Politeness and Social Customs in Your Society

by **Crystal Spires** » Sat Jun 01, 2013 5:32 pm

It is known already that culture is not static. It is important to bear in mind that this forms acts as a basic and general introduction to NS cultures only. They are not in any way definitive. It is not intended to stereotype, pigeon-hole or try to quantify any NS culture or persons in the nation in question. Each society, country and culture will have numerous nuances that would make it irresponsible to suggest a uniform approach to understanding any country's social/business culture or etiquette. One also has to take into account the personal cultures of individuals, whether they be religious, regional, gender, corporate or otherwise. However, loose guidelines can assist in bettering understanding and avoiding offence; and these forms are meant only to achieve that as etiquette and taboos is of great value to the traveler or visiting business person. For Example:

Country Name: Crystal Spires

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Beastlings

Location: The Heartlands of South Central Mystria

Climate: Tropical, Subtropical, Arid, and Mountainous

Ethnic Makeup: Beastlings 56.4%, Humans 13.5%, Treefolk 12.9%, Elves 8.7%, Changelings 5.1%, Dwarves 2.9%, and Unbidden 0.5%

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: The Business Language is Common, but it is considered unusual to not be multilingual in D'rɑgolɛth, Sindarin, Silvan or Khudzûl. Multilingualism is considered to be the norm and standard and there is a strong belief in the function of communication.

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: Forntianism and Nenyitism are common religious beliefs, reinforcing Strong Social Relationships and also governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives. Forntianism was born in Crystal Spires and thus is visited by Forntians with regularity every year. Forntianism is considered a universal doctrine rather than just to a certain people, and the teachings are a basis for all guidance in the religion. Many businesses operate on a reduced schedule on Holidays and Shops may be open and closed at unusual times.

Folklore and Superstition: Spireans are Animistic and generally are careful with the relationships between persons, idols, natural objects, and fetishes which are believed to have innate magic power.

Social Hierarchies: While Spireans claim to have no social hierarchy, there are still class systems which perpetuate inequality along racial lines, and they tend to leave Skyborn Beastlings in a place of privilege, Landstriders beneath the Skyborn, and the Seabound at the bottom. The Upper Class, Middle, Lower, Farmers, and Working Class are in separate socially mobile categories. It is taboo to refer to any person by their social hierarchy.

Importance of said Hierarchies: Not very important.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Important with Outsiders, not so Important with Insiders.

Important Festivals: The Seasonal Ceremonies and the Day of Law and the Ceremony of Purification.

The Family: The most important unit in the Spires is organized by Extended Family Households. It is common for Spireans to have social taboos with endogamous rules usually prescribes against incest in the nuclear family and the extended family, and Exogamous rules are in favor of same-species marriages, but it is not mandatory. Exogamous rules are less strict and interspecies marriages exist. Endogamous rules are more restrictive. Spirean life often revolves around the family. The Spirean family consists of the nuclear as well as the extended family. It is not uncommon for three generations to be living together under one roof. In Spirean tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to provide food, clothing and shelter and make important family decisions. Within the same tradition it is believed that after someone dies their spirit lives on and will visit again after 30 days of death. Descendants will "worship" their ancestors to ensure their good favor. On the anniversary of a person's death, ceremonies are held in their memory and there is a day of commemorations. They are also remembered during certain lunar festivals and souls are consulted prior to important decisions or occasions such as a birth or a wedding.

Concepts of Shame and Honor: Spireans consider one's ability to belong in society to be a position of respect and honor. Anything that damages a person's ability to belong such as stigmatization, ostracization, shaming, physical harm or emotional harm of others are considered to be shameful acts. Any acts that promote social unity or religious values are considered to be honorable acts. Religious Values are Wisdom, Courage, Purity, Justice, Temperance and Ascendance.

Face and Saving Face: Face is considered to be one's personal honor, reputation, dignity, and prestige. When one's good actions or deeds have been exposed to people, it is a matter of conduct. It involves giving of face to others through showing respect to the other person. It is developed by avoiding mistakes and showing wisdom in action. Face is increased and decreased through others, i.e. someone complementing you to an associate, or someone ostracizing you openly.

Directness: Spireans are generally indirect to save other people's face. People may not express yes or no directly, and will not refuse openly and may hedge more often upon appointments they do not intend to keep. They do so to help protect the other person's feelings. Refusing an invitation directly is usually if not always considered an insult.

Ways to express Yes and No: Non-verbal head shake, hedging. Bowing

Politeness: Considered to be essential to interaction. Politeness is combined with positive action, which emphasizes respect and value of individuals, attending to their interests, needs, wants while retaining solidarity in-group identity markers, being optimistic, inclusive, keeping oaths and promises, emphasizing mutual interests, avoiding disagreement, and keeping good humor. There is also negative action which takes place when Spireans wish to avoid harmful imposition upon the individual. They do this by being indirect, using hedges or questions, be pessimistic about their own needs, interests, and wants, minimizing the imposition, using obviating structures, like nominalizations, passives, or statements of general rules, apologies, using plural pronouns,

Public vs Private Conduct: A Spirean is more inclined to express willingness to please others in words, actions, and beliefs, but privately their beliefs may diverge immensely from their public assurances. Being public about dislike of person or persons is considered to be face threatening. When they are in public, they must conform to accepted modes of behavior. It is only within their homes among their inner circle that they feel free to be themselves. Family members are always part of the inner circle. The inner circle forms the basis of a person's social and business network. Friendship is very important and extends into business. The people from the inner circle can be relied upon to: offer advice, help find a job, or cut through bureaucracy.

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: A person in the country is more likely to keep traditional views of politeness and social customs seriously but a person in the city will likely be more liberal with customs.

Importance of Appearance: Spireans do not consider inborn appearances to be important, but consider that the way that one dresses is the way one identifies themselves. A person who is dressed in an unclean way will be an unsociable person, likewise a person who is ostentatiously dressed are considered to possess unwarranted self-importance. The ideal is to dress cleanly and modestly.

Concepts of Cleanliness:Spireans consider purity to be important and will thus take ritual bathing fairly seriously, and will question a person's health if they do not look properly groomed.

Hospitality: Hospitality is spontaneous, and taken very seriously. If you are invited to a Spirean house, consider it a great honor. If you must turn down such an honor, it is considered polite to explain the conflict in your schedule so that your actions are not taken as a slight. A guest welcomed to the home is to be entertained, have their needs and desires tended to, and a host is to guarantee protection of the guest once they enter the threshold. Tea is the customary beverage for all occasions. Your teacup will be refilled continually. Leave your cup full if you are finished. Adding sugar and cream to tea is considered a very strange habit.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: Spireans are event focused rather than time focused, so they are less concerned about rigid schedules and will think that it is rude to hold to strict plans, as it shows commitment to the plan rather than the people involved.

Function of Pride and Humility: Spireans are generally humble and will minimize their accomplishments as they find boasting to be incredibly inappropriate. They feel that one's accomplishments should be the measure of its own esteem, rather than self-praise which is never appropriate. It is common to belittle one's self in a joking manner, and to also deflect praise to one person onto the group or the listener. Spireans protest compliments and attempt to appear vulnerable in public. They will belittle their own accomplishments in an attempt to appear humble, although other Spireans understand that this is merely courtesy and do not take the words at face value. In adherence to Spirean Manner, if you are ever offered something, like a tea or sweet, even if you want it, at first decline it until their insistence becomes greater.

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor: Humor is considered a stress-relieving activity, is used to smooth out stressful or awkward situations, and also places an open positive situation.

Polycentrism: Spireans are generally open to polycentrism and have an attitude of openness towards other cultures, opinions and ways of life. Cultural values are relativized and seen in the whole context before a judgement on a culture is made.

Regionalisms: Spirean culture is arranged in a Northern Southern Dichotomy. There is more focus on egalitarianism in the north and less in the south.

Social Profiling Social Profiling, or attempting to figure out someone's relative class is considered deeply inappropriate. What social profiling is said to do is allow people to play favorites among classes and create animosity between the wealthy and the poor. This tends to make more problems with class discrimination.

Individuals vs Collectives: In general, the Spireans are a collective society with a need for group affiliation, whether to their family, school, work group, or country. In order to maintain a sense of harmony, they will act with decorum at all times and will not do anything to cause someone else public embarrassment. They are willing to subjugate their own feelings for the good of the group. This is often observed by the use of silence in very structured meetings. If someone disagrees with what another person says, rather than disagree publicly, the person will remain quiet. This gives face to the other person, while speaking up would make both parties lose face.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships: Trust is not considered to be all that necessary for civility, but is important to close intimate relationships.

Meeting and Greeting: This gesture differs among people but generally if a Spirean Beastling is meeting someone for the first time, it will be common for someone to give the person distance and the Spirean will bow and place their hand on their chest. It is also custom to raise both hands, palms joined with the fingers pointing upwards as if in prayer, palms clasped together as if in prayer at chin level with a slight nod of the head.If one intends to show greater respect the bow is lower and the hands brought higher. If there is a great social distance between two people or as an act of disrespect the bow will not be returned. The common greeting is "Joy and Salutations friend. How goes it?" and the appropriate response is usually: "Well met, joy and salutations unto you, brother/sister/ser." Addressing the person by an honorific title and their surname is normal Spirean conduct. If a person wants to move to a first-name basis, they will advise you which name to use, and they will move to another system of greeting which will include hugs and shoulder patting with some back slapping.
Dos: Return the bow
Don’ts: Forget to return the bow! Handshake.

Gift Giving: Gift Giving is a common Spirean Practice, and is considered a standard gesture upon visiting someone's home. Gifts may not opened when received. A gift may be refused the first time it is offered out of politeness. Attempt to offer the gift again; however, never force the issue.Gifts are generally reciprocated.

Dos: If invited to a home, take nicely presented fruit, sweets, pastries or flowers.Gifts are usually wrapped in colorful paper. When giving gifts use both hands.
Don’ts: Do not use white wrapping paper, as it is the color of mourning. Avoid giving knives, it symbolizes a severance in relationships. Avoid giving arrows, as it is a symbol of marriage. Do not give white flowers or white lilies as they signify death. Do not give a lavish gift unless it is to reciprocate an expensive gift that you have received.

Degree of Gender Mixing: Spirean men and women typically do not separate themselves.

Dining Etiquette: Spireans often invite persons to entertain them at their home if one is invited to a Spirean's home, remember Spireans enjoy socializing and are extremely hospitable. It is rude to leave immediately after eating; you are expected to stay for at least an hour after dinner to converse with your hosts and the other guests. Never arrive on time when invited to a home. Although it may sound strange you should arrive a little later than invited. Arriving on time or early is considered inappropriate as it does not give the host time to prepare properly and rest before entertaining the guest. Ask another guest to confirm the dress code, but dressing well is the general rule as it affords the host respect. It is considered good manners to reciprocate any social invitation. It is considered polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating. Meals are social occasions and can be quite lengthy. Expect lively conversation during the meal. The host makes the first toast. The most common toast is "Hjɑrɛ!" When you lift your glass, look at the person being toasted. If you do not want to drink more, leave your glass one-quarter full. Guests are served first. The host/ess invites people to eat.

Dos:Wait for a toast to be made before taking the first sip of your drink.
Don’ts: Don’t discuss business at social events unless prompted to.

Table Manners: The traditional Spirean table setting firstly involves the tablecloth, called tovahri, and is spread out over a rug or low table. Main dishes are concentrated in the center, surrounded by smaller dishes containing appetizers, condiments, side dishes, as well as bread, all of which are nearest to the diners. These latter dishes are called accompaniments. When the food has been served, an invitation is made to all those seated at the tovahri to help themselves. Many Spireans continue to use bread or rice to eat their meals, and they are typically eaten with hands, long thin sticks, or ceramic spoons.There are always a cup, a bowl on a small dish, together with the sticks and spoons. Dishes are always presented in the center of the table. A formal dinning is always accompanied by tea, beer or distilled spirit. The one who sit closest to the teapot or wine bottle should pour them for others from the senior and superior to the junior and inferior. And when other people fill your cup or glass, you should express your thanks. Guests can not pour tea or wine themselves.

Dos:Sticks should be returned to the chopstick rest after every few bites and when you drink or stop to speak. Try a bit if everything that is served. Expect to be offered second and even third helpings. Initial refusals will be assumed to be polite gestures and are not taken seriously.
Don’ts: Twiddling with the sticks, licking the sticks, or using them to stir up the food, gesture with them or point them at others, or sticking them in the center of rice, as this is the way to sacrifice and is therefore considered to be inauspicious.

Concepts of Personal Space: Spirean concept of personal space is much much less than most people's are. But Spireans are aware foreigners have a larger personal bubble. They may take a few times of being informed before the message is understood.

Concepts of Time: Time is less important than events and people are. Emotions of a person are considered core to a Spirean's concerns rather than the concept of time. Deals may take a while to get through as building a relationship with persons are more important first.

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships: Spireans will not do business with people they do not know, and will take time to build personal friendships and trust before they conduct business with people they know and respect, therefore they expect to spend time cultivating a personal relationship before business is conducted. Who you know is often more important than what you know, so it is important to network and cultivate a number of Spirean contacts. Being Unsociable is considered to be untrustworthy and garners mistrust among Spirean businessmen.

How Open Meetings Are: Meetings are meant to be open and have a friendly atmosphere. Secret Business deals are considered to be unsavory and suspect. Therefore most meetings are meant to be transparent and to be something that the consumers of the company's goods may be able to see and promotes trust with them.

Communication Styles: It is important to advise Spirean counterparts in advance of who will be attending the meeting. This allows them to organize counterparts at the same level. It is also a good idea to send a brief business biography of each person.

It is quite common for the most senior person from each side to sit opposite each other at the table.

Typically, the most senior Spirean will offer a brief welcoming speech. Although you need not do the same, having a few welcoming words will brand you as a competent leader.

Once the introductions are complete and everyone is seated, there will be a period of small talk to enable all parties to become more comfortable with each other. It will end when the most senior Spirean feels comfortable discussing business. Do not rush the process or you risk permanently harming your business relationship.

At the first meeting between two companies, Spireans often do not get into in-depth discussions. They prefer to use the first meeting as an opportunity to get to know the other side and build a rapport, which is essential to them.

Meetings may extend into business meals, although business will generally not be discussed. Nonetheless, this getting-to-know you time is vital in developing and fostering a good working relationship and therefore it is important that you remain professional.

Spireans are indirect communicators who are equally concerned with the message as with the manner in which it is delivered. Since they avoid disagreements and are polite, they go out of their way to avoid confrontation, they attempt to speak in a manner where both parties retain face. They will attempt to avoid communicating anything directly that would hurt or offend another since doing so would cause a loss of "face". They will gently push their ideas forward and wait for others to respond. If they disagree with an idea, they will generally remain silent rather than speak up. Therefore, it is important to watch for silences and body language.

Since Spireans have difficulty giving an absolute negative response, they have many ways of giving a non-committal "yes". Phrases such as "it is inconvenient" or "we shall see" generally indicate a negative response.

Given the difficulty in saying “no”, it is a good idea to phrase questions so that an affirmative response can be given. If you are unsure what an answer means or think that it may be a non-committal agreement, ask the question in another fashion to see what response you receive.

It is important to remember that nodding the head does not always indicate agreement; it may simply be an acknowledgement that you have spoken. This can be disconcerting for people from some cultures who translate the gesture differently.

If someone sucks air through his/her teeth while you are speaking, it means that they are unhappy with what you have just said. If at all possible, try to re-state your position or modify your request, since you have made the other person extremely unhappy.

Communication is formal and respectful, especially to those longtimer positions. Elderhood is revered, so older businesspeople should be greeted before younger ones.

Group harmony is vital. Therefore, the communication style tends to be indirect and somewhat ambiguous. This is done to avoid embarrassing someone or causing either party to lose face. If you are from a more direct culture, you may find the use of evasive responses or insincere yes's frustrating.

Most Spireans find emotions such as impatience, anger, or irritation embarrassing and try to avoid them. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the foreigner to refrain form showing his/her inner feelings.

Spireans also commonly ask what would be considered intrusive personal questions about personal lives. If you are uncomfortable discussing such matters, it is important to handle the matter diplomatically so neither party loses face. Such conversations are meant to get to know you as a person, they are not meant to make you uncomfortable.

Tone of voice, body language, eye contact and facial expression can often be more important than what is actually said. Therefore, it is important to observe the person as they speak.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Spireans will take time to learn people's Honorifics and will default to the Honorifics if the name of a person is hard to pronounce. They do not, however believe in the use of Honorifics to keep Hierarchy.

Business Cards:Business cards are exchanged constantly and with great ceremony. Invest in quality cards. Always keep your business cards in pristine condition. Treat the business card you receive as you would the person. Give your business card with the typeface facing the recipient. Make sure your business card includes your title, so your Spirean colleagues know your status within your organization. Business cards are given and received with two hands and a slight bow. Examine any business card you receive very carefully. During a meeting, place the business cards on the table in front of you in the order people are seated. When the meeting is over, put the business cards in a business card case or a portfolio.

What to Wear: Business attire is conservative, and traditional. Males wear dark and muted colors, women wear traditional garments which are brighter colored when one is unmarried and muted after one's wedding.

Business Meetings: Appointments are necessary and should be made between 1 and 2 months in advance if you are travelling to Spires. You should arrive at meetings on time, unlike normal Spirean home visiting. If you are detained, telephone and advise the person you are meeting. There will be a period of talk and discussion before business is even introduced. When meeting your Spirean business associates, allow the most senior person in your delegation to lead the group and be introduced first. Business negotiations happen at a slow pace. Avoid losing your temper or you will lose face and damage your relationship. Do not use high-pressure tactics. You might be out-maneuvered. Your starting price should leave room for negotiation. Never offer your best price initially. Business is more quality than price driven. Business gift giving is fairly common at the end of a meeting or during a meal in honor of your business associates. Gifts should be small but not expensive. Something with your company logo or something typical from your country both make excellent gifts.

Time of Day: The Meeting is usually arranged by oracular guidance within the company, so once a meeting day is arranged it cannot be changed without scheduling a wholly new meeting.

Business Negotiations It takes time for Spireans Businessmen to become warm towards foreign businesspeople. Personal relationships form the basis of business dealings. Decisions are made slowly. Do not use high-pressure tactics. They will work against you. Spireans often use foreign love of time as a negotiating tactic, especially if they know that you have a deadline. Be cautious about letting your business colleagues know that you are under time pressure. Companies are less hierarchical. It is important to be a good correspondent as the Spireans hold this in high esteem. Group decision-making and consensus are important. Written contracts are required. Negotiations can be slow so it is important to bear in mind that decisions have to go through a lot of red tape and also group consultation. Be patient. Spireans take a long-term view of business relationships
Dos: Treat Negotiations as discussion between friends
Don’ts: Show frustration. It is weakness.

by **Breheim** » Sat Jun 01, 2013 6:40 pm

Country Name: Breheim

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Nordic.

Location: Up north.

Climate: Cold (ranging from oceanic to boreal to subarctic).

Ethnic Makeup: Breheimian (94.9%), Afrobreheimian (2.2%), Runit (0.7%), Others (2.2%)

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: The business language is Norwegian, and it is unusual to be fluent in a second language, although this is gradually changing as english is becoming increasingly common (especially in the south and among youth).

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: Lutheran Evangelical Christianity is the single largest religious denomination, at over a third of the population. Secular humanism is the 2nd largest "religion" with about 15% of the population claiming to 'adhere' to it. Other major religions are Alfartruar, Asatru, Catholicism and the Cult of Kvitekrist.

Folklore and Superstition: Some degree of superstition is common, especially in the north and among the Runit minority. Belief in omens is particularily common, along with miracleworkers.

Social Hierarchies: Trade union and public officials tend to have a privileged position in the country, and is sometimes referred to as the '2nd middle class' due to their separation from the 'traditional' middle class of academics and owners of property, although the public hierarchy is quite fluent and rarely goes in any single family. Breheim itself is a mild class society, with distinctions between blue-collar workers, white-collar workers, farmers, academics, public workers and property owners.

Importance of said Hierarchies: Little. Breheimian culture is conformist and egalitarian to the extent commenting on a superior social strata is a major faux passe, and boasts a small GINI.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Unimportant.

Important Festivals: Depends on one's social strata. Blue-collar workers, trade unionists and leftwingers in general tend to celebrate the 1st of May with parades and public parties, while non-socialists tend to primarily venerate the Breheimian National Day in a similar fashion.

The Family: Family relations are considered important in Breheim, particularily the broader family rather than the narrow family. This is particularily true in rural areas, as in many urban areas the family is usually secondary to work-relations.

Concepts of Shame and Honor: Has a strong position in the country, as individuals are shamed into complying with local and societal norms in most areas. Fidelity, humility, respect and honesty are considered honourable traits, while breaking this is considered shameful not only to the individual breaking them, but also their family and area/town/city.

Face and Saving Face: Generally considered unimportant.

Directness: Directness and honesty are highly valued in Breheim, with plainspokeness and even confrontation being considered good traits.

Ways to express Yes and No: Saying 'yes' or 'no'. Insults and bodily gestures can also express disapproval at an idea. Nodding to express 'yes' and shaking one's head to say 'no' is also common.

Politeness: Generally considered unimportant, but respect (for those deserving it) is vital, but politeness in general is considered dishonest.

Public vs Private Conduct: Generally the same.

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: The difference between rural and urban areas in Breheim is immense, both in an economical context and a social one. Rural areas tend to be more egalitarian, but also more socially conservative and insular. Religion has more importance in rural areas as well, with relatively few secular humanists and atheists.

Importance of Appearance: Considered quite important. Males are supposed to look manly per Breheimian culture, although what constitutes 'manly' varies. Northerners tend to emphasize facial hair and physical 'largeness', while southerners emphasize clean shaves and being well-dressed. In contrast, women are supposed to be feminine by Breheimian cultural standards, with curves and dresses still being common in many areas. In addition, being clean is important universally.

Concepts of Cleanliness: Being clean is considered very important in Breheim, with workplaces usually having communal showers for workers after their shift is over.

Hospitality: Generally not considered important, with visits and invitations being plentiful but unimportant affairs.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: Planning and following schedules, and honouring arrangements, is considered vital in Breheim, with little tolerance for spontaneous decisions which are usually derided as childish (nor matter what they are).

Function of Pride and Humility: Pride is considered highly negative in Breheim, particularily for individual feats. Pride on behalf of a group, however (such as a town, a company, a union, a sports team, etc) is considered normal and neither positive nor negative. Individual accomplishments are supposed to be downplayed, and someone who brags of themselves is considered obnoxious and abrasive.

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor: Humour is generally not important in Breheim, and most of the humour produced is notoriously grim, with gallows humour and black humour being features of Breheimian humour. Humour is usually expressed in the form of jokes, usually small anecdotes lampooning idiocy or incompetence.

Polycentrism: Breheimians are generally mildly xenophobic, although more along cultural lines than racial lines. They expect any immigrants to assimilate into the Breheimian culture, although this is changing rapidly in southern urban areas where the majority of immigrants live.

Regionalisms: Common and widespread, as people take pride in their local regions. Breheim can broadly be separated into the following regions/areas: Storvik, Bjørnborg, Svartskog, Alfheim, Nordlendene, Vestøy, Fjordland and Norraøya, each with their own distinct identity and stereotype. However, seccessionism is uncommon as patriotism is an important aspect of Breheimian culture.

Social Profiling: Considered important, and most are open about their social class and display pride in it, wether they are working class, farmers, middle class, academics, self-employed or wealthy, and most groups display a certain degree of loathing for the others.

Individuals vs Collectives: A Breheimian saying is "Alone you are lighter than a feather, but together we are heavier than the mountains". Collective identities is considered vital in Breheim, and an individual is generally considered the sum of the groups they belong to.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships: Generally not considered important, and indeed trust itself is considered 'childish'.

Meeting and Greeting:[b] Among males, handshakes are near universal regardless of how well they know each other, while between females hugs are more common. Breheimians are generally reserved, and rarely display "excessive affection" in public.
Dos: Maintain eye contact, keep the handshake/hug short.
Don’ts: Display affection, break eye contact.

[b]Gift Giving: Very rare. Breheimians seldom give gifts, except to children celebrating birthdays. This generally ends once the child has reached the age of fifteen. Breheimians have no tradition of giving gifts at Christmas either.
Dos: Keep it small, preferably something handmade.
Don’ts: Give gifts randomly, give expensive gifts.

Degree of Gender Mixing: There exists a certain degree of separation between the genders in Breheim. While Breheim has equal rights between the genders, the culture remains conservative, with women usually being considered 'butch' if they take stereotypically manly professions (such as most forms of security and heavy manual labour), wear pants or act 'unfeminine'. Likewise, men are derided as 'sissies' if they take interest in traditionally female leisure activites, display emotion in public (apart from indignation and anger, which is considered 'manly' emotions) or take a stereotypically female job (such as healthcare and retail). Leisure activities are less separate, but it's considered socially unacceptable for someone to take up a hobby which is considered 'feminine' (if they are a man) or 'masculine' (if they are a woman), and most Breheimians' circles of friends tends towards their own gender.

Dining Etiquette:
Dos: Eat slowly and methodically.
Don’ts: Talk too much, leave food on the plate, small talk.

Table Manners: Meals are generally single-course, with desserts being rare. Knives, forks and spoons tend to be put on the table, regardless of the meal and wether or not it would be used. For special occasions, Breheimians typically bring out the 'fine wares', usually either decorated plates or silverware, depending on wealth.
Dos: Comment on the food after finishing meal.
Don’ts: Slurp, burp, talk with food in mouth, drink and eat at the same time, scratch plates, use excessive condiments.

Concepts of Personal Space: Personal space is considered vital in Breheim, and violating someone's personal space is a major faux passe. Physical contact is usually kept to a minimum.

Concepts of Time: Keeping time and appointments is considered very important, and 'wasting one's time' is considered highly negative.

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships: Unimportant, in general, and Breheimians will generally tend towards not mixing 'business relations' and 'personal relations', with the exception of workmates.

How Open Meetings Are: Meetings are meant to be efficient and to the point, and only done when something has to be done. Meetings are generally closed to only involve the people affected.

Communication Styles: During meetings, and business in general, one should be short and to the point. Small talk is considered highly unprofessional, as is discussing something not directly relevant to the meeting at hand.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Rare, and someone overly concerned about titles is usually looked down upon.

Business Cards: Nearly non-existant.

What to Wear: For meetings and business in general, one should be dressed conservatively and spartan.

Business Meetings: Meetings should be agreed upon at least a few weeks in advance, and it is considered vital to show up on time, and finish the meeting within the established time for the meeting.

Time of Day: Business hours in Breheim are nearly universally early in the day, and most meetings are held near the morning.

Business Negotiations Negotiations in terms of business, or in general, should be short and to the point, and small talk in particular is considered unprofessional. Negotiations, in many ways, is considered a battle by Breheimians where each side try to 'win', and can be compared to haggling.
Dos: Show up on time, be short and to the point, have well-grounded arguments.
Don’ts: Give in easily, be affable.

by **New Zepuha** » Sat Jun 01, 2013 8:36 pm

Country Name: New Zepuha

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Euro-Caucasian

Location: Planet Terra

Climate: Varying, majority jungle and extreme steppe/tundra.

Ethnic Makeup: Germanic [90.1%] African Decent [1.9%] Non-Human Sentient [2%] Other [6%]

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: Business language is by tradition, German, being the native language of the majority of ethnics. Bilingualism is encouraged as a heavy influence from mercantilism and a very pro-business government.

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: Thrinian Catholocism is the State Religion and is widely accepted by many as a better social alternative to Roman Catholicism formerly popular in the country. Nearly all citizens follow the religion as mandated by law, but some apply for freedom forms to gain the privilege to practice other religions.

Folklore and Superstition: It is in popular belief that the Nordic gods hand crafted the German peoples to come down from heaven to rule over the promise land of New Zepuha.

Social Hierarchies: Above all sits the royal family, and then the Aristocracy consisting of Noble houses known as the Noble Haus, then soldiers and police officials, after that are the business men and merchants, then laborers, then poverty line and commoners, and finally social minorities.

Importance of said Hierarchies: The social classes are highly regarded, though the only real effects are that there is more respect for anyone above soldiers and that the Aristocracy rarely are tried for crimes.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Titles and honorifics are a pivotal part of the social culture of New Zepuha.

Important Festivals: Basic christian festivals, Mayday marches are often staged and then beaten down, other celebrations are general celebrations of beginnings of seasons.

The Family: Family is an important concept and most people are expected to maintain ties to their extended and close family.

Concepts of Shame and Honor: The basic honor codes are that of Chivalry and Honor in fair Business dealings, shame is used extensively in extracting a desired result from someone in any facet of life.

Face and Saving Face: Face as interpreted is generally unimportant as New Zepuha is full to the brim with rude citizens and a government that has no care for reputation.

Directness: Generally appreciated when doing business or matters of intimate relationships.

Ways to express Yes and No: Saying it is simple enough, non-verbal expressions such as shaking of the head is also an indicator, or the showing of ones palm in a slightly shaking manner.

Politeness: Respect for the person you are speaking too must be held at all times.

Public vs Private Conduct: Private conduct only differs in the fact of sexual conduct and drunkenness. It is highly dishonorable to be drunk in public.

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: Rural areas are staunchly religious and primarily agri-oriented or used for research purpose.

Importance of Appearance: It is very important to maintain a professional and respectable appearance out in public. Appearance is also consider on the state of one's home. Men are generally expected to stay well dressed when conducting day to day affairs.

Concepts of Cleanliness: A showered and de-odereized person in a fresh set of clothing is standard. A pristine home with slight discourse is as well a social normality.

Hospitality: This is an extremely important function, as the host of a home should always be warm and inviting to a guest of your home.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: Honoring arrangements and planning day to day activities is vital of a person in the Byzantine State, spontaneity is only really liked is celebrations or in intimate relationships.

Function of Pride and Humility: Pride is very well accepted in artistic facets but humility is required of all people.

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor: Humor is regarded as whatever the persons speaking with eachother will accept.

Polycentrism: It is expected that peoples are supportive of their respective race and species. Xenophobia and racism is thick in New Zepuha, especially seen in the slums created by the government. Immigrants are generally assimilated unless of certain minority.

Regionalisms: Regions are closely knit groups that take pride in their unique cultures and climates, Though the northern steppe regions are a rebellious lot and have been for 10 years.

Social Profiling It is extremely important as social classes are very well regarded.

Individuals vs Collectives: Individuality is disregarded as unity towards a common ground is highly encouraged. As is the high patriotism.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships: EXTREME. No where else will you find a higher level of trust than in the homes of New Zepuha.

Meeting and Greeting:
Dos: Always present a firm hand shake, hug and hand-shake if established a good relationship, always be warm and welcoming, keep hands clasped until a hand is offered by your host.
Don’ts: Never present your palms before being greeted, ignore eye contact, be loud outside of family function, or pre-maturely ask for greeting.

Gift Giving:
Dos: For business always present in a bland container with a card, festive decoration for other occasions.
Don’ts: Never hand it without being greeted or instructed to do so.

Degree of Gender Mixing: It is common for women and men to share common work or social interactions as it is encouraged to produce profit. Display of public affection is accepted as long as it is conservative.

Dining Etiquette:
Dos: Be calm and be respectable.
Don’ts: Be loud, not finish a meal, not offer a conversation.

Table Manners:
Dos: Never leave first if a guest is present, always ask about preparations.
Don’ts: Make any un-needed noises.

Concepts of Personal Space: Close areas should be respected as well as spaces owned by a person.

Concepts of Time: Being late to occasions is considered to be very rude.

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships: It is important if there is to be a long business relation.

How Open Meetings Are: Generally only peoples involved directly or wanting to place vital input are allowed.

Communication Styles: Everything should be trim and to the point, refrain from using meaningless terms.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Titles and honors are generally only used and required for an introduction or if in discussions a short title should be used.

Business Cards: It is highly encouraged and regular to hand out on first meetings.

What to Wear: Three piece suits, or regular suits with over-coats on travel are expected. Suits and well dressed skirts are well.

Business Meetings: Must be organized and planned ahead.

Time of Day: Early meetings should be used sparringly, as meeting are usually conducted at the siesta time at 5:00 P.M.

Business Negotiations
Dos: Be clear, have facts prepared, rebut respectfully
Don’ts: Be aggressive, threaten, come un-informed.

by **Urmanian** » Sun Jun 02, 2013 11:15 am

Country Name: Greater Pony Herd

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Ponies

Location: Southwestern Poneria

Climate: Oceanic climate is dominant, and approximately 60% of the Herd has such a climate, with narrow annual temperature range, clearly defined seasons and generous precipitation throughout the year. Humid continental climate covers most of the southern part of the Herd, starting narrowly where the Dragon's Mountains separate it from the northern part, and features very warm and humid summers, relatively cold winters and evenly distributed seasonal precipitation. A small part of the coastal south, approximately 5% of total area, has a subtropical, mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.

Ethnic Makeup: Pony: 87%; Human: 4,5%; Beastling: 2%; Zebra: 2%; Dwarf: 1,5%; Other: 1,5%; Griffon: 1,5%; Diamond Dog: 1%; Eteran: <0,1%

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: The Business Language is Common, but it is considered unusual to not be multilingual in Equestrian, Lubyakan, Quenya etc. Multilingualism is considered to be the norm and standard and there is a strong belief in the function of communication.

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: Harmonism is the completely dominant belief with over 90% of the population following it; however if one looks deeper easily a third of believers follows at least some sort of syncretism, from simply acknowledging the existance of other gods to fully integrating other religious beliefs into the Harmonist framework. Common syncretised religions include various forms of Mystrian Pantheism (Nenyitism), Buddhism and other Dharmic faiths, Golden Herdite Mysticism, Ranisath-Sirithilism, Kazanskyism.

Superstition: One would have thought that knowing for a fact that magic and religious higher powers do provably exist, but one would be surprised. Many rural Herdites are still fairly superstitious and tend to chalk many strange events up to magical events or divine intervention; though one can't be sure if that really is superstition or just hyper-caution, as once again, they know for a fact that higher powers provably exist. In cities and towns however, common superstition has been mostly eliminated.

Folklore: Few surviving written instances Herdite folklore of old suggest that it is in fact very improvised and few general popular plots existed and continue to exist. Herdite folklore is generally very epic and often deals with supernatural events and adventures, however as magic surrounds anypony in their daily life and is considered a simple fact of life it leaves open the theory that Herdite folk tales and songs were often based on real-life occurrences embellished to an extent by the storyteller or singer's imagination. Popular characters of Herdite folklore, as surviving instances suggest, were Charlemane, the founder of the Herd, with a certain cult of personality and an aureola of heroism often giving him supernatural abilities, Barrel Bottom, a legendary drunk who often overcame insurmountable odds through drunken antics and even outdrank Celestia herself once, Sneaky Hooves, a thief who outsmarted nobles and supernatural beasts to claim their riches and give it away to hardworking peasants. Harmonist deities, Celestia and Luna, were popular characters in Herdite folklore as well, either as central or supporting characters of the plot.

Social Hierarchies: There is no rigid social hierarchy however there is a class system similar to most modern developed capitalist states, with the ultra-rich on the top, middle class below them, followed by the working class and the lower classes.

Importance of said Hierarchies: They impact social interaction little as displays of classism, both envy towards the richer and derision towards the poor, is strongly discouraged by the social mores, however the different classes still tend to stick to themselves.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Using various Titles and Honorifics is entirely unimportant and might be actually considered offensive. Exceptions include the military and formal politics (Mr. Alpha, Right Honourable Minister of Ministries etc.)

Important Festivals: Herdite holidays are often religious in nature. Two of the major holidays, Summer Sun Celebration that is celebrated on the summer solstice, and Nightmare Night that is celebrated on 22th of October, are both major religious holidays. The Summer Sun Celebration celebrates the Sun being brought to its peak by Celestia and features mass public celebrations all over the Herd which last for two weeks as well as religious services. The Nightmare Night celebrates the legend of Nightmare Moon, a wrathful avatar of the Harmonist deity Luna who wanted to bring about eternal night a thousand years ago but was defeated. On Nightmare Night it is customary to dress in costumes and go trick-and-treating for candy, part of which is usually 'sacrificed' to an effigy of Nightmare Moon in the end of the celebrations. There are also several other public holidays such as winter holidays that take place in the late February, representing a break ponies take after 'wrapping up' the winter season in the times of old, as well as some holidays that are celebrated but are not public. There also are some Harmonist religious dates like fasts that, due to the dominant role of Harmonism in Herdite society, may be considered national holidays as well.

The Family: A Herdite family still often includes extended family even in large ultra-developed cities and is considered very important; three generations often live under one roof, or at least under two roofs next to eachother. A family is the primary social unit in one's life and the primary source from which help and guidance in hard times is to be expected, right next to closest friends. However, there are no family roles as in gender roles are simply non-existant and instead the head of the family can be any elder individual regardless of gender. There is also no spiritual reverence towards the family or ancestors except insofar they are one's first and closest "friends".

Concepts of Shame and Honor: Tend to be subjective, or specialized (military, police, fair business honor etc). There is no strong outstanding concept of honor/chivalry save for universal harm principle morals usually applied to one's social circles as a whole. But needless to say, we are quite shameless.

Face and Saving Face: Unimportant as doing something that would make you "lose face" here would more than likely land you in prison anyways

Directness: Directness, when genuinely honest, is a religious virtue, so it is encouraged and valued in most cases, unless it would damage your relationships in which cases it's excusable to be indirect to salvage friendships. Directly refusing invitations or offers is usually not considered insulting by itself.

Ways to express Yes and No: Fuck yes! Hell no! Nodding to express 'yes' and shaking one's head to say 'no' is also common, but usually more energetic gesticulations and expressions are expected to show interest and/or strong feelings towards the topic

Politeness: Being polite is impolite. Swearing and touching and smacking someone on their rump instead of bowing and shaking hands is the way to show genuine respect and frankness. Politeness is shown by being as informal and homey as possible and positive action, not following formal manners.

Public vs Private Conduct: No difference is made

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: A person in the country is expected to be more religious, more superstitious, more wary of outsiders and cautious of basically everything bordering with anxiety. On the other hand, rural folks are expected to be even more open and hospitable, if that was even possible...of course, after the "pointing their automatic shotguns at you and asking what the heck you are doing here and are you a zombie or a Lubyakan spy" phase.

Importance of Appearance: Not important as long as you don't offend the visual sensibilities of everypony around by being covered in dirty rags and mud from head to toe...though that is likely to be tolerated by most but the most touchy folks as well. Not important. Clothes and makeup are an arbitrary decoration, not a necessity, biologically or socially, in the slightest.

Concepts of Cleanliness: Not important as long as you aren't covered in mud from head to toe

Hospitality: Spontaneous, and extremely, extremely important. It is not rude to turn down random invitations directly, but you will be invited, and very often. However if a random stranger visits you (likewise, will happen often) he must be met with hospitality, or at least turned down with direct honesty. A guest welcomed to the home is to be entertained, have their needs and desires tended to, and a host is to guarantee protection of the guest once they enter the threshold. However, it is not considered offensive if a guest is not having all attentions completely directed at them. Most Herdites will be happy to just crash to your house to talk news and weather for half an hour over a can of cider they have brought themselves and nothing else.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: Spontaneity. Coming late and screwing up all possible schedules is considered polite; being anal about strict schedules or coming in strict time is impolite, Herdites will often play for time just to come late even if they are coming in time. Caring little for schedules once again shows informality, openness and respect.

Function of Pride and Humility: Pride is encouraged and valued but should not be flaunted to diminish others' accomplishments. If everyone in a social circle has the equal opportunity to brag, there's no limit to self-praise. However when there's a difference in accomplishments (for example: a wealthy businessman talking to a hobo), it is considered for the better to rein in your bragging and even belittle yourself jokingly at times while embellishing the other side's accomplishments, to create an even bragging field.

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor: Extremely important and always appropriate. There's never a wrong time for a hilarious joke or a prank, even on a family funeral. It's actually religiously mandated to joke and laugh as much as you can

Polycentrism: Herdite society is very egalitarian and inclusive; basically a melting pot. All cultures are equally respected and their heritages are often drawn from if it enriches Herdite culture. Cultural values are relativized and seen in the whole context before a judgement on a culture is made. Though if a culture is implicitly malevolent in its values, or is just extremely alien in a bad way it will not meet respect from Herdites. All species, races and nationalities are equally respected in Herdite society; even though the Herd is a fairly monoethnic entity, all reasoned sapient beings are generally treated equally by both the law and the society. There is not much in the way of distinctions drawn between various species just as there is no inherent belief in some sort of racial superiority in Herdite society, though both patriotism and some level of belief in the 'pastel-colored pony's burden', a view that sapient equines and in particular Herdites have a certain moral high ground that would let them benefit the world community by spreading their culture and mediating conflicts, do exist in the general Herdite mindset. Religion, however, is an area where Herdites are not very inclusive. Non-Harmonist religions are treated with a level of suspicion and indifference, and as such major world religions such as Christianity or Buddhism have failed to make a way into the Herd and in general non-Harmonist religions have extremely limited followings in the GPH to this day.

Regionalisms: Northern Southern Dichotomy, though not very pronounced. South is usually considered "warmer" in cultural terms (as well as weather terms) though the real difference is nil. Local nationalisms are rare, and are usually only encountered among Las Pegasians and Isalians; people from other subherds or municipalities are more comfortable being a single "Herdite" or at least "Northerner" or "Southerner" entity.

Social Profiling: Social Profiling, or attempting to figure out someone's relative class is considered inappropriate when played open, and is discouraged. Both top-down and bottom-up classisms are frowned upon.

Individuals vs Collectives: Equally important. Individual achievement is considered extremely important and is a service to the collective in itself, but social relationships are to be deeply treasured. Both being successful but lonely and having a large social circle but being personally unsuccessful is considered equally undesirable and asocial.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships: Paramount.

Meeting and Greeting: A Herdite you have just seen for the first time in your life and have asked for time or a cigarette will pat you on the back, ask you for your name, offer you a joint of weed, a drink or a round of casual sex over that and invite you to a socializing place for a party while showering you in anecdotes and jokes sprinkled with familiarities and benign obscenities and basically going from "unknown passerby" to "best friend" in seconds; same would be expected from a manager taking a job interview from you or an official taking your tax forms.

So this is how you greet anyone here. At least a pat on the back or a hug or a mildly sexual advance is customary; shaking hands/hooves or gods forbid, bowing would actually be considered offensive as any display of formalized manners as you would show that you do not have enough trust in the speaker to act openly just as you would amongst your close friends and family, or harbor some sort of ill feeling towards them personally or their socio-economic position.

Dos: Return the casual affections and informal disposition
Don’ts: Bow, follow formal manners

Gift Giving: Gift giving is common and is considered an important social interaction, it is religiously and socially encouraged; gifts are to be given out on meeting or greeting someone, or welcoming them to your house, even if you don't have a large gift a small amusing trinket or a consumable will do, not throwing around gifts marks you as not generous and is shamed a little
Dos: Give gifts randomly, and often. The more lavish the better, but even a piece of vaguely useful trash you picked up on the sidewalk will be pleasant to a Herdite; something hand-made is sometimes even better than something very expensive.
Don’ts: Don't refuse the gift, it will not insult the giver but will make them feel inadequate of themselves instead

Degree of Gender Mixing: There is no separation between the genders whatsoever.

Dining Etiquette: Etiquette? What is that?
Dos: Stay entertained and entertaining, engage in lively conversation and small talk, stay at the table for some time after eating for socializing. Don't follow any table manners. Do not arrive at a table in time, arrive a little later. Ask for more food and/or drink even if you are bursting full.
Don’ts: Eat silently and following the table manners and then leave immediately after the meal

Table Manners: None; meals are typically two-course with large desserts, served just with appropriate cutlery put on the table for the guests to use any way they want. It isn't uncommon to just leave prepared food in the preparation area and tell the guests to serve themselves any way and however much they want. The value of good food is in taste and nourishment value, the skill of the cook, rather than nice forks and spoons
Dos: Eat any way you want
Don’ts: Follow table manners

Concepts of Personal Space: Herdite concept of personal space is much much less than most peoples' are. Herdites are also less aware of touchy foreigners having larger personal bubbles, and tend to violate them often with hugs and often affections and informal gestures until reprimanded verbally

Concepts of Time: Time is less important than events and people are. See "Importance of Planning and Spontaneity"

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships: It is very important to build close relationships with both the co-workers and supervisors; who you know can be sometimes more important than what you know. It is important to network and cultivate a number of contacts at the workspace and maintain them even in the time off-work.

How Open Meetings Are: Business meetings are customary to be kept as open and informal as a party between the closest of friends to cultivate trust and openness, and transparent to the outsiders.

Communication Styles: Communication must also be open, informal and friendly, as if between friends; however if no work is done because of partying and small talk, that is also suboptimal. It's the senior position's responsibility to maintain maximal levels of both productivity and fun.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Unimportant

Business Cards: Business cards are a subculture in itself among Herdite businesspeople. Extremely, and usually imaginatively, customized, they are exchanged by businesspeople left and right not unlike trading card games are exchanged by younger kids, and are collected en masse, partly to foster relationships and partly just because. Other than that business cards serve few formal roles other just than remembering people.

What to Wear: Usually you wear nothing just like you do at other times. Or whatever you fancy. Conservative business dresses have been imported from more traditional cultures, but are used just as casually as anything else.

Business Meetings: Must be organized and planned ahead but some spontaneity is still expected and being late is still customary. If you are detained, contact distantly and advise the person you are meeting. There will be a period of talk and discussion before business is even introduced. Just like in anything else, there is place for casualty, openness and informality, but business should still be done and within established time there should be results, so one should carefully judge small talk, entertainment and business speak. There must be friendliness and understanding and showing negative emotions will destroy the meeting. You must show you are just as interested in company (in the social sense) as you are in business. If time constraints are limiting, one could opt to railroad the meeting straight to cold, hard business, but it is customary to offer an informal social meeting to the participants sometime later if that is the case. In reality, the highly competitive business culture fostered by laissez-faire capitalism makes each meeting a battle of wits, but it is still one that should be fought through smiles and drinks and jest and informal diplomacy even if all sides realize they're on a proverbial battlefield.

Time of Day: Varies wildly

Business Negotiations Business negotiations are customary to be kept as open and informal as a party between the closest of friends to cultivate trust and openness, and transparent to the outsiders. Communication must also be open, informal and friendly, as if between friends; however if no work is done because of partying and small talk, that is also suboptimal.
Dos: Be open, friendly, do business, have fun
Don’ts: Be too focused on either business or having fun

by **Riemaia** » Sun Jun 02, 2013 11:57 am

Country Name: Riemaia

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Hylians

Location: North Mystria

Climate: Humid continental, taiga, tundra

Ethnic Makeup: 91% Hylians, 7% Beastlings, 2% Sheikah

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: The primary business language in Riemaia is Hylian, with the secondary business language used for the majority of international dealings being Common.

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: Nobëism is the strongest religious belief, which gives guidelines for the majority of ones activities, and is refrenced heavily in national law. As the largest Nobëist country within Mystria, it is generally seen as the religions holy land, attracting religious tourists during all year but primarily during national holidays, which is when all non-essential businesses are closed for festivals that occur in nearly every town and city across the country.

Folklore and Superstition: Riemaian Folklore and Superstition comes directly from the dominant faith, telling stories of the Heroes of past and their actions in saving the land, leaving behind treasured artifacts in the process.

Social Hierarchies: Social Hierarchies were at one time well defined in Riemaia, but has now boiled down to having the Nobility and Clergy at the top, followed by Landowners, Businesspeople and Politicians in the middle, and General Laborers at the bottom. Species and Race is also vary important, with Hylians at the top, a majority of Mystrian-native Humans and Beastlings in the middle, and all non-Mystrians at the bottom.

Importance of said Hierarchies: The two hierarchies are generally seen as important, but are slowly declining.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Titles and Honorifics are seen as very important when someone is first met, but after becoming friends, the importance of them is generally dropped depending on the social class.

Important Festivals: Festival of the Goddess, the Wing Ceremony, Cnstitution Day Festival

The Family: The most important family grouping is the extended family, which typically remain in near-constant contact with one another regardless of general location around the world. Most extended family groups tend to reside a short distance away from other members, with the average travel time between the farthest member rarely passing one hour from the majority. There are few rules against incest in families, with the only real restriction is that siblings should never marry, but can and have known to have children with one another in the past. In Riemaian tradition, the mother is always seen as the head of the family if present, and typically is the one who leads the family in religious activities and makes the bulk of the family decisions. Upon the death of a family member, close or distant, the family will typically gather at the nearest fairy fountain and ask them to guide the lost ones spirit to Hylia.

Concepts of Shame and Honor: Riemaians typically view ones ability to promote the values of the nations primary religion as the key way to gain honor or become one who should be ashamed. A balance of wisdom, strength, and courage being the three main values, with honesty and respect as secondary but still quite important.

Face and Saving Face: Face is ones honor and reputation, which can be gained by doing activities that are genuinely charitable and not for ulterior motives, and can also be gained by others honestly giving praise of ones work or activities to someone else.

Directness: It is recommeded to be as direct as possible while trying not to be insulting. If one must refuse an invitation to anything, they should give a believable reason, if not a true one.

Ways to express Yes and No: Nodding, looking away, smiling

Politeness: Considered unessential in some contexts, with the common phrase being 'you get what you give' being the main drive in Riemaian society. Politeless is only mandatory when someone is addressing someone who is more than a single step above them in a chain of command, or to someone they directly rely on to get someting done, or to someone in the government or members of the clergy. It is also common to be kind to stangers no matter their place in society may be.

Public vs Private Conduct: Ones attitude in public should be similar to how one would behave in private, giving those around them the idea of how they would behave in common situations. IT is also common for many to express midler versions of their general attitude in public to save face among people they do not know.

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: There is no difference how someone would behave towards others, both groups keeping to the same core beliefs.

Importance of Appearance: One should always dress for the occasion or occupation they hold, students wearing school uniforms, clergy wearing white robes, businesspeople wearing anything between polo shirts to double breasted jackets with polished leather shoes. On days that one has no plans, it is expected that people dress to be comfortable, even if that means running around naked in ones own home.

Concepts of Cleanliness: One should try to keep themselves as clean as possible, depending on the activities that they are performing. Everyone is expected to take a full bath or shower at least once every two to three days, while scrubbing their faces, feet, private parts, and armpits every day. Smell is the main factor, as long as one smells at least mildly pleasant, nobody should complain about a small stain or two.

Hospitality: Hospitality is typically spontaneous but may be planned in advance. If someone is invited into the home of a Riemaian, one should always accept or give a time that they would be available to actually accept such an invitation if they have pending appointments that they cannot reschedule in a timely fashion. One should expect to be given a small snack made by the one who inviter, along with some form of juice made by another member of the household.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: It is important to know the plans and schedules of others to be able to gather a group for an event that they would all enjoy together, rather than gathering the group up and determining a set plan for a set time.

Function of Pride and Humility: Riemaian are generally prideful and want to tell people of their accomplishments, but will always try to tell of accomplishments that do not outweigh the person or persons they are talking to unless it will encourage others to gather the group in attempt to try to top the others accomplishment, in effect causing the group to grow in their friendship. Riemaians will attempt to be humble to people they do not know too well and will slowly reveal their accomplishments to others as they grow to know them.

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor: Humor is generally seen as a good thing, as long as it is not insulting to many people.

Polycentrism: Riemaian are on the whole opposed to embracing other cultures, unless they can be connected to their own beliefs/

Regionalisms: Riemaia is split in an southeast-southwest-north split, with the southwest being more rural and having most of the nations farms, general laborers, and tradition, the southeast holding most of the urban population and associated with innovation, egalitarianism, and wealth, and the north being associated with fun and adventure.

Social Profiling Social profiling is seen as inappropriate but is wildly practiced by viewing how one dresses and behaves, with those wearing extremely clean clothes as seen as being more well off and those wearing cheaper clothing that has occasional stains being seen as working class people.

Individuals vs Collectives: Individualism is seen as one of the greatest gifts one can have, leading towards innovation in all fields possible, and it is commonly ushed in schools for people to express their individualism, but it is also taught to repress specific individual traits when working as a group to further the goal that the group has set forward to do. It is common for everyone in a business setting to express their own ideas if it is related to the topic at hand, while avoiding mentioning anything completely off topic.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships: Trust is always important in relationships, business or intimate.

Meeting and Greeting: The most common form of greeting in Riemaia is a nonverbal smile or nod while looking at them, especially at a distance. Up close, most greetings involve a nod and sometimes a smile, and saying "Ramu" to one another. People who are more close in their relationship may give friendly hugs or shake while grabbing eachothers forearms.
Dos: nod in return, wave if at a distance
Don’ts: frown, spit on ones hand

Gift Giving: Gift giving is an uncommon practice in Riemaia, and most common when someone has given you a gift, done a great favor to you, or you wish to express how much the relationship you have with them means to you or the group you are a part of. Gifts must always be accepted, denying a gift means that you do not care about your relationship with the other nor wish to maintain the relationship.
Dos: Use pink, gold, or green wrapping paper, as they are seen as very favorable colors. When giving gifts, always include a golden bow on the box regardless of the color if it is meant to be a personal gift.
Don’ts: Use red or black wrapping paper, they are seen as gifts meant to offend. Avoid giving gifts that bear non Nobëist religious symbols on them, as that can be seen as an assaut on ones faith. Avoid giving anyone you are not in an intimate relationship with objects that are blue or purple, as those colors are seen as more personal colors for gifts.

Degree of Gender Mixing: Riemaian men and women rarely seperate themselves.

Dining Etiquette: Riemaians tend to invite people into their homes to show that they appreciate the person, and if invited for dinner one should expect to remain for at least three hours after arriving, giving time to eat and converse with the person who invited you and any other guests or family members present. It is highly important to arrive within a seven minute timeframe of the actual invitation time unless you have expressed up to a day early that you will not be able to make the set time. Dress codes for eating at someones home will always be casual, so feel free to dress in something that you will be comfortable in that is clean. It is polite to ask for more food when you have cleared your plate, as it will show the one who made it that it is worth eating. If you do not want any more food, it is customary to leave three corners of food making a triange visible on your plate. There are never toasts given during meals, and guests are expected to pour their own drinks to the amount that they are willing to drink. It is offensive to drink more than a third of ones glass in one go.
Dos: Fill your own glass and drink at a slow pace.
Don’ts: Discuss any form of discomfort of ones own home, discuss discomfort in the hosts home, discuss the food if it is not appealing.

Table Manners: The traditional Riemaian table is either triangular or circular in shape, and is rarely donned with a tablecloth, and is always built into a recess in the floor with seating being a part of the floor recess. The center of the table is always decorated with either a short vase of fresh flowers, a single candlestick, or a small figurine of Hylia. Main courses (salads, soups, and the main dish) will form the corners of a triangle around the centerpiece, with bread, snacks, and dessert filling in the areas between the 3 main portions. All food in Riemaia is either cooked to be eaten with either a spoon or ones hands, and it is offensive to ask for a fork for such foods. Everyone at the table is given a plate, bowl, and a single cup, along with three spoons and a knife, with each of the items on the table having their own serving utensil for everyone to use. When someone wishes to have something from a serving dish on another side of the table, they should pass their plate to someone who is on the correct side and ask them to place some on their plate.
Dos: Return your spoon to your plate when reaching for a drink, ask for drinks to be passed to you.
Don’ts: Slam your spoon on the table or your plate, reach for something on the table with one of your personal spoons or knife.

Concepts of Personal Space: Never under any circumstances touch someone that you do not know on a personal basis, and know that they would not mind to be touched by you.

Concepts of Time: Time is seen as a sacred gift from Hylia, and all plans that have been given a set time must be upheld unless you intend to offend the person or people you have set the plan with.

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships: Riemaians will do business with people they do not know, but never expect the business to be as good or efficient as it would be with someone they do know and trust.

How Open Meetings Are: Meetings are meant to be private with the person or people they are doing business with, but are expected to reveal the details of the meeting if asked to do so by a trusted individual.

Communication Styles: It is always important to know one of the two business languages used in Riemaia, Hylian and Common. It is also expected to inform the other party of the top three people that will be attending the meeting, along with the overall number of people that will be attending. Seating is generally done per side with those who will be talking the most be seated at the ends of the table, and those talking the least be seated near the middle.

During first meetings, most companies and individuals expect to learn what the other has to offer them, and never to make a final decision on anyone or anything unless the evidence is overwhelming int either the positive or negative ranges. Second meetings are where definitive answers are typically expected to be formed, with the answer typically being given at the end of the meeting or the next days following the meeting.

Riemaians have the habit of looking away from the people they are talking to when giving lengthy discussions or are thinking deeply on what someone has said, and should be treated with respect by not asking them to look at you when they or you are talking.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Titles and Honorifics are to be exchanged upon first greeting, and will stick to using honorifics unless asked to do otherwise.

Business Cards: A big no-no in all circumstances is to pass someone a business card, as it signals that the receiver is lazy. Instead, in Riemaian customs, one should carry around a contact information booklet and verbally take the information or copy it down from a display.

What to Wear: Business attire is typically green, red, blue, and pink in color, none of which are gender specific. Bright and cheerful colors are preferred over dark colors, which is usually reserved for clothing to protect from the weather than what one would wear inside. White should only be worn by those who are members of the Nobëist clergy.

Business Meetings: Appointments are a mandatory to perform large scale business that does not involve going to a retail outlet. All meeting should be made at least two weeks in advance, preferrably up to a month in advance to allow for more time to prepare. Key businessmen are expected to show up at the company one is to have a meeting with three days prior to confirm the date and time of the meeting, and to meet those you will be doing business with prior to the meeting itself. It is common in Riemaia to introduce the most senior member of the group last out of respect, with the most junior being introduced first. All prices given should be above what you would normally sell the item for, up to 15% higher. It is most common to bring some form of fruit juice native to where you are from as a gift to your counterparts.

Time of Day: All important meetings are set in the morning, between 8:15am and 11:45am, with meeting and greetings set between 2pm and 4pm. It is highly offensive to ask for an important meeting to be set after noon unless it is only during the twilight hours.

Business Negotiations Riemaian businesspeople are reluctant to give their best prices and products to companies and other businesspeople they do not know, and must be given time to warm up to someone before such deals should be made. If you must give a deadline to the time you require a product or message, always shorten the time by half to give yourself some flex time and to convice the other company to break the given time but not the actual deadline. Written contracts are recommended in Riemaia, without them neither company has any legal requirement to do as they promised, but more than likely will to keep their honor and integrity.
Dos: Ask for a draft contract upon beginning negotiations, talk to your counterparts with respect
Don’ts: show anger during negotiations, constantly look at ones watch or phone and seem to be in a rush

by **Imeriata** » Sun Jun 02, 2013 11:58 am

Country Name: The absolute royal federation of Imeriata and her realms

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Scanderans

Location: North east Mystria

Climate: The federation is huge and encompasses almost every kind of climate found on the planet

Ethnic Makeup:
Humans 50% (Scanderans 30%),
Dwarves 7%,
Beastlings 5%,
Elves 6%,
Fairies 6%
Goblins 9%
Trolls 7%
Rån 2%
Ponies 2%
Haflings 6%

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: Imerian

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: The holy chronicles is the largest religion in the absolute royal federation.

Folklore and Superstition: http://iiwiki.com/wiki/High_Culture_Folk_Tales_and_Legends
Considered massively important

Social Hierarchies:
Considered as an Important and good thing.

Importance of said Hierarchies:
In Imerian society so is the social hierarchy considered something of great importance and is used to determine how two people should interact

Using Titles and Honorifics:
Very important

Important Festivals:

The Family:
Is seen as a very important concept and a person is expected to do his best to honour is family and obey them

Concepts of Shame and Honour:
Shame and honour is considered amongst the most important parts of society and people do tend to avoid shame and gain honour.

Face and Saving Face:
Ones personal honour is still important in the federation and a man with a dishonourable reputation would be shunned from society and have a hard time making friends.

Directness:
Imerian culture tends to be rather indirect and prefer to have small talk and engage in social rituals before going straight to their point.

Ways to express Yes and No:
There are countless ways to say either yes or no.

Politeness:
Imerian culture is rather polite in their own mind, they have a tendency to be somewhat arrogant though which can be translated as somewhat rude.

Public vs Private Conduct:
People are expected to be prim and proper both in public and private but rules are often laxer in private than in public.

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy:
Imerians are about 50-50, large numbers of people live in the large country side but the massive cities are also the home of countless of people.

Importance of Appearance:
Imerians places a high importance on their appearance and are expected to dress in sharp nice clothes and be well groomed and washed.

Concepts of Cleanliness:
Imerians have a highly developed concept of cleanliness and for centuries have Imerians started their day with a cold bath which have limited diseases in the old days.

Hospitality:
Imerians places a high importance on hospitality and there are very important rules about the duties a host have to a guest.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity:
Planning is considered very important

Function of Pride and Humility:
Pride is seen as a very important part but you are also supposed to be humble at the same time in the Scanderan viewpoint. So while you are not supposed to downplay your achievements so are you not supposed to brag about them constantly at the same time.

Importance and Appropriateness of Humour:
Humour is rather important.

Polycentrism:
Imerians do not see any trouble with people of other colours, however do they still see their culture as superior to other cultures but you do not have to be Scanderan to behave as one.

Regionalisms:
Despite the bickering between Scanerans so does most federal subjects not care what region you are from.

Social Profiling
easy as richer people do wear more gold and much finer clothes.

Individuals vs Collectives:
While Imerians considers being a individual to be a thing of great importance as long as you do not deviate from the social norm.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships:
Very important

Meeting and Greeting:
Dos: act respectfully and treat the man or woman you are greet like he should be treated accordingly to social rules. Bow/curtsey to social superiors and nod to those bellow you.
Don’ts: Do not act disrespectfully or be rude.

Gift Giving:
Dos: everything goes man.
Don’ts: Give too cheep gifts

Degree of Gender Mixing:
Genders are mixed until the evening in finer company when the men withdraws to the dining hall and the women goes to the woman room to spend the time away from one another.

Dining Etiquette:
Dos: send invitation well in advance and let your guests plan ahead, show up on time, do not be rude to your guest and host, bring a gift.
Don’ts: Do not show up too early or late, do not be rude.

Table Manners:
Dos:
Burp after you have eaten your fill, do not eat all the food served, leave a little if you are not going to take another portion, have your knife in your right hand and your needle in your left one.
Don’ts: Do not complain

Concepts of Personal Space:
Personal space is seen as important in Imerian society

Concepts of Time:
Imerians are a very punctuational society so time is very important for them
Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships:
Not that important, instead do people tend to represent their corporations
How Open Meetings Are:
not very

Communication Styles:
Letters, phone and telegram is the most common ones.

Using Titles and Honorifics:
Considered the right thing to do well into a friendship .

Business Cards:
All but non-existent in federal culture

What to Wear:
Formal clothes

Business Meetings:
Tends to be short and to the point

Time of Day:
can take place on all hours of the day,

Business Negotiations
Dos: Haggling is an important part of imerian negotiation and it is traditionally expected that you yourself starts of at half the prince offered and then meets the sailsman somewhere halfway between your two starting points.
Don’ts: accept the price directly or demand smaller price than half of the offered price.

by **The Freethinkers** » Sun Jun 02, 2013 12:40 pm

Country Name: The Freethinker Commonwealth

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Humans (various ethnicities)

Location: Equatorial Atlantic, plus colonies in the Arctic and Pony Lands

Climate: ‘All?’ Warm and tropical on the Mainland, arctic for Fargon, temperate for Fortuna. All generally recognised biomes are represented in at least one of the Freestian territories

Ethnic Makeup: Unknown, primarily Midlonian, Suedi, Akuman and other stocks from the Pax Midlonia, Ghoul minority has vampiric forebears.

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: Common/English, bilingualism is fairly rare but language skills are appreciated.

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: Agnostic/Atheistic, though no category of belief/lack thereof comprises more than twenty five percent of the population

Folklore and Superstition: Varied, human folklore has its origins int he Midlonic or colonial tradition. Rural hardship and survival are main themes, as are sacrifice and honesty. Most characters and locations are from the Commonwealth’s Outback.

Social Hierarchies: Monarchy and nobility are present, but both are comparatively open institutions. Class system exists mostly as relic of midlonian age, Vampires are a specific subset are considered an elite, however.

Importance of said Hierarchies: Limited.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Depends, earned rank or title (which do comprise the vast majority) are often used as marks of respect.

Important Festivals:
End of December: Christmas/New Year celebrations in the Midlonian Church vain, traditional western winter celebrations.

Week containing 14th February: Lupercalia, imported ancient festival of love. Generally celebrated enthusiastically. Celebrated for seven days straight.

7th April, independence day. first weekend after this date has both Friday and Monday off as bank holidays in celebration.

The Family: Usually nuclear in structure, though any couple offering commitment is entitled to such. Mostly encouraged to be formed later in life than in other cultures. Getting married and having kids before thirty is generally seen as hasty. Extensive family networks are common.

Concepts of Shame and Honor: Few recorded, not common, and generally sourced from foreign belief systems than anything Freestian.

Face and Saving Face: More important for Ghouls than humans, culture of machismo within some Ghoulish communities make threats difficult to walk away from.

Directness: Common, though often tempered. Level of directness will depend upon familiarity, however.

Ways to express Yes and No: Anglo saxon greetings are copied, nod and shaking of the head.

Politeness: Expected, though stoic unlesss familiar.

Public vs Private Conduct: Public tends to be more professional and distant, though only relatively compared to the highly intimate and passionate private relations.

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: Massive and the principal societal driver for many. Generally urban people are archtypical western city folks, healthy, service sector jobs, liberal attitudes, richer, more connected. Rural tend to be tougher, more collective, tougher.

Importance of Appearance: Cleanliness is more important than adherence to fashion or opulence. Spartan or Stoic styles are common. Generally speaking, the main driver is showing off physical form rather than clothes themselves.

Concepts of Cleanliness: Personal hygiene is extremely important, and even low income or highly rural families will invest significant sums in such. Related is an adherence to physical fitness. Freestians are a fit and healthy population by most standards.

Hospitality: More noticeable in rural areas, though almost all people are friendly and accommodating. In rural areas close links for survival make hospitality a question of survival for many.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: Adaptability is one of the core Freestian cultural traits, and spontaneity and reactive ability are prized. That said, being able to plan something reasonably well is a common enough skill.

Function of Pride and Humility: Humility is generally admired, though pride in genuine accomplishments is generally fine and common.

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor: Sense of humour is an absolute must and being able to take a joke is considered an important attribute. Comedy is a principal art form, and even risque subjects are often discussed.

Polycentrism: As a rule Freets are cosmopolitan and welcoming of outisde culture and people. The Commonwealth has many large regional cultural centres as well.

Regionalisms: Rural/urban divide is large, and detailed below. There are six distinct city states which exert there own influence as well.

Social Profiling Rare but does occur, Ghouls in particular have had past issues with this. Main social divide though is urban vs rural

Individuals vs Collectives: Individuals except in rural environments, which tend to require close collective cooperation just to survive.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships: High, along with transparency, and this applies in both public and private.

Meeting and Greeting: Dependent on many factors, though can vary from general handshake all the way up to hugs and kisses depending upon circumstance. Generally Freestians themselves will go for at least some physical contact and one shouldn't shy away from being hugged or otherwise, however.

Dos: Try to reciprocate contact where appropriate.
Don’ts: Be touchy feely on first meeting someone.

Gift Giving: Generally done, but usually on a small scale unless kid’s birthdays or major life events.
Dos: Try and be pragmatic, generally don't try and outshine other givers
Don’ts: Be too ostentatious.

Degree of Gender Mixing: Common. Gender mixing in all walks of life is common. Most bathrooms/changing rooms/bathing and swimming facilities etc are unisex.

Dining Etiquette:
Dos:Freestian meals tend to share a central bank of dishes, share, offer, feel free to ask questions. Many cuisines are regional specialities, so asking is a way of sharing culture. Do compliment chefs etc.
Don’ts: Don’t hoard food of particular types, nor limit tasting to only a small number of dishes available. DO NOT ASK FOR THE VEGETARIAN OPTION IF NONE IS PRESENT

Table Manners:
Dos: Offer food and drink round.
Don’ts: Pig out. Eat with mouth open or generally act uncivilised. Eating with fingers is a Freestian trait, but should in at least a reasonable manner.

Concepts of Personal Space: Context dependent, generally a few feet is fine. Freestian are proactive in this regard, and will usually extricate themselves to a comfortable distance if intruded upon without insult. Repeated violations however, are frowned on.

Concepts of Time: Time is generally a secondary concern, though it can matter in some critical issues. Generally, urgency should be considered when tasked with something. People should be on time or slightly early for appointments, lateness is excusable if an excuse is given, however.

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships: Generally useful. Social contacts are a good way to seek employment or leads, but should not be maintained solely for such purposes.

How Open Meetings Are: Commercial details may be absent, but generally business is open.

Communication Styles: Professional and direct, there is nothing distinctly considered Freestian as a negotiating style, though sticking to task is seen as good.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Always in a professional setting until familiarity is established.

Business Cards: Common in both paper and electronic form. Dont be too garish and detail purpose of organisation.

What to Wear: Suits are fine, generally business casual is worn as acknowledgement of the heat, light colours and slightly revealing clothing are fine

Business Meetings: Common, face to face, generally done in a quick manner

Time of Day: Early morning or late afternoon.

Business Negotiations
Dos: Be honest, open, aim for mutual improvement and win/win scenarios
Don’ts: Bring personal issues into it

by **Allanea** » Sun Jun 02, 2013 6:12 pm

Country Name: United States of Allanea

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: White (Caucasian) Humans.

Location: Everywhere. Mainland is in Greater Prussia, colonies extend throughout Earth and beyond

Climate: Mainland is Northern European, varies elsewhere.

Ethnic Makeup: Caucasian Human – 60%, African 8%, Asian/Hashi 17%, Elf 5%, Valaquine 5%, Dohwar 5%.

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: English and Russian are primary business languages. Knowing other languages if the mark of an educated man but in the long-run they are unnecessary. English, and to a lesser extent Russian, are the languages of Freedom and Civilization.

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: Christianity and the monotheist religions used to be prevalent, but receded in recent generations in favor of worship of deities actually granting prayes.

Folklore and Superstition: Superstitition is of course popular, not in the form of believing in ghosts or magic (these are real), but in all sorts of lucky rituals, especially among smugglers and military men.

Social Hierarchies: While formally Allanea has no social hierarchies, class is still somewhat important. Wealthy businessmen and military veterans occupy the top of the social chain, as well as holders of Imperial titles of nobility.

Importance of said Hierarchies: In the long-term, they are not overridingly important, as Allaneans have strong belief in the dignity of even the lowest members of the social hierarchy.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Used with Outsiders.

Important Festivals: Independence Day, April 19th, on which large parades are held to celebrate the sovereignty of Allanea and its victory over many foes. New Year's Day, in which the New Year is celebrated. Good Business Day, celebrated on May 1st, to celebrate business success through amazing parties thrown by business owners.

The Family: The family is seen as a system of mutual ties, not as hierarchy. Overly-stern matriarchs/patriarchs are seen as creepy.

Concepts of Shame and Honor: It is considered shameful to back down in the face of threats and violence. While crime victims are typically supported by the community, a typical Allanean will be outraged by attempts to threaten him.

Face and Saving Face: To be threatened (either by violence, or in a business negotiation) is outrageous, and oftentimes people who are threatened will refuse to do something that might have been beneficial to them to avoid the impression they did it under threat.

Directness: Yes.

Ways to express Yes and No:

Politeness:

Public vs Private Conduct:

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: Allaneans prefer rural and suburban living. Inhabitants of apartments are seen as poor.

Importance of Appearance: Allaneans believe greatly in appearance as a means of individuation, and their clothing is often used to express belonging to a favored subculture, see also [url=http://www.nswiki.net/index.php?title=Informalism]Informalism[/url

Concepts of Cleanliness:

Hospitality:
Hospitality is encouraged, however acting as if you expect it as your due is extremely re.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity:
Spontaneity.

Function of Pride and Humility:
Allaneans are such proud people they adopted a noble title, Freeman, to descibe every man in the country.

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor:

Polycentrism: Yes, Allaneans believe 'Western' (i.e. 'white' 'European' culture is best, on the other hand actual racism is seen as inappropriate.

Regionalisms: Hashi and Ngmweni are often quite more traditionalist, and more community-oriented, than most other Allaneans.

Social Profiling Cannot be abolished, but seen as very impolite to voice openly.

Individuals vs Collectives:
Individuals.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships:

Meeting and Greeting:
Dos:
Don’ts:

Gift Giving:
Dos: Give as many gifts as possible, they are always appropriate except where they ae actually a bribe of course..
Don’ts:

Degree of Gender Mixing: All major social institutions are co-ed.

Dining Etiquette:
Dos:
Don’ts:

Table Manners:
Dos:
Don’ts:

Concepts of Personal Space:

Concepts of Time:

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships:

How Open Meetings Are:

Communication Styles:

Using Titles and Honorifics:
Yes, please.

Business Cards:
There are widely used, and often come with implanted memory cards with additional information about the business.

What to Wear: Dresscodes are dead, like Paul.

Business Meetings:

Time of Day:

Business Negotiations

Dos: Highlight mutual advantage and win-win scenarios, offer the other partner gifts and perks.
Don’ts: Attempt to use threats, even such as 'we can always cut off sales altogether if you anger s, you know'. An Allanean may cut off the deal just because he's angered on that.

by **Cruciland** » Sun Jun 02, 2013 7:30 pm

Country Name: נַוָד לגיון של צלבארץ. (The Nomadic Legion of Cruciland)

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Crucilandian.

Location: It varies.

Climate: Inside the Citadel, it contains a rich array of climes from arctic to tropical. Outside of the Citadel, it depends on where we're parked at.

Ethnic Makeup: 100% Crucilandian.

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: The National Business Language is the same as the main language- Hebrew. The International Business Language is whatever the other party is speaking. We are omnilingual beings, and see bilingualism (as well as its variants) as a natural inconvenience caused by the existence of countless different cultures that must be studied in order to get around said inconvenience.

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: Historical Christianity.

Folklore and Superstition: None exists outside of fictional works.

Social Hierarchies: There is a clearly defined caste system that anyone can climb up or fall down in. The caste goes in ascending order: Drones, Commoners, Military Personnel, Business CEO's and Military Leaders, Religious Leaders, Councilors, High Councilors, and finally the Emperor.

Importance of said Hierarchies: Drones are the semi-sentient golden spheres that float around and take care of the actual citizens. They are utterly loyal servants deployed in countless different lines of work. Commoners are the people who watch over the Drones and manage their own small businesses. (or manage sub-divisions of larger businesses) Military Personnel enforce the law and carry out military operations both locally and abroad, usually commanding Drones or other semi-sentient machines to do the dirtier work for them. Business CEO's are the economic brains in Cruciland, and are what continue to make us- even while constantly running- an economic powerhouse. Military Leaders coordinate entire battles, and act as the masterminds behind strategies and warfare. Religious Leaders help enforce the Indisputable Laws and coordinate assimilation tactics done unto foreign nations, but surprisingly do not preach the Gospel due to the entire Bible being already engraved into everyone's memory. Councilors manage the different divisions of the Legion, and help coordinate national affairs along with any international affairs that the High Councilors can't be bothered with. The High Councilors manage entire regions of Cruciland and handle most foreign affairs, in addition to imposing any regional laws. The Emperor rules over the entire Legion and is the ultimate decision-maker in Cruciland- plus he also doubles as our most powerful weapon of mass-destruction.

Using Titles and Honorifics: When a stranger addresses someone, using titles and honorifics is expected. When a friend or relative addresses someone, using their title or honorific is unnecessary.

Important Festivals: Just the typical ones, for the most part- New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, Saint Patrick's Day, April Fool's Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Emperor's Birthday, Hallow's Eve, Black Friday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are all public holidays.

The Family: Familial bonds are well and alive here, but the influx of offspring (coupled with being born fertile adults) makes staying connected with family members a pain in the arse.

Concepts of Shame and Honor: Shame is breaking the law. Honor is enforcing it.

Face and Shaving Face: Being amorphous, we can make ourselves divinely beautiful. Anyone who does not do this will be given funny or accusatory looks from other people.

Directness: We prefer being blunt, although we are prone to gilding our language with aristocratic phrases and slang.

Ways to express Yes and No: We simply state it.

Politeness: Good manners are an unspoken virtue here, so mind your Pleases and Thank-Yous.

Public vs Private Conduct: Publicly, it is an unspoken law to act like a proper gentleman. (or lady, for that matter) Privately, we tend to be more lax unless if there are guests over.

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: They are utterly identical- we hate language barriers.

Importance of Appearance: "Lookism" is not taken very seriously, but we DO expect for individuals to at least look presentable.

Concepts of Cleanliness: Cleanliness is not getting sick (which is physically impossible for us anyway) and not getting scum everywhere. (which is automatically taken care of by the scum-devouring architecture and our military kicking out all of the scumbags)

Hospitality: It is not expected for a Crucilandian to be hospitable, but it certainly is encouraged with one's fellow man.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: Planning things out is a concept set in stone for everyone- in a fraction of a second, we can come up with complex strategies that are viable across the board of what we are trying to accomplish. The only form of Spontaneity we practice is spontaneous planning.

Function of Pride and Humility: Pride is tolerated when a person does well. Humility is a requirement for when a person does poorly. Not showing guilt for your wrongdoings is incredibly disgraceful here, and is one of the reasons why we are so hostile to nations with excessive amounts of civil rights.

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor: Having a sense of humor is like having a magnet that attracts good luck. On more than one occasion has a military operative been able to joke his way out of capture or execution, including using a sense of humor as a weapon of mass-distraction.

Polycentrism: It is tolerated to a minor extent.

Regionalism: "United we stand" pretty much sums up our view on Regionalism.

Social Profiling It is only used when trends for a certain trait are very strong for a demographic group, or when the trait is inherent in the demographic group itself. Beyond that, we are far too rational to use social profiling.

Individuals vs Collectives: Again, "United we stand" pretty sums up our view on Individualism.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships: Trust is not even considered in a relationship. Trustworthiness however, is.

Meeting and Greeting:
Dos: Keep it simple, normally with no more than touching minds with eachother.
Don’ts: Go overboard with the introductions.

Gift Giving:
Dos: State what the gift actually is, and give a reasonable reason for giving it.
Don’ts: Randomly shove gifts into people you barely know, or leave them confused with what it actually is. People will think it's a trap and give it back. (often rigging it with an actual trap as payback)

Degree of Gender Mixing: Males and females may act in a unisexual manner, but may NEVER cross the gender border.

Dining Etiquette:
Dos: Avoid doing anything stupid.
Don’ts: Act rudely to the waiter, act rudely to your tablemates.

Table Manners:
Dos: Use another mouth to talk when savoring food.
Don’ts: Make excessive eating noises. Smacking lips and loud slurping drives us up the wall.

Concepts of Personal Space: So long as it's non-sexual and inoffensive, we could care less about one's personal space- be it ours or theirs.

Concepts of Time: Time is malleable if you are sufficiently advanced. Time is typically linear. The fundamental units of time are fractions of seconds, seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, years, loop-years, loop-cycles, decades, centuries, millennia, epochs, periods, eras, and eons.

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships: Not important, but not detested either.

How Open Meetings Are: It depends on how formal the setting is.

Communication Styles: Back-to-back, answering questions, exchanging speeches. Basically turn-based etiquette.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Almost always used unless if the parties have a personal relationship.

Business Cards: Seen as obsolete- we never forget, and so never need a card to remind us of somebody.

What to Wear: Clothing is obsolete here- we are amorphous.

Business Meetings: Typically scheduled and organized, unless if it's an emergency.

Time of Day: Whenever, but typically NOT in the middle of the night.

Business Negotiations
Dos: Use manners and let the other person speak after you've said your part.
Don’ts: Be rude or excessively informal.

by **Dyste** » Sun Jun 02, 2013 7:31 pm

Country Name: The Draconid Monarchy of Dyste

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Draconids (Fire Draconids being the most common)

Location: Island roughly in the middle of New Dinosaurtopia region, south of Saurisia

Climate: Generally quite warm, with a long beach covering the south side. Plains and forests generally cover the middles. The northern side of Dyste is mountainous, and generally colder than the rest of the island.

Ethnic Makeup: Draconids 71.3%, Kobolds 26%, Elves 0.9%, Beastkin/Beastling 0.8%, Other Reptilians 0.6%, Ponies 0.3%, Humans 0.1%

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: Common is the, well, common language used, though Urgathan and Kobosh are used as well. Multilingualism is considered a good trait to have, especially for the long-living Draconids, but not mandatory.

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: The Order of Bahamut is the primary religious group, though they are of the belief that one's actions are what truly show one's worth, not active worship. The values held by Dystans are Compassion, Truth, Justice, and Knowledge. The Eight Elements - Fire, Cold, Water, Electricity, Water, Wind, Light, and Dark - are also revered, as it is believed that everything is created from these elements.

Folklore and Superstition: Dystans, especially Draconids, tend to view the Eight Elements as sentient, and try not to damage the environment in order to keep the elements content.

Social Hierarchies: The Royal Family are considered the highest 'caste' in Dyste. Among kobolds, Draconids are considered superior to other species, while Draconids themselves and and other species consider Sages in very high regard.

Importance of said Hierarchies: Royal Family aside, only kobolds seem to particularly care.

Using Titles and Honorifics: For Royal Family Members, Sages, and Royal Knights. using their proper titles are to be expected unless the individual allows them to drop them.

Important Festivals: Dyste Day, Kobold Appreciation Day, King Tyroth's Birthday and Dystemas

The Family: Due to the long lifespans of both species, Draconids and Elves often directly know several generations of their family, and treat their great-great-grandparents with similar regard as grandparents. As many businesses in Dyste are family owned, it is not uncommon to see most employees being related to one another. Interspecies marriage is perfectly allowed.

Concepts of Shame and Honor: Shame is generally applied to criminals - a curse mark is branded on them, to remind them and show others what injustice they have commited. Draconids generally view fairness, honesty, and compassion as honourable.

Face and Saving Face: Acting in the name of good and benefiting one's peers is generally considered dignified, and cruelty, dishonesty, and unfairness are considered unjust and undignified. While many Dystans can forgive such behaviour, it may take time to fully repair one's reputation.

Directness: Draconids can be rather blunt at times, as they view dancing around an issue to be dishonest and wasting one's time.

Ways to express Yes and No: Nodding for yes. Head shaking for no.

Politeness: Draconids are typically polite with strangers, and gregarious for those they know better. Kobolds only tend to be polite to Draconids.

Public vs Private Conduct: There really is no difference in Dyste. Dystans act the same towards people regardless of public or private setting; doing so otherwise tends to be dishonest. Public displays of affection are common, as is telling one's true feelings.

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: Most rural Dystans tend to be more community-focused, while urban Dystans are often more individualistic. The exception being kobolds, who act the same regardless (and tend to be far more common in urban settings regardless)

Importance of Appearance: More important among the minority races than Draconids or Kobolds. The two major species wear little, and view one's actions as more important then outward appearances.

Concepts of Cleanliness: Both Draconids and Kobolds take cleanliness very seriously, and often wash themselves, either using baths or magic. Public baths are very common in Dyste.

Hospitality: Dystans view hospitality as a virtue, and view it as a pleasure to invite others to one's home. The happiness of the guest is considered the highest priority, though making unreasonable demands of the host is considered wrong and can lead to them being thrown out.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: Longer-lived species, such as Draconids and Elves, tend to be planners, but neither hold it rigidly and both realize sometimes trying to plan too much can lead to stress. Kobolds are very spontaneous.

Function of Pride and Humility: Dyste, especially Draconids, view pride in oneself and one's species as a positive trait. At the same time, respect for others is expected as well; hold oneself high, but not on the shoulders of others.

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor: Despite their appearance, Draconids do have a strong sense of humour, and are known for their loud, booming laughs. Generally viewed as positive, so long as it is tasteful.

Polycentrism: Dystans keep an open mind to other cultures and ideas. They like to learn as much abut them before making a clear judgement, in sake of fairness.

Regionalisms: Most Dystans generally share the same views regardless of where in the nation they are.

Social Profiling: Is generally considered pointless; aside from the Royal Family, for the most part everyone is expected to be treated equally.

Individuals vs Collectives: Draconids value the individual, Kobolds the collective. That said, both groups are naturally social and tend to work together to benefit everyone.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships: Trust is considered one of the most important parts of closer social relationships; one will not be close to those they cannot trust.

Meeting and Greeting: Dystans typically greet one another by holding one's arm to their chest and bowing their head. If this is the first time meeting, it is expected to give one's name. After that, using the name of the person is to be expected. "Pleased to meet you, [name]", "The pleasure is all mine, [name]" or "Well met, [name]" are common greetings. More intimate greetings tend to be opening one's arms, or hugging the individual.
Dos: Return the gesture.
Don’ts: Speak without returning the gesture, not using the name of the person if you know it.

Gift Giving: A fairly common practice as a means of celebration or gratitude. The most important part of the gift is consideration to what the person likes; generic gifts like money are frowned upon, and gift cards are unheard of in Dyste.
Dos: Hand the item over.
Don’ts: Throw the item to the recipient, especially a Draconid to a non-Draconid. Putting the item down for the recipient to pick up is also considered impolite.

Degree of Gender Mixing: Sex is considered a biological difference and nothing else in Dyste; even things such as public baths and washrooms are not separated. As several of the species do not wear clothing naturally, there is no nudity taboo between sexes.

Dining Etiquette: Having meal is considered a social activity; it is considered rude to eat alone. In general, breakfast is to be spent with family, lunch with friends, and dinner with the community. Dining tables are often placed in areas in Dyste, and for dinners, anyone is welcome to join.
Dos: Offer to have lunch with others; it can lead to many friendships in Dyste. Bringing food to the meal is also highly regarded.
Don’ts: Eat a meal alone (snacks are fine).

Table Manners: Meals are generally 'buffet style', with any food on the table being considered for the table, not for any one individual. Food that can be held with one's hands are preferred, as Draconids prefer using their hands over utensils.
Dos: Hand over food if it is inaccessible to someone who wants to try it.
Don’ts: Claiming a particular food on the table to belong to you.

Concepts of Personal Space: Generally not an issue for Draconids, whose large size means they are used to being close to one another. Some of the minority species may have a higher sense of personal space.

Concepts of Time: Dystans tend to be laid-back and do not let time dictate most of their lives, the exceptions being when specific times are set to meet with others.

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships: Heavily encouraged, as Trust is highly valued. Strong business dealings cannot be done without trust between the parties.

How Open Meetings Are: Very, as honesty is valued, and doing meeting in secret is looked down upon to the point where anything said in them can be disregarded.

Communication Styles: It is preferred to give details, yet at the same time, not to stray too far from the point.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Dystans generally use their given names in conversation, even formally. The 'Mr.', 'Mrs.', 'Ms.', etc. honorifics are not used by any native Dystans, and specific titles are either used with one's first name (e.g. 'Healer Nasir') or their full name (e.g. 'Prime Minister Zihark Jemson')

Business Cards: These are made magically by Draconids, as they feel it gives a personal touch. Exchanging them is not mandatory, but a good gesture.

What to Wear: Generally not important, as Dystans generally view clothing as optional.

Business Meetings: Generally need to be made by appointment. Being on time is expected, and it is considered a failed meeting if the important parties do not attend.

Time of Day: Chosen by the individuals attending.

Business Negotiations It is important to be honest and do not try to lie about one's requests or needs. Trying to beat around the bushh can lead one's needs to be ignored or disregarded.
Dos: Make sure you make clear your requests.
Don’ts: Do not renege on one's promises; this can severely hurt one's business reputation.

by **Brocwika** » Sun Jun 02, 2013 7:45 pm

The biggest social protocol in our country is having alcoholic beverages when inviting a guest to ones house.

But there are others like:

>When meeting someone during a formal business encounter, a firm handshake is a must-do.
>informal meetings should begin with 3 kisses, starting from the left cheek, to the right cheek, and back to the left.
>Never refusing an offering from another person.

by **Vuzghulia** » Sun Jun 02, 2013 8:57 pm

Country Name: Vuzghulia

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: There isn't actually one. The biggest single ethnic group is Mongolians at 16% of the population.

Location: on a large landmass in the northern hemisphere & eastern hemisphere

Climate: ranges from hot & dry desert to arctic tundra & taiga, but also includes temperate forests and steppe

Ethnic Makeup: very diverse, every ethnic group is a minority

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: every freeman and noble speaks multiple languages, sometimes even serfs and slaves speak multiple languages... the business languages are English and Yiddish

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are the main religions. There are some Buddhists in some villages that have a tradition of Buddhism. People often practice multiple religions at a time.

Folklore and Superstition: prayer to ancestors and fire sometimes occur

Social Hierarchies: The difference between royalty, the various ranks of nobility, freemen, serfs, and slaves.

Importance of said Hierarchies: very important

Using Titles and Honorifics: nearly always mandatory

Important Festivals: religious festivals, the anniversary of the coronation of the reigning monarch, royal weddings, the birth of an heir

The Family: patriarchal with importance on the sons, females have customary rights which vary by region

Concepts of Shame and Honor: disobedience and cowardice make shame, honor can be gained through recognition by groups such as the church, or by fighting in the military

Face and Saving Face: dueling is a common way to resolve issues of honor; leaving opponents opportunities to save face is a less common way

Directness: it has its place, but out of place it is offensive

Ways to express Yes and No: directly, and often with flowery oration

Politeness: respect for rank is the most important part of politeness

Public vs Private Conduct: completely different: in public, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, fornication are illegal, but they can happen in private, except for homosexual activity, which can only happen in private in the military

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: completely different: cities are crowded and bustling centers of commerce and industry, rural areas are sparsely populated, with vast wilderness areas where wild animals that may never have seen a human roam

Importance of Appearance: it is considered punishable to dress above your station

Concepts of Cleanliness: noblemen and freemen must be clean in public: noblemen go to great lengths to achieve unnaturally clean appearances

Hospitality: a host must be generous with food, drink, women, and safety

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: the reason that traditions exist is so that things can be orderly without planning; planning is valued by freemen of the middle class, everyone else values spontaneity

Function of Pride and Humility: noblemen must have pride in their lineage, freemen must have pride in the nation, all men must have pride in their religion

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor: Vuzghul jokes are dirty, and are found funniest by the drunk

Polycentrism: noblemen are the most open minded towards other cultures, the serfs are the least

Regionalisms: this is very prevalent, but the crown is making an effort to forge a single nation

Social Profiling there is no need for profiling, as social class, affiliation with religious, commercial, or (para)military groups already tells everyone exactly where they stand

Individuals vs Collectives: everyone is part of at least one collective, which ones you belong to is of determining importance in life

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships: very important

Meeting and Greeting:
Dos: bow to your superior
Don’ts: neglect to bow, bow to an inferior

Gift Giving:
Dos: give drugs, alcohol, women, etc behind closed doors and under a ceiling
Don’ts: give a gift inappropriate to the station of anyone involved

Degree of Gender Mixing: negligible in public, can be very mixed if you walk in on a private orgy

Dining Etiquette:
Dos: eat and drink as much as your host puts on the table, or if you are the host, keep the table filled until the guest cannot eat anymore
Don’ts: eat sparsely

Table Manners:
Dos: enjoy food and drink, get large portions on your plate
Don’ts: abstain from alcohol (unless eating in public for some reason)

Concepts of Personal Space: serfs and slaves have little or no personal space, noblemen and freemen have personal spaces in public, but the concept vanishes in private

Concepts of Time: prompt obedience is important, the population is being indoctrinated to use clock time at this very moment

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships:

How Open Meetings Are: usually not very open

Communication Styles: one side has their say, then the other side has their say, each giving lengthy speeches on topics

Using Titles and Honorifics: obligatory

Business Cards: this is a new thing brought in from foreign parts that is spreading rapidly

What to Wear: traditional clothes such as robes; those wearing suits and ties will not be taken seriously

Business Meetings: meetings between equals are very different from meetings between a boss and his people

Time of Day: varies by region... in the desert things are done at night because it is not hot anymore

Business Negotiations
Dos: invite the other party to feast, bring a large entourage for the prestige of your high ranking people (usually composed of soothsayers, priests, servants, courtesans, musicians etc)
Don’ts: be miserly, refuse an invitation, be unprepared to host a large entourage

by **Radiatia** » Sun Jun 02, 2013 10:27 pm

Country Name: The Radiatian Federation

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Traditional Radiatians or Caucasians

Location: Northern Terra Occidens, Noctur

Climate: Varied. Arid in the south, tundra in the north and temperate in the west

Ethnic Makeup: 51% Traditional Radiatian, 29% White Radiatian, 10% Yellow Radiatian, 7% Red Radiatian, 3% Other

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: English is generally used in business, occasionally Radiatian is used. Foreign languages will not be used. Most Radiatians are bilingual or trilingual due to Radiatia being a multi-lingual nation, however all languages will be Radiatian languages.

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: 70% of Radiatians are not religious, with 40% atheists.

Folklore and Superstition: None

Social Hierarchies: None really. There is a major income divide, but this is not something formal or recognised. Radiatia claims to be a classless society, although this is clearly not the case.

Importance of said Hierarchies: None. Radiatia strongly values social mobility.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Rare and generally used only in politics or the military. Even in formal situations, Radiatians are wont to keep things on a first name basis.

Important Festivals: None, other than federal public holidays.

The Family: Family is almost a non-concept in Radiatia, with Radiatia being a highly individualistic society. Families tend to operate as loosely affiliated individuals rather than a single unit, and it's not uncommon for parents and children to lose all contact once the child leaves home. Likewise, there are no laws which prevent children from leaving the family (although parents must have a license, and are therefore bound to raise the children until they can survive on their own). The license system was deemed necessary to stop parents from simply dumping unwanted children.

Concepts of Shame and Honour: Radiatians prize "efficiency" - essentially they will value someone who is fast, direct and easy to work with over someone who is slow and unpredictable. To be called inefficient would be a very strong insult. Radiatians also value honesty, and losing a Radiatian's trust would pretty much prevent you ever interacting with that individual again. However shame and honour exist only between individuals, not the group as a whole.

Face and Saving Face: Radiatians tend to be open and direct and expect this in return. However one notable exception to the rule is when sharing opinions or criticising - it is an absolute no-no to criticise someone else openly, or even to share your opinion openly. This is the only situation in which a Radiatian will avoid being open and direct.

Directness: Radiatians are very direct and often perceived as rude and unfriendly as a result. Radiatia is a society where everyone is in a rush, and as such Radiatians do not have time for social niceties and expect people to get straight to the point.

Ways to express Yes and No: "Yes" and "No." Just say it, lest you be labelled inefficient.

Politeness: Radiatians will tend to choose directness over politeness. As such even formal situations can appear informal as Radiatians will usually spare the formalities and get straight to the meat of whatever transaction is taking place. It's also not uncommon for Radiatians to swear frequently.

Public vs Private Conduct: Generally Radiatians are expected to keep their emotions and opinions private. Apart from that there is little difference between the private and public conduct of a Radiatian. For example, public nudity is totally acceptable. There is no real concept of privacy, other than one's thoughts. Hence why security cameras are often found in public restrooms. It's usually expected that someone will be the same in private as they are in public.

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: There is a massive difference between urban Radiatia and rural Radiatia. Urban Radiatians tend to be educated, open, friendly to strangers (but unlikely to commit to long term relationships) and world-weary. Rural Radiatians are uneducated, prejudiced, xenophobic but more likely to commit to a long term friendship should friendship be earned.

Importance of Appearance: In the south and urban areas - very important. People are extremely vain, and the pressure on women in particular to be stunningly beautiful is immense. In the north and rural areas things are more laid back.

Concepts of Cleanliness: One must be showered, have deodorant, and be wearing clean fresh clothes. Radiatians value cleanliness quite considerably.

Hospitality: Radiatians will absolutely never invite someone into their private space, unless they intend to have sex with them. Guests are expected to pay for themselves and meetings will always take place at a location other than the homes of the two meeting parties.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: Radiatians tend to have tight schedules and prefer for things to be planned well in advance, down to the minute details if possible.

Function of Pride and Humility: Outward displays of pride tend to be shunned, and most people are expected to keep such things to themselves. Asking someone personal questions about their social status is also considered highly rude - asking someone else their job, for instance, will often be met with disgust by Radiatians.

Importance and Appropriateness of Humour: A sense of humour is all but completely mandatory in Radiatia. Radiatians like to keep their conversations dotted with humour and will often be slow to warm to someone who appears to not have a sense of humour.

Polycentrism: Although many Radiatians are xenophobic, they tend to be surprisingly open to and fascinated by other cultures when actually faced with them, even if they appear to hold the belief that Radiatian culture is superior.

Regionalisms: Regionalism is very widespread in the Radiatian Federation, with most people identifying as citizens of their state or even city before identifying as Radiatian. Various regions of Radiatia have very distinct cultures.

Social Profiling Social profiling is not something which is considered acceptable in Radiatia - people are expected to treat each other and judge each other as individuals, rather than as groups of [X] social class.

Individuals vs Collectives: Individualism is one of the most important values underpinning Radiatian culture. Collectives are seen as nothing more than groups of like-minded individuals, but the individual is by far more important than the group.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships: Trust is extremely important - Radiatians will not work with or interact with anyone they perceive as dishonest.

Meeting and Greeting: Radiatians will usually begin a meeting with a handshake if it's formal or with someone they've never met before, and a salute in informal situations. First names are only given at first, and personal questions must be avoided.
Dos: Salute, handshake, greet them and give your first name.
Don’ts: Tell them your full name, ask them personal questions, hug them, kiss them, stand too close to them

Gift Giving: Gift-giving is not done in Radiatia. Period.
Dos: Help someone who is in need.
Don’ts: Give gifts to anyone else - it is seen as either patronising or just plain bizarre that someone would seek to give their personal property to another person.

Degree of Gender Mixing: Genders mix more in the cities than in more rural areas, although there is a definite glass ceiling and a social stigma against women 'doing the work of men'.

Dining Etiquette: Dining will always be done at a restaurant, never someone's home. Generally one will leave once the food has been eaten, and people may come and go as they please, provided they arrived at the same time.
Dos: Pay for your own meal, arrive on time, converse with other people
Don’ts: Tip the waiter - you'll look like you don't know how to count money, expect to have someone else pay for you, stay for too long

Table Manners: Most Radiatians don't care too much about table manners, although burping and eating too noisily is to be avoided.
Dos: Eat with your mouth shut, use utensils when appropriate
Don’ts: Burp or make any loud noises during or after the meal, eat with your mouth open

Concepts of Personal Space: Personal space is extremely important to Radiatians, and it is expected that where possible one will maintain a distance of at least one metre from the next person.

Concepts of Time: Radiatians value time ("time is money") and time things down to the second - they will not tolerate lateness ever and expect people to be 100% punctual. They do not appreciate people wasting their time, or for people to be slow and hold them up.

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships: Personal relationships are not important in business, and in many cases Radiatians will avoid personal interaction if things can be automated or done through writing/email rather than through physical interaction

How Open Meetings Are: What goes on between two businessmen is their business and their alone. Meetings are closed to everyone not directly involved.

Communication Styles: Business meetings must be direct, quick and efficient, although they may seem relatively friendly or involve the use of humour. However spending too much time on small talk is not usually accepted.

Using Titles and Honourifics: This is one of the rare occasions in which Radiatians will use titles and honourifics - although this is not always necessary and one can get by on first name terms with just as much ease.

Business Cards: Not usually necessary and seldom if ever used

What to Wear: One must dress to the nines in a business meeting - suit, ties, jackets, get a haircut, shave... maybe even put on some make-up (even if you're a man). Appearances can make or break the meeting.

Business Meetings: Meetings must be as short as possible and planned well in advance. Radiatians will not make extra time for a meeting that has run beyond schedule, nor will they tolerate lateness. State your business, state how you think it will benefit both parties, agree or disagree with the terms offered, end meeting.

Time of Day: Meetings usually take place in the afternoon or during regular office hours.

Business Negotiations Radiatian businessmen don't so much negotiate as make offers and wait until someone comes along with a similar or better offer. It's rare for a Radiatian to actually give ground to another business, especially a foreign one, and generally if it seems their terms won't be met they will simply end the meeting, thank you for your time and move on.
Dos: State your terms clearly and be ready to make a decision early on
Don’ts: Spend hours arguing when a Radiatian has decided not to accept your offer, take up too much time, expect any special treatment

by **Valluto** » Sun Jun 02, 2013 11:02 pm

Country Name: The Principality of Valluto

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Vallutan (Mediterranean)

Location: N/A (I imagine it as Monaco)

Climate: Mediterranean, Humid Continental

Ethnic Makeup: Vallutan 82%, Creolo 6%, Other Whites 5%, Asians 3%, Africans 2%, Others 2%

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: Vallutino is primarily used for intra-national business and formal situations, as well as by the government. French functions as a lingua franca and is generally understood (though not necessarily spoken) throughout the country. Being bilingual is common in Valluto, as Vallutino is the primary language and French is the second language of many. Due to its similarity to Vallutino, Italian is easily learned by Vallutans. Studying Latin is seen as prestigious.

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: Catholicism is dominant, though it has experienced a decline in church attendance in recent years. Judaism and Lutheranism are minority religions, most commonly found in and around large cities. Deism and Agnosticism are increasingly popular among younger demographics and self-styled intellectuals. Catholic Neo-Humanism is a relatively new movement that borrows from both Catholic dogma and Humanist principles.

Folklore and Superstition: Traditional Vallutans believe that certain bird behaviors have omens. Wrens are considered unlucky, and doves are considered conversely. There are few other superstitions of note.

Social Hierarchies: Coming from a feudal society, Barons and Counts still exist in the Principality, but wield no inherent political power. However, many members of the gentry move on to elected offices, celebrity status, or diplomacy. Contadini, or peasants, make up the rest of the population. Despite their titles, most Contadini enjoy 1st world liberties and oppurtunities.

Importance of said Hierarchies: Only in a ceremonial sense

Using Titles and Honorifics: Important in business and politics, as well as among strangers. Contadini men use the title of Monsenoro and women use Mansenora, abbreviated Mon. and Man. respectively. Amicio is used to greet a friend or associate, considered semi-formal.

Important Festivals: Christmas and Easter are important to those of faith. Giorne della Volpe (Fox Day) and Giorne Egalite (Egalitarian Day) are important national holidays as well.

The Family: Sacred. Loyalty to one's house is widely revered as the third most important loyalty one should hold (after God and the Church).

Concepts of Shame and Honor: Honor is very important for every man and woman. One's family is a major indicator of honor, as is his accomplishments and temperement. Successful, well-born, and polite men are considered the most honorable.

Face and Saving Face: Vallutans can be almost passive-aggressive at times. They are known for their politeness and insistence on decorum in many situations. Public outbursts of emotion are seen as dishonorable and disrespectful. Politics are another story altogether. It serves as the nation's bloodsport.

Directness: Vallutans can come off as illusive, but can be more direct if prompted or they deem it necessary. Honesty is important, but so is properness.

Ways to express Yes and No: Yes and no (sei and nani or na) can be expressed vocally or by nodding or shaking one's head. Men can convery indecisiveness by stroking their facial hair.

Politeness: Of the utmost importance, hospitality and grace are at the forefront of Vallutan culture. This makes Vallutans prone to diplomacy and negotiation.

Public vs Private Conduct: Public conduct is usually very civil and controlled, while private conduct is far more transparent. Lewd or sexual comments are considered far more acceptable in small groups or between friends.

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: Rural peoples are typically more conservative and religious. Vineyards and farms are prevalent in less populated regions, causing a more agrarian lifestyle. They tend to be more laid-back and patient. Rural workers generally take two breaks a day, one in the late morning and another in mid-afternoon. Urban environments are somewhat different, but not as much as in other countries. Urban dwellers tend to be more open-minded and educated, but less patient. They are a faster-paced people, preferring to take a single lunch break in the afternoon and work the rest of the day.

Importance of Appearance: Paramount. Men are expected to be well-groomed and upright at all times whilst in public. The standards for women are more stringent. They must be reasonably well dressed, groomed, and adorned with at least some jewelry.

Concepts of Cleanliness: Vallutans have a high sense of cleanliness, preferring easy cleanups. Custodians and sanitation personnel are trained extensively and well-paid, ensuring public facilities are reasonably clean. Living spaces are generally small and neat, with tile or hardwood floors. Commercial areas are especially immaculate, as no Vallutan will shop in a dirty environment.

Hospitality: Vallutans are perceived as hospitable, especially to foreigners and tourists. Most of them treat visitors so nicely because of their insistence on keeping this label rather than actual kindness.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: Varies, many prefer rigid schedules, while others are more liberal with their time. There is no real unified cultural belief on the subject.

Function of Pride and Humility: Though polite, Vallutans are a prideful, almost vain people. Whether it be a matter of personal pride or familial honor, serious insults are one of the few ways to get a Vallutan to break his or her composure.

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor: Humor varies widely based on the group. In small groups or in private, lewd or obscene humor is more acceptable. Larger social functions tend toward sarcasm and satire rather than crude humor.

Polycentrism: Not really present, though large metropolitan areas are present around the cities of Montecelle, Bivio, and Cantecelli.

Regionalisms: The northern and western parts of the Principality are largely francophone, so a great deal of regional pride exists in the city and surrounding lands of Montecelle. The Hill Country has its own unique dialect and culture as well, but most see themselves as Vallutans before Hill People.

Social Profiling Though some pretension still exists in the nobilty, egalitarianism and social equality are important concepts in Valluto.

Individuals vs Collectives: Though they feel a great deal of loyalty to their Faith and country, Vallutans are independent thinkers and do not take kindly to being directed or commanded, especially by foreigners.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships: In romantic relationships, trust is very important. Lovers are supposed to be bound together. Close friends should also trust each other as well. Most Vallutans will have an inner circle of sorts. Close friends, their lover(s), and family usually comprise this group, and the Vallutan will trust few outside of it.

Meeting and Greeting:
Dos:
Greet with title, if none is provided Monsenoro is appropriate for men, Mansenora for women
Introduce oneself with title
Ask how one is doing
kiss once on left cheek (in F-F or M-F relations)
Ask about family
Benedictos/as (bless you)
Speak in Vallutan or French

Don’ts:
Use informal first names unless asked to
Address children unless introduced by parents
Speak to a woman first if her husband/courtier is nearby
Sit unless you are invited to
Allow a woman to carry something if your hands are empty

Gift Giving: Varies based on the situation
Dos:
Clothing (only intimate realtionships)
Artwork
Books
Jewelry
Instruments/Weapons (for wealthier folks)
Expensive/exotic delicacies and cakes
Wine
Personal cards/letters

Don’ts:
Money
Fruit
Other Alcoholic Beverages

Degree of Gender Mixing: Historically, women and men had very separate roles, but now they are virtually equal. Men average higher salaries and are more prevalent politically. However, when it comes to etiquette, certain things are appropriate for men that are inappropriate for women, and vice versa.

Dining Etiquette:
Dos:
Say a blessing
Wait until everyone is seated
Taste bread first, then vegetable/fruit, then meat
Eat too quickly
Drink wine along with water or tea

Don’ts:
Drink alcohol at lunch or breakfast
Eat before everyone is seated
Leave unannounced
Eat before blessing
Get Drunk

Table Manners:
Dos:
Silverware to right, glasses to left
Napkin in lap

Don’ts:
Belch or other bodily functions
Reach under table for anything

Concepts of Personal Space: Generally standard

Concepts of Time: Varies by region, normal to fast in cities but slower than average in rural areas.

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships: Varies by profession, generally more important for senior positions

How Open Meetings Are: Manager points out problems the office/business has been facing, asks for possible solutions and ideas, and congratulates meritorious behavior by employee or department. Personal or private concerns usually handled privately.

Communication Styles: Polite, almost coy.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Important upon first meetings or with superiors

Business Cards: Common, though not all that important.

What to Wear: Suits and ties for men, business suits for women. Pants are acceptable, but skirts are more appropriate for women. Occasionally offices will allow for casual occasions.

Business Meetings: Must be prompt, but not necessarily brief. Expected to be cordial, but serious and practical.

Time of Day: 8 AM until 5 PM

Business Negotiations
Dos:
Use formal titles and addresses
Be willing to compromise
Have composure
Eye contact
Be patient

Don’ts:
Use first names
Be too maleable
Be too hard-nosed
Be edgy or rush people you are meeting with

by **Themiclesia** » Sun Jun 02, 2013 11:32 pm

by **Eaischpnaeieacgkque Bhcieaghpodsttditf** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 7:23 pm

There is already a thread for this.

by **Great Terran Republic** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 8:08 pm

Country Name: The National-Fascist State of Great Terran Republic

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Marahovian

Location: the continent of Marahov

Climate: Hot

Ethnic Makeup: German/Arabic/Slavic/Maxtopian

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: German,numerous slavic languages,Marahovian

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: Catholic Christianity,Lutherans,Russian Orthodox,Greek Orthodox

Folklore and Superstition: very few,some about giants,shapeshifting dragons

Social Hierarchies: Upper Party,Middle Class,poor

Importance of said Hierarchies: Upper party govern the nation, Middle class perform white collar jobs and other things,poor do blue collar jobs all enjoy a guaranteed standard of living

Using Titles and Honorifics: Lord,Supreme leader,Grand General, Sir,Madam,Ma’am,Prince,Duke

Important Festivals: (most Christian holidays), National Holidays, Days that celebrate the State

The Family: The State is more important but we believe in the ideal National Socialist family

Concepts of Shame and Honor: Love,power,triumph and self sacrifice

Face and Saving Face: Defending the good of the Collective,the Nation and the State

Directness: directness is appreciated when necessary. when disclosing unpleasant facts, it is proper to use euphemisms, to skip the worst bits, to imply the result, or to pull the person to a private space to elaborate. Discussing unpleasant facts in the presence of a lady is prohibited, unless prior consent is given by the lady.

Ways to express Yes and No: yes or no

Politeness: important

Public vs Private Conduct: Good conduct is very important in public around women,children or Upper party members

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: rural people are more in touch with their farming work, Urban people are in touch with their urban work

Importance of Appearance: dress modestly and well groomed and show you have good morals

Concepts of Cleanliness: people should bathe,men should shave,women can put on makeup

Hospitality: Its considered good to help the poor,sick and homeless

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: conduct should be well planned and efficient but try to act natural

Function of Pride and Humility: Take Pride for the Nation

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor: humor is appreciated as long as you don’t blaspheme the State

Polycentrism: yes

Regionalisms: yes

Social Profiling yes

Individuals vs Collectives: Collectives

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships: Trust the State always

Meeting and Greeting:
Dos: If a person is a superior, you should wait to speak first; if not, greet him properly.
Don’ts: /do not burp or curse in his presence

Gift Giving:
Dos: pick a gift that shows you care
Don’ts: don’t give cash or things of great market value

Degree of Gender Mixing: Men should be gentle with a women

Dining Etiquette:
Dos: wait for the host to eat first. chew with mouth closed. eat every last bit you're served or you have picked. know table manners.
Don’ts: eat too quickly, burp, make excessive noises

Table Manners:
Dos: use napkins and not sleeves, know the menu so that you can use the utensils in proper order
Don’ts: clatter the utensils and cutlery

Concepts of Personal Space: 3 feet but a Police officer or soldier can do what he wants

Concepts of Time: 15 minutes

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships: very

How Open Meetings Are: secret when done by Government or upper party, public with everyone else

Communication Styles: clear and polite and fast and to the point

Using Titles and Honorifics: very important

Business Cards: used

What to Wear: Military uniform

Business Meetings: scheduled 4 weeks in advance

Time of Day: night,afternoon

Business Negotiations
Dos: exchange pleasantries at the beginning, slide into official business gradually, state your wishes clearly but not directly
Don’ts: no disagreements it goes against the state ideal of cooperation

by **Vallermoore** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 10:39 am

Country Name: Vallermoore

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Humans, Sapient ponies
Location:
Climate: Temperate

Ethnic Makeup: White humans 55% Sapient Ponies 33% Asian humans 2% Black humans 10%

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism:

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief:

Folklore and Superstition:

Social Hierarchies: From the highest to the lowest; The Queen of Vallermoore, the Royal Family, the rich, the middle class, the poor, the unemployed, blacks, convicted criminals, lastly, convicted criminals on Death Row.

Importance of said Hierarchies: Not very important except at the very high levels.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Important with the Queen, the Royal Family, and some of the rich, otherwise not important.

Important Festivals: New Year's Eve when people party from dusk to dawn, dance, let off fireworks, the Queen's birthday, and of course Christmas.

The Family: Very important. Noone would put their aged father or mother in an old people's home unless said aged person had lost their mind.

Concepts of Shame and Honor: Honor, looking after your family, behaving well, obeying the more important laws. Shame, stealing, public drunkenness (except at a funeral) abusing the weak and the helpless, taking bribes, a white and a black getting married.

Face and Saving Face: Not massively important, but one should not belittle someone else or threaten them.

Directness: Vallermoorians are pretty direct about things.

Ways to express Yes and No: Saying it, nodding, shaking the head.

Politeness: Not vastly important, but don't swear, spit, or threaten.

Public vs Private Conduct: Pretty much the same.

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: Much the same.

Importance of Appearance: It depends where you are.

Concepts of Cleanliness: Important, a dirty person is thought to be either physically ill, mentally ill, very poor or more then one of the above.

Hospitality: Important. A nice person will have people be nice back.
Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: Don't ask to see people early in the morning without a very good reason.

Function of Pride and Humility: Don't be pompous, it doesn't look good.
Importance and Appropriateness of Humor:
Polycentrism: A lot, except towards blacks.

Regionalisms:

Social Profiling Not all that much of it.

Individuals vs Collectives: Me and my family against the tribe, me, my family and my tribe against the country, me, may family, my tribe and my country against the world.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships: Important.

Meeting and Greeting: Shake hands
Don’ts: Kiss or hug when you don't know the people well, except on New Year's Eve or at a funeral.

Gift Giving:
Dos: Fruit, books, chocolates, alcohol, fireworks,all make good gifts.
Don’ts: Do not give a gun if you don't know the person well as it means you want to make war on the person. Don't give gifts to someone who you know is a judge, policeman, prison warder or national park ranger as it looks like a bribe.
Degree of Gender Mixing: It's normal for both genders to mix.

Table Manners:
Dos: Eating with the fingers is fine for most foods.

Don’ts: Don't get drunk, don't throw food even to your closest friends, don't fall asleep (very rude) don't take food that is not on the table, don't swear, don't fart.

Concepts of Personal Space: Give people you don't know a foot of personal space if possible.

Concepts of Time: Early morning is like most countries' late night.

Business Etiquette Don't threaten, bribe, or get into someone's personal space, and don't miss appointments and things should be fine.

by **Rejistania** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 11:52 am

Country Name: Rejistania

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Melanesian humans

Location: Earth, Greater Prussia

Climate: tropical

Ethnic Makeup: 90% Melanesian and other Blacks, 10% Causasian or mixed

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: Rejistanian and English are widely understood. However, English often is almost incomprehensible due to their accent. If the Rejistani is culturally Kireshi, this is worst as the mother tongue kireshi is similar to English and derived from it, but by now distinct to the point of incomprehensibility. Kireshi might confuse English and Kireshi words and not be aware of it. As such, it is recommended to immerse yourself in the rejistani accent before going to a business meeting.

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: Inikresaism is the dominant religion

Folklore and Superstition: Religion, superstition; tomato, to-mah-to.

Social Hierarchies: Rejistanian society has two degrees in which people judge others: Whether they live in a city or rurally (and if they live in a city, how big is it?) and the job which they (or for people who don't work: their partner/parent) have. While this does not get so far as to a caste system, it does shape societal perception. As such, it is recommended not to mention that you plan to move out of the city (which Rejistanis will see as a sign of social downfall). As for jobs: Jobs which require specialized skills are considered more prestigious as those which don't require as specialized skills (If this was a game of cards: Doctor beats Nurse), Jobs which mean that you are in charge are more prestigious than those where you follow orders (If this was a game of cards: Manager beats office worker). Jobs in which you help humanity more important than those where you hinder it (if this was a game of card: teacher beats marketing exec). That said: in companies, hierarchies are often flat or exist informally.

Importance of said Hierarchies: There is a feeling that the ranks someone have are deserved (except when they don't but then it is expected to behave as if they were). This links to the rejistanian idea of reincarnation: you have not been lucky to live high-privileged, you have worked hard for this in a previous life.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Rejistanis use the job title as a kind of honorific. As such, a street sweeper might refer to a politician as tahoj lentine'he (Sir/Madam Representative) but the politician might use tahoj hame'he (Sir/Madam cleaner) as well, there are certain terms for the retired and the unemployed. If speaking English, the term "leader" is used unashamedly (most rejistanis cannot pronounce the b in boss well). Academic titles however are not used. If two people have the same job but one has a PhD, both are addressed directly. Rejistanis in general will attempt to use foreign academic titles correctly, but especially in rural areas Rejistanis might out ignorance use incorrect forms when they have to extrapolate (Dr. Jane Smith was called correctly by the clerk at a rural hotel, but it turned out he did the reservation for "Jane Dr. Smith"). In a familiar setting, using the first name or a nickname will be offered.

Important Festivals: Sede Day (11-27) is a time when people return to their haditera to celebrate their ancestors. Traffic is horrible before and after that day, yes, worse than usual. Some businesses are closed until the New Year (M-2 or M-3 depending on whether the year is a leap year to 1-1). During the Intercalendarium (M-1, M2 and M-3 if exists), people are traditionally expected to reflect on their life and the fate of their soul. It is a quiet time of seeking forgiveness and forgiving - Until Midnight M-2 (or M-3) when Rejistanis celebrate their New Year. Independence Day (8-29) is a time Rejistanis get drunk and celebrate.

The Family: The family and the clan are an important center of Rejistanian life. Even after marriage, it is common to still share living space with the family to which one now belongs. Rejistanis will often defend their family even when they know that they have done wrong.

Concepts of Shame and Honor: Rejistanis have a religious concept of honor based in inikresaism: It is the honorable thing to respect your elders and care for them, to put the interests of your family and clan before your own, to show humility in victory and grace in defeat and sow generosity. Shame is the opposite. A specific source of shame is debt. This stems from the fact that centuries ago, indentured servitude existed.

Face and Saving Face: Doing things which are shameful, disrupting harmony are things which can make you lose face.

Directness: Rejistanis are prone to formulate things indirectly. In international communication, this is made worse by the fact that Rejistanis tend to express politeness as a vague indicative, not as a question. "It is possible that you want to sit down." instead of "Do you want to sit down?" when offering a seat.

Ways to express Yes and No: A "yes" often is not a yes, but especially on the phone, it indicates "the line has not collapsed" (Rejistanian business etiquette stems from a time when phone lines were a lot worse than they are now) or "I'm still listening". In general, to indicate "yes" they will repeat parts of the proposition in question ("Are you capable of delivering 500 widgets until Monday?" - "Yes, we are capable of delivering"). Rejistanis will often ask a question where they expect a no in a matter which makes saying no easier: "I hear that there were floods in the southern part of the country, I guess this would mean that it is not possible to deliver additional 200 widgets by Tuesday?". Generally Rejistanis will say no indirectly: "Can you deliver 500 widgets by Monday?" - "This will tax our machinery highly."

Politeness: Rejistanis often use indirect ways to express themselves and use the indicative with an indicator of lower probability as a polite form.

Public vs Private Conduct: Disagreement is something which in many cases is not expressed publicly. Rejistanis will not hesitate to express it within their family though. In public also cursing is frowned upon (except during soccer matches), while in private, it happens a lot.

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: Very defined. Rejistanis would prefer to live in a slum of KaMaRi than in a comfortable house in the jungle.

Importance of Appearance: Appearance in public, especially in cities, is colorful and tries to be witty in an attempt to communicate with people who have similar interests. In business, Rejistanis however think this is a source of animosity as such, during business negotiations, Rejistanis will wear beige suits.

Concepts of Cleanliness: The heat means that a certain smell of sweat is unavoidable, despite that uncleanness is seen as an indication of low social status.

Hospitality: It is difficult to get invited into the house of a Rejistani. This does not mean that they are devoid of hospitality, they just have other ways to express it. As such invitations are often to a restaurant or similar place.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: Rejistanis in general are more on the spontaneous side. There is a certain sense in the culture that things will work out as they should and thus planning is superfluous.

Function of Pride and Humility: Rejistanis are expected to be humble as pride will cause disagreement and resentment. Success is ascribed to the group, not the person (which is one of the reasons why the wages of CEOs and other leaders are comparatively small).

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor: Rejistanis think humor is important and especially among friends and family their humor is often black and does not shy away from sensitive topics. These kind of jokes will not be the ones used with strangers or business partners though.

Polycentrism: Rejistanis in general have an eager interest in the world around them and often feel that the cultures of developed nations are admirable.

Regionalisms: Very prevalent. Rejistania is very multiethnic.

Social Profiling: Rejistanis will often try to sort people according to the scheme in social hierarchy and in informal situations even ask directly. They will just about never ask for your ethnic background but will make assumptions.

Individuals vs Collectives: Rejistania used to be very collective, but the emergence of cities means that they had to develop more of an individualist streak, as many Rejistanis migrated to KaMaRi or other large cities.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships: Rejistanis value trust very much and generally will not be close to people to whom they have none.

Meeting and Greeting: Bowing is common. People might attempt handshakes if they meet westerners. Verbally, "Hejida tahoj" is a suitable formal greeting.
Dos: Give a weak handshake (Rejistanis generally do). Bow deeper and longer than someone you consider your superior.
Don’ts: "ji" and a nod is okay only in very informal settings.

Gift Giving: Common for naming day (Rejistanis celebrate the day they had been named not the day they had been born) and when you are invited to a ceremony in someone's home. If you ever get into the position of wanting to marry a Rejistani, better have a present for the family (in this case, a potted flower is a good gift).
Dos: Fruit, flowers, liqueur and incense are common gifts. A perishable gift puts a lower burden on the family in question (as discarding gifts is simply not done). In case someone moves into a new house, giving salt as a gift is common.
Don’ts: No flowers with thorns (roses!), no prime number of flowers (various superstitions make most of the common primes ineligible), no durian

Degree of Gender Mixing: No history of segregation

Dining Etiquette: if the food is consumed with your hands, don't use the left hand. Even left-handed people are taught to eat with their right hand. In general, Rejistanian food will be presented in the center of the table and everyone can help themselves to some. It is expected to try all kinds of food unless specific food is barred to you by sensory, taste or allergy issues. Trying everything is even expected. For western food, western etiquette is assumed.
Dos: Eat traditional rejistanian food with your fingers, try all food, inform the host when confirming the invitation already about allergies and sensory issues with food, take your time as Rejistanis love to eat, drink and talk , burp after a good meal
Don’ts: eat before the host has prayed over the food, eat only one thing, feel obliged to empty the bowls, comment on wooden or plastic cutlery (Rejistanis feel uncomfortable with using eating implements which had been used by strangers, as such non-reusable wooden forks and knifes are often used in restaurants), eat wrapped (filled leaves) food with implements, when hosting forget that most Rejistanis are lactose intolerant.

Table Manners: Rejistanis are going to give you more leeway as a foreigner, but still be mindful of other's space and mind your noise level.
Dos: keep gesticulating to a minimum and keep it in front of you, use utensils provided with the dish if it is a western style restaurant, eat slowly, chew with your mouth closed
Don’ts: straighten your hair, adjust your makeup or blow your nose on the table (you are to stand up and turn around for this), dip something into two different sauces

Concepts of Personal Space: Rejistanis have a concept of personal space which is much narrower than for many other races (foreigners joke that a Rejistanis personal space begins when you can perceive their body warmth, but that of course is an exaggeration). As such, Rejistanis will often inadvertently stand too close unless they are aware of the cultural difference. This does however not mean that Rejistanis touch each other. Rejistanis generally deem even a slight accidental touch as worth an apology (an exception here is street traffic where this often cannot be avoided).

Concepts of Time: The way Rejistanis view time varies very much within the country. Generally, the more rural you get the more the concept of time resembles African Time. In KaMaRi, you are punctual if you are less than 15 minutes late. In smaller cities like Sanimsalithe kali this can become 30 minutes. In rural settings, you are on time if you arrive at on the same day (during monsoon times, this can be seen even more liberally).

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships: Rejistanis see personal relationships as important parts of doing business. They will prefer to meet up and talk instead of arranging things via phone or electronic communication.

How Open Meetings Are: Rejistanis will keep meetings between the involved parties. Due to the lack of a good copyright law, patent law and how hard it is to legally enforce NDAs, Rejistanis will want to keep information on a need to know basis.

Communication Styles: Rejistanis have an indirect style of communication, they will try not to say things which cause disagreement and merely hint at them.

Using Titles and Honorifics: "Tahoj" and the title of the job is the expected honorific, Rejistanis had no nobility and thus might be confused with foreign noble or academic titles.

Business Cards: There are no specific ceremonies to exchange business cards, however, upon receiving a business card, Rejistanis will often copy the contents onto paper or into a PDA immediately. This is done to transliterate the pronunciation correctly while it is still fresh in the memory and to indicate that the information is important enough to immediately backup.

What to Wear: A suit or pantsuit is expected. Even women wear ties (the habit was copied when the traditionally very matriarchic system met foreign patriarchies and the Rejistanis emulated their wardrobes). Skirts and dresses have an unfortunate connotation in Rejistania as being associated with low social classes.

Business Meetings: I mentioned that Rejistanis are more spontaneous and prefer face to face communication, as such, especially between lower levels of the hierarchy can be arranged unite spontaneously (As an example: Kires I Kansu of Tamides Jasika found an incompatibility between their routers and SI based computers due to a faulty SI implementation. He contacted Sistenha'ny Ines and asked to speak with people of their TCP/IP implementation, explaining the issue. A day later, Sanhu Ja met Kires I Kansu at Tamides Jasika to talk about the implementation.) Rejistanis will generally start with smalltalk (the weather is always a good topic despite the fact that it is quite predictable, other topics which are always permissible are the journey, culture and sports, shared interests). The first meeting between two companies will take place at a restaurant. It serves mostly to build rapport and business will probably only discussed in subsequent meetings.

Time of Day: Rejistanis are flexible in that regard, except during siesta. It is not uncommon to schedule meetings even at times like 21:00 when it is the best time for all participants. Given the rejistani superstition about the danger of jet lag, Rejistanis will often try to schedule meetings in times which would be acceptable in the visiting party's timezone.

Business Negotiations
Dos: be patient, Rejistanis have a slow way to do business but it works for them, be friendly, aim for mutual improvement and stress win/win scenarios
Don’ts: expect a clear answer, Rejistanis use the lanja, mesit and meshi forms of a verb in the indicative for politeness and when translating this to English, it often sounds as if people are more uncertain than they are, they might also use a less than clear expression to indicate a "no", don't express exasperation with the rejistanian culture.

by **New Freedomstan** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 1:56 pm

Country Name:

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Zeelanian.

Location: Northermark

Climate: Ranges from arid desert in the south, to temperate climates in the central areas, arid in the west, subarctic in the north and oceanic in the east. All irradiated.

Ethnic Makeup: Unknown. Best estimates, 40% Zeelanian-Nefreedian, 25% Redlander-Nefreedian, 20% Midlander-Nefreedian, 5% Hvitlander-Nefreedian, ~1% Fjellander-Nefreedian, 6% Halfhuman-Nefreedian, 3% Immigrants.

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: Multilingualism is becoming necessary for business, as several areas of the country is discarding Nefreedian entirely for English, German or Russian. However, contact between communities is small enough that this has yet to be a necessity.

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: Nostalgia.

Folklore and Superstition: Currently small, but growing. For example, the belief the outlying territories (Nefreedian Mars, Tropene and North Kaltras) will come and salvage the survivors. Another that the Party will return. Some worship the subhumans that is gaining strength in the postwar situation.

Social Hierarchies: Varies wildly depending on areas. Some still maintain the former classless nature of the Fatherland (ie, the party on top, followed by the commissariat, then the citizenry and finally the criminals). However, individual societies have descended to levels that can be deemed tribal, slaver, feudal or capitalist at this point. Few communities retain socialism.

Importance of said Hierarchies: Varies wildly.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Extremely common, and important regardless of the level of devolution in the individual communities.

Important Festivals: None any more. Only a handful of communities are able to host them currently, and those tend to be the ones who venerate the old festivals (1st of May being the most important one).

The Family: Varies from non-existant (literally) in some areas, to moderate importance in others. Societies who have devolved the most tend to put more emphasis on the family these days, but these are just trends currently.

Concepts of Shame and Honor: Non-existant, although devolved societies are finding back to them.

Face and Saving Face: Important, in that you shouldn't be considered 'subversive' by protesting local strongmen or customs.

Directness: Generally not favoured. A remnant of the old system, few people are willing to say what they really mean, although Nefreedian culture doesn't have much of an emphasis on politeness either. People are careful not to offend those in charge, but people lacking influence and power (wether physical or political) tend to be open for abuse.

Ways to express Yes and No: Nodding and shaking one's head, respectively.

Politeness: Generally not considered important in most circumstances, but in public one should always use people's titles, and show respect to social superiors and equals.

Public vs Private Conduct: Differs wildly. In public space, Nefreedians tend to be tightlipped, professional and unwilling to express negativity. In private, but only truly private (in company of trusted friends, but not necessarily family) they may express their own beliefs on public matters if they differ from that of the local culture or strongmen.

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: Non-existant. Both are hellholes.

Importance of Appearance: Unimportant, generally. The more devolved societies (tribal and slaver ones) have been putting more emphasis on this, as expressing personal strength and wealth is more important there.

Concepts of Cleanliness: Very important in most societies. Uncleanlyness can lead to death in postwar New Freedomstan, and doing ones best to maintain a base level of hygiene has proven important.

Hospitality: Considered a gift, as taking someone into one's home is no easy task. Nefreedians expect something in return when they have shown hospitality, either in services or physical gifts, in the future.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: Planning is vitally important. Nefreedians tend to be uncreative and unspontaneous, and despite the fall of the police state in most areas, continue to maintain a highly regulated lifestyle.

Function of Pride and Humility: Pride is important, but mostly in terms of group-efforts, the species, the community and the group. Personal pride is growing as well in importance, with personal strength, achievements and charisma being commonly acceptable grounds for pride.

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor: Humour is common, usually in the form of simple anecdotes, where some base characters go again. They usually deal with comparing current life to pre-war life (usually in the form of ironically condemning the past compared to the present, especially in the areas that weren't under the control of the SWRNF in the civil war. these usually being in the wording of the local secessionist states). Humour is appropriate anytime, but humour expressing negativity towards local norms or strongmen are only said in private.

Polycentrism: Uncommon, as many areas retain a xenophobic bent, although not to the extent of prewar Nefreedian xenophobia.

Regionalisms: Extremely common. Former Regions tend to disparage the others, and even smaller regionalisms are growing within the thousands of local communities spread over the country, as contact between them is near-nil.

Social Profiling Unnecessary in most areas, as regardless of development Nefreedians showcase their status either in clothes or behaviour, with higher status Nefreedians tending towards more boisterous behaviour, and giving orders to most around them.

Individuals vs Collectives: The collective remains the most important in all societies, although slaver societies in particular is growing more individualistic than pre-war times, but so do protocapitalist and feudalistic societies that have developed. However, they still remain collectivist by any decent standard, the tribes/communities developing their own identity, or clinging to the past Nefreedian (or Regional) identity.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships: Vitally important. Nefreedians are sour and paranoid, in general, and usually only have a small clique of trusted friends. In superficial social relationships, Nefreedians tend to be unwilling to show their 'real self' and instead give off an image of stoicity.

Meeting and Greeting:
Dos: Introduce yourself (name, title and profession), and the community you are from. Show you are strong enough to defend yourself (or your community is).
Don’ts: Show weakness. Show familiarity.

Gift Giving:
Dos: Keep it small, as Nefreedians feel obliged to return a gift of similar size to you in the future, and consider a large gift rude.
Don’ts: Give it early in a relationship. Appear as if it is no sacrifice on your half (even if it isn't; it's considered an insult).

Degree of Gender Mixing: Very common, as genders are considered virtually the same (a remnant of the pre-war system). Even in slaver societies, genders tend not to matter.

Dining Etiquette:
Dos: Small talk and jokes while you eat. Leave a bit of food on the plate if you are a visitor.
Don’ts: Engage in serious discussion. Eat more food than you strictly need.

Table Manners: Non-existant. Nefreedia lost most of it's table culture during pre-war times, as the vast majority of the population never had to set a table. Anything goes.
Dos:
Don’ts:

Concepts of Personal Space: Vitally important. Crossing someone's personal space in public is considered similar to physical assault, and few would bat an eye if it was responded with assault. This is regardless of how well one knows the other person (as long as it is public). In private, Nefreedians have a much looser concept of personal space and it is considered nearly unimportant.

Concepts of Time: Vitally important in developed areas, but fading in places which is losing the technology to measure minutes and seconds reliably. People are still expected to show up on time, however.

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships: Very important. Nefreedians will rarely deal with someone they don't know personally, or a dear friend can vouch for.

How Open Meetings Are: Very open and informal.

Communication Styles: Talking, usually in the form of banter and proposals hidden inside jokes.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Very important at the start of the meeting, but not afterwards.

Business Cards: Non-existant.

What to Wear: Anything goes, but should show off one's status in some way.

Business Meetings: Tend to be opened with the opening of vodka, or some other alcohol. Nefreedians tend to be unwilling to deal with someone who won't drink.

Time of Day: Anytime, basically.

Business Negotiations
Dos: Be informal. Tell jokes and anecdotes, wether or not they are relevant. Be relaxed.
Don’ts: Be sober. Leave in a hurry. Refuse to compromise.

by **Sakarnen** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 1:50 pm

Country Name: The Empire of Sakarnen

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Humans

Location: Surrounded by the Aryth Ocean.

Climate: Ranges from humid subtropical in the southernmost part to mediterranean to humid continental to subarctic, in the Northern mountains.

Ethnic Makeup: Human 90.7%, Myrddraal 6.1%, other 3.2%

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: The primary business language is Sakanài, but bilingualism is common; many citizens know other widespread languages.

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: The most common one is the Airene. It states that all sentient lives represent one 'thread' each, and these threads are then woven together to create the Pattern. The threads also influence each other; an employer firing an employee would have an effect on the employee's life. The Pattern allows for smaller changes in your life, but may not permit changes it does not accept. In some versions there is a weaver deity of sorts, but this has become unpopular over the years.

Folklore and Superstition: The uneducated population has many superstitions about the One Power (Sakarnen's version of magic). In addition, there are some remains about a Light Deity and a Dark Deity waging eternal war on each other, a belief that originated from times before Sakarnen was founded.

Social Hierarchies: There is a rather rigid social hierachy, with the highest class, the High Nobility consisting of the twelve High Houses and the Imperial Family itself, being inaccessible for those not born into it. Below there is the lower nobility, which you can be born into, but you can also receive a low nobility title as a reward for great deeds; conversely, it is possible to lose that title if you mess up seriously. There is also a division into economic classes- at the bottom there are the common labourers with no particular skills, above them are those with some degree of specialisation but without a great deal of income, and above them still is the highly specialised elite, generally with a university degree and a high income. With only a few exceptions, the High Nobility falls into the highly specialised category, the lower nobility usually in the middle but it is not uncommon to be in either other class, since the lower nobility varies widely in social standing and income. The non-nobility is usually found in either the lowest or the middle category, but you can find a number of them in the elite as well.

Importance of said Hierarchies: The hierarchy is very important, as it determines how two persons should act around each other and how you need to adress people, depending on higher, lower or equal standing. However, while the High Nobility is closed to those not born in it, the general attitude to class is that if you work hard enough you can ascend above your current one. This hisn't always true, but there have been stories of amazing success.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Very, very important with the Emperor and with the rest of the Imperial Family, also to a lesser degree with the Higher Nobility; lower nobility has titles as well, but not using these usually doesn't have very grave consequences beyond a possible end of relationship to that particular lower nobleman or -woman.

Important Festivals: The Day of Origin, which is the day Sakarnen was founded, and the Feast of Shadow and Light, celebrated on the solstices.

The Family: While Sakarnen places much focus on individualism, family is still quite important; betraying one's family is seen as deplorable. The relationship between family and individual is seen as a sort of mutual benefit- you help your family, your family will help you. This is more true among the wealthier, where families have the means to give meaningful help; on the other hand, in the higher social spheres, especially in the nobility, people are expected to marry to help your family in various ways, love marriages are uncommon. (Cheating, on the other hand, is very common and accepted.) Especially in the Higher Nobility, there are usually actual contracts drafted to keep track of the requirements; in exchange for marriage families will generally lend help to each other, such as a huge dowry or simply financial help for a project. These contracts often even dictate how many children a couple should have.
A slight exception to this is the Imperial Family; reality is that if you belong to the Imperial Family, your own relatives are your worst enemies and in order to achieve anything when it comes to being named Heir you will have to compete with pretty much all others. Here, the motto is more like: You fight your family, your family will find you. In fact, some have gone so far as to hire assassins to take out rivals for the throne...
Even members of the Imperial Family are expected to marry at request of the Emperor or Empress though, usually as a sort of bribe to the family of the spouse. Children born into the Imperial Family are also not raised by their parents; instead, they are given a sort of "nanny" of either gender, a highly skilled and educated person resonsible for raising and educating their charge.

Concepts of Shame and Honor: In Sakarnen, self-control, independence and pride (even arrogance) are seen as virtues; therefore, appearing weak or uncontrolled or relying too much on others is a major cause of shame, since you will be seen as someone not capable of doing things on their own and keeping things under control. For this reason excessive drinking or taking drugs in public is a taboo. So is outright lying; if you are unable to gain an advantage over someone without lying, you must obviously not be very good at politics and business. While deals of any sort usually consist of a vicous fight for the best deal between all involved parties, the trick is to make the others think they have gotten the best deal, when in reality they have not- and maintain that impression, which lying fails to do.
The easiest way to gain honor is to achieve great things; therefore, if you manage to do that, you are expected to boast at least a little. Failure to do so will either make people think you are too full of yourself (since you don't consider your achievement good enough to announce) or that you have ulterior motives.

Face and Saving Face: Face consists of what you show the world. If you appear to be a strong, self-controlled and independent person, people will think of you highly; if you don't, they will silently mark you as unimportant. Placing too much value on others, either by being overly charitable or by appearing insecure and too intent on gaining approval from others, will cause the same.

Directness: Sakarnen has a strange mixture of directness and indirectness. In public, Sakarnes will usually be very indirect and only hint and their true intentions and opinions, leaving everyone else to figure that out for themselves (while simultaneously trying o figure out what others are up to). This is called Daes Dae'mar or the Game of Houses and mostly considered a playful activity without serious consequences- however, proficiency in it will usually significantly raise your social standing.
Despite this game beimg very common, Sakarnes will be direct when the situation requires it, for example in business meetings or emergencies. They are also usually more direct in private.

Ways to express Yes and No: Simply saying yes or no; as for gestures, nodding or shaking your head works, or holding up your hand- if the palm faces towards the other, it means no, if it faces towards you, it means yes.

Politeness: Most Sakarnes will at least pretend to be polite, as open rudeness is considered unsavory and clumsy. That doesn not mean that they are actually nice to you or respect you; the rudeness might just be hidden well. There is, in fact, an entire art around insulting people without actually insulting them.

Public vs Private Conduct: Since the private sphere is generally open only to those a Sakarne is close to, private conduct is very different from public conduct. The false politeness and indirectness are usually not found there (though that doesn't mean that Sakarnes are always impolite and direct in private- it's just more genuine). It's also not so important to be self-controlled in private.

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: There isn't much difference in terms of behaviour, but the rural population tends to be more oldfashioned, often including xenophobia and racism.

Importance of Appearance: The appearance of a person itself isn't very important outside the modelling industry and related things, but it is very important to be well-groomed, as you will be seen unfit to take care of yourself if not. This includes hair (washed and well-cut) and clothes (ironed, never wrinkly).

Concepts of Cleanliness: Cleaning is important; many Sakarnes bathe every day and loathe not being able to do it.

Hospitality: It is considered rude to expect spontaneous hospitality, yet if you refuse to provide it, others tend to think that you can't for some reason, which will lower your social standing. As for planned hospitality, the host is expected to try his best to fulfill any needs a guest might have, which means that your glass will be refilled constantly and there will be more food than what will be eaten.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: Planning is much preferred, but being able to react spontaneously is a valued skill.

Function of Pride and Humility: Humility is mostly a vice in Sakarnen. Diminishing your own accomplishments either means that you're too full of yourself or that you don't want people to know about it for ulterior motives. Either way, it's not a good thing to do. On the other hand, you should also not try to diminish others' achievements- if it really is as pitiful as you think, others will see the same. Pride and even arrogance is seen as a virtue; be proud of what you've done, is the general thought.

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor: Sincere humor is mostly found in the private sphere. In public, humor will either be more ironic or sarcastic, often with a hidden insult in it, or decidedly flirtatious.

Polycentrism: Sakarnes are generally open to other cultures, but will think of their own as superior. Immigrants are expected to adapt to Sakarne culture.

Regionalisms: No noteworthy ones.

Social Profiling Done constantly, especially among the higher classes, to determine how to act towards a person.

Individuals vs Collectives: Individualism all the way. While people will often work together to achieve their aims, all of them will usually focus on getting as much out of it for themselves. Working solely for the sake of others is not common and seen as strange. Independent thinking is valued- though it is equally important to understand that your critical thoughts are of no importance to your higher ups, when it comes to politics.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships: Trust is seen as necessary for intimate relationships, be it friendship or love; it should be noted that Sakarnes will consider few relationships to be intimate and few of their acquaintances as friends.

Meeting and Greeting: The general way of greeting is a bow, accompanied by gestures that differ depending on the other's social standing in relation to yours; that also influences how low you need to go. Bowing to someone of equal standing requires medium depth and your right hand being outstretched. Greeting someone of lower standing is done by nodding, possibly with your left hand outstretched if you want to be respectful. Bowing is generally only done in formal or semiformal situations; in private, it's usually not done. Touching someone as greeting in any way is an absolute no-go.
When greeting the Emperor in a formal session, the High Nobility will bow medium low and place the fingertips of their right hand between their eyebrows with their left arm pressed to the left body side, lower nobility bows slightly deeper and do the same gesture with the right hand, but touch their left chest with the left hand, non-nobles bow deeply and cover their right eye with their right hand while also touching their left chest. In an informal session, you would have to do the same in theory, but in practice it differs depending on occasion; generally a medium to low bow while touching your forehead will be fine.. The Emperor, of course, bows to no one.
The High Nobility requires medium bows and a touch to the left chest with your right hand from the lower nobilities and a deep bow with the same gesture from commoners. The lower nobility gets a medium bow with that gesture again.
Dos: Bow correctly to the right person.
Don’ts: Mess up with the etiquette (instant bad reputation), forget to bow, attempt to handshake or make other physical contact.

Gift Giving: Gift giving is a sign of affection and only done for close friends or lovers, maybe your family. The thought matters as much as the cost and you should avoid making the impression you just keep buying expensive stuff without putting thought into it. (Buying expensive things is okay in principle, though.) Beautiful things are appreciated the most, be it clothes, jewellery or decoration or anything else. Be careful with flowers; flowers have meanings and giving the wrong one might just indicate you hate the other or something like that. There need not be a special occasion to gift someone close to you, but it's bad taste not to give anything for namedays of close ones. You are expected to open gifts you receive right away; not accepting it is shaming the other. You don't need to pretend you absolutely love the gift if you don't, but don't be rude about it.
Dos: Put thought into your gift, gift something beautiful
Don’ts: Gift people not close to you, refuse to accept a gift, be rude about it

Degree of Gender Mixing: Gender segregation is a mostly unknown concept in Sakarnen. It's a wholly confusing concept to Sakarnes. In fact, there is equality in all fields except where biology interferes, that is, childbirth (but not necessarily child rearing) and the One Power.

Dining Etiquette: Formal dining is often followed by a ball; either way, the dress code is very formal and you are expected to wear good clothes and be well groomed. If there is a ball, you should at least dance once if you don't want to insult the host. Arriving on time is a must; you should deviate from the appointed time no more than five minutes or so. Call in if you can't make it. Unlike at private events, food and drink is generally served by waiters; they will approach you themselves once you have cleaned your plate or emptied your glass and ask if you want more. They will then fetch what you asked for from a buffet table. It's polite to leave some leftovers on your plate and in your glass to show that there was more than enough; conversely, emptying both is an excellent way of subtly insulting someone. Expect conversation during the meal- there are no taboo topics-, but don't talk very loud.
Private dining events don't usually contain a ball, nor are there waiters to serve; you help yourself.
Dos: Dress formally, leave leftovers, be on time, dance (if there's a ball)
Don’ts: Dress informally or inappropriately, refuse to talk to others, talk too loud

Table Manners: (The following meal structure is only for private events.) Sakarne tables are generally round and covered with a tablecloth- embroidered, if affordable, the more elaborate the better. Families will usually have tablecloths for different occasions- one for namedays, one for festivals, one for normal days and so on. Food is served in the middle of the table (that generally consists of a heating plate to keep food warm), on small plates or bowls; there is usually a variety of different food to be found. Appetisers, main dishes, side dishes, condiments, sauces and desserts are all served at the same time, though most people stick to the usual order when eating them. Each dish is served with a piece of cutlery to get it to your own personal plate; once it's there you use your own fork, spoon and knife to eat. If you have been invited to a private dining event, you should try out as many dishes as you can and leave a little on your plate after you're done. Drinks are in the middle of the table as well, usually water, lemonade or tea, sometimes alcohol.
Dos: Transfer the food to your table, help yourself at private events, use cutlery, use an appropriate tablecloth when you're the host
Don’ts: Eat directly from the food plates, transfer the food with your own cutlery, eat with cutlery used to transfer food, eat with your hands

Concepts of Personal Space: Extremely important. Invading someone's personal space is completely inappropriate unless you are very close (barring crowd or emergency situations), touching them is even worse.

Concepts of Time: Punctuality is important and wasting time needlessly is frowned upon when it comes to serious situations (as opposed to more fun-oriented events such as festivals).

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships: Unimportant. What is important is a person's reputation in business- if they are known to be dishonest, for example, they will have trouble finding business partners. Likewise, if a person has been known to make good deals, they will usually have an easy time finding partners later.

How Open Meetings Are: Meetings are usually closed to the participants.

Communication Styles: In business, communication tends to be far more direct than in everyday life. Participants are expected to get to the point quickly without wasting time on useless small talk; after a brief introduction of all participants, the business talk will commence immediately. Business meetings transcend social and economical class barriers; for the duration of the meeting all are on the same footing and should be treated with equal respect (unless it's the Emperor himself). Bowing is not necessary either.

Despite this seeming hurry, there will usually be no hesitation about starting a discussion when viewpoints conflict, and it will go on until the conflict is resolved. Everyone is expected to argue with facts and logic; becoming emotional is bad taste. Politeness will be given unless you horribly embarrass yourself- if it happens frequently, you may well be thrown out of the meeting. Ways of embarrass yourself are bringing your personal life and emotions into play unless absolutely needed, derailing the topic, adding unnecessary details and more, though of course not all of them are on the same level.

The aim of meetings is to find a solution that will hopefully please all participants, but will still provide the most advantage for you. As stated earlier, the ideal outcome is to get the best deal for yourself and to leave everyone else thinking the same indefinitely. Nevertheless, expect all participants to be out for themselves and fight for their own end as ruthlessly as business etiquette permits. Don't lie under any circumstance; it's the easiest way to make all others very angry at you. Instead present the facts in a way that supports your position.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Not important in business except when the Emperor is involved.

Business Cards: Important if you want to get in personal contact with someone for any reason. Give them to the other person during a break or after the meeting, never in the middle of it. Cards should have a high quality, if possible with a unique design. If you do not wish to get in contact, there is no reason to.

What to Wear: Formal clothes. Coats for the men, dresses for the women. Overly bright colors or too much embroidery are frowned upon.

Business Meetings: Appointments should be made at least two weeks before or more depending on how important it is, to give all participants the opportunity to prepare, unless there is an emergency that absolutely requires immediate decisions. You should come up to half an hour early; being exactly on time isn't bad, but it's better to be there before. Do not come late. Introductions are quick, the order depends on the situation. Stay on topic, don't blabber, get to the point quickly; meetings are there to make a decision, not to go off on tangents.

Time of Day: Usually in the morning. If need be, it can extend into the afternoon with a lunch break in between.

Business Negotiations During negotiations, everyone is expected to be out for their own (or for their company or any other interest group they happen to be part of). The aim, as stated before, is to get the best possible deal while leaving everyone else to think the same or at least to feel content. Nevertheless, concessions can and do happen; conceding on a point not as important to you will often result in others conceding when you yourself are pushing for a solution you prefer. Most negotiations will end with a contract containing all relevant posts.
Dos: Be quick to the point, find a solution that pleases everyone
Don’ts: Blabber, screw other participants over completely

by **Kouralia** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 5:18 pm

Country Name:

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Caucasian

Location: The Pony Lands

Climate: Mediterranean climate profile (Köppen climate classification CSa)

Ethnic Makeup: N/A

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: The Business language is English, and this is treated as the country's standard language, however 'High Kouralian' is the official language. This is to say, while every Kouralian can speak English, most TV channels broadcast in English, the laws are written in English, all schools teach English as a first language, and the street signs are in English: High Kouralian is necessary for some jobs. Despite the fact that it is pretty much irrelevant except for loan-words and demonstrating one has been to a mid-/higher education establishment that offers it, the traditional nature of Kouralia has ensured that dropping it has twice been defeated in parliament over the last decade.

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: Via Sacra is the nation's official religion, and is around 70% of the population. Via Sacra is a (unashamed) rip-off of the Graeco-Roman pantheon and mythology, and its popularity stems from the fact that the marge number of cults and sub-cults vary massively around a central idea. For example, some cults focus on a single god, others focus on all the gods as aspects of a single god and others still admit that there are no gods and that the pantheon are merely representations of man's desire to create 'something bigger', however their made up tennets must still be obeyed as it gives order and purpose to their life. And the latter people still regard themselves as religious.

Folklore and Superstition: Superstition can be common in areas of Kouralia, however closer to the cities and the coast this typically diminishes.

Social Hierarchies: There exists a system of nobility and royalty in Kouralia, with many positions in said nobility being inherited. On top of this the highly selective military carries a great weight socially. Being a serving, or ex member of it (especially the Army, and even more especially the Corps of Cavalry or the Corps of Infantry) carries a great deal of respect. In an emergency, simply saying 'I was in the marines' would probably get you your own way in most discussions.

Importance of said Hierarchies: Beyond the military's social standing and the royal family, not especially. Nobles have no additional rights (that are accepted by courts of law) or powers.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Ranks and titles that are earned typically have more respect attached than inherited honours. Honorifics are used extensively in Kouralia, and it is considered impolite to afford someone their honorific at least the first time you address them.

Important Festivals: There are a range of important festivals. The 'Day of Honour' is a key one, celebrating the 'glory' of the armed forces, and is basically some military parades followed by everyone going down the pub for a pint.

The Family: The Family is seen in a varied manner, depending on where you are from. In the Cities it is typically viewed as a safe base to start from and leave while always good to go and visit, your family isn't an anchor to which you are tied. On the other hand, in many countryside locales it is still common for whole extended families (except those who have gone off to be 'modern' in the cities) to have a large Sunday dinner.

Concepts of Shame and Honor: A person has three 'tiers' of honour they must uphold: Theirs, their family's and their nation's. Basically this means not failing epically at something. You can fail, but if it wasn't your fault you're fine. If a thousand infantrymen died because you faced stiff resistance, tried your best but ultimately had to withdraw: fine. If you lose a tenner on the stock market for your company because you were being a fucking moron: not fine.

Face and Saving Face: Face is seen as important in Kouralia, however saving face is unnecessary. In Kouralian society, a simple ignoring of the insulter is effectively an utter reversal of any negative effect. However, this must be done right. The insultee must do it so as to make it clear that they heard the insult, that they are able to deal with the insulter if they so wished, but they do not. If they just look like they're deaf, or scared, then they'd lose even more face.

Directness: Directness is valued in Kouralia, and whether you're talking to the Queen as a Private, or talking to a Private as the Queen it's likely the gist of the language used would be the same.

Ways to express Yes and No: Indeed, Affirmative, Yes, Of course, Indubitably, Yup, Yeah. No, Negatory, Negative, Nope.

Politeness: It is considered important to always be polite and considerate in Kouralia, however it is not uncommon for this politeness to drop in the face of overly barbaric behaviour, if not just to appropriately show the person's disgust. Serving members of the Kouralian Armed Forces are considered exempt from Politeness when dealing with lizardry.

Public vs Private Conduct: Eh, what you do in private is pretty much your own business, though you'd better remain respectable damnit! :<

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: As said before, the countryside tends to be a bit more traditionalist than the cities. Familial ties are valued more in the country, etc. etc.

Importance of Appearance: Appearance is very important in Kouralia: if you can't be bothered to shine your shoes, etc. etc. then why should anyone bother to do anything for you?

Concepts of Cleanliness: Same as above. If you haven't showered or shaved (or trimmed your beard into an attractive and suave form) then what do you expect others to do?

Hospitality: You might as well be hospitable to people, but this really doesn't extend to those who are not invited, though Kouralians would help a stranger in need.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: Spontaneity and planning are equally valued, however the quality most respected would be the ability to plan and analyse the situation on the fly: adaptability and flexibility.

Function of Pride and Humility: Being proud of personal accomplishments is not something especially approved of in Kouralia, beyond a high-five, 'Yess!' and maybe a glass of wine. However, pride in the nation, the military, the town: any group of people, is much more common.

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor: Humour in terms of jokes is relatively uncommon in Kouralia, but general irreverence and the humourous remarks coming from that are much more positively viewed and frequent. However, the Irreverence is cracked down on massively if it starts to interrupt or affect something such as a mission or project.

Polycentrism: Kouralians tend to be cosmopolitan and rarely discriminate against others (beyond the impression that foreign cultures are inferior to a Kouralian culture), even if they are viewed to be barbarians. However the idea that differences should be celebrated, or that Kouralian culture should in anyway bend to an immigrant or non-Kouralian culture would be laughed at.

Regionalisms: People remain proud of their regions and sub-regions etc. all the way down to their street, and there are marked differences from one side of the country to the other in terms of how things get done, but this

Social Profiling: Uh...

Individuals vs Collectives: The individual is seen as just as important as the collective, because while the individual may work to a group goal, the individual's work is still their work, and still necessary for success.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships: Trust is seen as very important, as is reliability.

Meeting and Greeting:
Dos: Remain calm and easy-going, make a light-hearted remark, complement someone on their clothes or what you've been told of them.
Don’ts: Overly flatter them, make negative remarks, be too distant, lie to come up with something to improve your or their standing.

Gift Giving:
Dos: give a small gift, give a gift equal to what they are giving to you
Don’ts: Splash out to twice as much as theirs because you want to show your love for them.

Degree of Gender Mixing: Male and female social segregation is very uncommon, if not non-existent. The only places there is any real separation in facilities or such is bathrooms and changing-rooms. In some instances, for example the military, no real attempt is made at that, and it is basically: yeah, just don't face-on people.

Dining Etiquette:
Dos: Eat everything, drink your wine, leave a tiny amount of wine left in your glass.
Don’ts: Leave food (but if you have to, make sure to remark how nice the food was, or how full you are - otherwise it'll be assumed you thought the food was shit).

Table Manners: Pretty basic here.

Concepts of Personal Space: Respect others personal space, and don't intrude unless you see an invitation to do so. No, no indication as to what constitutes an invitation is given.

Concepts of Time: Always be punctual. Always. Preferably run off of Serjeant-Time: i.e. five minutes early.

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships: Personal relationships are seen as being of utmost importance.

How Open Meetings Are: Openness is expected, but then again 'don't ask, don't get told'. Being conservative with your answers is not seen as odd, so long as you don't outright lie.

Communication Styles: Remain polite, but also informal without compromising the politeness.

Using Titles and Honorifics: The use of honorifics in contact is a massive positive in business meetings, but excessive use of such is seen as cringe-worthy. Also, only earned titles should be used, or sparingly inherited ones. Simply addressing someone as some irrelevant title is seen as silly.

Business Cards: A Business card should only be offered once. This should occur at the end of a meeting, unless it is asked for prior to that.

What to Wear: Suits. All the time, errehtime.

Time of Day: Normally in the mid-late morning, allowing lunch to be held after the meeting, then people can retire individually for the hottest part of the day.

Business Negotiations
Dos: Remain polite, but informal, be self-effacing
Don’ts: Act overly polite, flatter them too much, be arrogant

by **Malfyria** » Sat Jun 08, 2013 7:21 am

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Malfyrii.

Location: The Planets Malfyria, Tyzestos, Skjotestes and the (habitable) moons of Khormasia and Urdantai as well as some artificial outposts in unclaimed territory.

Climate: Mostly Arid desert or Semi-Desert with a few tropical Rain forests.

Ethnic Makeup: 68%-Malfyrii 21%- Alstyri 7%- Symuiri 2.5%-Drengii the rest are largely un-classified slave and prey species.

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: Depends where you are and who you are speaking to, most "formal" transactions where the government is involved are conducted in Malfyrii the state
language. However Malfyrii has two forms a polite form and Drakhan a more informal and bestial language, some institutions like the Temple have their own dialects (sort of how the papacy uses Latin).
Recently the Malfyrian state has introduced a simple Arvenushka trade talk that can be understood throughout the dominion.

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: The Sharvenstrani faith is the most popular and the state religion of the dominion, it is based around the philosophy that life
is a test for the Malfyrii people and those who successfully pass the test will live in a prosperous afterlife before returning to battle in "Seven Millenia of War". Many native
polytheistic religions are also followed that are usually connected to ancestor or nature worship. It is far more of a cultural thing than an actual faith as most Malfyrii are
atheists.

Folklore and Superstition: Malfyrii are generally quite a pragmatic and inquisitive people and display skepticism towards powers that they cannot sense. There are a few superstitious rituals
about death. Some of the other races are far more superstitious with the Alstyri being among the most superstitious.

Social Hierarchies: Malfyrians follow a strict eugenicist class system with families that have shown to produce "weaker" offspring at the bottom and those with superior gene pools
at the top. Racial segregation is quite common, this depends on a series of aesthetic and biological factors, herbivorous or pacifistic races are usually viewed as inferior to a more militaristic
species.

Importance of said Hierarchies: Sacrosanct.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Quite important, though names are more important than titles.

Important Festivals: The Tsaigan's Hatchingday,The Great Hunt ,The Day of Knowledge,Victory Day(s),First Contact Day and New Years Day (not human calender obviously).

The Family: Malfyrii families are not nuclear, most parents abandon their young after four to seven years thus stronger bonds are formed with your clutch then your parents. While the nuclear
family is not that important the clan is considered a very important institution. Your clan are the people standing by your side and the people who will support your ambitions and finance your talents
....don't upset them. The Symuiri follow a similar system but with less emphasis on clans, the Alstyri do form nuclear families in the form of feline prides that function as a close knit family.

Concepts of Shame and Honor: Might makes Right for the Malfyrii both physical and political, this has always been the case. Generally speaking martial feats are considered honorable regardless
of power. Cowardice,Ignorance and repeated Failure are considered shameful.

Face and Saving Face:

Directness: Malfyrii are quite blunt by human terms and are terrible liars, they will not bother hiding their feelings towards people be they ill or good.

Ways to express Yes and No: Yes: Upwards tail flick and head bobbing No: A short hiss (longer hisses are considered a direct challenge or just rude), a quick baring of the fangs is acceptable if
the matter is grave.

Politeness: Malfyrii are expected to respect their superiors and treat their equals as equals, while directly informing someone that you dislike them is not considered impolite acting excessively superior
to an equal is seen as rude. Lying is also seen as impolite and foolish.

Public vs Private Conduct: Malfyrii will be more relaxed and less formal in private much like humans.

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: Rural Malfyrii are far more bestial than "civilized" Malfyrii, they are primitive hunters who are often nomadic with little or no modern technology to aid them. Rural Malfyrii
have significantly worse education and have no regard for civilized hierarchies.

Importance of Appearance: Malfyrii are quite vain and will often judge people based on physical appearance,thus the importance of maintaining an attractive physique is quite important for them. Malfyrii
will usually wear elaborate robes or armor.

Concepts of Cleanliness: Cleanliness both spiritual and material is not valued as much in Malfyrii society as in human, probably due to the lack of hair for grooming. Most Malfyrii will wash twice
a week or less.

Hospitality: Not important, it is actually seen as rather stupid to offer your hard earned food and money to strangers.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: Good planning and organization is valued and is seen as a sign of an ordered and intelligent mind,the acceptence of Spontaneity depends upon the event
and the person being spontaneous. It would be acceptable for a Malfyr aristocrat to act in a spontaneous manner to his fellow guests at a celebratory feast but not at his work, it would be considered offensive
for a lower classs Malfyrii or even a non-Malfyr to act in that way to a noblemalfyr.

Function of Pride and Humility:In Malfyria it is seen as right to take pride in your victories, this often comes across as arrogance or boastfulness to other cultures but this is not the intention.Malfyrii
will often go on and on about their and their ancestors acomplishments. Even relatively minor things such as winning a game of chess are repeatedly announced and lauded to the world. Being un-deservedly
humble is seen as ungrateful and arrogant.

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor: Malfyrii humor is dark and frequent, there are not many occasions where this humor is unacceptable.

Polycentrism: Malfyrii are quite hostile to foreign cultures and will try to enforce their values upon conquered peoples, xenophobia towards prey-creatures is common.

Regionalisms:Quite frequent among the Alstyr and warm-blood prey species whose cultures differ from the Malfyrian Dominion. The Symuiri and other biologically similar races are more assimilated.

Social Profiling:Given that class is meant to represent ability this is quite frequent.

Individuals vs Collectives:Despite being urged to put the collective good above themselves most Malfyrii are instinctively more concerned with their own survival.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships:It is ideal for there to be some level of trust in Social Relationships, if it is a close one then there really shouldn't be a need
for anything but truth.

Meeting and Greeting:
Dos:Introduce yourself with your full name and what your represent,shake hands and bring a small gift of food.
Don’ts:Smile,the bearing of teeth is considered a threat, shorten your or others names, use informal names or language without agreement.

Gift Giving:Is quite common in Malfyria,be it between two close friends or a tribute from an underling to a superior.

Dos:Give food or drink this is always a safe option with Malfyrians. Giving weapons and armor are acceptable if the relationship is close though it could be mistaken for an old tradition
where a feudal lord would give his spear to a vassal in a call to war (if the spear was returned it meant a severing of relationships).
Don’ts: Give flowers or other plants,the Malfyrian will have no need for them and may even interpret it as calling him a herbivore (and thus an insult).Do not give clothes as they are personal taste
and are therefore left up to the individual.

Degree of Gender Mixing:Moderate, culturally speaking Malfyria is a patriarchal society and in some events the presence of females is said to weaken the males (such as warfare).

Dining Etiquette:Malfyrians love great and oppulant feasts following a hunt and will often invite friends and family,usually these feasts are at minimum eight courses long.It is considered
rude to not attend the entire feast unless a grave matter interferes with schedule.
Dos:Take part in the hunting party to catch the food,engage guests in conversation and merriment and sample some of each course (if not all of it).
Don’ts:Expect vegetables,leave early and unexplained,damage the hosts property and leave sober.

Table Manners:Significantly less then humanity,Malfyrii have no need of knives or forks.
Dos:
Don’ts:

Concepts of Personal Space:Quite important,coming to close to a Malfyr may be anticipated as an assault.

Concepts of Time:It is important to respect others schedules and key events such as eating and sunning, failure to do this is considered an insult.

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships:Not considered particularly important, the caste system regulates most personal relationships in business.

How Open Meetings Are: Meetings are conducted with a formal air but are not particularly secretive.This is quite different in politics where you find more secret meetings then
not.

Communication Styles: It is considered unprofessional to engage in any small talk or long introductory speeches but to begin discussion immediately,most negotiations are conducted
with some eccentric flair,quoting from poetry,history and even religious texts is not uncommon.It is important to only give away what is necessary for the opposing party to know and keep
them guessing for the most part.Other more Malfyrian specific forms of non-spoken communication such as tail movements and scent based communication are used just as if not more frequently.After all business has
been discussed it is acceptable to engage in small talk and non-business discussion.

Using Titles and Honorifics:Important.

Business Cards:Non-existent.

What to Wear: An ornate circlet to show your position in society or the company,apart from that clothing is unimportant.

Business Meetings:Always arrive on time with a previous appointment having been made in advance,appointments must be made after sunning.Find out who you will be talking to and
send someone of equivalent rank to meet them with two subordinates.It is considered un-cooperative to send someone of higher social status as this will only complicate things.Unless food is provided
there should always be time for both parties to eat.

Time of Day:Anytime after 10:00 and before sundown.

Business Negotiations
Dos:Be assertive,quote from literature and history,make humor,get to the point and observe whoever is speaking with all your senses.
Don’ts:Show too much emotion,ask for refreshment unless offered, loose your temper.

by **Ulvena** » Sun Jun 09, 2013 8:29 pm

Country Name: Confucian Empire of Ulvena

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Korean

Location: Imperium of Sanul

Climate: Ulvena's climate, despite controlling most of Sanul, is very standard. It is temperate, slightly colder than average, and has a rainy climate. It is made up entirely of deciduous forests and taiga biomes. Even the island of Jeju has a very temperate climate. It is on average, very cold in the winter and temperate in the summer.

Ethnic Makeup: Korean (99%), Buyeo Natives (0.9%), Other (0.1%)

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: Business language is very standardized and formal. Honorifics and formal language is common in business transactions. However, despite this homogenized group of people, bilingualism is valued both in casual and business speech. It is not uncommon to see most, if not all citizens of Ulvena to be bilingual in both English and Korean and incorporate both languages into casual speech. Despite racial and cultural homogeneity, learning multiple languages is seen as a sign of intellect and economic prosperity.

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: The State religion is the Pantheonic Order, a religion centered on the Outsider, the center of all magic in Sanul, and the study of the mystical aspects of Sanul (essentially science and magic combined). However, only 53% of the population are Pantheonic. Islam and Buddhism are very strong with 14% and 13% of the population believing in it respectively. 12% of the population are members of the Abbey of the Everyman, a religion dedicated to shunning magic and the Outsider. Very human-centric.

Superstition: Even the Abbey of the Everyman knows that magic exists. However, the entire continent of Sanul is a great mystery. It has unbelievable amounts of magic in a unique form, most of which cannot be harnessed. It causes Ulvenans to become very superstitious but also very inquiring as this free magic manifests itself in Sanul (especially Pandyssian Sanul) in strange ways. While the Heartlands and the Imperium of Sanul doesn't experience very much of this strange magic, it is observed in controlled environments every day.

Folklore: Ulvenan folklore has been well kept for over 20,000 years. Ulvenan folklore usually deals with a mystical time where magic was harnessed by a select few humans to a greater degree than ever in recorded history. They are usually stories of how these humans crafted the world around us. It also serves as a cautionary tale of life lessons. Folklore is known by almost every Ulvenan. Some stories include the wise mystic Bok-Hee, who is said to have deciphered nature itself but perished from his obsessions. Or the cunning thief Hyul-Min, who used magic to create shadows to rob a great King's diamond crown but succumbed because his apprentice betrayed him. Or the shy Princess who learned a fraction of Bok-Hee's magic and created great trees around her so she could have a place to hide from suitors and met a woodsman who killed her, thinking she was a witch. Overall, in Ulvenan folklore, rulers are usually mentioned as benevolent figures and at worst, misunderstood/brainwashed. Scholars, thinkers, and intellectuals are always talked highly of, even if said person is evil.

Social Hierarchies: It is incredibly loose. Though most slaves are criminals, a slave can rise to become a High Noble with work or innovation. A High Noble, with one major slip-up, can become a Lower Class or even a slave if the slip-up is criminal enough. Most intellectuals or innovators can also become a noble by taking a test. Most noble families also do not consider their children nobility until they can earn it.
From highest to lowest social class:
- Royal Family
- Daegam (Ministers, High Nobility)
- Yangban (General Nobility)
- Jung-In (Middle Class)
- Ssangnom (Lower Class)
- Nob (Slaves)

Importance of said Hierarchies: It is very different depending on what two social classes you compare. A Daegam class and Yangban class are essentially the same with the only difference being in occupation. However, a Jung-In and Ssangnom is incredibly large as even a poor Jung-In expects respect from a Ssangnom, who may be equally poor. As a rule, the lower class should respect the higher class. Marriage between a Nob or Ssangnom and any other class is considered offensive except in certain circumstances.

Using Titles and Honorifics: Titles are used in place of names for Yangban and Daegam classes. These titles can be occupation titles or "nicknames" that most nobility give themselves once they establish themselves. Honorifics are used extensively by every single class except the Nob and Ssangnom classes (amongst themselves). Usually, these honorifics are placed at the end of sentences or questions(합니다, 습니까, 요). Not using honorifics is a mark of an uneducated and uncivilized man.

Important Festivals: Ulvenan festivals revolve around natural/magical phenomenon or nationalism. The largest two festivals is 추석 (Chuseok), the harvest festival and Thanksgiving equivalent. It is a time of hedonistic eating, celebration, and thanks to whatever God for a successful harvest. The second is Chinese New Years, a time of cleansing and New Year. It is also when, in Sanul, the door to the Sadong Pantheon opens for one day for pilgrims to meditate on the Outsider or magical scholars to train in places of extreme magic.

The Family: Ulvenan families are patriarchal and most families, even in ultra-urban settings, live in extended families, similar to clans. Every generation lives in one area, whether it be several apartment units right next to each other or an entire suburban compound. Family is considered the most important thing and family units are incredibly tight and structured. The patriarch and matriarch are the oldest and most powerful couple of the family. Gender roles are common. Men are expected to be the breadwinners while women to be the ones doing housework. In these extended families, women, both young and old, work together to support all of the men, young and old.

The patriarch controls all of the men while the matriarch controls all of the women. It is the duty of the matriarch to make sure the women grow to be intelligent, helpful, and useful to the men. It is also the duty of the matriarch to make sure the men appreciate the women, whether it be their significant other or sisters. The patriarch's duty is to make sure ALL the men are strong, intelligent, and worthy of the family title.

Concepts of Shame and Honor: Very standardized. Anything that shames a person is usually taken to shame the entire family that person belongs to. There is no concept of chivalry but there is family honor and family code individual to each family or community. Most family codes have shame to include marriage of a slave or lower class, not giving respect to a Royal, or being embarrassed by a Royal.

Face and Saving Face: Something that will make you lose face is always something in violation of a national or family code of honor. Major incidents of losing face may have you lose your birthright, your family excommunicating you, or if the incident is bad enough, suicide.

Directness: Directness is respected in business and casual speech. Being too direct is seen as rude but a certain level of directness is a desired trait. In fact, the Crown Prince is trained from childhood to be direct. This is also true of many Noble/Business families.

Ways to express Yes and No: Yes (응, 내, 예) is changed depending on if you're talking to a lesser/equal, equal/older person, or superior. No is simply expressed as (아니) with proper honorifics added to the end. Even in English, these Korean honorifics are added.

Politeness: Politeness is incredibly important. Bowing, shaking hands formally, and formal speech is very important. Ulvenan politeness differs from Western politeness but in this generation, many people find Western politeness to be acceptable. Between friends however, this politeness can all go away and nobody would question it.

Public vs Private Conduct: Public conduct must contain all of the above, if not most. Even slaves and lower class know to use honorifics to respect each other and their superiors. Private conduct all depends on those that are in the household. If the household allows you to be loose, you can be loose. If you're alone, nobody cares what you do because nobody knows what you do.

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: Rural environments are most serene and kind to outsiders. Urban regions are marked by most people ignoring outsiders because they don't even know them. However, rural communities are tightly knit. There is no distinction of education. Rural people may be more superstitious but that is due to culture, not education.

Importance of Appearance: You don't have to wear brand names but you are expected to look presentable. If you're a species that have fur and not clothing, Ulvenans will see you as a lower class savage if your fur is not well brushed and cleaned. For humans, Ulvenans will see you as a savage if you don't have clothing that's presentable, even if it's just sweatpants and a T-shirt. It doesn't even have to be spotless. It just has to look spotless from afar and you have to look clean.

Concepts of Cleanliness: No obvious stains, no dirt, debris, or food lying around. It can't have anything out of place. If it tries to look good as new, then it's clean. It doesn't even have to meet it but it has to look like the owner is trying.

Hospitality: Hospitality is very important. Having guests work, even out of their own volition, is a sign of laziness and rudeness. Guests are expected to be treated just as well as family so long as they are guests. Guests are to be treated like important VIPs. While it is not offensive to have attention not directed to them at all times, they should be happy and content at your home. The guest, if fulfilled, is also expected to have respect for the house and its owners.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: Ulvenans hate spontaneity. It is extremely rude to be late and most Ulvenans have a rule to come 10 minutes early to a meeting to continue to plan out the day and how to interact with the other person. Formal meetings are expected to be planned at least 3 days in advance while casual meetings are expected to be planned at least a few hours in advance.

Function of Pride and Humility: The upper social classes can have pride and the lower social classes are expected to have humility. However, this rule is broken if the lower social class person is of higher merit in terms of skillset or intelligence than the higher class person. Pride and humility is very dependent on intellect, strength, skills, and talents. Ulvenan society tends to make the smartest, strongest, most skilled, or most talented proud of their individual skills and those who are ignorant or weak ashamed. Pride can only be displayed without being frowned upon if there's truly something to be proud about.

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor: Humor is very important in casual interactions but not at all in formal interactions. It is seen as uncouth and that the person isn't taking the interaction seriously. The only exception is with the current Emperor, who uses brutal, sarcastic humor to shut down those who are incompetent at their jobs.

Polycentrism: Ulvena is utilitarian and very homogenized. All of Ulvenan society is based on the Korean people, the Korean culture, and nationalistic values. Outsiders are not seen as anything other than outsiders. Even non-Koreans essentially look very similar in terms of racial profiling (Chinese, Japanese, Buyeo natives, etc.). There is no such thing as a melting pot.

Regionalisms: There is some friction between the magic users of the Baekdo Mountain Region and the technological and agricultural people of the Ulvenan Heartlands. However, most regions of the Confucian Empire rally together easily and do not discriminate very much based on region.

Social Profiling: Social profiling is very important. High Class people tend to flaunt their social class while lower class people stay quiet at their social class. Informality, while rarely, if ever displayed by any Ulvenan in formal conversations, if displayed by a foreigner, it is a sign that they are lower class and they can be socially profiled into being the lowest class possible.

Individuals vs Collectives: The achievements of the individual are recognized but the bounty of their achievements are for the collective. The individual has little value in Ulvena and all actions of the individual should work for the collective they most closely identify to. Usually a family or close friendship but can also be for their closely knit village or country.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships:

Meeting and Greeting: An Ulvenan greeting you for the first time would bow and ask for your surname, name, and if the surname sounds familiar or famous, ask about what family you belong to. Small talk may also happen but the underlying point of small talk is to identify the person as a high class, low class, or middle class. It is also customary to talk about likes and dislikes.

First impressions are incredibly important in Ulvena and the surefire way to be seen as a savage and unworthy of talking to is to have a horrible first impression. A very fast way to lose that first impression is to speak with a completely informal tone, make inappropriate jokes, or curse for no reason.

Dos: Be formal, answer questions with proper honorifics, don't lose the formality, dress clean
Don’ts: Drop honorifics, speak informally, be informal in general, dress like a hobo

Gift Giving: Gift giving is both seen as a sign of wanting to know the person better, a sign of formality, or a sign of attraction. It is very important as to what type of gift is being given. A cigar, a few Pun (cents), or other minor gifts are a sign of formality if it's a first meeting or a sign of wanting to be friends or knowing the person better if they had previous encounters. Larger gifts when the person enters your home is also a sign of formality, same with gifts of food in the same situation. However, gifts of homemade food every time the person enters the home rather than just a coffee or tea, or a gift involving one's prized possessions is a sign of attraction or close friendship.

Dos: Think of what type of gift is being given, your relationship with that person, formality
Don’ts: Randomly giving gifts, not giving guests a food gift, not giving a business associate a small gift

Degree of Gender Mixing: Women are expected to work the house and men are expected to work in the factories. However, it is not strict and it is not frowned upon if this is deviated. There is no problem with gender mixing. It just doesn't happen much.

Dining Etiquette: It is a mark of a civilized, educated, high class man to have good dining etiquette. However, dining etiquette is simple and straight forward. There is no special rule. Most of it is common sense for Ulvenans.

Dos: Make small talk, chew quietly, make appropriate jokes, stay quiet if you're not making conversations, stay at the table until conversations are all over, compliment food.
Don’ts: Be loud, make dirty or inappropriate jokes, do not arrive at the table late, leave the table right after finishing.

Table Manners: Ulvenan table manners are actually far more lenient than the West. Ulvenan meals are usually single course with a wide array of side dishes for the entire table, rice, and a main dish, usually a meat. There is only two types of utensils: Chopsticks and a spoon. Perhaps a knife if the situation calls for it.

Dos: Eat with proper utensils, try all of the side dishes, if you finish your rice, make sure the bowl is relatively clean.
Don’ts: Eat with your hands unless the food is specifically made for that, be informal

Concepts of Personal Space: It's considered rude and strange to get in someone's personal space unless you are their friend or significant other. If a stranger gets in your personal space, he's considered to be gay and he should be punched or he's a foreigner.

Concepts of Time: If you're 30 minutes late, you're 30 seconds from socially dead.

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships: It is very important to have a formal but still close relationship with your co-workers and supervisors. Between co-workers, everyone is an equal in work unless someone is of higher merit. Supervisors are seen as higher class only in work hours and should be respected as such. Closeness is very important for business productivity in Ulvena.

How Open Meetings Are: Meetings are incredibly formal. Even a slight slip up in formal speech is a sign of weakness and informality is considered arrogant or that the person is not serious about the meeting. Even amongst friends, if the open meeting is of a serious topic, informality is frowned upon.

Communication Styles: Communication needs to be formal, business like, and without emotion being visible to other business members. Supervisors need to keep the place super efficient. Fun is secondary to product.

Using Titles and Honorifics: See above. Incredibly important and follows the same rules as regular interaction.

Business Cards: Business cards are given out easily amongst businessmen for the sake of easy contact but there is no social implication to this greeting.

What to Wear: A business suit or Hanbok is very common and accepted to be formal wear. Anything else is considered rude and a sign that the person is not taking the business seriously.

Business Meetings: Business meetings are behind closed door and even if it isn't, it's always very formal. Lack of formality is a sign of lack of seriousness and weakness. Being late is basically suicide without a very good excuse and business meetings are planned weeks in advance. Rushing straight to business is considered rude but topics leading up to the discussion should still be formal.

Time of Day: Always in morning or noon. Afternoon is rare and at night is even rarer.

Business Negotiations: Business negotiations are incredibly formal just like business meetings. Lack of formality is a sign of rudeness, disrespect, and lack of seriousness. It greatly offends Ulvenan negotiators and some even shut down communications unless the negotiation is of great importance. Showing emotion is also a great sign of weakness. You must remain with a poker face.

Dos: Be friendly but careful, be formal, do business, keep emotion out of the negotiation
Don’ts: Show obvious emotion, informality, acting loose or open

by **Gustafia** » Sun Jun 09, 2013 9:24 pm

Country Name: The Theocracy of Gustafia

Prevalent Majority Ethnic Group: Gustafians

Location: OT Alliance

Climate:

Seriously, bring some suncreen. The Almighty goH will burn the flesh from the unbelievers and infidels. It rained last year once I think. Missiles on our enemies that is!!!!!!

Ethnic Makeup: Soonee Gustafians 2%, Miserable Backstabbing Infidel She-yte Gustafians 97.99999%, and we have one black guy who does the weather.

Business Language and Beliefs on Bilingualism: Your business better involve the donations of large sums of money to The Emir, or you just might find a terrori . . . err . . . Moo-jahidean at your next family picnic! We speak one language here buddy, goH! Get on board, or feel his wrath!

Prevalent Religious or Personal Belief: goH. And by prevalent, we mean it's his way or the highway! We even developed a website dedicated to goH and all his glory! Take a peek! Just stare into his wonder, and wait for the glory to unfold! http://www.thegustafianmagicofgoH.com/rpost1.aspx?

Superstition: Have you ever seen a grown walrus in a state of arousal? Well, in Gustafia, we have. Now, the old saying goes, if you're within his shadow, that's thirty years of good luck. Problem is, the average life expectancy in Gustafia is 18 years, so no one's ever been able to prove this theory.

Folklore: One day goH went into the woods to build himself a house. He took no tools, only a hammer. Now you might say, "Well, a hammer is a tool." Shut up!

Social Hierarchies: Do you know what an Emir is? He's the guy with all the money. It's important to have a ruling class with the money since the commoners cannot be trusted with any of it. goH wishes the common folk to work. And occasionally strap on a suicide bomb. A popular saying in the halls of government is, "Become a suicide bomber for Gustafia! We'll only ever ask you once!"

Importance of said Hierarchies: Didn't you read the part before this? How much more information do you really need? Are you a spy? Zamir will get to the bottom of this . . .

Using Titles and Honorifics: The more titles you use with the Emir, the better your chances of avoiding the slave pits and torture chambers.

Important Festivals: Festivals are for infidel heathens. If goH wanted us to celebrate something, he'd wipe all of our enemies from the earth. Then we could get back to fighting each other!

The Family: Look, you don't like your family, and we don't like ours. We do however, relish the chance to fire our AK47s into the air at any family gathering. Oh one more important thing. Women are to be cherished, like the expensive piece of personal property that they are! We just passed a law that a woman should be traded for no less than two goats! Tell me that isn't progress!

Concepts of Shame and Honor: If you were to live all 18 years of your expected life and not kill one infidel, we would of course have to slaughter your entire family. It's not personal, it's just weeding out the bad stock. Also, if you ever see a woman's ankle, you are to be stoned to death. And she is to be burned at the stake.

Face and Saving Face: Faces are banned in Gustafia. Women's faces that is! Beekeeping is the #1 career opportunity for women in Gustafia. And honey would be our #1 export, if goH didn't demand it be banned.

Directness: This RPG is pretty direct.

Ways to express Yes and No: Yes: A tug of the beard. No: A thrown shoe, or 20 rounds from an AK.

Politeness: Politeness is for whiney liberal Yankee countries where Kardashians reign supreme. In Gustafia, you are polite to Emir, and any of his 600 wives. Everyone else can suck it.

Public vs Private Conduct: Private conduct . . . Bwahahahahahahahahaha! That's a good one brother.

Rural vs Urban Dichotomy: Ok, not going to lie here. Gustafia has no Urban areas. We had a two story building once a few years back, but a NATO jet took it out.

Importance of Appearance: Listen, when 99% of your nation lacks running water, appearance really isn't high on your list of priorities. Ultimately we are concerned with how many layers of clothing a woman is wearing, and the length of a man's beard. Other than that, we're pretty easy going. Unless of course the beard is too short. Then the stoning begins.

Concepts of Cleanliness: Again, no running water, not a lot of time to shine the floors. (If we had floors) Let's just say that once a week we clear the yak dung out of the yard. If it's a good week, you can throw it at a little girl who dared to learn how to read.

Hospitality: Sure, what's mine is mine and what's yours is mine. If I had a Coobano for every time I head the Emir say that, he'd have all my Coobanos.

Importance of Planning and Spontaneity: Planning has never been a big thing for our military. Mostly we just buy AK47s and fire them wildly down crowded streets at each other.

Function of Pride and Humility: Listen, pride is a sin. In fact, most things are a sin, but pride is really one of them. Plus, when your house consists of a few boulders and the skin of 3000 scorpions tied together, you're not really posting that on Facebook too often.

Not that we have Facebook.

Importance and Appropriateness of Humor: Humor is great. It's always fun to laugh at those we are about to put to death. A very popular joke in Gustafia is "The other day my fifth wife told me she wanted to learn how to read. So I shot her!"

Polycentrism: We don't even know what this word means in Gustafia. Seriously, is this a real word?

Regionalisms: Gustafia is made up of many regions. There's the High Dusty Plains, the Low Dusty Plains, the Dusty Mountains, and the Rocky Hills. It's all pretty much the same actually.

Social Profiling: Profiling is very important. How else can you root out those who would try to overthrow the government? If we had electricity, we'd have a surveillance system on our people that would make the NSA envious!

Individuals vs Collectives: Individuals collect things and give them to the Emir.

The Importance of Trust in Social Relationships:

Meeting and Greeting: If someone you meet has a higher caliber weapon than you, they have the right of way.

Dos: Pay your taxes. Give the Emir anything that you think might possibly be of value.
Don’ts: Pretty much everything.

Gift Giving: The Emir approves of this.

Degree of Gender Mixing: Bwahahahahahahahahaha!

Oh, you were serious?

Dining Etiquette: Men eat first. Women eat if there is anything left. When carving up a goat, it is important to always serve to the left.

Table Manners: These would require tables . . .

Concepts of Personal Space: The average home in Gustafia is about 300 square feet and sleeps 17. If you have space issues, you may want to head on down to the Emigration Office so you can be shot.

Concepts of Time: It's always a good time for a stoning!

Business Etiquette

Importance of Personal Relationships: I wouldn't get too attached to anybody here. I had three best friends last week. Now I have one leg. Get my drift?

How Open Meetings Are: Rifles are mandatory at any meeting. Also, you might want to make sure you've got a few pistols hidden under your tunic.

Communication Styles: Whoever shoots first wins.

Business Cards: BWahahahahahahaha! Oh stop, you are killing me!

What to Wear: A holster. Four if possible.

Business Negotiations: If you wound your adversary, he hast to give you two (previously one) goats or one wife.

Dos: Shoot first
Don’t: Miss.

Factbook for Gustafia

Politeness and Social Customs in Your Society

Politeness and Social Customs in Your Society

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