Illatian Culture

[Emp 209]

A DISCUSSION OF

ILLATIAN CULTURE

Aelidar

 

ɪˈlɑ tɪ ən

 

ORIGINS, AND EVOLUTION, OF THE ILLATIAN PEOPLE

Humans, and the results of ethnic intermixing between both Southeron and Northerner groups, the Illatian people developed from their originally humble beginnings as simple farmers, settling in the realm of Anthos, under the leadership of the culture’s namesake, Illo the Elder - a title which, in itself, tells much about the strong patriarchal facet of the culture that developed thereforth.

 

The intermingled nature of Illatian blood is a sign of not only their charm with foreigners, but of a people that, in their formative stages, were unable to resist any invading force. Over many years, the Illatians have been host to the occupation of various forces, whose soldiers often found themselves enamoured with Illatian women, to whom they might have returned after any number of wars. More often than not, however, Illatian women were left with the bastard children of these soldiers, who were then born and raised, with all their various differences, in an Illatian environment. This is but one factor in the diversity of Illatian ethnicity, which ranges from blonde-haired and blue-eyed, to olive-skinned and dark-haired, to the occasional copper-skinned individual of eastern descent. Thus, it is clear that attempting to label Illatians as a sub-race is futile.

 

The rapid growth of the Illatian culture is due to the aforementioned mixing; with a myriad of connections and origins, the Illatian people found themselves benefiting from much trade and introduced technological advances. However, throughout the ages, key aspects of Illatian culture have endured, harkening back to its people’s first years as subsistence farmers. These traditions manifest themselves in the most basic of human existence - diet, family structure, personality, etc. However, as a new age dawns upon Illatia, a cultural rebirth brings with it revolution in architecture, fashion, and the arts.

 

THE FOUR PILLARS OF ILLATIAN CULTURE:

- PASSION - ART - FAITH - FORTITUDE -

 

PASSION

SOCIAL INTERACTION

This cultural pillar manifests itself in Illatian culture primarily in social interaction; Illatians are known to be ardent lovers, expressive speakers, and smothering parents. Even towards an enemy, an Illatian is hospitable.

 

Just as an Illatian’s amicability is intense (often to the point of being overwhelming!), an Illatian’s wrath is a frighteningly violent experience. Insulting a member of a typically close-knit family is sure to incur the full force of every member’s anger. Illatians are not only horrendously vocal in their arguments, but all-too-eager to put their threats into action. Feuds could easily last generations, if not for the commonplace dispute resolution that is a hearty meal shared across a dinner table.

 

In saying this, it must be known that Illatians are not fools, to be manipulated by way of their strong emotions. As an originally agrarian culture, Illatians are typically shrewd hagglers, and often tight-fisted in expenditure. As will be discussed in the intertwined cultural pillar of art, Illatian minds are naturally suited to deep thinking. The cultural mindset seems to be one conducive to producing philosophers and scientists among the higher classes.

 

CUISINE

Their unbridled outpouring of emotion manifests itself in their culinary creations; Illatian cuisine is rustic, with origins amongst peasants, who made the most of affordable foods, but is served in plentiful quantities. The kitchen of an Illatian household is the centre of family life. Daughters are trained early by their mother to be capable homemakers themselves, yet even Illatian men are adept in front of a stovetop.

 

When one thinks of a traditional Illatian meal, two dishes typically come to mind, though there are countless more:

The first, and most common, is that of many, many small pieces of thin, unleavened dough of flour, water, and egg, usually served with a sauce of the ‘ganello’ fruit, commonly grown in Illatian gardens. This dish is known as ‘basto’.

The second can easily be imagined as the invention of a bored, hungry Illatian peasant, who, one day, eating a loaf of bread, wondered what it would taste like covered with ganello sauce, and cooked over a woodfire. Some amount of cheese, sliced meat, and herbs later, the dish known as ‘petta’ is now commonplace in Illatian households.

 

LOVE AND AFFECTION

Illatians are infamous paramours, loyal spouses, and very sensitive. Despite the fact that almost all Illatian marriages are matches made by parents, these marriages are generally love-filled and fruitful. Illatians do not perceive ‘love’ as something that can only exist between two ‘star-crossed’ lovers, but, perhaps thanks to a deeper understanding of different forms of love (familial, romantic, parental, brotherly, etc.), Illatians are inclined to show all they know some form of love. As such, it is easy for one to ‘make oneself love’ another.

Once arrangements have been made between parents, courting comprises of the man’s presentation of a gift and a kiss for his prospective wife. From this initial meeting, the couple are taught a complex dance by their village elder - with the title, ‘Illadoro’, and his wife, the ‘Illenia’. This dance will be performed at their eventual wedding, and ends with each sharing a goblet of wine. They then retreat to their new house, or room in the man’s father’s house, which has been prepared by the groom in the months prior. Therein, the marriage is consummated.

Illatians display their affection openly, much to the embarrassment of foreign visitors. However, though the husband might publicly possess a position of authority, in the privacy of the household, the input of the wife is ‘highly valued’.

 

Perhaps strange for foreigners is the open display of friendship between males, as well as females. It is common for friends of the same gender to hold hands or interlock arms as they walk about casually.

 

CONFLICT

As passionate in conflict as they are in love, Illatian people will engage in terrible, loud, and furious arguments, sometimes over the most petty of issues. It is humourously said that an Illatian friendship’s quality can be valued according to the frequency of their fights. However, arguments amongst Illatians rarely last more than a few days, as the community will band together that the conflict is resolved. This happens over a shared meal, sometimes a village feast. The apparent vacillation of this cultural oddity often stupifies foreigners, who might be put upon edge as two burly Illatians roar at each other from across the village in the morning, and, twelve hours later, are found dining together, laughing away their troubles.

 

Disputes with non-Illatians, however, are likely to develop a long-harboured grudge if not resolved.

 

ART

CREATIVITY AND EXPRESSION

Illatians are famed across the realm for their affinity for the Arts; in music, art, literature, and other fields, Illatians’ innermost beings are expressed in soulful catharsis. Illatians are traditionally great patrons of the arts, with feasts and celebrations always accompanied by entertainers.

 

ARCHITECTURE

Humble beginnings are evidenced by the mastery of such materials as cobblestone in Illatian architecture. The oldest Illatian settlements are truly rustic in their appearance; rough stone features extensively in traditional architecture - from cottages to castles. A small Illatian town’s layout is typically full of twists, turns and alleyways, and are typically established upon high ground. Illatians are also famed for their grand bridge-building. This traditional Illatian architecture is rustic, solid, and strong in character.

However, a new movement sweeps across Illatian culture, one of enlightenment and revolution in art and mindset. This has begun to manifest itself in an increasingly artistic approach to architecture. More ostentatious in its flamboyant use of pillars, domes, steeples, and cornices,  and aesthetically stimulating in the artistic use of colour, this style has also introduced the painting of historical and/or religious scenes upon the interiors of major buildings. Such a work of art is known as a ‘cielovista’.

 

SPEECH & PRONUNCIATION OF WRITTEN SPEECH

Illatians are easily identifiable by their excitable, articulated speech, delivered with enthusiasm and musicality. Despite their artful, poetic use of language, it is through their erratic waving of their hands that most meaning is conveyed. In their upbringing, an Illatian subconsciously develops a natural affinity for talking ‘with their hands’. As well as this, an Illatian is typically loud and boisterous, and might often (unintentionally) invade one’s personal space.

The Illatian tongue might be regarded as elegant as that of the elves, in its natural flow and rhythmic expression of the soul. Many a maiden has swooned at the mere utterance of Illatian words. The main features of this language are:

- Clear elocution; facial muscles are endlessly exercised.

- ‘R’s are rolled.

- Vowels have only one sound, unlike the Common Tongue.

- The digraphs [ch] and [gh] indicate hardness when used before and [e].

- The digraphs [ci] and [gi] indicate softness when used before [a], [o], and .

e.g., for you Americani:

(Illatian) Gia = (Common Tongue) “Ja”

(Illatian) Che = (Common Tongue) “Ke”

Ca = “Ka”  |  Che = “Ke”  |  Chi = “Ki”  |  Co = “Ko”  |  Cu = “Ku”

Cia = “Cha”  |  Ce/Cie = “Che”  |  Ci = “Chi”  |  Cio = “Cho”  |  Ciu = “Chu”

 

That should be the basics; investigate Italian itself if there are any other worries.

 

FASHION

Even as peasants, Illatians find ways to appreciate the finer tastes in life. There is no such thing as ‘too much colour’ in Illatian culture, evident in their clothes more than anything else. Illatian commoners might often dress garishly, with no apparent theme to their outfit, often decorated with colourful patches where damaged by village life.

Wealthier Illatians, however, seem to possess something of a taste in fashion. Extravagant materials are often used in pleasant combinations in a plethora of styles, adorned with laces and silken sashes. In addition to fanciful fabrics, it might be observed that many wealthy Illatian men possess an unhealthy obsession with headwear. Male wardrobes are crammed with hats of all shapes and typically made of such materials as wool, felt, and leather. Notable ‘must-haves’ amongst Illatian men include berets, flat caps, and roundlets. Illatian men are always on the hunt to initiate a new headwear trend...

 

FAITH

RELIGIOUS DEDICATION

Illatians are traditionally fervent followers of the One True Faith, with it occupying a central, unifying position in communities, and in households. An Illatian will hear no ill spoken of the beloved clergy to whom they look to for guidance and peaceful conscience.

Illatians are earnest in their church attendance, and often send their children to help with the maintenance of their diocese - gardening, assistance of priests, etc.

 

AVERSION TO MAGIC

This uncompromising religious dedication leads the Illatian people to fervently shun any form of magic that is not of the Creator. It is understood that magic is from ‘the Void’, and therefore a product of evil. A foreigner entering an Illatian community is warned against magic. If magic use is witnessed by an Illatian, they will immediately shut their eyes, block their ears, and sing praises of the Creator. Use of magic in an Illatian household will result in an immediate expulsion, as well as all cooked food in the house being thrown out for fear of its being cursed - usually upon the foolish mage’s head.

 

FORTITUDE

CULTURAL ENDURANCE

Throughout the centuries, the Illatian people have experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly of each occupying power to take advantage of their ‘hospitality’. Yet, through the ages, these people have not only survived, but thrived, thanks to their strength in unity. Whilst prepared to honour the grand powers of the realm, Illatians will never allow themselves to be oppressed. Their resilient nature has allowed them to prosper through famine, war, and occupation.

 

PATRIARCHY; RESPECT

Illatian households are typically thought to be governed by a domineering paterfamilias. However, despite public organisations being headed by a male on nearly every occasion, there is an unspoken authority held by the women of Illatian society. These women are strong-willed and hot-tempered, and often engage in argument with their husbands (and, of course, other women), but never in a manner that might undermine his public gravitas.

Illatians seek in their leaders this gravitas, fortitude, and authority. Illatian systems of government do not entertain idealist notions of democracy to a ridiculous extent; the authority vested in a strong, capable leader is enough for an Illatian, who, should he be impressed, will obey happily. The best way for foreigners to negotiate with Illatians is with confidence, and not sycophancy.

 

CONSTITUTION

Physically, Illatians are a stalwart people. Indeed, due to ethnic diversity, all bodytypes are seen. However, there is a widely-held notion that most Illatians are stout, hairy folk. Nevertheless, Illatians are not only unarguably strong, but have even greater stamina, and are suited to physically-demanding trades. Some have speculated that floating about somewhere in the Illatian genepool is the seed of Dwarves, but such is unbased, despite the high regard Illatians hold for the Dwarven people.

 

ILLATIA AND THE WORLD:

 

TRADE

Illatia, as a cultural melting pot, excels in producing some of the finest products in the realm. A traditional inclination in the way of agriculture leads Illatians to be main exporters of cloth and agricultural goods. Illatian wool is famed for its softness and warmth, its properties employed in the production of fine, sturdy clothing. Illatian durum wheat semolina, used particularly for the creation of basto, is known for its nourishment.

With the cultural contribution of the Nicatorii, wine has become an integral part of Illatian culture. Illatian vineyards produce some of the finest vintages; Illatians themselves make quite a hobby out of wine-tasting, and a few casks are sure to be found in every household.

With their physical inclination for manual labour, the Illatian people are skilled producers of construction materials - sturdy, textured timber and stone are features of Illatian products, and use of these materials in Illatian architecture is endlessly varied.

Further, a secondary export is that of furniture. With their finesse in the field of fashion, and abundance of fine materials, Illatians have introduced many beautiful styles of armchairs, sofas, beds, desks, etc. Illatian leather upholstery is particularly sought after.

 

 

Weapons of Illatian steel are not necessarily superior in performance to any other, but, rather, are famed and sought after for their sheen. It is observed that, as a result of some process known only to these Illatian smiths, their steel requires less maintenance, and is shines more brilliantly than any other. Thus, Illatian steel weapons are used primarily for decorative purposes, though are still capable of cutting a man down effortlessly. A particular type of blade, the ‘pinsiero’, is characterised by its long, thin blade, and its elaborate hilt, and is used in swift slashing and thrusting. Wealthy Illatians often engage in duels with such blades, testing each other’s mettle and agility.

 

 

LANGUAGE:

COMMON PHRASES/TRANSLATIONS

Yes = Si

No = No

Good Day = Buongiorno

Good Evening = Buona sera

Welcome = Benvenuto

Goodbye = Arrivederci

Thankyou = Grazie

Hi!/Bye! = Ciao!

O.M.G. = Dio mio!

Praise the Creator! = Gloria a Dio!

Father/Mother = Papa/Mama

 

IDIOMS

 

[Emp 209]

- RESERVED -

 

I rushed towards the end in the hopes of getting this out sooner.

Updates, etc. Will be noted here.

Please feel free to leave feedback, suggestions, questions.

[Ford 1996]

((bippidi boppity, spaghetti italiano spaghettlio pesto!))

[AlmondTree 418]

(( The princess swoons from the charm of such a post ))
Yes please, i want to see more of this!!

[Cat Evocation 3728]

((Your going to have a better name than  Yes? Something more creative?))

[Draeris 3124]

"Durante la luce del giorno mi chiamano Federico, ma durante la notte Io sono il lupo solitario!"

 

Frederick mutters, holding a rose

 

"It is good for my principles to be defined by such honorable culture, I shall sure refer to myself differently now."

[Emp 209]

 

(( The princess swoons from the charm of such a post ))

Yes please, i want to see more of this!!

 

 

Hopefully this can form the foundation of some RP I hope to get happening in 4.0 :3

 

((Your going to have a better name than  Yes? Something more creative?))

 

We can pretend that this is in no way related to 'Italian'. We can pretend that the Ruskiyan Orthodoxy is 100% original. We can stick our hipster noses up in the air, but the truth is that having such names in our fantasy world not only acknowledges our inspiration, but also a familiar point of reference, for the unspoken basics to be conveyed without throwing about over-complicated jargon to assure ourselves that we're oh-so original.

 

Even so, feel free to suggest an alternative.

[Ctc9592 62]

Marcello Marchetti Approves

[Sky 0]

Please change the name to something more creative, other than that... Well, the character I play currently and the family, is Antonio Russo. Seems like The Russo family would be of this culture.

[Draeris 3124]

Gentlemen, there is really no real issue with the name.. Oren is the name of the Witcher currency, Minas is just a crappy alternitive to Midas.. I don't see complains about that? The culture is amazing, the name is good.

[Emp 209]

Please change the name to something more creative, other than that... Well, the character I play currently and the family, is Antonio Russo. Seems like The Russo family would be of this culture.

 

I can understand where you're coming from, and am happy to hear that this culture might suit you and your house. However, I think that the complaints are unbased. I'm prepared to defend my stance.

 

Give me suggestions, sure, but keep in mind that it's not simply a matter of something cool-sounding and ending in a vowel..

 

There's more logic than "Oh yeah, switch two letters; that's so damn cool and original!"

The way I see it, 'Illatia' does harken one's mind to thoughts of Italy in general; it's a mix of 'Italian' and 'Latin' - to me, it sounds more like a Roman province, when pronounced correctly. Whilst some might regard that as a bad thing, it makes a clear connection in one's mind to the inspiration, allowing any player to have an understanding of the culture, without needing to read this post for such.

 

I do appreciate the feedback so far, and I hope that, together, we can contribute to making this something truly great.

I'm prepared to compile a list of suggestions.

[Sky 0]

I can understand where you're coming from, and am happy to hear that this culture might suit you and your house. However, I think that the complaints are unbased. I'm prepared to defend my stance.

 

Give me suggestions, sure, but keep in mind that it's not simply a matter of something cool-sounding and ending in a vowel..

 

There's more logic than "Oh yeah, switch two letters; that's so damn cool and original!"

The way I see it, 'Illatia' does harken one's mind to thoughts of Italy in general; it's a mix of 'Italian' and 'Latin' - to me, it sounds more like a Roman province, when pronounced correctly. Whilst some might regard that as a bad thing, it makes a clear connection in one's mind to the inspiration, allowing any player to have an understanding of the culture, without needing to read this post for such.

 

I do appreciate the feedback so far, and I hope that, together, we can contribute to making this something truly great.

I'm prepared to compile a list of suggestions.

My family, not house, is actually entirely based off of the Italian culture. The reason that I would like the name changed is that it seems very much on the nose, I mean look at the Valois one (Don't know the name off by heart) you can tell it's french from the way it is written. I wouldn't mind if the name isn't changed, it is just something that I personally would like to see.

[Emp 209]

My family, not house, is actually entirely based off of the Italian culture. The reason that I would like the name changed is that it seems very much on the nose, I mean look at the Valois one (Don't know the name off by heart) you can tell it's french from the way it is written. I wouldn't mind if the name isn't changed, it is just something that I personally would like to see.

If I understand correctly...

You want the name to sound Italian without being a blatant rip-off of 'Italian', I suppose?

I think that the problem then is finding something that suits everyone's tastes, whereas this is simple and straightforward.

 

Go ahead and throw around some ideas; I've only received one suggestion thus far.

[Sky 0]

I am having trouble thinking of more than two, I know it is a hard thing to think of a name for something such as a culture hence why I wouldn't mind if the name didn't change, but I did think of two.

 

The Availiano Culture | Pronounced:- Ah-Vail-Eon-Oh

 

The Miadrillian Culture | Pronounced:- Me-Ah-Drill-Ee-An

[Emp 209]

Poll Added.