[M] Civilization OOC

[Low-Budget Man]

Rated M for drugs, sex, violence, and other adult themes.

IC

Alterra is a continent teeming with tribes banding together and roaming monsters. Magic runs rife through the land as well as other strange artifacts and ruins. There are resources to be exploited, bizarre beasts to be hunted, territories to be explored, technologies to discover, and rivals to be overcome. Alterra is a fantastical land ripe for a budding civilization. For millions of years, only primitive life forms existed on Alterra fighting and scavenging like pure animals. However, intelligent life began arose and began banding together for protection.

Become a ruler and lead your civilization to glory in the strange continent of Alterra. Will you be a greedy merchantile civilization? A warlike savage barbaric tribe? Conduct diplomacy, spy your opponents, wage war, develop powerful technologies against your opponents. Build a civilization and guide it’s path along history. Create its culture, its religion, its people, and its ideas.

Basic Idea

What is this?

The player will play through the game as a civilization of their own design. Players will be able to launch sneak attacks against their opponents and npcs, do intrigue against other players, trade valuable resources, etc. Players will deal with events that’ll shape their people. Some of them will by fantasy based while others will be realistic situations based on realities. So someone might have to deal with a roaming band of hostile tribes while another person might have to deal with an wizen wizard coming to their land.

If you’ve ever played Civilization 5 or Risk, that plays close to the general idea of this RP. However, instead of rolling dice or whatever, we’ll just be RPing our way through the story.

The story?

The story for better lack of words is your civilization. The story will be about the rise of your civilization and what it becomes. The story will be your ruler guiding your people through events and problems. It’ll be like writing the history of a civilization starting from the very beginning.

Character?

You’ll be playing as the leader of your civilization. As we advance in each era, we’ll get new leaders. However, that won’t occur for a while. Your character will make choices that will determine what happens to the civilization and how it will form.

Civilization?

You’ll be designing an entire civilization from one of the races listed on the chart. If you want to make a civilization based on a another race not mentioned, then just ask and maybe we can work something out. Now when I say design a civilization, I mean design their entire culture, ideas, religion from the ground up. Most of the blurbs I wrote about each race are just small stereotype and can easily be changed. If you want to play a bunch of seafaring dwarves that only eat vegan food all day, go ahead.

Start

Each player will start off in the stone age with very little technology. Every player’s tribe will consist of only 2000 members to start with as well as only the basic resources of what’s nearby. We’ll all start off on the same foot so to speak. However, through events and other things you’ll encounter, your tribe will grow stronger and bigger.

Location?

Location is an important factor your civilization. Most of the world will be similar to earth, but there will be fantasy creatures and environments that’ll affect your people. A civilization’s culture and lifestyle will be very based on their location. If your people are a desert people, chances are they won’t know too much about boats and might give disdain for the sea. If your people hunt seals and walruses for food, your people might worship some kind of hunting god. So when you design your civilization, take note of your location.

Eras?

After a substantial period, players will progress to the next technologic time period. That won’t happen until the players agree that it is time to progress. So it won’t happen within the first couple post or anything. Then we’ll describe what happened to your civilization during this transition and we’ll play a different leader.

Posting?

Posting will be a little different than other RPs. Firstly, there’ll be multiple events happening at a time over several dates. History stretches a long time and it’ll be hard to RP the story going one day at a time. For example:

Spoiler: Example 

GM Post:

June 27, 4000 BC

Billis, the head hunter, approaches the leader Chief Davill. He gives the traditional horn smacking salute with the Chief before speaking. “Chief, our hunters have found a big beast in the forest! Six legs and taller than five Khates stacked on top of each other! What should we do?”

July 12, 4000 BC

The envoys from Frohan have arrived infront of Chief Davill. They had twenty of their people with them and were all holding spears. One of them held an odd contraption in his hand. It looked like a spear but was shorter. The contraption was repeatedly held up to the creature’s eye and then he would proceed to look around the camp.

Player Post:

June 27, 4000 BC

Chief Davill stood up and grabbed his spear. “Then we hunt it! We will feast for weeks on a beast this big! Call a hunt! Any Khate that wants to find glory in this fight will have it! The story teller will speak of this for days!

July 12, 4000 BC

Chief Davill looked at his wife before turning his gaze on the other folk in his tribe. “Bring food out for these travelers. Ready weapons in case of danger, but do not kill until I order.”, Chief Davill ordered.

He pointed at the contraption one of them was holding before holding out his hand. A simple request to take a look at it. In exchange he held out his tooth necklace made from boar’s teeth.

July 22, 4000 BC

Chief Davill looked at Bobill. “I want you to build a monument to our gods! Our shrine to Cthlulill is small and our god deserves much more! I will let you take five Khates to do the job.”

Now those are very basic examples of how this RP is going to work. Multiple events occurring in one event all at different times. This way we can cover more ground and go over large time periods faster.

Calendar?
We'll be using a basic earth calendar to number our days. This way, it won't get too complicated.

Why this RP?

I wanted to make an RP based around the idea of Civilization 5, a game I play quite a bit of. A really interesting thing about that game was the history that developed over the course of the game. The Japanese and Moroccan people band together to face the coming Chinese threat. Germany funding the Celts in a proxy war against Ethiopia. The Celtic people then turn on the Germans with their own tanks a huge betrayal. So I thought about translating that general idea into an RP environment.

Give the players a civilization and see the world that develops. We’ll essentially building a world and its history. I guarantee with RPA, the world will be bound to be fantastically interesting. Or completely on fire. Whatever the case, it’ll be a fun ride.

Map

Spoiler: Map 

Races of Alterra

Spoiler: Tengu 

Tengu

Spoiler: Tengu 

The Tengu are a race of bird-like humanoids that are well equipped for exploration and expansion. Their wings and light stature allow them to traverse great amounts of land within a short amount of time. They are ideal scouts and explorers, allowing them to find hidden ruins and potential artifacts quickly. Also due to their nature, they can also build cities in hard to reach places like atop mountains or on islands.

Focus: Exploration and Expansion

Starting Bonus:
Technology: Optics
The Tengu have figured out how to make binoculars and spyglasses early on. This allows them to map out areas faster and figure out their location with ease. A must have for all explorers.

Height: 3’ – 5’

Weight: 50 lbs – 110 lbs

Lifespan: 70 years

Maturation(time until adult): 12 years

Birth: Eggs

Biomes Preference: Any

Spoiler: Khate 

Khate

Spoiler: Khate 

The Khate are a feline species with a love of fighting. The Khate are mighty warrior race that are capable of living in most environments from taigas to tropical rainforests. Their horns and strength makes them naturally tough opponents to face in combat. Armed with sharp claws and a predator’s instinct, they make an excellent war-like civilization.

Focus: War

Starting Bonus:
Technology: Archery
While other tribes use throwing spears, the Khate have mastered the bow technology. This gives them an immense range advantage when fighting their enemies.

Height: 6’ – 8’

Weight: 200+

Lifespan: 80 years

Maturation: 15 years

Birth: Live

Biomes Preference: Any

Spoiler: Sectine 

Sectine

Spoiler: Sectine 

The Sectine were originally a subterranean race that has risen from the ground. Every tribe possesses a queen that holds control and inspires unwavering loyalty from the Sectine people. They are a sturdy race that is adept in a fight. All Sectine are capable of free thought and dreams, but their race fosters powerful loyalty. Their Queen constantly lays eggs for the tribe so their numbers are bolstered quickly and lost warriors are quickly replaced. The Queen will also lay more Queens to increase the breeding population growth even further.

Focus: Population

Starting Bonus:
Building: Silk Farm
Some of the Sectine are capable of producing silk threads in abundant amounts. This enables them to create silk products like clothes.

Height: 5’ – 6’6”

Weight: 90 lbs – 200 lbs

Lifespan: 35 years

Maturation: 3 years

Birth: Eggs

Biomes Preference: Warm

Spoiler: Goblin 

Goblins

Spoiler: Goblins 

They are a small race with a big lust for wealth and power. Their minds are cunning and keen due to their size. Since they can’t fight their way out of every situation, they’ll out think their way out. Trading with and conning their neighbors are common past times for the Goblin people. Goblins repopulate quick and their tribes usually boasts a strong population. They are also slightly adept in magic, but it is a rare talent. Only one in five goblins ever seem to manifest magical abilities.

Focus: Trading

Technology: Currency

Goblins have figured out the idea of currency and are thus capable of doing more advanced trading.

Height: 2’ 8” – 3’ 6”

Weight: 50ish lbs

Lifespan: 50 years

Maturation: 7 years

Birth: Live

Biomes Preference: Any

Spoiler: Dwarves 

Dwarves:

Spoiler: Dwarves 

Dwarves: The Dwarves are a race of strong builders. Their short sturdy bodies allow them to lift objects that seem much too heavy to lift. They usually value sturdy structures and enjoy building monuments to their gods. Attacking a any Dwarf city would usually end badly for the attacker due to the city’s defensive fortifications.

Focus: Building

Starting Bonus:
Building: Wall
The Dwarves start off with a wooden wall around their tribe. The wall is several feet high and protects against most enemies.

Height: 4’ – 5’
Weight: 100 - 200

Lifespan: 200

Maturation: 25

Birth: Live

Biomes: Cold/Mountainious

Spoiler: Naga 

Naga

Spoiler: Naga 

The Naga came from the sea and they still usually go back. The Naga are a fish-like species that dwell on shorelines and coasts. However, they’re more akin to whales since they can’t breathe underwater forever and need to come up for air every so often. They are incapable of going into really deep water, but still usually dominate the seas.

Focus: Naval

Unique Bonus:
Technology: Shipbuilding
They are capable of making primitive boats to go out to sea. Their ships can’t traverse too deep into the ocean, but they are usually travel around coastlines fairly well.

Height: 5’ – 6’6”

Weight: 100 lbs – 240 lbs

Lifespan: 50 years

Maturation: 5

Birth: Eggs

Biomes: Near water

Spoiler: Filvera 

Filvera

Spoiler: Filvera 

A plant-like people born from seeds, the Filvera are a magic based race. Their people are extremely well versed in magic and often worship it. Even the most dull Filvera still possesses a slither of magic within their core. Magic is their lifeblood and is ingrained into the very core of their society. They were believed to be born from magic.

Focus: Magic

Unique Bonus:
Building: Mana Wells
It’s a well filled with a pool of mana capable of replenishing a Filvera’s capabilities. The mana is tapped from a resevoir and accumulates over time.

Height: 5’6” – 6’6”

Weight: 100 lbs – 230 lbs

Lifespan: 150 years

Maturation: 25 years

Birth: Seed ( Two Filvera mate and produce seeds)

Biomes: Temperate or Tropical

Spoiler: Fae 

Fae:

Spoiler: Fae 

The Fae are a race of slender beings that value beauty and art above all else. They have a good eye for beauty and making things seem pleasing. They are also a partially magical race and a quarter of their people possess magical abilities. A Fae city is always a jewel to the world and they often see other civilizations as brutish.

Focus: Culture

Starting Bonus:
Resource: Dyes
The Fae grow beautiful dyes and colors to paint with. They can also be traded for great value.

Height: 3’ – 6’

Weight: 100 lbs – 230 lbs

Lifespan: 500 years

Maturation: 40 years

Birth: Live

Biomes: Any

Spoiler: Drakin 

Drakin

Spoiler: Drakin 

A pious race of lizardfolk, the Drakin hold religion above all else. Their powers of belief and faith grants them minor magical abilities. Religion is a colossal cornerstone of their society and any type of disobedience from that religion is greatly frowned upon. They’ll usually happily spread their religion, but getting their religion insulted would possibly bring about war.

Focus: Piety

Starting Bonus:
Resource: Smokeleaf
A psychoactive drug often used to enhance the Drakin’s closeness to their religion.

Height: 5’ – 7’

Weight: 150

Lifespan: 60 years

Maturation: 5 years

Birth: Eggs

Biomes: Any

Spoiler: Human 

Human

Spoiler: Human 

Humans are an intellectual and industrious race. Adaptable to most situations and climates, humans are the jack of all trades with a slight specialization into science. Their people are bright and capable of finding scientific discoveries more often than others.

Focus: Science

Starting Bonus:
Technology: Animal Husbandry
The humans have figured out how to keep basic animals and breed them for products. They currently keep only chickens and cows.

Height: 5’ – 6’ 6”

Weight: 100 – 200 lbs

Lifespan: 70 years

Maturation: 16 years

Birth: Live

Biomes: Any

Game-Masters

Low-Budget Man
Tolvo


Sheets

The Civilization Sheet is huge since we're building an entire civilization from the ground up. So its a bit daunting. Civilizations are complicated things and we'll need a good idea of your civilization. Your civilization may not be any similiar to any earth civilization and have customs that are completely alien. Hence the huge CS. You'll also develop and evolve your civilization from a small tribal village to a powerhouse through events, war, magic, trade, etc.

Spoiler: Civilization Sheet 

Civilization Sheet

Civilization Name:
Ruler Name:
Race:
Appearance: (Color, other defining characteristics that might separate from other tribes of the same race.)
Location

Government
Government Type: (What type of government is it?)
Leadership: (What do people look for in a leader? How are they chosen?)
Leader Term: (How long do the leaders last in their position? Are they leaders forever? Do they get voted out? )
Cabinet: (Are there any other powerful figures in your civilization? Is there someone who controls another small piece of the tribe? Does the leader have advisors? Who does your leader talk to carry out his/her orders? Your ruler cannot micromanage every aspect of your tribe so you’ll have people that’ll have to carry out individual tasks. Name some roles for your civilization’s “cabinet”. )

Society
Social Structure: (Is there a class system? Are people segregated? Are people all equal? How?)
Views toward same tribe: (Is it a huge competition between everyone? Is it all for one and one for all? What does the average tribe member think about others of their tribe?)
Jobs: (What are some trades and professions in your tribe? Does everyone do every job? Or their people designated for specific jobs?)
Enjoyment: (What are some things your tribe does for fun? What do a lot of people like doing?)

Communication
Greeting: (How do your people greet each other?)
Good-byes: (How do your people say good bye to each other?)
Etiquette: (What is polite courtesy?)
Impolite Etiquette: (What do your people perceive as rude?)
Gestures: (What are some gestures your people commonly use? Think of things like waving or thumbs up)
Contact: (On your people big on friendly “hugs” or avoid body contact)

Religion
Name:
Deities: (Gods if there are any)
General Beliefs:
Condemns:
Ceremonies: (if there are any)
Clergy: (Are there any clergy members? Is there a priest? Do they have to remain chaste? Etc)

Family
Gender Roles: (Are men and women equal? If not how do they differ? )
Courtship: (How does a man or a woman attract a mate? What do they look for in a mate?)
Marriage: (How does marriage work? How many wives or husband can a person take? Is there marriage? Is there divorce?)
Children: (How are children handled? Do parents leave them to fend for themselves? Do parents teach the children their trade?)
Elders: (How do your people treat old people?)

Language
Name of language: (For simplicity, just name it after your tribe. So if your tribe is Bermany, then name it Berman)
How it sounds:
Body Language: (Does your language utilize the body in any way? )
Naming Scheme: (How are people in your civilization named?)
Writing: (While no tribe has discovered wring yet, what does your alphabet look like? Pictures? Variations of stars?)

Spoiler: Ruler Sheet 

Ruler Sheet
Name:
Gender:
Age:
Appearance:
Family:
How he/she became leader:
Basic Backstory:

Reservations:

Ma1chbox - A2

Occupied Locations:

Ottoman - Zweboz - A3 - Dwarf
Dnafein - Jha'dur - H6 - Khate
Azazeal849 - Rakei - D2 -Sectine
M139 - Dekai - F6 - Tengu
Dire Hoef - Cruxia - C1 - Fae
TheLoneWanderer - Venatores - D1 -Tengu
Tolvo - The Korporration - A4 - Goblin

Accepted Civilizations:

Spoiler: Ottoman - Civilization: Zwêboz 

Spoiler: Civilization Sheet 

Civilization Name: Zwêboz
Ruler Name: Alda Eikant
Race: Dwarvish
Appearance: Typically short of height and fair of skin, the tribes of Zwêboz are like much of their Dwarven kin, but have developed an affinity for the swarthy color of their loamy earth and the dull crimson of their blood, and are often proud to bear such hues in their clothing.
Location: A3

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Government

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Government Type: Tribal Confederacy (Currently)
Leadership: Strong minds, strong convictions and strong arguments. Wisdom is a valued trait amongst the Zwêboz, and in their eyes to be wise is not to be timid. Physical strength is but one aspect of a leader, and the many chiefs of the Zwêboz do not elect brutes or dullards, but instead choose from the finest amongst their number when the time comes.
Leader Term: Until resignation or death.
Cabinet:
General Advisor: Hilger Volkad
High Priestess: Alfrun Erdohr
Head of the Assembly of Chiefs: Wademar Razun
Elder of the Arts: Ubalda Grauge

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Society

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Social Structure: Currently the only social divide is between those born of the chiefs and the rest.
Views toward same tribe: Outside of the inter-tribal competition between the different ‘houses’ of the Zwêboz, they are a largely insular folk, keeping to themselves and preferring the company of their own to outsiders. The Dwarves of the Zwêboz think well of themselves, even amongst their own kind, for their faith in Cthona, and look down on all who do not honor the Deep One.
Jobs: Typically general laborers vary from job to job as required around the tribe, but those that desire their name to have more clout seek out more skilled professions - dedicated lumberjacks, stonecutters, hunters - as they are typically held in high regard as positions of authority in the community. Those that wish to learn the trade must seek out their wisdom and guidance, preserving the traditions of yesteryear as the next generation takes up the mantle for the good of Zwêboz. There are no dynastic families that intrinsically dominate a field, though there are familial traditions, just as with the leadership of the confederacy.
Enjoyment: Song, dance and drink are treasured pastimes amongst the Zwêboz, who are also known to engage in ceremonial combat during religious festivals and grand social occasions.

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Communication

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Greeting:
Formal: A spoken greeting (“Hail, X of Y.” or “God’s greetings.”) accompanied with both hands presented open, palms up, to which the other takes and grips palm down, and returns the spoken greeting.
Casual: A spoken greeting, typically the given name of the other, with the right hand presented, gripping the other’s forearm, as they do the same in return.
Good-byes: A bow of the head, and a spoken farewell(“Go with God.”).
Etiquette: To speak honestly and earnestly, avoiding physical contact and the use of the familiar pronouns or given name unless very close or blood-relatives. Even amongst husband and wife, physical contact and displays of affection are muted in public.
Impolite Etiquette: Physical contact without necessity or beyond propriety, the use of the familiar tongue if there is no precedent for it, and intentional deceit and/or treachery.
Gestures: Perhaps the most peculiar of the Zwêboz’s gestures is their salute, the flattened palm of the right hand brought stiffly across one’s chest to rest over the left breast at the tip of the fingers.
Contact: Limited in public, acceptable and welcome in private.

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Religion

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Name: Cthonism, though no official name has been given yet.
Deities: Cthona
General Beliefs: There is but one God of the Earth, the Earth, and it is from her and through her that all power flows. A monotheistic faith that focuses on the temporary nature of life and the eventual return to the earth that awaits everyone and everything, it has proven before to share some aspects of a death cult, as the Zwêboz have been known to make live sacrifices to their Cthonic entity, amongst material offerings.
Condemns: Adultery, infidelity, theft, arson, murder, extortion, falsehood, betrayal and many other acts.
Ceremonies: On the equinoxes and solstices of the year, grand sacrifices are organized for Cthona, to be offered in the rivers, lakes, or caves within the Zwêboz realm, both material and live, depending on what favor the Zwêboz hope to curry from their deep goddess. Beyond such sacrifices, festivals are often held in her honor, and the finest warriors of the tribe do battle to offer tribute to Cthona with their sweat and blood, though they rarely fight to the death.
Clergy: There is no organized clergy in Cthona’s name for the moment, but those Elders who profess to divine in Cthona’s name do possess a loose affiliation. Given time these independent wise-men might soon develop a proper hierarchy for her honor.

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Family

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Gender Roles: In terms of legality, which at the moment has hardly been developed, men and women are equal in Zwêboz society, though women hold more political and cultural clout than men. Men typically take on the more demanding or dangerous jobs, while women stay back and see to the well-being of the home, raising the next generation and governing the tribe. Their numbers are too few to risk the well-being of the mothers of the Zwêboz, and thereby its future.
Courtship: Marriages between the families of the chiefs are typically organized and arranged largely without the consent of those to be wed, but marriages between the more common folk are more up to personal feelings and the whims of love and infatuation. Courtship is typically conducted over the course of one to two years, and it is considered highly improper if one was to wed within a year of meeting another.
Marriage: Monogamy is the rule in Zwêboz culture, and infidelity is considered a grave offense for the husband or the wife - those found guilty of the offense through a trial by the chiefs are exiled, or, in rare cases, sentenced to be executed by drowning.
Children: Children are treasured, especially in the greater families, and are raised according to the doctrines and ways of the Zwêboz tribes.
Elders: Elders are greatly revered and respected as fonts of wisdom and knowledge as, in this day and age, it’s quite the achievement to survive into old age. The Elders of the Zwêboz are occasionally granted positions of political or religious authority, granted that their minds are able to handle the duress of the position.

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Language

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Name of language: Zwêboz
How it sounds: Heavily Germanic, occasionally Semitic.
Body Language: Body language is limited largely to gestures in greeting or salutes.
Naming Scheme: A given name and a family name, typically only granted to those of a house or profession.
Writing: Runic Alphabet

Spoiler: Ruler Sheet 

Name: Alda Eikant
Gender: Female
Age: 72
Appearance
Family: The Tribe Eikant
How he/she became leader: Elected by the Assembly of Chieftains
Basic Backstory: Firstborn of her parents’ marriage, Alda has always been a firebrand, even amongst her house, forging a name for herself as a huntress and, if need be, a warrior - when the time came that candidates were being put forward for the position of Druhtinaz, her name was put forth by her cousin, Hilger Volkad, and her martial prowess tipped the vote in her favor. While still hot-headed in her youth, Alda has proven a capable and crafty leader for the brief years she has spent in command of the Zwêboz folk and their destiny, but whether or not her leadership will stand the test of time is yet to be seen.

Spoiler: Timeline of Zwêboz so far  

4000 BC - Story Starts

Spoiler: Dnafein - Jha'dur 

Spoiler: Civilization Sheet 

Civilization Name: Jha'dur
Ruler Name:* T'Kzintar
Race: Khate
Appearance:* They are covered with a thick coat of long fur (except the ears, the horns, palms and soles) that comes in various combinations of orange, yellow, and black. Full black coats are rare, as are white and black coats.
Location: H6

Government
Government Type: Feudal Monarchy
Leadership: Titles are passed to strongest male offspring.
Leader Term: Rule until death; Can be challenged for position, challenges end only when one is dead.
Cabinet: Terrenki - Military Advisor
Ztirgor - Economic Advisor
Raaairtwo - Science Advisor
Vatach - Religious Advisor
Kshat - Foreign Advisor
Sthondat - Domestic Advisor

Society
Social Structure: The system is one based on honor. As you earn honor you earn a name. Those without names are called by what they do; First name earned is attached to their job title.
Views toward same tribe: Those members capable of earning a name strive to do just that. Often taking selfish risks; However their very honor requires them to obey orders of those above them and to not risk the tribe.
Jobs: Hunter/Warrior; Various Weaponmakers; Scouts;
Gatherers (Primarily female);
Enjoyment: Jha'dur enjoy violent pastimes; Events like hunting, training, and fights are typical sources of entertainment.

Communication
Greeting: A quick flick of the ear (left if submissive, right if dominant) accompanied by a twitch of the tail, same direction as the ear.
Good-byes: Both take two steps back, submissive takes an additional step. They keep a hand on their belt knife.
Etiquette: Body language is also important in social encounters. those of lower social status keep their eyes averted, except when challenging.
Impolite Etiquette: Baring of teeth is commonly associated with challenging, thus it is typically impolite to smile at a Jha'duran. Sitting, standing or lying down with the legs splayed is considered obscene in both males and females.
Gestures:

Spoiler: List of common expressions and gestures: 

worry - A flattening of the fur.

frustration - Open-shut flare of nostrils, ticking noise from throat.

smile - Twitching of ears.

slyness - Slight lidding of eyelids. Could also mean calculating thought.

laughter - Twitching of ear & tail.

dismissive - shrug Yawn.

puzzlement - Careful sniffs of air, slight raise of muzzle.

threat - Grin (rictus) -> Grin & stare -> flaring of pelt ...

salute - Claw rake in front of own face.

Contact: Typically contact in public is used to humiliate and/or punish a subordinate or to initiate a challenge. (I.E. A smack to the ear; A quick light claw rake; etc.)

Religion
Name: Kamandi
Deities: Woren the Hunter; The Fanged God (His true name is never spoken or written lest it bring his attention upon you.)
General Beliefs: Woren represents the struggle that is life. Hunting for food, shelter and fighting for survival. But all hunters are hunted as well, the fanged god represents death and perpetually stalks Woren. However without the fanged god Woren would never eat. Essentially the beliefs state that throughout the struggle that is life death is the only constant; That it should not be feared but honored. For death aids the hunter and will be his downfall.
Condemns: Cowardice; Torture; Dishonorable acts.
Ceremonies: Part of every successful hunt is left in offering to Woren; The skull of every hunt is presented to the fanged gods servants for blessing. If deemed worthy the skull may be returned as a trophy. All dead Jha'duran's whose bodies are recoverable are given to the crones for last rites.
Clergy: Woren has hunter priests. They are males of all ages; They are the first to hunt something new, the first to try new meats, and those who hunt the most dangerous of creatures/largest threats to the society.
The fanged god is served by the Crones; The crones tend to the dead, and present the skulls to the altar for a blessing. There are rumors the fanged god has other servants, the truth is unknown.

Family
Gender Roles: Females are treated as property in large harems. Females are favoured for breeding success (producing strong sons), not out of personal devotion. The status of the family head determines how large a harem each family group keeps. Most of the females are kept pregnant to maximise the number of heirs. Females not a part of a harem seek any work they can, from gathering the plants, working the fieras used for various reasons to working the "eldest profession known to man."
Courtship: Females are seen as status symbols. The larger the harem the higher your status. Thus they may be traded between named males, or offered to subordinates as a reward.
Marriage: Females are treated as property in large harems. They can be traded if they fail to produce strong or any sons.
Children: Children live in fieras, named families own private fieras. Male and female children are separated, the females are taught the basics of those jobs females work. Public fieras watch the male children and assign them to appropriate apprenticeships. Private fieras work differently. As everything the family patriarch owns goes to the strongest male child the males compete constantly against each other and their father. Sometimes killing the latter.
Elders: If a male successfully lives to old age they are treated with the highest of respects. Often they hold high ranking positions. Elderly females often serve the fanged god as tenders of the dead.

Language
Name of language: Jha'durnese (Known among the Jha'dur as the Heroes' Tongue)
How it sounds: The language sounds clashing and terrible to human ears, but is in fact pitched and cased with several modes; mode being dependent upon who you are talking to. Although there is only one main language (the Heroes' Tongue), it has many modes including Mocking, Deferential, Technical and Royal, which is only spoken to and by royalty(the T'Kzintar and his kin).
Body Language:
The tail is a great indicator of ones mood. A lashing tail signifies worry. A dragging tail shows depression, a raised tail happiness. If the tail is hidden between it's legs, it is badly frightened.

The ears, too are highly expressive - a twitching indicates amusement, laid flat they indicate nervousness or readiness; and fanned out they indicate intent concentration or alertness.

Submission is signaled by covering of nose with paws, prostrating oneself or, in extreme circumstances, exposing belly and throat. A kzin who is about to attack or challenge will often adopt a threatening posture. The ears fold back to prevent them from being ripped or torn, the fur bottles out to hide the shape of the flesh, the tail becomes stiff and erect, ready to whip an opponents legs from under him. The lips pull back from the fangs in challenge, and the claws emerge ready for a fight.
Naming Scheme: From birth to adulthood one is referred to by birth order (First-son-of; Third-daughter-to; etc.) This convention continues for females through out adulthood (Second-wife-of; Etc.) Males are referred to by job title, (Maker-of; -Hunter; Etc.) Through courageous acts males can earn names. Acts that are both courageous and beneficial to the people allow the male to earn hereditary names that can be passed to offspring.
Writing: The alphabet looks like dots and commas; Language is written using the tips of claws.

Spoiler: Ruler Sheet 

Ruler Sheet
Name: Frep-Riit
Gender: Male
Age: 24

Spoiler: Appearance: 

Family: Multiple wives, a scattering of brothers and sisters.
How he/she became leader: Challenged his father to a duel for leadership, then won the duel.
Basic Backstory: Frep was the eldest surviving son of Hrang-Riit. He earned recognition and respect among the hunters for being fearless. This eventually led to his challenging for leadership. Since taking the reigns Frep-Riit has maintained his reputation, taking all necessary steps to protect his people.

Spoiler: Timeline of Jha'dur so far  

4000 BC - Story Starts

Spoiler: Azazeal849 - Rakei 

Spoiler: Civilization Sheet 

Civilization Name: Rakei (though as the hive name changes with the currently ruling queen, this will be different in a few decades. Offshoot hives will also have their own, changing names)

Ruler Name: Queen

Race: Sectine

Appearance: Sectine born in the Rakei hive are characterised by a mottled brown carapace, although they occasionally range from sandy tan to almost black. Mandibles are prominent in newly hatched larvae, and vestigial on pupated adults (which have fully formed humanoid mouths). Around one in fifty Rakei pupate with wings - the internal skeletons and humanoid cardiovascular systems that allow Sectine to grow to their current size also make them far too massive for flight, and these wings are generally removed shortly after pupation, but to be born with wings is still seen as lucky among the Rakei. Hence, their words for "luck" and "flight" derive from the same root.

Location: D2

Government

Government Type: Hive oligarchy, though with somewhat meritocratic "middle management"

Leadership: Around 5% of female eggs will naturally develop into queen Sectine, although this is inhibited by a pheromone produced by existing queens until near the end of their reproductive life. Eggs must therefore be nested some distance from the existing queen if a hive wants to produce more than one active queen.

Leader Term: A queen is expected to step down after she has reached "menopause" (occurs around 100 years into a queen's 120 year lifecycle), once there is another mature queen to take her place. "Retired" queens are generally revered. The politics of succession can occasionally get tricky, as queens are not always keen to give up their power.

Cabinet: Historically, these Sectine vie for the honour of being the clutch consort of another visiting queen. Those that succeed have the honour of the entire clutch bearing their name. Traditional cabinet positions include:
- Executor
- Garrison commander
- Treasurer
- Chief architect
- Ambassador
- Keeper of records
- Creche supervisor

Society

Social Structure: Physically and mentally, there is little difference between male Sectine and non-queen females. This makes for little discrimination in most job roles. However, there is something of a glass ceiling at cabinet level (since these positions are traditionally held by potential consorts) and females therefore find it considerably harder to break into top-level government positions.

Views toward same tribe: When there is a clear hierarchy, the Rakei co-operate far better than most other species, and the need for Sectine queens to consort with drones from other hives usually keeps relations with other Sectine tribes cordial. Succession feuds between queens, however, or major disagreements with other Sectine tribes, can be extremely polarising and bloody.

Jobs: Being self-aware in a way lesser hive species are not, Sectine are theoretically free to choose their adult vocation. However, the cabinet will occasionally designate all or part of a new clutch to be educated to fill some necessary gap.

Enjoyment: There is a statistically significant bias towards Thinking / Judging personality types among the Sectine, and therefore many of them enjoy rule-based games such as tac (a primitive form of chess) or retelling historical parables. These stories usually emphasise values such as loyalty, truthfulness and self-sacrifice. Many Rakei are partial to very sweet foods.

Communication

Greeting: A traditional greeting among the Rakei is "For the Queen", which may be used as a hello, a goodbye, a resolution and a battle cry.

Etiquette: Using full names in most circumstances is considered polite, as it acknowledges the recepient's lineage. To only use a first name implies a close relationship. Rakei may therefore come across as stilted when insisting on addressing foreign ambassadors by their full name and title.

Impolite Etiquette: Rakei place some emphasis on spoken words, so deliberate deception is frowned upon. Of course, this strict attitude simply means that a minority of Rakei Sectine (particularly aspiring cabinet members) just become very good liars. The words of foreign ambassadors are generally taken at face value, and broken promises are not quickly forgiven.

Gestures: A tilt of the head down and to the right means "yes". A jerk of the head upwards means "no", and may be accompanied by clicking the mandibles together. Spreading mandibles is considered a dominant or threatening gesture. Holding all four arms out to the side to expose the thorax is a gesture of trust, reconciliation or surrender.

Contact: It is common for Rakei to briefly touch antennae during greeting. Prolonged contact is considered to be intimate and would make a Rakei uncomfortable if initiated by a stranger.

Religion

Name: The Rakei do not have an official religion per se. Most are agnostic to some degree, and although there is the occasional osmosis of belief systems from other tribes, any spiritual authority that undermines the material authority of the queen is frowned upon.

General Beliefs: Traditional Rakei values include community, loyalty and honesty.

Condemns: Attempted regicide or plotting against the queen are capital crimes. The definition of "plotting" has occasionally been twisted to suit political ends.

Ceremonies: The choosing of a new queen's consort is subject to a full day of lavish celebration. The consort is permitted to live in the queen's nest palace for the next Rakei week (6 days) before returning to their duties, usually with their social prestige significantly enhanced.

Family

Gender Roles: There is no active discrimination codified into Rakei society; however due to reproductive dynamics there is some amount of passive discrimination against non-queen females, who find it difficult to reach the positions of high authority which are usually associated with potential consorts (who are, by definition, male only). Due to limited sexual dimorphism among non-queens, there is no physiological reason why females should be any worse at these jobs than males.

While queens hold the ultimate authority, even they face a degree of discriminatory pressure due to the intense expectation to take consorts and reproduce.

Courtship: On a physical level Rakei generally find height, vibrant shell colouration and bright eyes attractive (a good deal of Rakei poetry is dedicated to praising the subject's eyes). That said, like all sapient species, personality, intelligence and emotional compatibility are usually also factors. LGBT sexuality occurs in roughly the same frequency as humans and does not carry any particular stigma - since no Sectine besides queens can have children anyway, partnerships are valued mostly for their physical and emotional intimacy.

Courtship for queens is somewhat more ritualised. Ultimately the queen chooses her consorts and her choice is theoretically unlimited, although inter-tribe politics often feature and prospective consorts are generally expected to have achieved some significant deed to be worthy of the honour. Refusing a queen's proposition can bring great shame or even exile to the male in question. It is not unheard of for a queen to repeatedly pick the same consort, or even to have a permanent live-in favourite who may or may not be the latest clutch's real father.

Marriage: The Rakei don't have official marriages per se, and the terms "marriage" and "divorce" might best be applied to the decision to move into or out of a partner's house. Consortships with the queen are temporary arrangements, necessary only to fertilise the next clutch of eggs.

Children: Young Rakei are raised in communal crèches, supervised by adults who work as full-time teachers and caregivers. Larvae are non-sentient, and so do not undergo any formal education until they pupate (after about a year, in a process that takes another six months). Over the next eighteen months the Rakei undergo nine or ten moults, each time growing significantly before their new carapace hardens, and reaching full adult size after a total of three years.

Elders: Onset of old age is generally very sudden with the Rakei, with non-queens usually remaining healthy until their mid-thirties and then undergoing a rapid decline to which they succumb within one or two years. During this period of infirmity they are usually cared for by partners, friends or clutch-mates. Old age does not generally overtake queens until after they lose the ability to produce eggs (around age 100), and after retirement they continue living in their nest palace, cared for by a small cadre of servants while the new queen takes up rulership from her own palace. Most queens will live a maximum of 110-120 years.

Language

Name of language: Sectine

How it sounds: Lots of consonants and short syllables, but very flowing, so words can blur together to the untrained ear.

Body Language: Like humans, Rakei often use gestures to get meanings across, though these rarely substitute for actual words.

Naming Scheme: Names have three parts - a given name (first name), a patronymic "clutch" name (father's surname), and a matronymic "hive" name (queen's first name). So Esri Rath Rakei is Esri, who is part of a clutch sired by a Sectine surnamed Rath and a queen named Rakei, making her part of the Rakei hive.

Writing: Sharp, neat alphanumerics, where each symbol represents a particular sound (i.e. quite similar to Roman or Cyrillic alphabets, though more simplistic)

Spoiler: Ruler Sheet 

Name: Rakei Jaar Shree

Gender: Queen female

Age: 46

Appearance: About half as tall again as a normal Sectine, with a dark-brown carapace and glossy black eyes

Family: Mothered by queen Shree Farl Tajji and Ric Taar Sita of the neighbouring Sita hive. The Rakei lost contact with the Sita hive in the recent migration.

How he/she became leader: Succession

Basic Backstory: A lifetime of instinctive deference has given Rakei a somewhat narcissistic personality, though thankfully not the megalomania associated with some Sectine queens. An unusually harsh summer forced Rakei's hive to migrate over the mountains to their current forest home, during which they lost contact with their fellow Sectine.

Spoiler: Timeline of Rakei so far  

4000 BC - Story Starts

Spoiler: m139 - Dekai 

Spoiler: Civ sheet 

Civilization Name: Dekai (meaning "The people" in the language)
Ruler Name: Kelare Resli Arifu (common name in English pattern: Arifu Resli) and Filehra Sande Mehafu (Mehafu Sande)
Race: Tengu
Appearance: Tall and slender, the Dekai people have feathers that are light greyish brown, although usually tipped with white. They also have an unusual tuff on the top of their head, which also happens to be grey
Location: F6

Government
Government Type: Quasi-Republic

Leadership:
Qualities: Age, flight ability, overall physical appearance.
Election Method: Two leaders are chosen, one male and one female, by the heads of all households (one household, one vote. Vote casting is officially done by the best flyer). The votes are collected in a large stone jar on the top of the mountain. Names are called of those nominated. Those who are nominated then all fly together, after which the elders will select the two best females and best males (obviously, sometimes evaluation is not done solely in flying, but if the flight is bad, there is no way that the particular citizen will be elected). This choosing is done on a full moon, and until the next new moon, the four chosen will be trained by their two predecessors (one male, one female), after which the two predecessors meet with the elders and one is chosen from each of the two. In general, a leader will we somewhere between 43-53 when elected, average 50, although no one younger than 35 is ever seriously considered. The female usually controls domestic affairs, while the male controls external affairs, as in professions once chosen (hunting, fishing, glassmaking). Ex-rulers join the elders or become police force heads after.

Leader Term: 10 years, only one term. If die during term, the pair flyer is generally chosen.

Cabinet: Unofficially consists of elders and those unmarried adults who have lived near the youth camp for over ten years. Elders are generally advisors as well as religious leaders. Unmarried adults are generally in charge of those who have just become adults. The police force consists of those who were second choices. There main job usually consists of amking sure whatever rules are made are carried out, and of dividing up food. Major rule breakers are usually banished- they are taken far out, and their flight feathers are pulled out. They may return when these feathers grow back (this is only for serious crimes, such as mutilation of another. It is a great humility, and often, even if they can, these members do not come back).

Society
Social Structure: Social structure is generally based upon age. However, within basic age groups there is some flexibility, as a better flyer is looked up to even if a little younger than a more poor flyer in the next age group. Age groups are considered in years, although the Dekain year starts in the spring, with the rebirth of the world. Generally, people of higher social position live higher up on the mountain, with the elders living on the top (this is also the main city center and religious center).

Views toward same tribe: Tribes are at best, loosely associated members. The main reason they stick together is for hunting purposes. Family units, however, are more attached to each other while they remain together. There is usually more loyalty to age group though, once the child reaches adulthood.

Jobs: Generally, men and women who have just reached adulthood practice farming in the valley. Once married and on the mountain, women generally are housewives, nursing the young and such, although wives without children are known to go on hunt with the males. Hunting generally consists of precision dropping of pointed objects on large foes' heads. These items are usually crafted by women and their young. Other professions include glassmaking (done by the other part of the priesthood) on the nearby mountain peak (the right one, as the left one is inhabited. This mountain is known for lighting up with flames- glassmaking is dangerous!)

Enjoyment: Collection of glass objects, as well as anything else vaguely shiny they can get their hands on (stone bowls full of water for the pure sake of reflecting light are a common sight, as is small pieces of gold that occasionally show up in the river). Races up the mountain or along the river are also common. Four dimensional partner dancing is also an activity (usually held on either the full or new moon), accompanied by stretched hide drums and what the Dekai people consider singing.


Communication
Greeting: In general, greetings on grown are made with eye contact. Making eye contact and maintaining it or looking down indicate a want to have conversation, while looking away means it is a simple greeting. Looking up afterwards is rude. In the air, people are addresses by full name (3rd and 2nd name for adult), with the greeting "hail"
Good-byes: In general, goodbyes just consist of the spoken, although, if on land, looking away is appropriate. The spoken is usually translated to "May you always fly higher" or the like.
Etiquette: In general, deference goes to the older person or the better flyer.
Impolite Etiquette: pretty much any physical touch in public
Gestures:
-Slight raising of left or right wing: annoyance, boredom
-slight raising of both wings: really annoyed (considered slightly rude)
-head bobbing, feet tapping (together or separate): excitement, impatience
-Squint eyes: I don't believe you
-Closed eyes, followed by turning around: You don't exist to me (considered rude, unless done to outcasts. Elders also may do this to children who are acting up
-waving a hand: I'm considering it/I'm thinking
-showing teeth: leave me alone
-smiling and frowning are what they are for moth cultures
Contact: Generally, contact is only made within the family group, and even then it is very little.


Religion
Name: Antikian
Deities: Anitiki (An-eh-TIE-key)

General Beliefs:
Creation: A monotheistic religion stating that there was once another world, which (unwinged) members of their race inhabited. This world, the blessed world, was beautiful, full of light, and a happy place. It was ruled by Anitiki, who had created it, and the people within lived in happiness. Then, one day, an idea came into the head of a certain person within that realm, and he convinced some to rebell against Anitiki. They lost, and Anitiki banished them from that blessed place, onto what was then the cold, dark, earth, where they regretted their sin. They pleaded to Anitiki, and he felt sorry for the people, and told them that, after a time, if they were good they could reenter the other blessed world. The people, then on the cold, dark world, then asked how they would do this, since the place they found themselves in was all dark. So Anitiki created light. Then, realizing they would need food to eat and water to eat, he gave them plants and rivers. At first, the people rejoiced and once again followed the rules, but soon they became complacent again. So, to punish them, Anitiki added animals, some of which attacked the people, and floods, and seasons. Then the people once again turned to Anitiki, and asked for relief. But Anitiki, knowing that they would fall into sin without these additions, but still wanting these people who had fallen to return to him, gave them mountains to hide in. Finally, Anitiki gave the people wings, so that, in flight, they might come closer to him.
Other: High places are important and therefore the holiest. People of their race who have been born unable to fly are seen as outcasts. Light, the first gift, is also important, and as such, fire and smoke are often seen as holy. Glass making is also part of one of the holier crafts, for both useful and religious purposes. People of their own race who cannot fly are generally treated as outcasts, and are never allowed up further than the base of the mountain. These kind of deformities occur approximately every three of five hundred births.

Condemns: Above all, suicide, which is greater than any other sin, for it is to try to skip out on the punishment and such. Others include theft, murder, rebellion, laziness, sloth. And also, mutilation of wings.

Ceremonies: Ceremony of the molt, which comes when a child becomes of age. The children fly/climb up to the top of the lived on mountain, where they add some of their molted feathers to a sacred fire built on top of the mountain. The ashes are then thrown off the mountain, and the child is given a new name, usually by an elder of the official clergy, and is now recognized as an adult in the community.

Clergy: The official clergy is the glass makers. Children are given over to the priest when they are young, and loose their family name and take on the syllable -ye (first syllable of the word for light). They are taught both glass making and theology in tandem. They are also taught to hunt, but this is a lesser priority and is only engaged when the other part of the mountain does not have surplus. They are allowed to marry among each other, although children are given to the siblings on the other mountain, due to the volatility of this one. Unofficial clergy are the elders. It is the elders who generally make the rules, although they will fly over to the fiery mountains for major decisions.


Family
Gender Roles: Men and women are generally treated as equal, although in external affairs deference is generally given to the men, and in affairs in the mountain it is usually the woman.

Courtship: A male usually attracts his mate by using fancy. Grace and elegance are the two main things that can be done to impress. Generally, the male will first make eye contact with the female. Once the female returns the look, (indicated by a slight shuffling of the feet, the male will begin his presentation. Once finished, the female will either turn and walk away, thereby refusing his courtship, or will go out and fly with the male. After what usually amounts to a hunt, the female will return to back, and the male will stay away for some days. After two to three days, the cycle will repeat. Again the male will come, and the female can choose to stay or go.

Marriage: After about five times of the courtship cycle, sometimes less, sometimes more, the pair will generally be gone for a much longer time, during which the union is consummated. When they return, they will find a new dwelling place on the mountain. Parings are made for life, generally, although if a spouse, due to one reason or another, becomes unable to fly they are generally cast out and the other may remarry, and, depending on age, they might.

Children: Children generally live in the same home as their parents until they participate in the adulthood ceremony, after which they move into one of the large communal dwellings in the river valley. Female dwellings are on the left side of the river, and males are on the right. Usually, they stay there until they mate, which generally happens between six months to five years after. Those who do not mate generally move to the outskirts of this community, and are tasked with protecting the young.

Elders: Elders of the community, usually considered so upon attaining the age of sixty five, live on the top part of the mountain, near the great sanctuary. They are in charge of basic religious ceremonies, and are the de facto law making community, seen as being the closest to returning to Anitiki and therefore looked up to.

Language
Name of language: Dekain
How it sounds: The Dekain language is filled with many clickish sounds. It is also highly accented, and very few words go beyond three syllables, if they are even that long. Most words of four syllables have to do with religion. Such long words are seen as sacred. Each syllable is pronounced very distinctly, and there is never any slurring. The end of a sentence is indicated by one of three syllables, one for a question, one for a statement, and one for any sort of exclamatory. There is no real use of tonal qualities to convey meaning.

Body Language: Body language on the ground relies heavily on eye contact, as well as position of wings, which can stiffen if angry or scared or relax. Shuffling is also a way to say time to end the conversation. However, in the sky, most communication is verbal. Words are just as important as the pauses between them.

Naming Scheme: The name of a Dekai grows as the child goes. A child once born, will not be named until the next new moon (or, if born on the night of the new moon, they will be named then), as the rebirth of light is seen as very important. At this point, the child will be given the equivalent of a first name- which is mainly used by the family as a sort of pet name. This name is almost always some common object, such as stone, water, tree, or pretty much anything that is not considered holy. An appendix is added on to this, the syllable either being re or ra, which denotes boy or girl, respectively. This is the name used in the family. A second name is also given at this time. The second name is almost always derived from one of the parent's second name (the better flyer of the two). This is, in all essence, the family name, and, in general, a child if spoken of outside the family, will be known as so and so's first (or second, third, etc.) child. Another name is obtained when the child becomes of age. This name is given by the elders in conjunction with the official clergy, and can range from anything from a distinguishing feature to an object, to whatever. This is the name that a Denkai person will use for his life. At this point, the first name is no longer used formally, although a sibling may still refer to another sibling by their pet name. A different syllable is added on to the end of this name to denote state of life, either -ft (for single), -fu (for married or widowed), -fi (for elders). Outcasts are only given one name, and loose all others if they become so. The names for them are usually the first name, followed by -teha (meaning ground).

Writing: Alphabet will be mainly phonetic, with different series of lines and other straight marks to denote the consonants, all of the same height (think all caps writing, but only using those letters without curves). Vowel sounds will be denoted by a series of dots above the letters.

Spoiler: Rulers: 

Name: Arirefu Resli
Gender: M
Age: 53
Appearance: stands at 4'7, with the normal coloration for the race. Eyes are a deep black. wears an anklet with a single glass bead on his lower left leg (symbol of leadership).
Family: has a wife, still living, and five grown kids
How he/she became leader: see information above
Basic Backstory: He lived the traditional life of his people, and always excelled at flying. At the age of 52, he was nominated for this position, and accepted. Both of his parents were good flyers, and, it so happened that he was, too.

Name: Meharafu Sande)
Gender: F
Age: 52
Appearance: stands at 4'8, with the normal coloration for the race. Eyes are a dark brown. wears an anklet with a single glass bead on his lower right leg.
Family: A husband, two grown children, a third who is an outcast
How he/she became leader: see information above
Basic Backstory: She lived the traditional life of her people. At the age of 51, she was nominated to become leader. Although a good flyer, it was doubtful she would get it, considering one of her children had been born cursed. Nevertheless, she was elected leader.

Spoiler: Timeline of Dekai so far  

4000 BC - Story Starts

Spoiler: Dire Hoef - Cruxia 

Civilization Name: Cruxia
Ruler Name: Queen Aphiel of Cruxia
Race: Fae

Spoiler: General Appearance 

Location - C1

Government

Government Type: Semi-Monarchic Oligarchy
Leadership: The sole leader lies in the Queen, or King, of the people. However there is distinction between the Council and the Queen. The Queen deals with matters that pertain to foreign affairs, while the Council deals with internal affairs. But, both can infringe on another should they see that the other is in need of assistance. It's more or less developed like the Executive and Legislative branches. The Council creates and interprets the law while the Queen has the final say on whether those laws are right for the people. How a councilmen is chosen is through intellectual debates. If the councilman beats the other and wins the public vote, then that councilman is chosen to be part of the council. As for the Queen, that is hereditary. The Queen's family is tightly nit, to ensure that those, who are of course worthy, are chosen as suitable heirs.
Leader Term: The leader serves their "term" till death.
Cabinet: They only powerful figures within this civilization is the Council of Elders. This council helps with the issue the Queen couldn't really reach with her own two hands. They also play a major part in interpreting, and creating, the laws that govern the society. They are the people's voice. Should the people have a concern, they'll send messages up to the council and they'll speak directly to the Queen. They essentially act as a means of damage control and public interest. They merely want the public to be okay with what the Queen demands. These Elders all range from war to art. For example the Councilman of War, advises, creates, and interprets the laws and issues that govern war or the Councilman of Commerce advises, creates, and interprets the laws and issues that govern commerce. Again, ultimately they serve as both damage control and the main political force in Cruxia.

Society

Social Structure: The social structure is as follows: Queen/King, Council of Elders, Noble Class, Working Class (Hunters, Engineers, etc.). There is clear separation between the Nobles (Highborns/Kindred) and the Working Class (Lowborns/Unkindred). Highborns treat the Lowborns with very little respect. Highborns see Lowborns as a stain on society, but most Lowborns know that without them, Cruxia would cease to exist. So Lowborns often hold that fact over the Highborns.
Views toward same tribe: There is no such competition between the tribes of the same race. Should there be a nearby tribe that's of the same race, they'll happily greet them with open arms. However they harbor disdain for other races that aren't them.
Jobs: There are the typical hunters, who do all the hunting within their region, you have the weavers (the females) who, of course, weave the clothing, and you even have dedicated engineers who build tents and other such structures. Only the working class have jobs, the nobles are (direct) branches of the Queen's family. Therefore they don't have the same obligations as the working class.
Enjoyment: One enjoyment is the appreciation of art and other such wonders. They enjoy oral stories and even plays that tell of their deities in epic battles or even in lovers' quarrels. This is where their love for art really excels, and may even rival other tribes. One other enjoyment is the effortlessly complex and crude version of chess that has a much larger board and way more chess pieces. The rules are complex, and Cruxians are the only ones who really know how to play it.

Communication

Greeting: Cruxians greet each other with what they call the "Frozen Kiss". The Frozen Kiss is a double kiss on the cheeks and then a quick smooch on the lips. Usually one would see frozen lip marks on the other's cheek. For children, and adolescents, its more of the informal hug.
Good-byes: They either wave or give the informal hug. They sometimes even give the "Warm Kiss", which is one five second kiss on the right cheek. It's a little more exaggerated than the Frozen Kiss.
Etiquette: When addressing an adult or person of higher power, they say "Lord" or "Lady". When addressing a child, or adolescent teenagers, they say "Litrsrelr" or "Lirysrelr", which (when translated to human English) means "Lord-Child" or "Lady-Child".
Impolite Etiquette: Not calling them by their preferred honorifics. They see that as a disregard for culture, so it is advised that you use honorifics. Doing crude and unusually impolite things such as swearing profoundly or starting brawls in public places.
Gestures: (What are some gestures your people commonly use? Think of things like waving or thumbs up)
Contact: They are quite moderate when it comes to physical contact. Usually they engage in physical contact if they know the person well. If not, then they completely avoid bodily contact, but referring to the Warm Kiss.

Religion

Name: Church of the Eight Divines (Often called Reweso - "Divines")
Deities: Achiel, Goddess of Lifre and Fire; Asac, Goddess of Death and Shadows; Hano, God of Knowledge and Air; Bielaph, God of Dreams and Water; Vorosaer, God of Fate and Earth; Kali, Goddess of the Stars and Soul; Paha, God of the Sun and Body
General Beliefs: One of the many general beliefs is that Paha, who is the God of the Sun and the Body, will oversee all those who participate in bodily activities such as painting, sculpting, putting on plays, and the like. Overall, each Divine conquers a specific aspect of life. Therefore, citizens generally pray to a specific Divine in order for them to be granted "sympathies" in whatever venture they're about to take.
Condemns: Never use the Divines' name in vain. Never speak ill about the Divines are ye shall incur their wrath. Never use the sympathies granted by the Divines for needless activities for that waste's their incomprehensible time.
Ceremonies: N/A
Clergy: The clergy is divided into eight sects who all worship to a particular Divine. These clergymen, or women, are to be completely devoted to the Divine of their choosing and must participate in ceremonies to honor their Divine. To become part the clergy, one must abstain from any materialistic endeavor and seek a more nonphysical endeavor. By doing so, one would be able to become closer with their particular Divine.

Family

Gender Roles: The men and women are generally equal amongst their respective classes. However, the clergy usually decided who would wed and things of that matter. Women had a little more advantage in the social battlefield than men, but they're generally equal in most cases.
Courtship: The clergy decides if the man and the woman are fit to wed and mate. However, to get that mate, both male participants, who were fit for a single female, would engage in mortal combat (which is the only sort of courtship ritual that actually requires bloodshed). Once a victor had been decided, that victor would get the female.
Marriage: A marriage is mutually a beneficial one. Rarely do the couple find the pairing a level of romance. It is simply much like our marriage, but its very flat-line. Even more so that there's no such thing as divorce. Once you are wedded to this person, you were with them till the day you die.
Children: Parents are encouraged to have more than one child, but typically most families are seen with one child. It's the Highborns who have more than one child, but no more than five. Both Lowborn and Highborn parents take care of their young till they're of eligible age to fend for themselves or take up a piece of land, but by this point the child would have learned what they're cause was in life. They're parents would have taught them that deviating from this path meant judgement from the Divines.
Elders: They treat elders with great respect, for they see them as beacons of knowledge and wisdom. (How do your people treat old people?)

Language

Name of language: Cruxian
How it sounds: Soft with Angelic Undertones
Body Language: When a Cruxian speaks, they stand rather elegantly and less rigid. It's almost as though they're bodies were sliding across the floor constantly.
Naming Scheme: When young Cruxians are born, they are named after a Celestial figure told in oral stories. However, parents sometimes name the child after themselves or maybe even come up with a whole new name.

Spoiler: Alphabet / Basic Examples 

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

K

L

M

N

O

P

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

I

'Q

S

R

O

F

F

R

E

C

L

S

S

I

QR

T

X

A

W

Z

Y

yes / no - yo / si
hello - rolli
welcome - zolsiso
goodbye - fir'qyo
good morning - fir sitses
good evening - fir owoses
good night - fir sefrix
excuse me - osao so
please - qroio
thank you - xirisc yia
no problem - qorti'qlos

---

---

Ruler of Cruxia

Name: Aphiel
Gender: Female
Age: 89
Family: Kasdum
How he/she became leader: Her father had past the position down to her
Basic Backstory: As her tribe grew, she grew as a person. Her father, who was the currently ruler at the time, ruled his tribe with an iron fist. Therefore, a lot of the people who he ruled above were not fond him. He was constantly targeted as a means of termination. However, Aphiel had proven to qualm the people's anger of her father's arrogance. When he died, she took up the mantle of responsibility. She rose to nobility and power rather quickly, and became a beacon of Cruxia.

Spoiler: Timeline of Cruxia so far  

4000 BC - Story Starts

Spoiler: Thelonewanderer - Venatores 

Spoiler: Civ 

Civilization Sheet

Civilization Name: Venatores

Ruler Name: Elder

Race: Tengu

Appearance: Venatores tend to have dark feathers, with blacks, browns, dark greens and grays being common colors due to the main region consisting of both forests and mountainous terrain.

Location: D1, closer to the mountains

Government
Government Type: Republic
Leadership: the current elder is elected by the Council from its ranks, who are in turn elected by the common members of the tribe
Leader Term: The Elder serves until they either die or their mind becomes too far gone to lead effectively, and then a vote is held to determine the new Elder
Cabinet: The Council of Summa is composed of…
-The Elder, leader of the Venatores
-The Aegis Major, leader of the defensive arm of the Venatores militia
-The Bellator Major, leader of the offensive of the Venatores militia
-The Excursor Major, leader of the scouting arm of the Venatores militia
-The Municeps Major, leader of the civilian sector, such as minor trials for criminals and the passing of minor laws.
-Note that each position on the council has one Major and three Minors that follow. Minors are the prospective leaders of their branch, and are trained as such so that, even if they do not become Major, they can act as supplementary advisors to the Major, and can still be elected for Elder.

Society
Social Structure: A class system is not in place, though both physical and mental skill are highly valued.
Views toward same tribe: Venatores view each other as equals, as the protection of the tribe comes before all others. Your fellow Venatores would die for you, and you shall die for them, so on and so forth, separation of villages and towns be damned.
Jobs: Every Venatores will serve at minimum a 1 year tour in the militia in either the Aegis or Bellator Corps. Otherwise, Venatores Muncipes work normal jobs, such as banking or other civilian jobs.
Enjoyment: Flying is one of the greatest joys of the Venatores people, as there is nothing more freeing the wind against one’s feathers

Communication
Greeting:Low bow, followed by a quick flap of the wings
Good-byes: Lifting the tail feathers slightly
Etiquette: It is considered good manners for a Venatores to greet another by full name if known, or Title and first name.
Impolite Etiquette: Unless a close friend or family member, calling someone by their first name only is somewhat rude, as it means you do not respect them enough to call them by their full name, or to recognize their family.
Gestures: Out of all the common gestures of the Venatores, the tilting of the head to the side is one of the oddest, and shows the roots to birds that their race has.
Contact: Venatores tend to keep contact to a minimum unless it is with someone very close, such as a lover or family member

Religion
Name: The Great Journey
Deities: Lanius, the Bearer of the First Journey
General Beliefs: Life is but one journey that all go through, and the actions one takes during it determine where it will take you at the end of the Path. Lanius is simply considered the first to bring about this belief in the Venatores people, and as such it has ascended him to a higher status, lifting his people out of their ignorance, showing them that Elysium was reachable, but so too was the Underworld.
Condemns: To forsake the Journey is blasphemy, and reactions can range anywhere from glares to outright attacks among the more zealous upholders of the Great Journey.
Ceremonies: When a Venatores dies, they are given an eulogy by a family member, or if the last of a line, a close friend. The eulogy tends to encompass all the main highlights of the person’s life, and ends with where they are likely to have ended up at, now that their Journey has ended.
Clergy: There is no officially recognized clergy, as the way the religion is shaped is based much more on personal experiences above everything else.

Family
Gender Roles: Due to the required year of service in the Venatorian militia, men and women are seen as equals in most things, though men are seen as better at certain tasks, such as defending an objective, while women are seen as the better scouts. This tends to skew the membership of the Aegis and Excursor somewhat.
Courtship: Due to the highly militarized nature of the Venatori people, most couple start with squad mates, if the squad is co-ed. If not, then simply seeing an attractive Tengu of the opposite, or same sex, tends to start conversations. For Venatori tengu, feathers that have a slight shimmer to them, or talons with a sharp edge to them are considered attractive.
Marriage: Generally, marriage is handled by compatibility and if a clutch is on the way, or if one is wanted. In the event that one side of the marriage dies, remarriage is allowed, though frowned on if done quickly. Having multiple partners in a marriage is not illegal per say, but it is heavily frowned on
Children: Children, once old enough, are taught by whichever parent is the one that stays at home. This might be the father or the mother, but one of the parents is at home with the children until they mature, on which case the parents slowly let the child go out on their own.
Elders: Older people are treated with the respect they deserve for having made it to old age in a time where getting past 30 is an achievement. Most older people tend to share stories if they have them, or teach the younger generations so that information is not lost to the cruel grasp of time.

Language
Name of language: Venatoran
How it sounds: Closely resembles italian, if only because that is the closest language to latin
Body Language: Raised wings tend to be a fear response, while tensed wings indicate excitement, and a Venatores flashing open their wings tends to mean you’ve pissed them off.
Naming Scheme: Venatores people have two names, a family name that is a reflection of a main trait of that line, such as Darkfeather for a family line with darker then normal feather, or Talongrip for a family known for service under the Bellator. First names are chosen by the parents, and can range wildly in meaning, though most tend to stick either a color theme or naming based on a trait they hope the child to uphold.
Writing: While the Venatores writing is alphanumeric, it is very flowing, looking much like english cursive writing does.

Spoiler: Ruler 

Name: Pranius Talongrip
Gender: Male
Age: 25
Appearance: Has plumage of a dark gray shade, much like the rock of the mountains near his home.
Family: Currently the last surviving member of the Talongrip family
How he/she became leader: After the last Elder passed on, Pranius was voted in from his spot as Bellator Major.
Basic Backstory: As the last member of the Talongrip family, one known for its service under the Bellator, Pranius knew that he would stay under that service until he fell in battle, or if he somehow climbed the ranks. Getting to the position of Elder was not something he expected, but is willing to go with it, and tries to be the best leader he possibly can be.

Spoiler: Timeline of Venatores so far  

4000 BC - Story Starts

Spoiler: Tolvo - The Korporration 

Spoiler: Civilization Sheet 

Civilization Name: Korpoarration(Sometimes called the Korp)

Ruler Name: CEB (Chief Executive Boss)

Race: Goblin

Appearance: Korps are varied in appearance. Some have long noses, some have short noses. From time to time Korps may have sharp or flat teeth, in general the Korps see a wide array of diversity in appearance. Skin colors come from a large pool as well, green, tan, red, white, black, brown, blue, and more have been seen before.

Location: A4

Spoiler: Government 

Government Type: Empire

Leadership: A Chief Boss, also called a Big Boss, is expected to always act in the best interest of the Korps. Korps aren't focused on having the most glory, nor the best culture, they want the most stuff. it's the job of the Chief Executive Boss to always be working towards a profit. Taking land, gathering resources, doing trade, the Chief Boss is expected to oversee all potential deals of importance and lead the Korps to a brighter more profitable future.

Leader Term: As long as they're rich.

Cabinet:
The Muscle - The biggest and baddest Korp of the bunch. A Muscle does whatever Chief Boss says and gets people working or acting right otherwise time for a thumping.
Mini-Bosses - Mini-Bosses are overseers that report how well Korps are working under their jurisdiction as well as ensuring resources and money are going to the right places. They pass down orders from the Big Boss.
Constable - A veteran warrior Korp tasked with leading their forces in battle and keeping the peace. Generally the Constable is very hands off regarding the tribe often leaving bosses to get others working and only stepping in during grave matters.
Big Talker - The Big Talker is a religious figure who leads processions of religious nature. A Big Talker works to rouse the people into working for the greater profit and pushes them to follow the tenants of their religion.

Spoiler: Society 

Social Structure: In life there is one great pursuit for the Korps, profit. From the way they walk to the way they breath these little people are always working towards gains. In Korp society it is important to work towards the greater profit. It's understood working with others and building strong bonds works to benefiting all. A Korp is judged by just how strong of ties they can make and how many mutually beneficial relationships they can start. On top of that personal wealth is a boon to have, but hard to create when no one trusts you. Korps are not fund of dishonesty.

Views toward same tribe: Korps are very friendly and social. They see their fellows as healthy competition. Korps tend to have many friends and acquaintances and like to build large social networks.

Jobs:
Korps have a wide range of jobs. From farmers to hunters, from bakers to cooks, every role possible they find a niche within. Most korps work in farming while a smaller portion work in wood cutting. Farming is the biggest industry for the Korps along with baking of simple biscuits. Guards and warriors are always needed but often have those jobs as secondary roles for when they work on farms. Knapping is another well beloved occupation for Korps as stonework is always needed for tools and much more. Teachers as well exist that teach young Korps how to make deals and work towards the greater profit.

Enjoyment: Games of chance, sports, physical competitions, theoretical trade deals, song, dance, running, tumbling down grassy hills, climbing trees, swimming in shallow water, bathing, slang creation, cloud watching, sneezing contests, toy making.

Spoiler: Communication 

Greeting: Greetings usually involve hugs, hand shaking, kisses, and grand talk. When Korps greet one another they like to make the best first impressions possible and often use complimentary words.

Good-byes: Goodbyes to the Korps are rather blunt and brief. While their greetings stretch out a simple raising of a hand and walking away or merely just leaving is an acceptable goodbye.

Etiquette: Shaking of hands when meeting others is considered to be very polite, as is shaking hands when making deals. In general physical contact is seen as very polite in Korporrate society. The more energy puts into their gestures and how they act the more polite it is.

Impolite Etiquette: Not shaking hands, and avoiding physical contact. Korps dislike people who are not emotive. Anything involving the butt is generally considered rude in Korporrate culture.

Gestures:
Waving - Greeting or goodbye.
Crossing of the arms and shaking another's hands - A strongly sealed deal.
Perking up of the ears - Showing one is listening.
Smiling - Showing thought.
Widening eyes - I like you.
Pointing with the pinky - Something unimportant is there.
Pointing with the thumb - Pay close attention there.
Licking of a finger - Counting.
Bending over and slapping of one's own bottom or genitals - General mocking of another.
Loudly whooping while beating fists on chest - Celebratory cheer.
Jumping up and down while waving hands wildly overhead - I've got something important to say.
Crying - Joy or sorrow.
Leaning one's head back, opening their mouth, causing the tongue to flap and undulate while vibrating arms overhead - Showing great displeasure.
Hand over heart and other hand shaking parallel to ground - I'm tired.
Cleaning of both ears with fingers then leaning towards someone - I wasn't listening, repeat that.
Bowing towards someone while flapping arms side to side - Submissive act to show they think someone is more important than them.
Huge grin while nodding head - Showing interest.
Forcefully clapping of hands by swinging both arms wide at each other - I'm done.
Laying on one's side raising a single eyebrow and smiling at someone while legs are crossed and the head rests on a hand - Showing sexual interest.

Contact: Korps love bodily contact. They are a very physical people and love to show their intentions through hugs, kisses, hand shakes, and generally embracing others or holding them at the shoulder while speaking to them. Korps get very close to others when talking and it is uncommon for them to not be touching the person they're talking to in some manner.

Slang: Korps are in love with creating slang. Their language is constantly shifting as new euphemisms are born every day in the Korporr Nation.

Things that fly fly, things that don't don't. - Sometimes things work, sometimes they don't.
What's it to ya? - Why do you need to know?
They've got big feet sharp teeth and eyeballs in their head. - They're healthy.
Don't go naked on me here. - Don't do the bare minimum.
I love ya! - We could have a financially positive relationship.
From your ass to your mouth! - Quit talking shit.
What's mine is mine and what's yours let's make mine. - I want to buy something from you.
An ugly mug from the past. - Long time no see.
Greater Profit - The greater god.

Spoiler: Religion 

Name: The Divine Bosses

Deities:
Kaching - Divine Boss of Profit.
Clap - Divine Boss of Deals.
Ehehehe - Divine Boss of Imports.
Aww - Divine Boss of Exports.
Eep - Divine Boss of Losses.
Click - Divine Boss of Greed.
Nluckt - Divine Boss of Resource Gathering.
Wowoowow - Divine Boss of Charity.

General Beliefs: In life a Korp works for material profits but their ultimate goal should be towards the greater profit. The greater profit is not personal wealth but instead how much profit overall they have caused even for others. One's greater profit in death is used in the afterlife for their eternal retirement fund.

Condemns: Not working in the interest of the greater profit. Breaking deals and losing the trust of others. To the Korps being true to your word is incredibly important as well as having strong ties to others. Thievery is especially condemned as a blasphemy that earns one a great shunning or exile.

Ceremonies:
Retirement Ceremony - When one eternally retires(Dies) they are given a going away party.
First Coinage - On the first profit a Korp makes at whatever age they are tasked with trying to get the best deal and buy the thing worth the most for the cheapest with only that coin. Then it is shown to the family after dinner.
Big Deal - When a big deal is made it's a very big deal to the Korps. As such when one is made they hold a celebration of dance and song. It usually lasts only a half hour but it is very important for sealing a deal of importance.
The World's Toughest Korp - Every year during the summer the Korps have a week of physical challenges, sports, wrestling, etc, that are gambled on. This is considered a holy week and is orchestrated by both the Big Boss and the Big Talker.

Clergy: Technically speaking the Mini-Bosses, Big Boss, and anyone can be considered clergy as it is a loose system that ties religion and economics into one.

Spoiler: Family 

Gender Roles: The Korps don't care about what's in one's pants only who they is and who they are. Mild gender roles exist in the Korporration. In the sense of father figures, mother figures, sister figures, and brother figures. Otherwise anyone can do anything and they respect any pronouns. Korps may not understand gender well but they respect anybody's identity in relation to it.

Courtship: Courtship is often a trade deal made by both partners involved. In Korporrate society one isn't only a romantic partner but also a business partner. It involves finding the worth of both parties, what ties they have, and what trade deals can be made surrounding a joining.

Marriage: There is a form of marriage called being Significant Partners. Partnership in the Korp society is both romantic and business oriented. They are significant personal trade deals between two people and two families. Korps may divorce and each is given their personal wealth equal to the ratio they gave in at the start.

Children: Children are raised by their parents to always be wheeling and dealing. At an early age they're introduced to the concepts of the greater profit and are taught how to work the professions of their family.

Elders: Elders are often respected as usually they have contributed their life to the greater profit. Typically they treat elders with care and listen to what they have to say and try to make them comfortable as it is understand they may Eternally Retire soon.

Spoiler: Language 

Name of language: Korporrate Lingo

How it sounds: The language of the Korps is very deep with a focus on being bombastic and attention getting. With that in mind it often is reminiscent of the stereotypical New Yorker accent.

Body Language: Korps are incredibly emotive when speaking. They are prone to wildly gesturing and throwing their bodies about with each word. It's nearly impossible for them to talk without moving. Korps are fond of tilting their head, waving arms, pointing, making hand gestures, and walking as they talk pacing about.
Naming Scheme: Korps are named after the sounds made by things their parents wish to associate with them. As such a child supposed to be a warrior may be named Thunk. Someone expected to cut grass might be named Shwish. An expected avid swimmer could be named Spwoosh. Then the last name of any Korp is merely their profession.

Writing: Korporrate writing is made up of very large runic symbols and hieroglyphs formed out of association with imagery and concepts. For example bears are big, so big would be written by drawing a bear. This often makes it slightly confusing whether or not a glyph is referring to a concept or the actual thing, they put a slash through if it is not the concept.

Spoiler: Ruler Sheet 

Ruler Sheet
Name: Turcht

Gender: Female

Age: 24

Appearance:

Family: Turcht is of the Big Boss family.

How he/she became leader: Turcht was raised by her mother to always be looking for opportunities. Her mother became business partners with her other mother, the Big Boss of the Korps at the time. Turcht inherited the wealth of both her mothers and built upon the strong relationships they had formed.

Basic Backstory: Turcht was born to a mother and a father though soon after her birth their parents divorced. Raised for most of her childhood by her first mother she made her First Coinage early in life. When her mother married the Big Boss Turcht began to work harder and learn the names of everyone she could and of every business deal the Big Boss had ever made. Making of deals and trade became the greatest focus of Turcht and when the Big Boss passed she inherited her second mother's fortune and gave her a grand retirement ceremony that helped to win over the hearts of many Korps who already knew her personally. Turcht ascended to the role of Big Boss at the request of many for both her skill and her great wealth.

Spoiler: Korporration so far  

4000 BC - Story Starts

Spoiler: Ma1chbox - Kharaidh 

Spoiler: Kharaidh 

Civilization Name: Kharaidh
Ruler Name: Datu (Duke when translated to other languages)
Race: Dwarven
Appearance: Incredibly pale complexion, dark red or blonde hair (painted white during the winter seasons), stocky and usually muscular builds. Males often grow beards and weave them into intricate patterns, while women shave off facial hair and instead weave their long hair.
Location: A2

Spoiler: Government 

Government Type: Oligarchy

Leadership:
The heads of each of the great Kharaidhan guilds form the Datur-khazad (ruling council). This oligarchy functions as the ruling body of the entire civilization. The wisest dwarf in the council is given the title of Ur-Datu (head duke), who functions not only as a regular Datu but also as the head of the oligarchy. The Ur-Datu doesn’t outright command the rest of the council. Instead, aside from his role as a regular Datu, he also takes the extra responsibility of being the mediator and arbiter during council meetings. When dealing with other civilizations, the Ur-Datu is the man to talk to.

Leader Term:
A Datu is replaced by his advisor when he dies, resigns, is exiled, or is no longer mentally capable of leading effectively. Similarly, the Ur-Datu is replaced by the next wisest Datu under the same circumstances.

Cabinet:
Each Datu has an advisor. Advisors are the second most eligible for the position of a guild’s Datu. Normally, they just function as advisers but as previously mentioned, they will replace the current Datu once the circumstances are met.

After a council meeting has ended, messengers are sent to relay the final decisions made by the council to the chaptermasters of each city. Each of the great guilds have chapters in each Kharaidhan city, and these chapters are headed by the chaptermasters. Together, the chaptermasters of each city form a Kur-khazad (city council), which follows the same hierarchy as the Datur-khazad.

These chaptermasters do not have advisors. Instead, they communicate directly with multiple overseers, high-ranking city governors elected by the commoners based on skill. Finally, the overseers communicate with the common masses.

Spoiler: Notable Officials 

Note: I'm pretty sure not all of the guilds are going to be available at the beginning just yet, but I'll list down all their leaders anyway, along with some basic details.

Ur-Datu / Datu of the Pioneers' guild: - Toskvig Vharinovich Khallaigh VI (see Ruler Sheet)

Datu of the Artificer's guild - Granin Yuurevich Fraemhi I (male, 175 years old)

Datu of the Cultivators' guild - Brummbar Iblisevich Syvha IX (male, 168 years old)

Datu of the Forgehands' guild - Kurgan Strommovich Brymhmen II (male, 153 years old)

Datu of the Merchants' guild - Riefren Hayekovna Tentra VII (female, 163 years old)

Datu of the Scribes' guild - Saihyid Tzentovich Umbril I (male, 188 years old)

Datu of the Stonemasons' guild - Freykha Huskiyevna Landa IX (female, 159 years old)

Datu of the Legionnaires' guild - Baskog Tudovich Lawas VI (male, 153 years old)

Datu of the Woodsman's guild - Karstrinh Strommovna Raavin (female, 157 years old)

Toskvig's advisor - Pharos Niulovich Synkhel VIII (male, 133 years old)

Spoiler: Society 

Social Structure:
Apart from the governmental hierarchy shown in the Cabinet portion of the civ sheet, there isn’t really a specific societal structure among the Kharaidhans, but those more skilled than others in their field of expertise are generally treated better. Exiles, however, are seen as social outcasts and generally avoided until such time that they redeem themselves, if ever.

Views toward same tribe:
Kharaidhans are generally friendly towards each other while maintaining a certain level of competition on different levels. A friendly sense of competition usually takes place on different scales, ranging from guild member against guild member, guild chapter against guild chapter, and city against city.

Competition between two different guilds generally do not exist for the simple reason that the Kharaidhans believe that you cannot judge which is the better of two crafts. For the same reason, they do not hold any sense of competition for foreign civilizations, since the culture is different. Note: This does not apply to mundane activities such as games and the like.

The guilds are as follows:

Spoiler: Kharaidhan Guilds 

Artificers’ Guild:
This guild specializes in art and design. The things they craft are for aesthetic and cultural purposes. Painters, sculptors, jewelers, and other physical artist types belong here.

Cultivators’ Guild:
This guild is the civilization’s main source of food and sustenance. Its members are made up of farmers and fishermen. This guild is currently the largest and most vital guild, but as the ages pass, its importance will diminish gradually.

Forgehands’ Guild:
This guild is in charge of all things in relation to large-scale metalworking. Since metals haven’t been discovered yet, this guild will not yet exist at the beginning of the timeline, but will be founded once the art of metalworking has been discovered. As the ages pass, this guild will grow to be one of the most revered guilds in Kharaidhan culture.

Guildless:
Exactly what the name says. Kharaidhans without guilds. Its members are mostly composed of Kharaidhans who haven’t reached maturity yet, although other members include those in the process of switching from one guild to another, mature dwarves who haven’t chosen a guild to join yet, and as a subgroup, those who have opted to join more than one guild. It should be noted that there is no stigma against the guildless.

They are respected like any other Kharaidhan, but they are not represented in councils and generally not seen as competition when it comes to skill. (These do not apply to those with more than one guild. They are technically represented in councils by both or either of the guilds they have joined and since they have skill in the fields they have chosen, they can challenge and be challenged by their guildmates as well.

Note: Exiles are considered dishonored to the point of not even being worthy of being called guildless.

Merchants’ Guild:
This is the guild that does the most traveling. The travel both from city to city as well as civilization to civilization to trade for both the people’s wants and needs alike. Since they travel frequently, they are also often assigned courier and messenger tasks.

Scribes’ Guild:
This guild is in charge of writing, making music, religion, handling governmental bureaucracy, and chronicling historical events. Like the Artificers’ Guild, they live for the betterment of the Kharaidhan civilization’s culture.

Stonemasons’ Guild:
This guild is in charge of stoneworks of all sorts, as the name says. Before the advent of metalwork, this guild will become one of the most important among the others, but will decline again soon enough. That said, they will still remain incredibly important in the later stages of civilization for the fact that they also handle any and all mining operations.

Pioneers’ Guild:
This guild is, as the name states, made up of the pioneers of Kharaidhan society. They deal with most of the science, research, and development for the betterment of the Kharaidhan people. Apart from that, they also act as scouts and explorers, mapping out unknown regions and discovering local resources that can be utilized.

Legionnaires’ Guild:
This guild is the main fighting force. Soldiers and constables alike make up the members of this guild. They are tasked with both offensive and defensive operations both within and outside the Kharaidhan borders.

Woodsman’s Guild:
This guild manages everything that has to do with forests. That includes logging, forest clearing, trailblazing, and even hunting. As an extension of their responsibilities, they’re also in charge of protecting non-members of the guild from the elements while they’re within the forests and generally making sure that wooded areas are safe.

Enjoyment:
Challenges of skill between guild members are generally seen as good fun. The same applies to other mundane forms of entertainment such as drinking, socializing, and indulging in Kharaidhan culture in general.

Kharaidhan culture also values work as much as it does leisure, so working is generally seen less as a simple chore or a mere source of income and more as a method to improve one’s skills, as well as a way to honor the dead. This means that work is also regarded as a form of leisure aside from the others previously mentioned.

Spoiler: Communication 

Greeting:
The right hand is balled into a fist and tapped against the center of the chest then flattened into an open palm. The fingertips then touch the forehead while a traditional greeting is said.

If the greeting is said to a stranger or someone of higher rank, the proper formal greeting is “Tak Assayid.” If the greeting is said to a foreigner, someone of equal or lower rank or to someone familiar such as a close friend, the simple and casual greeting of “Tak” is acceptable.

Good-byes:
The greeting is reversed. The forehead is touched with the fingertips of the open right hand which is then balled into a fist and tapped against the center of the chest. Afterwards, the traditional farewell of “Djien-kuyye” is said. Unlike greetings, farewells ignore hierarchy.

Etiquette:
Respect for elders and using the proper acknowledgment of hierarchy is pretty much one of the most broad pieces of good etiquette in Kharaidhan culture. Apart from that, good work ethic and a healthy sense of competition is favorably looked upon as well.

During formal interactions, both dwarves are expected to stand straight up and establish good eye contact, and each one’s voice must be clear and enunciated. Weapons are to be sheathed to show that both parties have no intention of harming the other. If the weapon is particularly large and cannot be sheathed, the blade end of the weapon is instead flipped over and its blade end is rested firmly on the ground.

Among strangers, a modicum of personal space is to be observed if ever possible. The coverage of this personal space spans a circle around the person with a radius of two feet. In situations when this rule simply cannot be followed, avoiding prolonged eye contact (unless it’s necessary) becomes the norm instead.

A generous sense of hospitality is also a cornerstone of the culture. It’s quite common to see a Kharaidhan letting traveler or a friend stay at his home for a few days. During the visitor’s stay, the host treats the guest as well as he treats himself, or at the very least, as best as he can. This hospitality is generally only available to other Kharaidhans, however. Foreigners are only granted this generosity if and only if they’re well-known and well-trusted around the community, or if the host is feeling particularly generous.

Impolite Etiquette:
Unnecessary acts of disrespect in general are considered incredibly rude and is considered an offense not only to the direct victims of disrespect, but also to the community the victim belongs to. Repeat offenders very quickly become social outcasts and may end up being shunned by an entire neighborhood, or in worse cases, the entire city. Accidental slip-ups are can be more easily forgiven, but it would still draw some negative attention to the offender. Foreigners who fail to show respect the Kharaidhan way are usually forgiven since their offenses technically fall under the category of accidental slip-ups, but they are expected to correct their behavior and learn from their mistakes, since repeated offenses will not be tolerated.

Unnecessarily prolonged eye contact is seen less as a major offense and more as an incredibly awkward thing, and may lead to people silently trying to avoid the offender.

Gestures:
Kharaidhans, aside from having a spoken language, have also developed an entirely silent sign language using their hands, shoulders, and head. Though much more blunt and rudimentary than the spoken language, it can still be used to effectively convey all but the most in-depth details. This language was first developed by hunters as a way to signal to each other without warning their prey, but it soon became adopted by many other Kharaidhans from different cities and guilds, ranging from builders at a noisy construction site, to merchants advertising their wares and prices at the bustling market quarter, to even the forgehands that work among the roaring furnaces and clanging of hammers against steel. Some notable gestures are listed below. Some history for a few of the most basic and most notable gestures are also listed.

Spoiler: Gestures 

[I]Note: The gestures below are written in a way that implies you are the one doing the action.[I]

Greeting - (see Greeting ; remove spoken portion)

Farewell - (see Good-byes; remove spoken portion)

Yes - The left hand displays an open palm on the left side of the head without touching it. This gesture was easily distinguishable from the “no” gesture and was easily seen from behind.

No - The left hand crosses over the chest and displays the back of an open palm on the right side of the head without touching it. This gesture was easily distinguishable from the “yes” gesture and was easily seen from behind.

Maybe - Same as the yes and no gestures, but the hand is now wiggled from side to side as well. If you mean to say “Maybe, but most likely no,” then you follow the “no” gesture and shake the hand from side to side. If you mean to say “Maybe, but most likely yes” or simply “Maybe,” then you follow the “yes” gesture and shake the hand from side to side.

I don’t know - The left hand covers the mouth. This signifies that you have nothing to say.

I’m thinking - The right hand taps the bottom of the chin twice. This gesture is closely related to the “I don’t know” gesture.

Follow me - Point at those you want to follow you (optional), tap the left shoulder twice with the left hand, then point at the direction to you wish to go (optional). This gesture was based on how hunters, when hunting at night, form a train by putting a hand on the left shoulder of the one in front of him, then that hunter will put his hand on the shoulder of the one in front of him, and so on.

I will follow you - Point at the one you want to follow, tap the right shoulder twice with the left hand. This gesture is closely related with the “Follow me” gesture.

Stop and/or listen - Put an open palm parallel to the left ear. This gesture is based off of how lead hunters often told their team to stay still in order to listen to the sounds the prey made.

Help me - The head is slightly bowed, then either hand then performs a repeated chopping motion perpendicular to the head. This could be seen from far away.

Larger/smaller - The left open palm is placed on the area just under the chest but below the stomach with the palm facing towards the ground. The right hand then goes directly above or below the left hand, again, with the palm facing the ground. How high or low the right hand is compared to the left hand signifies the magnitude of difference in size compared to the average adult Kharaidhan. The distance between the left and right hands is measured with the horizontal width of an open palm. One palm means one head in size difference, two palms mean two heads in difference, and so on.

More/less - The left open palm is placed on the chest with the palm facing rightward. The right hand then goes directly to the left or to the right of the left hand, the palm facing leftward. It’s more or less the same as the “Larger/smaller” gesture. Palm-widths as a form of measurement are now disregarded, but distance between the left and right hand still indicate magnitude of difference.

Counting - To signify numbers, Kharaidhans use their fingers. Starting from either the thumb of the left hand going rightwards or the pinky of the right hand, again, going rightwards. If both hands are available, counting goes from the pinky of the right hand and goes until the pinky of the left hand. If only one hand is available, then after all fingers on that hand are extended, the fist is closed then counting begins again.

Contact:
Usually, intentional contact with strangers is generally best left to a minimum, limiting it to simply the hands and shoulders as a way respect the concept of personal space. Among those closer with each other, however, any and all forms of contact is regarded as socially acceptable, provided they do not linger. Contact with lingering is quite intimate and are reserved only for those truly close.

Spoiler: Religion 

Name:
Andar-Thu’um (literally translated as “Ancestor worship”)

Deities:
The Kharaidhans worship their ancestors in general, but the most chief of these ancestors, however, were the very first Datus, who first made the guilds.

General Beliefs:
The Kharaidhans believe that their elders guide them even after death. They lead the living to the materials needed for their work, they guide them towards the path of innovation, and they help them learn how to make themselves generally better at their craft. Those who died while exiled, however, do not join the ancestors when they die.

Though prayer to one’s ancestors can be done anywhere, praying at a shrine, chapel, or cathedral is better. Greater places of worship please the ancestors more, but smaller ones are good enough.

Since symbolizing every ancestor is incredibly tedious, the Kharaidhans symbolize Andar-Thu’um using the Andarstahl (Ancestor Stone). Large places of worship in particular may also have statues of the first Datus, but those statues must not be larger than or of equal size to the Andarstahl’s shrine.

Condemns:
Murder, unnecessary arson, intentional sacrilege towards the Andarstahl, mistreating elders (except for those exiled)

Ceremonies:
Kharaidhan ceremonies are more or less large, day-long feasts, interrupted only thrice by prayer to one’s ancestors: once at midday, once at sundown, and once at midnight. They are separated into two categories: The grand feasts and the regular feasts.

Grand feasts are celebrated throughout the nation, and all Kharaidhans are involved in the feast. Only days of religious importance or nationwide significance call for a grand feast. The days of religious importance are celebrated yearly, while the ones of nationwide significance happen only once.

The great religious events are as follows: The founding of the first guilds, the day of birth of a guild founder, and the Day of the Andarstahl, which celebrates the end of one year and the beginning of another.

Some examples of great events of nationwide significance are as follows: The founding of a new city, the beginning of a war, the end of a war, the beginning of an alliance with a foreign faction, the death of an non-exiled Ur-Datu, and the day a new Ur-Datu begins his reign.

Regular feasts, also known as semi-religious feasts, are those that do not involve the entire civilization but are instead celebrated by a certain group of people, ranging from mere groups of friends to entire cities. The reasons for holding a regular feast are numerous, but some of them are as follows: The wedding day of two Kharaidhans, the death of an elder, the birth of a child, the day a Kharaidhan joins a guild, the election of a new city council, the day of birth of a married couple’s child, etc.

Clergy:
This religion has no specific clergy per se, but the members of the Scribes’ Guild oversee religious matters as a sideline. The de facto head of the religion, however, is the Datu of the Scribes’ Guild, but even he only holds a somewhat minor sway in the grand scheme of Andar-Thu’um.

Spoiler: Family 

Gender Roles:
In Kharaidhan culture, men and women alike are treated equally and are given the same opportunities in any and all cases where equality is possible. Gender discrimination is a bit of a foreign concept, since skill in one’s craft is regarded as the only basis of judgment that truly counts.

Courtship:
First and foremost, romantic attraction becomes the entry requirement for courtship. Kharaidhan marriages are short (in comparison to their lifespans) but hectic. Over the course of this marriage, the two Kharaidhans will be raising a child together, which means that they must get along well in the first place. Apart from romantic attraction, Kharaidhans are also naturally drawn to skill. This is because Kharaidhans believe that a child inherits its parents’ skills, both through education and through spirit.

Marriage:
For a culture that values its elders and ancestors a lot, the concept of a solid family is surprisingly not the norm. Marriages are largely temporary, lasting only 16 years. This is because marriages are seen less for romantic relationships and more for creating a legacy in the form of the next generation of Kharaidhans. This means that marriages aren’t seen as lifelong bonds, but rather a duty to the civilization.

Despite the fact that it’s seen more as a duty, it doesn’t mean romantic feelings are absent between two married Kharaidhans. In fact, it’s the opposite. Males and females only marry someone of the opposite sex that they are attracted to.

Over the course of their lives, dwarves can have as many spouses as they want, but they’re only allowed one spouse at a time. After one child is born and raised to ten years before maturity, the marriage ends, and both parents are allowed to marry again.

Once the marriage is over, Kharaidhans are not allowed to marry just yet. They must wait for two weeks. The work they do in this two week period is regarded as a repayment for the many days that they were allowed not to work over the course of their marriage.

After the two week’s worth of work, they are then allowed to marry again if they wish. They may choose the same spouse as their last marriage, or they could also go out and look for a new possible mate.

There are a few restrictions, though. Despite the absence of any stigma at all against homosexual activity, same-sex marriages do not exist, simply for the fact that marriages in Kharaidhan culture are done for the purpose of making a child. Only Kharaidhans ages 25-160 may engage in marriage.

Children:
Kharaidhan children are cared for by their parents starting from the womb up until they’re 15 (ten years before maturity). During this 15 year time period, the child is taught all about the culture and history of the civilization. On the child’s 15th birthday, he or she is given a tour of each of the guilds in the hopes that he or she will pick a craft as soon as possible.

After the 15th year, the parents of the child split up their marriage and the child is then left to fend for himself. Ties with both parents are reduced to mere friendships, as all obligations between each of them are now done. With all the knowledge the child has learned, he or she spends the next ten years before maturity getting accustomed to life in a Kharaidhan community, and in some cases, even starting off early in a guild.

Elders:
Elders (those at least 180 years of age) are given time to rest after a life lived working hard. They do not abandon their guilds (unless exiled), rather they serve as role models and in some cases, wise teachers to their younger guildmates.

That said, they are mostly cared for and given time to rest and relax. This is because as the Kharaidhans believe, elders are close to finally joining the ancestors. They believe that the journey from one realm to the next must be prepared for by giving the elders a comfortable last few years of life.

Spoiler: Language 

Name of language:
Kharaidhan
How it sounds:
A mix of German, Russian, Scots-Gaelic, Arabic, and Tagalog
Body Language:
Given that Kharaidhan dwarves already have a second language made entirely of hand signs, it’s not uncommon for Kharaidhans to subconsciously communicate with both the spoken and silent language at the same time out of habit.
Naming Scheme:
A Kharaidhan’s full name (only ever fully used during the most formal events) comprises of a title (if any), followed by a given name, followed by the father’s name with a gender-identifying suffix (-ovich or -vich for males and -ovna or -vna for females ; literally translated as “son of” and “daughter of”, respectively), followed by the mother’s name, followed by a number to denote which child of the mother they are (first child, second child, third child, and so on. I will be using Roman numberals to denote this part of the name since I can’t type my own numeric system) “of the [name of home city] chapter of the [name of guild the person belongs to].

To give an example, I’ll use the current leader’s name. Toskvig’s full name would be:
Ur-Datu Toskvig Vharinovich Khallaigh VI of the Barodur chapter of the Woodsman’s Guild

If you break down the name to its most basic components, show what they mean, then separate it using slashes, it would be as follows:
Head Duke / Toskvig / Son of Vharin / Sixth child of Khallaigh / from the city of Barodur / member of the Woodsman’s Guild

Spoiler: Ruler Sheet 

Name:
Toskvig Vharinovich Khallaigh VI

Gender:
Male

Age:
160

Appearance:
Toskvig is completely bald on his head, but on his face is a great beard colored red like blood, its locks braided and weaved upon itself to form an intricate pattern. His muscles, though already showing signs of aging, still manage to somehow retain their once pristine and well-toned form. Years of hiking and mapping the tundra surrounding the capital city of Barodur had made him strong, even with his age.

He wears the noble greatcoat, as the other Datus do, made from the layered hides of the beasts native to the icy tundras. To set himself apart from the other leaders, he wields a long, whitened wooden staff with a small, fist-sized chunk of amber fastened to the top end.

Family:
His father, Vharin, was an ordinary explorer from the Pioneers’ guild. His mother, Khallaigh, was a skilled ranger of the Woodsman’s guild. Since the early days of the Kharaidhan civilization, the Pioneers and the Woodsmen worked closely together to bring the forests around Barodur under its influence. Toskvig’s mother and father met during a joint exploration when they were quite young, only a few years fresh from maturity. They stayed monogamous to each other, simply remarrying again and again every sixteen years. Over the course of their lives, the couple bore six children, Toskvig being the last.

How he/she became leader:
As with tradition, Toskvig was elected by the other Datus due to his wisdom and experience which he gained from his days working in the harsh and unpredictable tundras.

Basic Backstory:
Toskvig, even as a child, was already passionate about the forest. During his first few conscious years, he fell in love with the forests around the capital while listening to his mother and father share their stories of their experiences in the forest. Each mention of the towering pines, the sunlit clearings, the various native fauna, and the great twin peaks that loom over the horizon only made his love for the forest stronger and stronger.

Upon his parents’ sixth separation, he immediately joined the Pioneers’ guild and became a scout. Over the course of his 93 years of service in the guild, he made his way up the ranks. Eventually, on his 112th birthday, he was named as the advisor of Kurstrich Huskiyevich Landa II, who was then the Datu of the Pioneers’ guild. Along the way, he twice married Cambhrin, a woman from the Scribes’ guild, and bore two children, a male by the name of Duonn, and a female by the name of Ghirina.

Upon Kurstrich’s death, Toskvig, then 124 years of age, replaced him as the Datu of the Pioneer’s guild. He ruled over the pioneers well, and exploration prospered during his service. Just before the winter of Toskvig’s 132nd year, the Ur-Datu, Yorick Zerkhiyuvich Silyssi VII, passed away and joined the ancestors in their great realm. The other Datus elected him as the replacement, making him head of the entire civilization.

Spoiler: Kharaidh so far  

4000 BC - Story Starts

Spoiler: Fox Xalian - Celestian Empire 

Spoiler: Civilization Sheet 

Civilization Name: Celestian Empire
Ruler Name: Celestial Emperor/Empress
Race: Fae
Appearance: Fair skinned with almond-shaped eyes, shorter than the average fae, about 5’7, with hair ranging from light brown to jet black naturally, although they do sometimes use their dyes to get other colours, purple, green and blue being the most common, although these generally are used for people of certain status’s or jobs. Their eyes range from light brown to blue, green and purple. They also seem to wear some kind of jewellery in the middle of their foreheads that appears to be attached to their skull, these are usually gold or brass with various gems, or pearls fitted into them. Their clothing is some kind of kimono as a generalised outfit (both men and women wear it) or a tangzhuang and pants for men and cheongsam for women, although it’s not uncommon to see women wearing the tangzhuang.


Location: H1

Government
Government Type: Empire with an elected people’s council
Leadership: Oldest child of the last leader, or any others that the eldest chooses should they abdicate. Although a vote can be held should the people think a change of dynasty is in order.
Leader Term: For life, or until they abdicate to their heir or, in rare occasions, they get voted out so a new clan may take the throne.
Cabinet: Shogun (head of the military)
Supreme Justiciar (Head of the Judicial Corps)
Supreme Diplomat
Head Conciliar of the Financial Corps

Society
Social Structure: All people are equal under the law, although there is something that resembles a class system. Society is divided into various clans or families, usually based on where one lives. The leader is at the top along with his or her Council, the priests and priestesses along with regular military are next, followed by everyone else. Although this is a very loose hierarchy and is barely observed, only in certain situations will it be noticed.
Views toward same tribe: Everyone is of the same blood, and therefore they view each other equally. Although the more respect and honour you have the higher someone may view you.
Jobs: Usually you do a job from your home area, although some do move to new areas when they are younger to try new things. Some of the career paths include fishermen, boatswains/ship captains, woodworkers/carpenters, blacksmiths, stoneworker, jeweler, soldiers, priest/priestess, Councillor, farmer, merchant, diplomat and Justiciar.
Enjoyment: Celestians are patrons of the arts, especially woodcarving, sculpting, stonecarving, jewellery making and music; as such they enjoy these as hobbies. They also enjoy walking through the forests of their island home, and up the only mountain in the center of the island. Swimming and boating is also a hobby, as well as a way of life for some, as is diving for pearls. Dancing and martial arts, while seen in a slightly more ceremonial and job related light have also been taken up as hobbies or forms of exercise.

Communication
Greeting: Greetings usually consist of a verbal acknowledgment of the other person or people accompanied by either a bow, an embrace (length varies on different conditions, loved ones embrace for longer than strangers for example), or a kiss usually on the cheek.
Good-byes: Similar to their greetings, although some may also place a hand, or closed fist, over their heart.
Etiquette: It is generally seen as common courtesy to bow lower the higher rank the other person is to you. For example you bow at almost a 90 degree angle to the leader if you are a commoner, or you simply incline your head if they are equal or much lower to you.
Impolite Etiquette: While a kiss is accepted as a greeting, an unwarranted kiss is generally seen as impolite, usually this means a kiss between strangers. Embracing another for longer then you should, or without permission is also considered impolite. Striking another is seen as the greatest of insults, as is not bowing and both could be seen as cause for a personal duel, or conflict between two families.
Gestures: As described above, bowing as a greeting or good-bye, and a hand or closed fist over the heart as a farewell gesture.
Contact: Embracing or kissing (again, usually on the cheek) one that you know is quite common regardless of gender or social status.

Religion
Name: Kamiist (not the official name)
Deities: Lunaria, Goddess of the Moon (also called Goddess of the Stars and Goddess of the Night Sky)
Stellaria, Goddess of the Stars (sometimes combined with her sister Lunaria the Goddess of the Moon as the Goddess of the Night Sky)
Solarius, God of the Sun
Aquaria, Goddess of the Sea
Gaiarius, God of the Mountains (sometimes Mountains is changed to Earth or Land)
Druidaria, Goddess of the Forest
Inaria, Goddess of the Harvest, Luck, Wisdom, foxes, wealth and the home
The Warrior, God of War and Protection (unnamed as he is only invoked during times of conflict)
The Mother, Goddess of Children, Fertility and Childbirth
General Beliefs: When you die your spirit, or kami, goes to live in the Celestial Plane where you can watch over your family, and once a year you may return to visit them. Unless you have been evil, and then you become a vengeful kami, or even a demon and roam the world seeking wither redemption or to torment the living and dead alike.
Condemns: Murder, rape, theft, lying, desecrating houses or other resting places of the dead, oddly enough necromancy is not considered as this in some clans.
Ceremonies: Weddings and funerals are the most obvious. They also have various other ceremonies, such as dismantling old shrines and rebuilding them, and yearly celebrations of the dead in which the kami return to spend time with their still living loved ones. There is also a new year celebration used to ward off evil spirits for the year, and large ceremonies for those who have come of age and finished whatever learning they were doing.
Clergy: High Priest and Priestess, as well as regular priests and priestesses below them, and miko, or shrine maidens, below them. Priests and priestesses aren’t required to remain celibate, same with the miko, and in some villages and shrines there are fertility rituals, as well as some miko and priestesses partaking in “the oldest job known to man”.

Family
Gender Roles: While there are certain jobs for certain genders (male priests and female priestesses, as well as miko only being female, and the usual handmaidens and butlers for the leader, and women generally being childkeepers who look after the children of the village, although some male childkeepers exist), everyone does whatever job they can in the area they live.
Courtship: Courtship is a standard affair of dating and getting to know a person you find attractive. It is not uncommon to find multiple pairings as well, usually no more than three people in a relationship together, or one with two separate lovers.
Marriage: Marriage is usually held as a small, sometimes religious, ceremony between the two familes and their close friends. While multiple marriages aren’t done as with courtship it is not uncommon for couples to bring in a third partner to the marriage home, or to have a second lover of their own. With permission from the other spouse of course.
Children: Children are brought up in the household they were born with, although childkeepers look after, and help the educate children while the parents are working. Children generally learn the trades in their area, as well as the Celestian language, or their local dialect.
Elders: Same as anyone else, respectfully if they deserve or have earned it. Elders sometimes are asked to impart their wisdom of a certain trade, and sometimes are in charge of a village.

Language
Name of language: Celestian
How it sounds: It is very fluid and seems to roll off the tongues of the native speakers, it is similar to Sino-Japanese languages, but there are certain subtleties with it. Such as those in the capital generally have a slightly more sing-song voice (similar to Welsh).
Body Language: Aside from the gestures used in greetings there are some more standard pieces of body language. For example standing straight on while talking to a person can convey either confidence with the person or a challenge, depending on the face (frowning or a furrowed brow as well as clenched fists, or a hand on their weapon should they have one can be indications of anger, whereas smiling and laughter is happiness), standing with their body slightly turned can either show a lack of confidence with the person, or a lack of caring, also general things such as smiling vs frowning.
Naming Scheme: Family or clan name first and personal or given name last. A nickname can be in the middle of the two or at the end.
Writing: Characters similar to the Sino-Japanese languages.

Spoiler: Ruler Sheet 

Name: Celestium Himiko
Gender: Female
Age: 20
Appearance: Himiko looks a lot like other young Celestians, although her clothing (a slightly ornate cheongsam that goes to just above her knees) is the best quality available. Her hair is dyed purple, and kept short to her shoulders, although it is usually in either one or two ponytail type things on the top of her head. Her head jewellery is a single moonstone surrounded by nine pearls set into an intricate knot made of gold, the moonstone represents her people and the pearls are for each of the deities.
Family: Himiko is the oldest of three children, and her parents also are still alive. Her father is the current Shogun, while her mother, a former priestess, is Supreme Justiciar. Her siblings also hold various jobs. Her brother is one of the better stone and blacksmiths and was responsible for the cur-rent Imperial City as well as the weapons and armour for the soldiers, although these are only stone spears and the like, as well as basic leather armour. One of her sisters is a miko, following in her mother’s footsteps, and another is one of the best jewelers and tailors around, responsible for Himiko’s outfit and head jewellery.
How he/she became leader: After a particularly bad storm blew in off the ocean, a few of the clans were forced to fight among themselves for land. While most conflicts consisted of throwing stones, spears and insults at each other, creating a fairly bloodless fight, this one was a bit more involved, causing the utter destruction of at least one clan. Himiko, along with her parents and brother saw to the unification of the clans on that side of the island by dividing up the resources equally and seeing to the replanting of the forest and lost farmland, with only the occasional bit of bloodshed. She then turned to the rest of the island, but by this time word had already spread and the other clans worked closer together than ever, and voted for Himiko to be their fair and relatively benevolent leader.
Basic Backstory: Himiko was born to the head of the Celestium clan and the head priestess of the local shrine. She was brought up in both the shrine, starting as a miko and as a warrior for her father. By the time she turned 15 she was already well on her way to becoming a priestess, and one of her father’s best fighters, skilled in both the bow and the tinbe-rochin (a small spear and shield made from a turtle shell). When the storm hit she was able to get the people to safety in the local shrine, which was built into the side of a hill just enough that they were protected, and then, along with her parents, organised the rebuilding of the village. When the conflict came to their family though she knew she had to help her father raise the defense. The head of the clan and his children that at-tacked hers had thrown all of their soldiers into the fight, and when it was over the Celestium clan had just managed to win. They absorbed the losing clan, mostly to bolster their numbers again as a fair few of their people had died in the defense. Over the next few years they systematically gained the support of the other clans on their part of the island, and then the rest of the island fell in with them, supporting this new way of life. Himiko had been at the forefront of this unification and was chosen as the first Empress of all of the Celestians. It is said that she even embraced a poor fishing family as if they were equals to show how the clans should view each other.

[InfraredHero]

In the Civilization Sheet, does "Ruler Name:" mean the actual name of the Ruler, or what the Ruler is called? e.g. King; Queen; Chieftain; ... ?

[Dnafein]

A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long supressed, finds utterance.

I wanted to drop off some tomes to help you gain interest in the RP. Let me know if you have any questions or need help, and have fun RPing!

If you've already got a submission worked out, feel free to post it in the Roleplay of the Week Advertising scroll.

Roleplay of the Week- For more information about how to have YOUR RP knighted as Roleplay of the Week!

RPotW banner shop! If you need help summoning a banner for your roleplay, just hop in and ask one of our lovely artists for some assistance!

Staff Siggies are seen in every plane!

Roleplaying Games Directory is another means of getting your RP seen.

I may join this as a Kate civ.

[Low-Budget Man]

Ruler Name would be what the leadership position is called. So chieftain, king, etc.

Glad to have you guy's interests! Its a pretty wierd experimental RP that I really want to see blossom.

[Ma1chbox]

Count me in! I'll work on my sheets immediately

[Ma1chbox]

Quick question, for the location part of the civ sheet, do we put the alphanumerics inside the boxes on the map or do we just choose a biome?

[Dnafein]

Should we reserve starting locations? I kinda want H6

[Low-Budget Man]

@Ma1chbox Use the Alphanumerics for the location.

@Dnafein Reserve away! I'll put it down as reserved by you.

[Ma1chbox]

I call dibs on A2, then

[Dnafein]

Spoiler: Jha'dur 

Spoiler: Civilization Sheet 

Civilization Sheet

Civilization Name: Jha'dur
Ruler Name:* T'Kzintar
Race: Khate
Appearance:* They are covered with a thick coat of long fur (except the ears, the horns, palms and soles) that comes in various combinations of orange, yellow, and black. Full black coats are rare, as are white and black coats.
Location: H6

Government
Government Type: Feudal Monarchy
Leadership: Titles are passed to strongest male offspring.
Leader Term: Rule until death; Can be challenged for position, challenges end only when one is dead.
Cabinet: Terrenki - Military Advisor
Ztirgor - Economic Advisor
Raaairtwo - Science Advisor
Vatach - Religious Advisor
Kshat - Foreign Advisor
Sthondat - Domestic Advisor

Society
Social Structure: The system is one based on honor. As you earn honor you earn a name. Those without names are called by what they do; First name earned is attached to their job title.
Views toward same tribe: Those members capable of earning a name strive to do just that. Often taking selfish risks; However their very honor requires them to obey orders of those above them and to not risk the tribe.
Jobs: Hunter/Warrior; Various Weaponmakers; Scouts;
Gatherers (Primarily female);
Enjoyment: Jha'dur enjoy violent pastimes; Events like hunting, training, and fights are typical sources of entertainment.

Communication
Greeting: A quick flick of the ear (left if submissive, right if dominant) accompanied by a twitch of the tail, same direction as the ear.
Good-byes: Both take two steps back, submissive takes an additional step. They keep a hand on their belt knife.
Etiquette: Body language is also important in social encounters. those of lower social status keep their eyes averted, except when challenging.
Impolite Etiquette: Baring of teeth is commonly associated with challenging, thus it is typically impolite to smile at a Jha'duran. Sitting, standing or lying down with the legs splayed is considered obscene in both males and females.
Gestures:

Spoiler: List of common expressions and gestures: 

worry - A flattening of the fur.

frustration - Open-shut flare of nostrils, ticking noise from throat.

smile - Twitching of ears.

slyness - Slight lidding of eyelids. Could also mean calculating thought.

laughter - Twitching of ear & tail.

dismissive - shrug Yawn.

puzzlement - Careful sniffs of air, slight raise of muzzle.

threat - Grin (rictus) -> Grin & stare -> flaring of pelt ...

salute - Claw rake in front of own face.

Contact: Typically contact in public is used to humiliate and/or punish a subordinate or to initiate a challenge. (I.E. A smack to the ear; A quick light claw rake; etc.)

Religion
Name: Kamandi
Deities: Woren the Hunter; The Fanged God (His true name is never spoken or written lest it bring his attention upon you.)
General Beliefs: Woren represents the struggle that is life. Hunting for food, shelter and fighting for survival. But all hunters are hunted as well, the fanged god represents death and perpetually stalks Woren. However without the fanged god Woren would never eat. Essentially the beliefs state that throughout the struggle that is life death is the only constant; That it should not be feared but honored. For death aids the hunter and will be his downfall.
Condemns: Cowardice; Torture; Dishonorable acts.
Ceremonies: Part of every successful hunt is left in offering to Woren; The skull of every hunt is presented to the fanged gods servants for blessing. If deemed worthy the skull may be returned as a trophy. All dead Jha'duran's whose bodies are recoverable are given to the crones for last rites.
Clergy: Woren has hunter priests. They are males of all ages; They are the first to hunt something new, the first to try new meats, and those who hunt the most dangerous of creatures/largest threats to the society.
The fanged god is served by the Crones; The crones tend to the dead, and present the skulls to the altar for a blessing. There are rumors the fanged god has other servants, the truth is unknown.

Family
Gender Roles: Females are treated as property in large harems. Females are favoured for breeding success (producing strong sons), not out of personal devotion. The status of the family head determines how large a harem each family group keeps. Most of the females are kept pregnant to maximise the number of heirs. Females not a part of a harem seek any work they can, from gathering the plants, working the fieras used for various reasons to working the "eldest profession known to man."
Courtship: Females are seen as status symbols. The larger the harem the higher your status. Thus they may be traded between named males, or offered to subordinates as a reward.
Marriage: Females are treated as property in large harems. They can be traded if they fail to produce strong or any sons.
Children: Children live in fieras, named families own private fieras. Male and female children are separated, the females are taught the basics of those jobs females work. Public fieras watch the male children and assign them to appropriate apprenticeships. Private fieras work differently. As everything the family patriarch owns goes to the strongest male child the males compete constantly against each other and their father. Sometimes killing the latter.
Elders: If a male successfully lives to old age they are treated with the highest of respects. Often they hold high ranking positions. Elderly females often serve the fanged god as tenders of the dead.

Language
Name of language: Jha'durnese (Known among the Jha'dur as the Heroes' Tongue)
How it sounds: The language sounds clashing and terrible to human ears, but is in fact pitched and cased with several modes; mode being dependent upon who you are talking to. Although there is only one main language (the Heroes' Tongue), it has many modes including Mocking, Deferential, Technical and Royal, which is only spoken to and by royalty(the T'Kzintar and his kin).
Body Language:
The tail is a great indicator of ones mood. A lashing tail signifies worry. A dragging tail shows depression, a raised tail happiness. If the tail is hidden between it's legs, it is badly frightened.

The ears, too are highly expressive - a twitching indicates amusement, laid flat they indicate nervousness or readiness; and fanned out they indicate intent concentration or alertness.

Submission is signaled by covering of nose with paws, prostrating oneself or, in extreme circumstances, exposing belly and throat. A kzin who is about to attack or challenge will often adopt a threatening posture. The ears fold back to prevent them from being ripped or torn, the fur bottles out to hide the shape of the flesh, the tail becomes stiff and erect, ready to whip an opponents legs from under him. The lips pull back from the fangs in challenge, and the claws emerge ready for a fight.
Naming Scheme: From birth to adulthood one is referred to by birth order (First-son-of; Third-daughter-to; etc.) This convention continues for females through out adulthood (Second-wife-of; Etc.) Males are referred to by job title, (Maker-of; -Hunter; Etc.) Through courageous acts males can earn names. Acts that are both courageous and beneficial to the people allow the male to earn hereditary names that can be passed to offspring.
Writing: The alphabet looks like dots and commas; Language is written using the tips of claws.

Spoiler: Ruler Sheet 

Ruler Sheet
Name: Frep-Riit
Gender: Male
Age: 24

Spoiler: Appearance: 

Family: Multiple wives, a scattering of brothers and sisters.
How he/she became leader: Challenged his father to a duel for leadership, then won the duel.
Basic Backstory: Frep was the eldest surviving son of Hrang-Riit. He earned recognition and respect among the hunters for being fearless. This eventually led to his challenging for leadership. Since taking the reigns Frep-Riit has maintained his reputation, taking all necessary steps to protect his people.