and practice. The land they inhabit is hilly; not the high snow capped peaks of other continents, but rings of high hills, providing easily defended hollows at their centres in which to build their picturesque villages. There is far less stone building here than in other areas, most buildings being composed of wooden timbers from the evergreen forests that cover both the hills and grassland lows. There has always been an air of peace and serenity surrounding this land, and it is always remarked upon by those who have seen the villages and valleys, the temples and houses. Despite the calm of this land, there is always an underlying feeling that cannot quite be described. It is as though the people and the very land itself are paused to strike. It is as though nature itself is holding its breath, ready to unleash an as yet unknown fury upon the world. The warriors of the land are perfectionists, as is the rest of the population, and their grip of the finer points of the art of war is unparalleled in any other land. It is no doubt due to the outward appearance of peace that the warriors of the land have had to grow to embrace war; long and bloody is the history of this land, with many in the past seeking to conquer and rule for themselves. The lands are deficient in raw metal ores that other countries possess, meaning an abundance of leather is used in its place. Many items, including armour, are manufactured from leather and other animal products instead of metals. The bone artefacts exported across the world from this country are renowned for their beauty and strength. As stated, there is a greater tendency towards leather armours for the fighting men and women of this land, both in the form of scales and that of boiled "hard" armours. The majority of warriors wear a large quantity of leather, be it a padded jerkin or hardened lamellae plates laced together. This has naturally led to the development of guerrilla style tactics that value mobility above being able to absorb a large amount of damage. More archers are found than in many other cultures. Metal armours denote great wealth or great importance. The clothing styles adopted in this region largely depend on the racial background of an individual. The diversity of materials and dye stuffs available locally and through trade means that a great diversity ensues. However, there has been observed a tendency towards natural colours over those that advertise wealth or power. This means a large number of greens, browns and greys, with some weaker yellows and natural cream. Wool is plentiful, and over-garments of this material are frequently left un-dyed. The detailing in clothing is usually achieved through surface patterning as opposed to embroidery, with layering favoured over thicker materials. Garments are practical and close fitting so as not to inhibit movement or everyday tasks that must be carried out. Cloaks are rare here, with over-tunics and coats favoured instead. Personal ornamentation is kept to a minimum, though necklaces are not uncommon for both men and women, the materials used hinting at the wealth or social standing of the wearer. Rings, if worn, are often simple and of bone. Again, any metals are considered a sign of great wealth. |
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2. Central The people of the west are a nomadic people, existing in great cities of hide tents and quickly prepared dwellings built into the earth itself. These underground homes vary greatly in size and design, though they are all of a common purpose. Though prone to moving camp a great deal, some nomadic groups have remained in the same place for many years at the whim of their leader. In such cases, the tents and subterranean dwellings have become increasingly elaborate and as a result, much less easily moved should the need arrive. This is a culture that is in no way restricted by its means of living, or the environment it inhabits, being as it is in the middle of the largest continent and therefore in easy reach of most of the major trade routes. For this reason the diversity and clash of cultures can be seen at its greatest between, and indeed within, each individual camp. Clothes, armours, weapons and animals from across the countries and continents gather in this one place to give the impression of an immense market, continually moving and changing, yet defining itself by adapting pieces and ideas from everywhere else. It is often remarked that anything can be found among the nomadic tribes, for the right price, and that is usually higher than most will pay. For these reasons, it is often difficult to identify a member of these caravans by their appearance alone, though there are some telltale signs. Although most items of clothing or armour have been traded or "acquired" from other places, clothing worn by these people can usually be picked out as inaccurate copies of the original item. As every member of a caravan will have their eyes on their neighbours, and their newest garb and weaponry, it is not unusual for waves of fashion to sweep across an encampment, as jealous friends and families will attempt to emulate another’s apparent wealth until they can get hold of something more impressive. To this end, fabrics of all colours, textures and patterns are used to create everything from mundane everyday clothing to elaborate feast day costumes. The nomadic lifestyle of these people means that they have access to a large number of horses and other animals, making for highly mobile soldiers. It is not unusual to see many fully armed and armoured men in and around camps, keeping a silent but ever present watch on what goes on around their people. It is well documented the nomad warriors are a fierce adversary, fighting equally well from their horses or on foot. As previously mentioned, the variety of armours used by these warriors is unparalleled, but again there are certain trends that can be identified. To begin with, it is relatively simple to discern the horseman from foot troops, as regardless of style, a horseman’s armour is adapted accordingly; maille being split for riding and increased use of spears and kite shields. Horse archer bows are often shorter than those of the foot troops, being highly curved to amplify power. Footmen are more inclined to the use of twin swords and fighting knives, not burdening themselves with unnecessary or unwieldy weapons. Again, the use of bows is widespread, though here the use of longbows is more common. Leather armours of these people are more ornate than those from other areas, with an emphasis on adapting standard issue pieces. This occurs in the form of painted designs and other surface details, those easy to apply personally. They range from stripes and coloured panels to highly intricate scenes of warfare or daily life. The complexity and colours used in these designs is often a sign of wealth or importance, either in society or in a military sense. There is also a tendency towards excessive use of jewellery to demonstrate wealth, though this is less important to the soldiers, who class it is a waste of time, their ornate armour serving to demonstrate their position. |
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3. East The nations of the east are a people dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, their understanding of the uses of magick unparalleled across the lands, save perhaps for that of their distant kin in the west. These people are philosophers and intellectuals, seeking to further the good of mankind as a whole, rather than their own personal gains. It is here that they differ most obviously from their cousins in the west. The great cities of the east are renowned the world over for their grandeur and imposing nature. A result of the group endeavour that drives the nation, they are a testament to what can be achieved when a nation works as one, twisting magick to create things of beauty. The grand structures of the land are wrought in stone of every hue, the architecture itself a celebration of the life and culture of the land. Towering spires reach towards the heavens, immense pyramids and spiralled domes punctuate the landscape, glowing bronze or gold in the afternoon sun. The continuing quest for self improvement is fuelled by the intense rivalry between the various ruling and noble houses. This house system provides a social structure as well as this air of rivalry that fuels everyday life. Indeed it seems entirely possible that without this sense of competition, the achievements of this nation would have fallen far short of its current position. The houses themselves range from the aristocratic to those famed for military prowess, for although this nations greatest achievements do not lye in the marshal sector, their standing army are a formidable fighting force, providing urban protection and a proven campaign army. Military discipline is strong and enforced throughout the forces. Warriors from the east are often distinguished by their use of chainmaille, often accompanied by metal greaves and vambraces. Helmets often bear brightly coloured crests or plumes to denote rank or social standing, each soldier sporting his house colours beneath his armour. The compliment of weaponry used by the eastern soldier comprises most often of a javelin or spear and a circular shield, sometimes scalloped along one edge to aid with vision and a point through which a spear can be effectively wielded. Alongside this, most men carry at least one short sword or dagger, normally with several others concealed in boots or belt pouches. As well as the standing army, a number of nobles have their own private force of troops, though they are normally more for show than actual combat purposes. Clothing in the east is geared toward formality, men and women alike often wearing high necked garments. For men, frock coats with high collars are the current fashion, along with tight fighting breeches and high boots. Women either choose to dress in a similar fashion, with more fitted versions of the male clothes, or in narrow divided skirts allowing maximum movement but with a little more formality. Above all else, clothing is seen as an opportunity to declare the house you are aligned to. This has led some to wear solely the colour or colours of their houses, while others declare their allegiance with armbands or the colour of the trimmings on coats and tunics. In this case, the garments are usually muted greys and blues, normally dark to emphasize the bands of colour that signify their heritage. As previously stated, the nation of the east share little with their kin in the west, who they see as heretics, perversely using magick to their own ends, caring only for their own personal gain, a seemingly heightened sense of the competition that underlies the eastern nations. They view all westerners with an uneasy wariness, bordering on contempt most of the time. The men of the east will not soon forget the betrayal of the Magi. |
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4. West The nations of the west are a people governed by magick, though unlike those of the east. The two cultures are related; however neither of the two would admit it openly. This rift between former kin can be traced back many centuries, to the dawn of man’s involvement with the magickal arts. As the now inhabitants of the east strove for understanding for the good of all, those who now inhabit the west plotted and planned for personal gain, seeking to bend magick to their will. A powerful group known as the Magi were the first to leave, abandoning the great cities forged with powerful magicks. This rending of culture from culture triggered a backlash that levelled much of the beautiful architecture of the land, shockwaves spreading and undoing much of what great men had spent many toilsome years creating. As the peoples of the east began to rebuild, an increasing number of disillusioned groups sought to follow the Magi, favouring the idea of personal gain above that of rebuilding along with their fellow men. A train of families spread across the continent, snaking through the central lands towards the distant west. Rumour has it that these wandering groups were the origins of the nomadic tribes who now cover the central plains. A great many died along the long and arduous route, but still more survived to settle with the Magi in the west. It was here that the Magi and their people began to raise their cities, great twisted towers a mockery of the beauty found in the east. Columns and towers rise like skeletal fingers from cracked and dry earth, tight vines and creepers entwining the stonework. The stone itself ranges from charred soot black to sulphurous yellow to ruddy brown. It is said the Magi cursed the very land beneath them with their self obsession, even the low course vegetation suffering, becoming blackened and hard to touch. In many ways the inhabitants of the east are a mockery or twisted reflection of those in the east. This extends only partially to their dress and military organisation. With regards to their dress, it is common for men and women to dress alike, often in dark colours, without the bright accents of their western counterparts. Long cloaks are always in fashion to conceal and confuse the eye of those watching. Clothes are always well made though range in styles from severe lines and straight cuts to voluminous sleeves and lower necklines. Armour is usually of leather, if any is worn at all, the westerners preferring flight and their magicks over open conflict. This is not to say that chainmaille is unheard of, more that as there is no standing army in the east, the various militias are less well armed and armoured. These militia are controlled by various noble families, forming large personal bodyguards rather than a unified force. Despite this, these groups function as an effective city pacification force, keeping order through the cities and across the plains. The east is one of the few areas to maintain a strong link to slavery, openly trafficking men, women and children for their own profit. These range form highly sought after and well treated individuals who can speak another language, read or write, to those bought or sold to die or earn fame in the fighting pits at the whim of their masters. This is somewhat different to the honour bound servitude found in the north, where it is considered right that those who are digraced earn penance. It is often commented that should the nation of the east unite, few could stop their expansion. Let us hope they never realise this, or that it is purely bravado on their part. |
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5. North To the north, society has formed in a different way to other areas, being comprised of numerous smaller independent city states. These range from small farming communities, housing perhaps a few hundred people, to the great walled cities home to thousands. In the case of the smaller city states, it is normally the case that they will affiliate themselves with a more dominant city that is close at hand. This mutually beneficial arrangement suits the larger as it means extra farms and produce, while for the smaller, it means the relative safety of its larger neighbour. The society of the north operates around a system of honour, this being foremost in the mind of most people. It is considered highly honourable, for example, to be hard working and continually try to better yourself in whatever field you work. Of course, this honour is more often reserved for combat, your method of fighting and the outcome varying the amount of honour you stand to gain or lose. As an example, wearing less armour in combat is seen as worthy of great respect, as is the use of shorter weapons than your opponent. Those dishonoured in combat are honour bound to offer their lives to their victors for a period of one year, during which time the victor may request anything of their new servant, up to and including their death. Things are rarely taken this far of course, but it is important to understand the possible implications. As stated, honour depends, in combat situations, on the armour and weaponry used. To this end, the warriors of the north make use mainly of lighter leather armour, shunning chainmaille and mother metal armours as excessive and unworthy of respect. Many do not use armour at all, believing death in battle to be more glorious than a continued life without honour. Weapons used by the northern warriors range from spears taller than a man, to short swords and daggers for those who view themselves as worthy of admiration. Indeed, the men of the north are revered for their abilities in close quarter fighting. Each city state of the north operates its own military force, so the standard arms and armour differ slightly from region to region, but the overriding factor is always the idea of honour in battle. Clothing of the north is normally functional before fanciful, most hard-working folk unused to the frivolity of dress from other regions. Colour ranges tend towards the more natural spectrums, often more around the natural linen colours, as well as various browns and sandy greys. Use of wool is common, but more so linens in various grades depending on the time of year. Numerous layers are employed instead of one thick layer, and mobility and practicality always observed above all else. As with clothing, personal ornaments are kept plain, if worn at all, even the noble families continuing the tradition of appearing always functional and never over the top. The people of the north are one of the only peoples to shun the use of horses. They loath to ride them or employ their services in agriculture, believing that a man should be able to provide for himself, working the land and travelling under his own means. This results in the northmen being renowned as excellent runners, fast and able to cover great distances without need of rest. Again, the nobility usually lead by example in this area as in others, not even employing horses for formal or ceremonial purposes. Although the people of the north are resourceful or strong, they are uninterested in expanding their borders, seeming content where they are settled. Having said that, they will fiercely guard their borders, seeking to repel in incursion what may threaten their continued structured existence. No doubt should they seek to expand their empire, there would be few who could stand against a nation so organised and exact. |
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But wait, there’s more… Over the Christmas period, players will be sent Player Packs, which will contain a wealth of background and other useful information. This will centre around the land your character comes from, detailing the town you are from and other personal information. If you’re lucky (and we have time), they may even include notes and in-character goodies that relate to the plot. The other items in your pack will include: Patterns for costume specific to your area A full general history and plotline to date Maps of your home town (OOC use only) A selection of trivia about your home and region These items will be geared towards developing your character, providing talking points IC and helping to round and enhance the gaming experience. |
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