Difference between revisions of "Customs and Traditions"

Latest revision as of 01:49, 20 December 2013

Customs

Greetings and Presenting Oneself as Friendly

It is customary for Ramathians of similar or equal status to either shake hands, or touch one another on the shoulder in greeting. Usually the touching is almost always done with the right hand. The shoulder touch greeting is often used by those who are on friendlier terms with one another, or comrades in arms. Touch is generally avoided by mages, who are generally more wary of touch-driven curses. When a mage is presenting themselves as friendly, they will cross both of their arms over their chest, and bow their heads slightly in greeting, all while keeping their gaze fixed upon the individual that they’re greeting. A mage can make this gesture insulting and contemptuous by closing their eyes or deliberately breaking their gaze.

Tattoos

Tattoos are a large part of the planet life on Ramath-lehi. Tattoos are so culturally ingrained in Ramathian society, that it is actually considered “weird” for someone to not have tattoos. One of the oldest practises involves getting “Grading Stripes” which are tattooed stripes that Ramathians would receive for recognition of a great achievement. While dated, many Ramathians still get visible Grading Stripes - usually on their faces. However they are not always given out by the Grader family, which was who the tradition originated with. Instead there are many families who chose to reward their own kin with their own markings and insignia. Tattoos have also become more complicated and ornate over the years. Sometimes Ramathians even get their tattoos “infused” with special magic properties using a special Fronimium ink. These can vary from simple glowing, to colour changes, or even giving off heat. It takes a very skilled mage and tattoo artist to create these particular permanent works of art, and they often do not come cheap.

In some parts of Ramath-lehi, there is a tradition of covering healed-over scars with tattoos. This may be done as a way of showing off (particularly for a heavily battle-scarred warrior), or as a part of the healing process after a traumatic incident. This practice is where the colloquialism "paint your scars" comes from.

For Ramathians with long fur that would obscure traditional tattoos (e.g. Khell and Yki), an alternative method which involves altering individual hair follicles so the "tattoo" colours grow into the fur is commonly used. See Tattoo Artistry for more detailed information regarding the methods.

Family Size

It is not uncommon for family sizes to be very large. Some families have had up to twenty offspring. However the most average family size consists of two parents, and three to four offspring. Being an only child is very uncommon.

Marriage

Tradition	Summary
Omesea	A marriage tradition dedicated specifically to same sex couples.
Omesjei Tradition	A simple marriage tradition with emphasis on friends and family and tail-flame born jewelry.
Pyx'gesopeud Tradition	A highly religious Anubian marriage tradition.
Rympemd Tradition	A rather modern marriage tradition from Sudesha.
Sha Qyememd Tradition	A highly popular marriage tradition for Yki.

Egg Shells

It is very common for the parents of a Ramathian to keep the egg shells that their offspring hatched from (if they are an egg-producing race). The shell of a new hatchling is said to have magical properties and is used as a base for many powerful spells. The larger the shell fragment, the more powerful it is said to be. Many Ramathians keep their offspring’s shell fragments and end up getting them encased and put on display in their living rooms. Upon death, these egg shells will often be turned into the focal point of shrines deep within family tombs.

Being a Good Host

When having someone over at your home, or when hosting a private party, it is customary to offer food or drink only upon your guest’s request. Some hosts prefer to simply leave food and drink out so that their guests may help themselves and negate having to request entirely.

Death and Funerals

When a Ramathian dies, it is believed that their soul then goes to Fronima (unless their soul has been lost and/or eaten by a Rapine). Almost always, upon death, a Ramathian’s body is burned to ashes in order to destroy the vessel and prevent all forms of necromancy. The ashes are then often carried deep into caves and scattered. The specific rituals and customs vary between the races (such as the Khell choosing to skin their family members before burning).

Funerals are almost always seen as a way to celebrate an individual’s life, and crying is not very common. Instead there is often a lot of drinking, dancing, and telling stories. Most funerals are public events and anyone may partake.

Blood Oaths

Not many Ramathians practise Blood Oaths as they are considered to be very archaic. However to make and then break a Blood Oath is an unthinkable thing. Blood Oaths are legally binding and can be proven to be tied to the signing parties based on their DNA and magic signatures. It is impossible to forge a Blood Oath. Breaking a Blood Oath essentially means that you forfeit your life over to the other party. Often the breaking of a Blood Oath results in death. Blood Oaths are still used by the Adamaint Empire when their clientele are unable to make full or proper payments.

Smoking

Smoking is not a very popular past-time on Ramath-lehi and is generally frowned upon. It has been scientifically proven to cause long-term respiratory damage. However the smoking of Nujeq is still relatively popular. It is just much more common to see Nujeq being taken orally, or baked into things, than smoked.

Social Faux Pas and Taboos

Gloves and Footwear

It is considered very suspicious for a Ramathian to wear any sort of garment on their hands or feet. Those who do wear such items without a visible and clear purpose (military uniform, hazardous waste uniform, spaceflight uniform, warmth while visiting the poles, etc.) are looked upon as being untrustworthy and likely up to no good. Due to the hardy nature of the ‘dragon foot, they do not need much protection, if any, from the outdoor elements. Their footpads are tough and offer more protection than any regular shoe or slipper ever would. In many cases, putting on shoes actually decreases a ‘dragons agility. It is also considered somewhat dishonest to change the shape of your footprint, or mask your steps with other methods.

Legality and Acceptance of Magic

The use of magical powers is completely legal, however there are some public establishments that have strict “no magic” policies which will result in you being thrown out or barred from entry. Aurius and Bhim in particular have many establishments where the use of magic is off-limits. It is considered very rude to use magic indoors inside public establishments (such as restaurants or cafes), and also very rude to “show off” ones magical abilities. Many users who practise magic are very modest about their talents.

Sexuality

It is inappropriate to make assumptions about the sexuality of anyone you meet.

Vegetarianism

While vegetarianism exists (as well as other alternative diets) on Ramath-lehi, it is seen as being a little strange and out of the ordinary. Ramathians are primarily carnivores, and require a lot of genetically modified plants in order to maintain a completely vegetarian lifestyle. Vegetarian food is very uncommon, and it may be difficult for an individual to get the food that they want from the more popular food chains.

Kytlekh and the Rapine

While an unspoken superstition, it is highly frowned upon and considered unprofessional and crude to talk about the Rapine or the Nothing, Kytlekh, in public. It is believed that speaking too much about the Rapine will corrupt your soul and bar your entry to Fronima upon death. This is often something that is overlooked in Bhim, where much of the local vernacular is considerably uncouth.

Nullfires and Nobility

To be hatched without the ability to use magic, or without a tail flame, is very bad. These individuals are often called nullfires, which is a derogatory term for someone who cannot do magic. While most Ramathians believe that magical abilities can be learned and developed over time, or do not put any stock in them at all, it is particularly shameful to be from a noble family and have no magic. This is largely due to the fact that all old blood is supposed to have a stronger affinity for magic, and to not have magic puts a blight on the noble family name.

Superstitions

The Source of Fronima

There is a widespread belief that Fronima is actually composed of living souls, and that by using magic, machina-powered technology, and other Fronima-powered devices, that we are actually killing those who died before us for a second time. So strong is this belief, that there is actually a subset of Ramathians who outright refuse to use magic because they believe that they are desecrating the remains of their ancestors.

Cursing the Magos and Magosai

It is exceptionally rude to curse the names of any of the past or present Magos and Magosai, and is said to result in the past leaders coming to haunt your dreams and make your life miserable. Not only that, but cursing them is also said to diminish your own magical abilities.

The Power of Names

In the higher magic circles, it is common for powerful mages to use aliases instead of their hatched names. This is because it is believed that if you enemies know your real name, then they will gain power over you. Many mages throughout history had aliases and their real names only became known after their deaths.

Dying in Space

It is considered really bad to die in space, as it is believed that the soul will continue to wander restlessly, unable to find its way back to Fronima. Bodies are also never “buried” in space. To intentionally leave someone’s body floating in space after their death is an unthinkable act. Even hardcore enemies have been known to gather the bodies of their foes and dispose of their bodies properly.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+==Customs==
+===Greetings and Presenting Oneself as Friendly===
+It is customary for Ramathians of similar or equal status to either shake hands, or touch one another on the shoulder in greeting. Usually the touching is almost always done with the right hand. The shoulder touch greeting is often used by those who are on friendlier terms with one another, or comrades in arms. Touch is generally avoided by mages, who are generally more wary of touch-driven curses. When a mage is presenting themselves as friendly, they will cross both of their arms over their chest, and bow their heads slightly in greeting, all while keeping their gaze fixed upon the individual that they’re greeting. A mage can make this gesture insulting and contemptuous by closing their eyes or deliberately breaking their gaze.
+===Tattoos===
+Tattoos are a large part of the planet life on Ramath-lehi. Tattoos are so culturally ingrained in Ramathian society, that it is actually considered “weird” for someone to not have tattoos. One of the oldest practises involves getting “Grading Stripes” which are tattooed stripes that Ramathians would receive for recognition of a great achievement. While dated, many Ramathians still get visible Grading Stripes - usually on their faces. However they are not always given out by the Grader family, which was who the tradition originated with. Instead there are many families who chose to reward their own kin with their own markings and insignia. Tattoos have also become more complicated and ornate over the years. Sometimes Ramathians even get their tattoos “infused” with special magic properties using a special [[Natural Resources|Fronimium]] ink. These can vary from simple glowing, to colour changes, or even giving off heat. It takes a very skilled mage and tattoo artist to create these particular permanent works of art, and they often do not come cheap.
+In some parts of Ramath-lehi, there is a tradition of covering healed-over scars with tattoos. This may be done as a way of showing off (particularly for a heavily battle-scarred warrior), or as a part of the healing process after a traumatic incident. This practice is where the colloquialism "[[Lexicon:Paint your scars|paint your scars]]" comes from.
+For Ramathians with long fur that would obscure traditional tattoos (e.g. [[Khell]] and [[Yki]]), an alternative method which involves altering individual hair follicles so the "tattoo" colours grow into the fur is commonly used. See [[Tattoo Artistry]] for more detailed information regarding the methods.
+===Family Size===
+It is not uncommon for family sizes to be very large. Some families have had up to twenty offspring. However the most average family size consists of two parents, and three to four offspring. Being an only child is very uncommon.
+===Marriage===
 {{#ask: [[Category:Traditions]]
 | mainlabel=Tradition
@@ Line 5: / Line 24: @@
 }}
+===Egg Shells===
+It is very common for the parents of a Ramathian to keep the egg shells that their offspring hatched from (if they are an egg-producing race). The shell of a new hatchling is said to have magical properties and is used as a base for many powerful spells. The larger the shell fragment, the more powerful it is said to be. Many Ramathians keep their offspring’s shell fragments and end up getting them encased and put on display in their living rooms. Upon death, these egg shells will often be turned into the focal point of shrines deep within family tombs.
+===Being a Good Host===
-===Addfesmatt Fastening Tradition===
+When having someone over at your home, or when hosting a private party, it is customary to offer food or drink only upon your guest’s request. Some hosts prefer to simply leave food and drink out so that their guests may help themselves and negate having to request entirely.
-''Credited to Stormwing''
+===Death and Funerals===
-This Swarajian wedding tradition involves several separate celebrations over the course of a few weeks. It is an ancient and spiritual practise, often used by upper class pendragons.
+When a Ramathian dies, it is believed that their soul then goes to [[Fronima]] (unless their soul has been lost and/or eaten by a [[Rapine]]). Almost always, upon death, a Ramathian’s body is burned to ashes in order to destroy the vessel and prevent all forms of necromancy. The ashes are then often carried deep into caves and scattered. The specific rituals and customs vary between the races (such as the [[Khell]] choosing to skin their family members before burning).
-It all starts with the engaged couple’s consummation of their bond – and their conception of an egg. The couple usually spends the day together, oftentimes with other family members present, and basically celebrates their romance. When night falls, they meet up with a seer at a private location of their choice, usually their home. The seer, along with two female helpers, draws a ceremonial bath, adding oils and scents that are said to aid in conceiving. The two lovers spend roughly one or two hours in the bath and this is where they are expected to sexually consummate their relationship with the expectation of conceiving. During this time, a seer will stand outside but nearby, praying (to Dymikca and Ciba, and maybe even Hysgan Tdutl) and meditating on the conception of the nioti. Other family members may be present in the general area, but most often it’s a private night between the lovers and the seer.
+Funerals are almost always seen as a way to celebrate an individual’s life, and crying is not very common. Instead there is often a lot of drinking, dancing, and telling stories. Most funerals are public events and anyone may partake.
-The main idea of this practice is for the egg to be present for the main ceremony, so the nuptials are timed roughly twenty days after the ceremonial bath and conception so that the thill lays it on or before the day of the celebration. During and after the laying of the egg, the same seer returns to oversee and bless the unborn nioti and also to pray (to Mytlad, Oyut, and Gniorun). As for the ceremony, which is referred to as "fastening," it takes place in two parts. In the first part, the couple, along with their parents, their egg, a witness or two, and an overseer, exchanges vows and rings in a private chamber. The second part comes afterwards, when the rest of the family and friends celebrate with the couple.
+===Blood Oaths===
-Oftentimes, the seer will visit the couple several times while their egg is incubating, to bless it, pray (to Oyutl and Gniorun) and meditate upon it, and also to discuss predictions, especially concerning tattoos. He or she is, of course, called when the actual hatching occurs.
+Not many Ramathians practise Blood Oaths as they are considered to be very archaic. However to make and then break a Blood Oath is an unthinkable thing. Blood Oaths are legally binding and can be proven to be tied to the signing parties based on their DNA and magic signatures. It is impossible to forge a Blood Oath. Breaking a Blood Oath essentially means that you forfeit your life over to the other party. Often the breaking of a Blood Oath results in death. Blood Oaths are still used by the [[Adamaint Empire]] when their clientele are unable to make full or proper payments.
+===Smoking===
-===Omesjei Tradition===
+Smoking is not a very popular past-time on Ramath-lehi and is generally frowned upon. It has been scientifically proven to cause long-term respiratory damage. However the smoking of [[Nujeq]] is still relatively popular. It is just much more common to see Nujeq being taken orally, or baked into things, than smoked.
-''Credited to Lucian''
+==Social Faux Pas and Taboos==
-After a mate has been picked out by a male and they are both well on the way with their relationship, for marriage the male is expected to present the female with a gift as proof of his intentions. The gift is also a measure of wealth and can be used to determine who could better care for a female. If the gift is accepted then after a fairly short period of time later the couple will be expected to have a ceremony.
+===Gloves and Footwear===
-At the ceremony the male and female walk together with their tails entwined at the front of a parade containing all their invited guests and families. They usually have to make their own vows of some kind, and after that they use the male's tail flame to melt a metal such as gold. This is then poured into to moulds on the spot and used to make two matching rings or bracelets which are a symbol of their unity.
+It is considered very suspicious for a Ramathian to wear any sort of garment on their hands or feet. Those who do wear such items without a visible and clear purpose (military uniform, hazardous waste uniform, spaceflight uniform, warmth while visiting the poles, etc.) are looked upon as being untrustworthy and likely up to no good. Due to the hardy nature of the ‘dragon foot, they do not need much protection, if any, from the outdoor elements. Their footpads are tough and offer more protection than any regular shoe or slipper ever would. In many cases, putting on shoes actually decreases a ‘dragons agility. It is also considered somewhat dishonest to change the shape of your footprint, or mask your steps with other methods.
-===Rympemd Tradition===
+===Legality and Acceptance of Magic===
-''Credited to Lautir''
+The use of magical powers is completely legal, however there are some public establishments that have strict “no magic” policies which will result in you being thrown out or barred from entry. Aurius and Bhim in particular have many establishments where the use of magic is off-limits. It is considered very rude to use magic indoors inside public establishments (such as restaurants or cafes), and also very rude to “show off” ones magical abilities. Many users who practise magic are very modest about their talents.
-A fairly modern tradition that ties into old customs from the Sudesha region is the Rympemd ceremony. 10 days after the male purposes to his mate a large party is held at either of the parents of the engaged house. (Who ever is willing to hold the party) Everyone is invited to this celebration and the parties are known to last long into the night. It’s during this party that everyone is celebrating the new life that the couple is about to being as they work their way toward their marriage. Within the next few days, plans are made for the saying of the vows and exchange of gifts between the couple. Lots of thought is put into the gifts and neither of the pair is able to ask for help in what they give each other.
+===Sexuality===
-Most of the family stays around during this time between the party and the binding ceremony, comforting the couple and showing their support for the marriage.
+It is inappropriate to make assumptions about the sexuality of anyone you meet.
-When the couple are finally ready for the saying of vows and exchange of gifts, they gather alone with a seer or religious master at dawn to perform a small ceremony where the two will express their love in words and gifts that best represent their other half (often the gifts are similar by chance because of the connection there’s said to be between a couple that’s truly in love.)
+===Vegetarianism===
-For the rest of the day, they spend it completely alone with each other. It is often during this time when they consummate their marriage and promise each other that they will be together forever. Some times, a small gathering is held the next day with the immediate family where the parents will give there finale blessing on their children.
+While vegetarianism exists (as well as other alternative diets) on Ramath-lehi, it is seen as being a little strange and out of the ordinary. Ramathians are primarily carnivores, and require a lot of genetically modified plants in order to maintain a completely vegetarian lifestyle. Vegetarian food is very uncommon, and it may be difficult for an individual to get the food that they want from the more popular food chains.
-After that, every five years and one day a large party is often held at the opposite families home, (opposite from the first party) where the couple will once again exchange new vows, promising each other to one another. From then on the party moves back and forth between each household.
+===Kytlekh and the Rapine===
-===Sha Qyememd Tradition (for Yki)===
+While an unspoken superstition, it is highly frowned upon and considered unprofessional and crude to talk about the Rapine or the Nothing, Kytlekh, in public. It is believed that speaking too much about the Rapine will corrupt your soul and bar your entry to Fronima upon death. This is often something that is overlooked in Bhim, where much of the local vernacular is considerably uncouth.
-''Credited to Reverse''
+===Nullfires and Nobility===
-Marriage amongst the Yki is both a serious, and highly jovial occasion for all those involved.  Once a male and female have made the decision to become lifelong partners, the male (or on rare occasion the female) leaves their home tribe to join their future mate in their tribe. The newcomer is treated as an outsider, set up in a temporary shelter on the outskirts of the settlement, where over the course of a week they are visited by the adults of the tribe who will inspect the male/female. At this time, if any problem arises regarding the ‘dragons suitability/compatibility, this is the point where any who wish to do so will approach the medicine dragon and voice any concerns. If any serious issue arises, the ceremonies will be postponed indefinitely until things are either solved or dismissed.
+To be hatched without the ability to use magic, or without a tail flame, is very bad. These individuals are often called nullfires, which is a derogatory term for someone who cannot do magic. While most Ramathians believe that magical abilities can be learned and developed over time, or do not put any stock in them at all, it is particularly shameful to be from a noble family and have no magic. This is largely due to the fact that all old blood is supposed to have a stronger affinity for magic, and to not have magic puts a blight on the noble family name.
-The Yki mate for love only, and there is no unspoken obligation for an unwed pregnant female to mate at any point to the father of her offspring. In many cases couples never produce children, either due to environmental or political conditions –such as famine or war- or they’ve discussed the idea and decided against having kits. Their beliefs incorporate the fact that a pairs bond extends into Fronima, and that their spirits will once again be together in death. Re-marriage is a highly frowned upon taboo, almost viewed with the same distaste as prostitution in other parts of the world.
+==Superstitions==
-The ceremony is accompanied by a day of feasting, drinking, storytelling and general good spirits. The act of the medicine ‘dragon ‘bonding’ the pairs spirits together is a public event, will all who are able enough attending. A small amount of blood drawn from the tribes dyp'khelp is used by the medicine ‘dragon to draw small markings on the face, nape, and the pads of the forepaws of both partners, small glyphs meant to bless and protect the new couple. Small tokens are exchanged between the male and female, usually ornaments of precious and semi-precious stones as well as coloured glass and wooden beads. The gifts are most often worn by both for the rest of their lives; perhaps an anklet of carved ivory, or colourful beads woven into the mane or hair, but they are symbolic things left over from a time when the Yki had to prove to a potential mate that they were capable of providing. It is often regarded that the better the craftsmanship and the rarer the parts of the gift, the stronger the bond will be.
+===The Source of Fronima===
-Whichever party, male or female, is joining the tribe is greeting warmly by all members of their new home, and is showered with gifts in an act similar to the way a youth is accepted into adulthood. The tribe as a whole helps to construct the home for the pair, as well as to help move into it. Gifts given are most often things useful for establishing a new home, such as bedding, cookware, and clothing. Beaded arm guards and cloaks are particularly popular in most of the larger tribes.
+There is a widespread belief that Fronima is actually composed of living souls, and that by using magic, machina-powered technology, and other Fronima-powered devices, that we are actually killing those who died before us for a second time. So strong is this belief, that there is actually a subset of Ramathians who outright refuse to use magic because they believe that they are desecrating the remains of their ancestors.
-===Omesea (for same-sex couples)===
+===Cursing the Magos and Magosai===
+It is exceptionally rude to curse the names of any of the past or present Magos and Magosai, and is said to result in the past leaders coming to haunt your dreams and make your life miserable. Not only that, but cursing them is also said to diminish your own magical abilities.
-''Credited to Attrius.''
+===The Power of Names===
-The Omesea is a relatively modern ritual taking place over the course of a week, formulated for homosexual couples. In the first three days of the ritual is partying with the couple’s family and friends. Beginning on Fespui, the couple invites their family, on Laipui, their most intimate friends, and on Jaspui the rest they wish to invite to their wedding. The fourth day is ended with celebrating and a wedding party, at which the couple give each other gifts, but do not exchange vows.
+In the higher magic circles, it is common for powerful mages to use aliases instead of their hatched names. This is because it is believed that if you enemies know your real name, then they will gain power over you. Many mages throughout history had aliases and their real names only became known after their deaths.
-On the fifth day, the couple venture to a secret location of their choosing where they consummate their relationship. The three days following are spent with the couple being alone together, where they prove, in their own way, that each is the other’s world entire.
+===Dying in Space===
-On Nerpui, with only the company of a government or religious official, the couple exchanges vows.
+It is considered really bad to die in space, as it is believed that the soul will continue to wander restlessly, unable to find its way back to Fronima. Bodies are also never “buried” in space. To intentionally leave someone’s body floating in space after their death is an unthinkable act. Even hardcore enemies have been known to gather the bodies of their foes and dispose of their bodies properly.
 [[Category: Culture]]