Wheatstans Culture Q&A’s

1/ Family and Friendships

1.1/ What is a normal family unit?

Extensive and extended families consist of several family units formed around primary family groups. Much like clans, multiple generations live in close proximity, and in smaller towns, most individuals are connected to prominent families. The prominent family serves as the central hierarchy of the family group.

1.2/ Do people marry for love or other reasons? What reasons?

Family plays a significant role in the social structure of Wheatstan, influencing marriage and partnerships. While love is encouraged as part of The Divine's message to embrace and share love, families also engage in social engineering. This includes absorbing smaller family groups or forming alliances to create influential new families. Such practices help maintain genetic diversity and protect the family's reputation by preventing inbreeding and undesirable personalities.

1.3/ Are the genders treated differently?

Roles within the family prioritize the success of the family unit and its extended members over individual identities. While personal opinions exist, The Divine emphasizes love, acceptance, and family above the individual, leading to a culture where genders are not treated significantly differently.

1.4/ Who raises the children?

Child-rearing is a collective family effort, with cousins, siblings, and other relatives providing care and support. Children frequently move between households, being cared for and nurtured by various family members, fostering a strong sense of community and shared responsibility.

2/ Social Rules

2.1/ What is a gesture of respect (bowing, saluting)?

Upon introduction or entering a space, individuals remove their hats and hold them to their chests. They then inquire about the health of the other person's family and share updates about their own, often exchanging simple pleasantries like, "How's the family?" "Good, and you?" "Oh, not so bad."

2.2/ What is considered a rude gesture?

Failing to observe the customary greeting; hat removal, family inquiries, and shared updates—is considered rude and marks one as self-important or different.

2.3/ How do they curse? Gods? Body parts?

In Wheatstan, expressions of surprise or frustration often draw upon references to farm animals and bodily functions. For example, one might exclaim, "Oh goats piss!" or "May the runs take yer!" Such phrases are commonly used in everyday language to convey strong emotions.

2.4/ What topics of conversation are controversial?

Discussing a lack of family ties, suggesting that the elderly are a burden or should be cared for outside the family, or proposing the abandonment of children are sensitive topics that can lead to discomfort or conflict.

2.5/ Which topics of conversation are safe?

Conversations about family, weather, food, and the arts are generally safe and appreciated.

2.6/ What constitutes a social faux pas?

Talking excessively about oneself without inquiring about others or failing to share food when in company is considered impolite.

2.7/ Do people live in happiness or fear?

The culture emphasizes happiness and community. However, it can be oppressive for those with independent inclinations, as privacy is valued but seldom attained.

2.8/ Does the culture value strength or compassion more highly?

Compassion is highly valued, with the belief that mutual care strengthens society.

2.9/ Does the culture value wealth or generosity more highly?

Generosity is esteemed in line with The Divine's teachings. Wealth is seen as a means to share and support others; hoarding it is viewed as selfish. Prudent accumulation of wealth for sharing is considered sensible.

3/ Food

3.1/ What does a feast look like?

Feasts are communal events where attendees contribute various home-cooked dishes, including fruits, potatoes, and loaves of bread. Extra tables are added to accommodate the spread, and people help themselves throughout the day. The atmosphere is lively, with shared stories, music, and games enhancing the communal experience.

3.2/ What does a basic pauper’s meal look like?

Simple, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, bread, and locally sourced meat or fish. Ingredients are hand-picked or caught to minimize costs.

3.3/ Do people mostly eat meat, fish or vegetables?

The diet is balanced, featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, lamb, mutton, and goat meat. The primary difference between socioeconomic classes lies in the quality of food, preparation methods, and access to processed or imported items.

3.4/ Do people eat plain or heavily flavoured food?

Food flavoring varies depending on the specific dish, with both plain and richly flavored options available.

3.5/ Do people eat together or separately?

Shared meals are common, with families and communities gathering to eat together whenever possible.

3.6/ Do people eat in small or large groups?

Large group dining is typical, especially during communal activities like fieldwork, where everyone eats together. Cafés and public eating spaces are designed to accommodate large tables, fostering a sense of community. Individuals eating alone are often joined by others for companionship.

3.7/ What utensils do people use to eat?

A variety of utensils, including knives, forks, spoons, bowls, and plates, are used. Hands may be employed when appropriate or customary.

3.8/ Are there many restaurants? Who goes to them?

Yes, towns feature numerous restaurants catering to travelers, workers, and those seeking communal dining experiences. Restaurateurs hold a respected position in society, as these establishments often employ some of the best chefs in Saxum.

3.9/ Are there street food sellers?

Street vendors offer specialized dishes, providing convenient meal options for those on the move.

3.10/ What do people drink?

Low-alcohol ales, ciders, and weak wines are common. Alcohol is considered supplemental to a good time, and no one wants to become a burden on their family. Spirits for harder drinking are reserved for special occasions or used in cocktails but are rarely consumed neat. Fruits and vegetable juices are very popular.

3.11/ Is the water generally clean enough to drink?

Not particularly. Water is used in the fields and for animals, with wells available, but much of it becomes contaminated from runoff. With access to fresh fruits, juices, or drinks like tea and coffee (where the water is boiled), or fermented beverages, many prefer to avoid fresh water.

3.12/ Are some foods poisonous to certain people?

Nothing of note. However mushrooms are popular and knowing what ones to eat is key.

3.13/ What are the tables like? Shape? High or low?

Tables vary widely, often being large and solid. Most are designed to be sat at, rather than gathered around, unless they are working benches.

4/ Art

4.1/ What forms of art are there?

All kinds, including sculpture, design, family portraits (individual portraits are rare), and craft. Music and culinary arts are highly valued, particularly among the wealthy, throughout Saxum.

4.2/ Do people value art?

Yes, but not in the way art critics might. People appreciate expression and will exchange or purchase art for others, using it to decorate and brighten their surroundings.

4.3/ Can everyone afford art, or only the wealthy?

There is art for everyone—some pieces are nearly free, while others cost more, typically depending on the materials used and the family’s renown.

4.4/ What subjects does art concern itself with?

Life, farming, the world people live in, family, and The Divine.

5/ Architecture

5.1/ What are the cities like, if any?

Cities are built around markets, with food courts and family quarters often covering entire neighborhoods. The roads between areas are frequently social spaces between families.

5.2/ What are the houses like?

Open central courtyard houses, surrounded by rooms and a kitchen, to better enjoy the fine Wheatstan air on warm nights.

5.3/ Is architecture indulgent or functional?

Functional, with houses designed for communal living and open spaces where family groups can gather. Roof spaces provide additional areas for movement.

6/ Clothing & Fashion

6.1/ What do people wear?

The people of Wheatstan take great pride in adding personal flair to their clothing. Unique embroidered patterns are popular, offering a rare form of individual expression in a society that emphasizes unity. The most common attire includes unpatterned shirts with collars or loose tops in white or bright colors, often embellished with embroidery, lace, frills, or other decorative touches.

These shirts are typically tucked into sturdy lower garments like trousers or skirts made from heavy natural materials or lighter linen or cotton. A sturdy belt with a large buckle is common, and neck garments, including ties, large bows, cravats, or scarves, are worn in bright colors. Wide-brimmed flat hats are iconic in Wheatstan, often varied in color and adornment.

In colder weather, thicker materials are used, and additional layers like thigh-length coats or colored blankets are worn in various ways, such as over the head like a poncho or pinned with a brooch like a cape.

Large amounts of jewelry, such as rings, bracelets, bangles, necklaces, and earrings, are worn to signify generational wealth and further individual expression. Jewelry may be made from materials like wood, precious metals, fabric, shells, and semi-precious stones.

6.2/ What is in fashion this year?

In Wheatstan, the current fashion scene is characterized by a blend of vibrant colours and intricate designs. Denim, traditionally known for its durability, has undergone a transformation this year, emerging in various hues and adorned with detailed embroidery. This trend allows individuals to showcase personal expression while maintaining the community's emphasis on unity. However, due to limited availability, many residents are exploring alternative ways to incorporate these styles into their wardrobes.

6.3/ What was in fashion last year?

In the past year, Wheatstan experienced a notable fashion trend centered around small dogs and related accessories. This trend encompassed not only the presence of teacup-sized dogs but also extended to various items such as embroidered patterns, accessories, and even stuffed representations. These elements became popular as people sought ways to incorporate their affection for small dogs into their daily attire and surroundings.

7/ Entertainment, Celebrations and Festivals

7.1/ Is there theatre? Is it common or reserved for the wealthy?

Theatres are open-air and common, although wealthier families, due to respect and renown, are given the best seats.

7.2/ What’s the most popular form of entertainment?

A team based ball game called Rams and Wheat.

7.3/ What are the major festivals?

Details on religion of Wheatstan can be found here: Religion in Wheatstan

7.4/ Describe a wedding.

Weddings, or "Pairings," last for three days. Pagodas and tents are set up with a small market where families and friends trade and form bonds. Music is played, and a fayre is held. As each evening progresses, rides and lights are set up, and dances, food, music, and drink are shared into the early hours. On the first day, travelers and guests arrive. On the second day, the wedding ceremony is performed by the Shepherds. On the third day, the paired couple walk back to their home, accompanied by their families, with the Shepherd guiding the 'flock' from behind. Everyone else remains at the party, continuing to celebrate and feast, and locals are invited to attend and enjoy the final day.

7.5/ Describe a funeral.

The immediate family mourns the body, which is held in a basket in the center of the home. Visitors are allowed to come by and will typically view the basket from the door but are not allowed inside. On the day of the burial, the Shepherds oversee the cremation at selected sites outside of town, away from farmland. Mourners gather outside the home, and the family carries the basket to the site, with extended family, friends, and others taking turns to share the burden. The basket is covered with wood and set alight as the Shepherd leads prayers. Mourners throw flowers into the fire while a band plays music. Dancing, songs, and stories are shared, and the night ends when the body is reduced to ash. The remains are then gathered by the Shepherd and spread around Wheatstan's fields, farms, orchards, and vineyards, symbolizing the return of life from death.

7.6/ What are special celebratory foods?

Mixed fruit pies are made for births, wedding curries, and funeral spit roast with barbecued vegetables are common. Candied fruits are popular statewide but typically only eaten on weekends. Birthdays feature a large sweet bun covered in glazes and herbs or spices, topped with fruits. The recipient declares, "Blessings from The Divine," and attendees tear and share chunks from the dessert.

7.7/ What sort of clothes do people wear on special occasions?

There are no specific traditional clothes for special occasions. Generally, people will wear their best or cleanest clothes, which typically include nice dress shoes, finely made clothes, and their best hat. Shepherds wear their blankets for special occasions.