Fortune City's culture Q&A’s
1/ Family and Friendships
1.1/ What is a normal family unit?
There is no typical family unit in Fortune City. Families that have emigrated to Fortune City will tend to mirror where they are from. Those who are from families that have been in the capital longer will have their family unit dictated by their current situation; the poorer may have more children than the richer folks' average of two children, but not by much. Six children would be considered a large family (obviously nothing in comparison to families in other parts, especially the working class of Goldrock).
1.2/ Do people marry for love or other reasons? What reasons?
Again, this will be impacted by the originating state of the people. However, the longer people are in Fortune City, the more inclined they are for marriage and partnership to have social, political, and capital gains for the people/families involved. True love in the relationships of Fortune City residents is less common as a result; marriage will solidify deals, partnerships, etc.
1.3/ Are the genders treated differently?
As with the cultures in other states, there is no real difference in the genders. Does it matter the gender of the person who put forward a new bill in The Assembly, or is it more important how the bill is going to affect your business?
1.4/ Who raises the children?
This again depends on the family's current situation. Those with more money will tend to send their children to schools in the hope they might attend the prestigious universities that the capital can offer, looking after them when they are back home. The less well-off might take it upon themselves to both look after and educate their children, teaching them the family business. The poor will try to raise their children as best as they can, but sometimes it’s the streets that will raise them, teaching them valuable life lessons they can apply to business later in life in the cutthroat world of Fortune City.
2/ Social Rules
2.1/ What is a gesture of respect (bowing, saluting)?
A nod of the head, short lifting of a hat, and a firm handshake are all gestures of respect in Fortune City. Some other gestures also creep in from other states.
2.2/ What is considered a rude gesture?
Turning your back on someone who is talking to you. Again, other gestures from other states do creep in.
2.3/ How do they curse? Gods? Body parts?
Generally making reference to the Profane.
2.4/ What topics of conversation are controversial?
The matter of people emigrating to Fortune City. Those that were there first see them as muscling in on what's theirs; those that come to the capital see it as people trying to keep them down and hoarding the wealth. This can lead to very rough business transactions in the top rungs of society and, on the lower end, has resulted in gangs forming. Open ‘street battles’ can even occur, with the police being unable to quell the trouble and having to resort to calling in the army.
2.5/ Which topics of conversation are safe?
Quite a few, but the most common is business talk, which is almost expected when meeting up with people. Everyone is interested in the stock exchange and opportunities to make money.
2.6/ What constitutes a social faux pas?
Being ungrateful when someone has helped you. This can become exacerbated if someone helps you in business and you do not acknowledge their contributions; but to some, a simple thank you is just too much to ask for.
2.7/ Do people live in happiness or fear?
The spread of life is too great in the capital to answer that. The family from Goldrock might live in fear of the street gangs, but then a cattle merchant of Tamarillo might have just made the deal of a lifetime with a military contract for beef. One thing most know is your situation can change at the drop of a hat in Fortune City.
2.8/ Does the culture value strength or compassion more highly?
Both are valued. Strength is required in the cutthroat world of Fortune City, be it in the boardrooms, the Senate, the stock exchange; but those that are strong enough to take what they want but still show kindness are admirable people indeed.
2.9/ Does the culture value wealth or generosity more highly?
Wealth, by far. People flock to the capital to make their fortune, and those already there wish the same. Everyone is trying to improve their lot in life, and making it big in Fortune City is the way to do it. There is little to no problem in the capital that money can’t fix.
3/ Food
3.1/ What does a feast look like?
Fortune City is a mixing pot of cultures, and the food is no exception. A feast could be a selection of meats—pork from Goldrock, beef from Tamarillo, and lamb from Wheatstan—cooked by a chef or team of chefs trained in one of the great culinary schools of Wheatstan.
3.2/ What does a basic pauper’s meal look like?
The food of Fortune City is varied even for the poor, so it will depend on what area you are in. People from Goldrock might make cheap dishes, used to having to scrape by in the slums back home. Folk from Tamarillo might offer a simple, inexpensive meal they might have had around a campfire. Folk from Wheatstan, well, who knows, but you better believe it will taste brilliant. The people of Fortune City have the luxury of a lot of options from all over Saxum.
3.3/ Do people mostly eat meat, fish or vegetables?
They eat a fairly broad diet, with fresh fish being a little harder to come by, but not impossible.
3.4/ Do people eat plain or heavily flavoured food?
Too varied a population to give a single answer. It’s more about what you can afford.
3.5/ Do people eat together or separately?
Together if practical; however, a stockbroker trying to grab a quick bite to eat whilst reading the paper might not be interested in company.
3.6/ Do people eat in small or large groups?
Normally small groups; not that they have anything against eating with a lot of people, but there is just not the room for it in most places. The clubs of the rich, however, will host dinners with a fair few people, members only of course.
3.7/ What utensils do people use to eat?
Knife, fork, and spoon; several sets for the rich when required.
3.8/ Are there many restaurants? Who goes to them?
Yes, there are. Frequented by the more affluent, with the less well-off preferring to grab food at their local bar.
3.9/ Are there street food sellers?
Yes, with food from all over Saxum. All people use the food vendors, they are very convenient especially when on a lunch break.
3.10/ What do people drink?
All sorts, tea, coffee, beer, spirits, wine and lots more.
3.11/ Is the water generally clean enough to drink?
Mostly, some issues still arise but they are far better than say Goldrock.
3.12/ Are some foods poisonous to certain people?
Not really. There are some less than reputable traders that sell bad meat, but nothing more than that.
3.13/ What are the tables like? Shape? High or low?
At a height to sit at with chairs and can be square or rounded.
4/ Art
4.1/ What forms of art are there?
Fortune City boasts a diverse array of art forms, reflecting the rich tapestry of its inhabitants from across Saxum. Residents can find paintings, music, poetry, literature, ironwork, and more, provided they know where to look and have the means to acquire them.
4.2/ Do people value art?
Yes, they use it as a distraction from the fast paced life of the Capital.
4.3/ Can everyone afford art, or only the wealthy?
Art is accessible to most citizens to varying degrees. While the affluent might invest in grand pieces, others might own a cherished book or have a decorative design on their walking cane, ensuring art touches all walks of life.
4.4/ What subjects does art concern itself with?
Art in Fortune City captures the full spectrum of human experience, delving into life's highs and lows. This variety ensures that art resonates with the diverse populace, striving to encapsulate the essence of their world.
5/ Architecture
5.1/ What are the cities like, if any?
Fortune City stands as Saxum's sole metropolis, sprawling across three distinct districts, each substantial enough to be considered a city in its own right. The skyline is dominated by tall buildings designed to accommodate the dense population, many featuring shops at street level. The architectural landscape is eclectic, blending old and new structures, some meticulously maintained while others show signs of neglect, embodying the city's multifaceted character.
5.2/ What are the houses like?
They vary a fair bit, but as time goes on, apartments are the most common form of housing. It is just not viable to have individual homes for the amount of people living in Fortune City. The wealthy tend to live in very upmarket terraces with the wealthiest being able to afford large town houses.
5.3/ Is architecture indulgent or functional?
Architectural styles in Fortune City range from purely functional to highly indulgent, largely influenced by the inhabitants' wealth. Affluent individuals often invest in aesthetically pleasing homes, while those with fewer resources prioritize practicality, making do with available options.
6/ Clothing & Fashion
6.1/ What do people wear?
Attire in Fortune City varies based on lifestyle, but common elements include frock, morning, or tailcoats; shirts with high upstanding or turnover collars; neckties or cravats; waistcoats; narrow-leg trousers with braces; and skirts or trousers paired with shirtwaists or blouses, often complemented by a matching bodice.
6.2/ What is in fashion this year?
This year, red bows have become a fashionable accessory, adorning hair, serving as neckties, or accentuating clothing, adding a vibrant touch to ensembles.
6.3/ What was in fashion last year?
The previous year saw feathers as the prominent fashion statement, with many incorporating them into their attire for a touch of flair.
7/ Entertainment, Celebrations and Festivals
7.1/ Is there theatre? Is it common or reserved for the wealthy?
Theatre thrives in Fortune City, with several venues catering to a wide audience. While ticket prices vary, allowing access for most, premium seating options are available for those willing to spend more, ensuring that theatre remains a cherished form of entertainment across social strata.
7.2/ What’s the most popular form of entertainment?
Residents frequently indulge in theatrical performances and socializing in taverns, inns, and pubs, making these venues central to the city's vibrant social scene.
7.3/ What are the major festivals?
Fortune City is a mixing pot of cultures and religion is no exception. Details on religion can be found here: Religion in Saxum
7.4/ Describe a wedding.
Weddings in Fortune City vary based on the couple's background. For native residents, ceremonies are typically modest, held in local places of worship or parks, followed by a celebratory meal. These receptions can be seated or standing, indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather, reflecting the city's adaptable spirit.
7.5/ Describe a funeral.
Funerals also differ based on personal backgrounds. Native Fortune City families often hold intimate ceremonies at graveyards, followed by gatherings at the family home. Community members contribute cooked dishes, easing the family's burden during their time of mourning and showcasing the city's supportive nature.
7.6/ What are special celebratory foods?
Cakes of various kinds are customary at celebrations, often accompanied by sparkling wine, adding sweetness and effervescence to special occasions.
7.7/ What sort of clothes do people wear on special occasions?
On special occasions, those who can afford it don their finest attire. The best garments are crafted from premium materials produced in Goldrock's mills, complemented by leather shoes made from top-quality Tamarillo leather, and tailored by skilled Wheatstan craftsmen, reflecting the wearer's appreciation for quality and tradition.