Your Nation's Social Structure and Family Dynamics

[Korintar]

What are the social structure and family dynamics like in your nation. Is polygyny common, or is it more likely that a two parent nuclear family to be common? How are the elderly viewed? What is the basis for decision making and what values are brought to the decision? What's the attitude towards children and women? Basic unit of society. Basically, I am interested in learning the sociological, rather than political, economic, legal, or military aspects. I will post such information about Korintar later.

[Draconia Magna]

It varies a bit. Since we practice slavery and polygamy, not to mention concubinage and the use of male lovers, it's a bit more complex than some of the herd moralist societies. We're not exactly hyper-egalitarians, that's for sure. Most men have a couple of wives and/or concubines, maybe a few pleasure slaves, and quite possibly catamites (youths kept for homosexual purposes) as well. Of course, we're vaccinated against all known STDs. Sex often occurs in public. Society is completely patriarchal, of course. Women don't have a say, and that's how we like it. The oikos (male head of the house) is an absolute ruler. His word is law. He just generally operates under our rather priapic social mores....which restrict very few things.

[Fatatatutti]

Fatatatutians view all Fatatatutians - and by extension, all human beings - as family members.

Three or more generations live together in one house. Blended families are common because 'traditional' marriage is uncommon. Children often live for a while with one biological parent and then for a while with the other.

Parents are very indulgent toward their children. Saying 'No' to a child would be as unthinkable as assaulting him. School is encouraged but not mandatory. The joke is that children are encouraged to learn from their own explosions.

Family decisions are usually made at family meetings, where everybody gets a say (provided they can talk). Decisions are made by consensus or by majority vote, just as they are in Parliament.

Fatatatutians also treat strangers as family members. Visitors are liable to be picked up at the airport and taken to somebody's home where they live as a member of the family for their entire stay. Some tourists have reported receiving Christmas cards and birthday cards for years after a short stay in Fatatatutti.

[Bovidia]

Although family structure varies greatly from species to species, one near constant is the structure of a dominant male who chases away other males or else allows satellite males to hover, providing they don't interfere with his breeding. In some species, this sexual competition has led to extreme dimorphism: nyala, blackbuck, and banteng are all good examples. In others, local conditions force the males and females to look very similar: gemsbok, for example, or wildebeest. On the other side of the coin, although the females are not generally competitive, they will often force the males to prove their strength, speed, and endurance through a display of token avoidance. Given the rigors of pregnancy and the dangers of birth, females expect only the fittest males to impregnate them, so that the next generation may also be fit. A few species, nile lechwe most prominently, will form leks for the males to compete and females to "shop around."

Immediately after calving, bovids generally seperate into one of two categories -- either precocial ("followers") or altricial ("tuckers"). Altricial bovidsm, such as kob, will generally lie out their calves in cover until such time that the calf is big and strong enough to rejoin the mother -- usually a few weeks. It should be noted, however, that even altricial bovids are usually able to walk within an hour of being born, as mother lacks any way to carry the baby away from the site of the birth. It merely provides a contrast to the more precocial bovids, such as the wildebeest and blesbok, where young are often standing within fifteen to twenty minutes of being born and follow the mother around constantly after birth.

Calves have a variable attachment to their mothers after birth. Some, such as eland, will form large crèches where the calves are more bonded to each other than their mothers and will gladly suckle from any female willing to let them. In others, such as the reedbuck, the bond between mother and calf can be extremely strong. In most cases, especially with those where sexual competition is extremely fierce, as in the sitatunga, the young males are forced out at about the age of sexual maturity.

[Maraque]

Maraqueans believe love has no boundaries and as such polygamy is legal and widely practiced. As well as multi-wife/husband households, Maraqueans also believe that sex is strictly for procreation and do not engage in sex for pleasure. For the purpose of pleasure, a couple in marriage will hire the use of a concubine/concubinus for their respective pleasures. Said concubine/concubinus will also traditionally double as a nanny/assistant to the couple, often living in the household with them for years and becoming a member of the family.

For same sex couples, concubines/concubinus are used for procreation and not pleasure. One (or both) of the males in a same sex couple will use the services of a concubine to conceive biological children as opposed to adopting them (which is an option). Likewise, females in a same sex couple will use a concubinus for the same purpose, and they will continue to live in the household as a nanny/assistant.

The typical family is about seven members; mother, father, concubine, concubinus, and three children. Bedrooms are usually shared in groups of threes; so the children all share the same bedroom, but because there are four adults, typically there's two sets of beds (or sometimes bunk beds), and the husband/wife will sleep in one, whereas the concubine and concubinus will sleep together in the other.

Decisions usually include all family members (and sometimes the concubines/concubinus), and "majority rules" system is utilized. Things such as dinner, and family-fun outings are decisions typically brought up for discussion among all members of the family. The female of the household (typically the one with the most power) usually has higher authority in decision making, as they are seen as the "leader" with the most wisdom.

Because of the nation's high level of sexual freedom and high levels of sexual ambiguity in relationships, there really is no one type of family unit that can be seen as simply Maraquean. Polygamy is legal, and someone can be married to as many people as they wish, as long as all parties agree. Although heterosexual couples make up most of the nation's families, homosexual and polygamist bisexual families are very prominent, but just because someone is in a heterosexual/homosexual/bisexual relationship currently, does not mean they won't be in one in the future; Maraqueans do not believe in orientations.

The elderly are to be treated with the utmost respect and sincerity. Maraqueans don't believe in treating people a certain way because of their social status or other such criterion, but as age goes, the older you are, the more respect you are warranted. It is rude and disrespectful to not offer to help an eldery citizen that appears to be in need; it's simply something you do. Holding doors open, helping them cross the street, lifting heavy bags, are just a few of the things a man is expected to do in the presence of an elderly individual.

Children are not viewed as inferior because of their lack of life experience and immaturity. Children are taught at a young age the skills needed to be an adult and by the age thirteen are considered legal adults (with restrctions). Most children in the Kingdom are greeted in terms just as adults are; sir, ma'am, etc. and engage in some decidedly adult acitivities; gambling, drinking, and so on.

Women are highly respected, and are valuable members of Maraquean society. Their ability to give birth (life) is thought of as the most astonishing and miraculous thing in the world to Maraqueans, and women are not pressured to be sexy and try to impress men with their sexuality. Instead, it is the man in the role, as the women is the person that typically initiates a relationship and asks for a man's hand in marriage. Women are typically in high end positions in all industries and lines of work, because of the notion that the women is more intelligent and thoughtful than men.

[Sorgan]

Through religion,might,and hope we shall all be united as a family and Sorganians treat each others as such. Although recent convicts and criminals have not caught on yet. Although family in the sense of blood relations goes something like this along with average family traits.


Father- Generous,calm, and nice. The father gives but wishes not to receive. He usually provides for the family, although mothers can be seen working too.

Mother- The grand dove that watches over it's hatchings and makes sure to keep them safe and usually rules the kids with an Iron fist.

Children- independent,Loyal,And loving.

Grandparents- Shown great respect for the long service to the Nation.

[Seculartopia]

Polygamy, Homosexuality,Bisexuality and the likes are all commonplace. Women and children are treated as equals to everyone, basically when it comes to social structure and family dynamics, Seculartopia is equal.

Most families have single children.

[Vrolondia]

In Vrolondia Single Spouse Marriages Occur. This can be between Homosexual and Heterosexual couples as Homosexuality is practiced as heterosexuality is, With the basis of "Love is considered genderless". The elderly are viewed with respect and honored as wise and Knowing through experience, and often an Elderly persons say will go much farther then the common Vrolondian, although there are some that refuse to see this way, those that do not honor their elders are viewed with dis-like, and occupationally, shuned from society all together.
Women have just as much say as Men in society, If not more, as they are the ones needed to produce Health Vrolondian Children. Heinous crimes against women, such as rape, are shown no mercy the accused, as are crimes against children.
A Basic Family unit consist of 1-3 Children, 2-4 parents(They may or may not be together) and any amount of Elders, usually 1-4, who run the family, and On occasion a variety of lovers.
School is mandatory.
At Birth a "Child Name" is giving to the child untill he turns the age of 16, were he may or may not choose an "Adult Name". Once his name is chosen he is free to do as he pleases(Sex, Drugs, Ect) and is considered an adult, and as one, is able to take responsibility for his actions to the law should he have to.

[History land]

In History Land people deal with each other as traders. They deal with each it other with mutual consent and gain mutual benefit from their actions. They all work for their rational self-interests and only deal with other humans if they will benefit for it and only if each side has voluntary consent. Charity is ok but sacrifice is wrong. They do not sacrifice for anyone or anything. Because they want value and will trade value for other values so each side can benefit.

[RightWingChristians]

Family Size - Usually between 5-15 Children
Homosexual Marriage - Banned
Polygamy - Banned
Women - Aren't the same as men. They are treated with respect, but have a different role in society, raising children.
Fathers - Provides for the family. Teaches the boys how to be men.
Mothers - Helps raise the children. Often teaching the young girls how to be a respectable women.
Grandparents - Always giving advice and words of wisdom to the youth. Treated with great respect.
Children - Known to be the future leaders of tomorrow, they are treated with respect. Sometimes misunderstood by Adults, they're still the center of attention when get-togethers occur.

[Krytak]

Krytak's social stances are based on the idea that the good of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or one. As such, businesses are run very efficiently, since employees take pride in their company, and work hard for the company to thrive. In turn, the companies look after their employees well-being, and treat them well. Society in general considers racism to be heinous, and racists are treated with the same contempt reserved for rapists, and murderers. The same can be said for those who exploit racial tensions for their own selfish purposes and agendas.

Law and order is a high priority, and due to the emphasis on this field, crime is pretty much unknown. Any crime carries a minimum 6-month prison sentence, and community service. Anyone convicted of a felony loses their right to vote, has a letter “F” branded on the palm side of the right forearm, and in terms of inheritance law, their inheritance can be no greater than half of the lowest portion when said inheritance is divided. Convicted felons are required to participate in rehabilitation programs prior to release, and are kept on probation for a minimum of 18 months after their debt to society has been paid.

In general there is a high level of respect to those in authority, and those in authority work hard to maintain a standard to deserve said respect. Rank has it's privileges, but also its responsibilities.

The traditional family is a highly valued institution, and is guarded very carefully. Men and women are considered equals in society, and both are open to the same opportunities in the workforce. However, when a couple has children the mother traditionally takes leave from her secular job, and focuses on caring for the children in the home until they reach school age. This is not considered an obligation, or lowly, but is considered an honor to be able to spend time with one's children and mold them into productive members of society. Giving birth to a new member of Krytanian society is considered to be one of the greatest contributions that can be made to the nation, and mothers are honored and praised as much as military veterans who have fought for the country. When a mother returns to the workforce, she is guaranteed to have her former position, title, and salary as when she left(adjusted for cost of living), even if her leave was over the course of several years, which is often, since many families have children an average of 5 children, two years apart.

According to the books, adultery is a capital offense, however this is no longer enforced in modern times. Instead, it carries a minimum prison sentence of 18 months, and the guilty spouse must forfeit half of whatever inheritances he or she was initially entitled to. Also, after returning to the workforce, the guilty spouse is required to pay 25% of his or her earnings to the other as long as he or she continues to earn pay. If the “other person” can be found by a court of law to have knowingly engaged in an illicit relationship with a person who was known to be married, the same penalties apply. If it is proven that said person was not aware of marital status, in lieu of a prison sentence, monetary damages can be imposed not to exceed half of a month's salary.

The elderly are considered honored and valued members of society, and as such are entitled by common sense (and protected by federal law) to live out their retirement in dignity. The elderly are cared for by their children, who see this not as a burden, but as an honor. This is such that when grandparents and great-grandparents pass away, many Krytanians have been known to adopt those who have no children of their own to care for them. Retirement homes exist, but only to those who have no children of their own, and they remain only long enough to be placed with an adoptive family.

[Eidenn]

Rankings Of Personal Ties

1. Eidenn Itself (and Its government)
2. Immediate Family
3. Employer/Place Of Work
4. Extended Family
5. Friends

Eidenn's government is one that emphasizes the bonuses that come with living in Eidenn; in turn, Eidennites are taught early that the nation and its government deserves the utmost respect. Although Eidenn is not a militant country, those who serve in the standing army are respected, despite typically working civilian jobs in times of peace. Eidennites are raised to believe in the values of their nation: Hard work, Respect, Patriotism, and forging one's own path. They salute the flag and officials on special holidays, and although going out of their way is grumbled about, it's rarely an organized movement against the government or Eidenn Itself. Lacking a real sense of religion, Eidennites seems to accept belief in their flag and their families as almost a religion unto itself.

Something like a benevolent parent, Eidenn's government provides schooling and health care at its own expense; average students go into the workforce, while talented students have further education taken care of. Eidenn, eager to establish itself in the wider world, gives equal attention to scholastic achievements and to the Arts, although sports are also encouraged to teach competition and perseverance. The government delivers a modest stipend to retirees, who can live productively into their eighties thanks to advanced medical technology; the amount is in credit form and accepted everywhere in Eidenn, although paperwork is required to change the credit into hard cash to use abroad.

Notable among the other nations is Eidenn's Proof Of Utility: A bar-code bearing the emblem of Eidenn (a stylized eagle) above it. Each bar-code is unique to the inhabitant, providing them with the protection and amenities of the state; so long as you have your Proof, which serves as both ID and credit card, you are guaranteed a place to stay, food to eat, and clothes to wear, all serviceable if plain. Some Eidennites tattoo their Proof Of Utility on their skin, but most carry the card on a lanyard, or in an inside pocket, somewhere where losing it isn't easy. All productive members of society carry one, from birth 'til death; non-productive individuals are no longer the responsibility of the government, and may have no luck being hired or housed as few Eidennites will take responsibility for someone without a Proof. These unlucky individuals are called derelicts, and usually inhabit the undeveloped regions of Eidenn, assuming they don't leave the country altogether. In order to avoid this, most families will quietly support a family-member who, say, is unable to find a job until he gets one, as being related to a derelict is considered exceptionally embarrassing.

(Immediate) Family bonds in Eidenn are considered tantamount: Almost nothing will - or should - outweigh the need to defend and provide for one's family. This likely comes from Eidenn's distant yet unforgotten past, which has been memorialized in the nation's history and which heavily influences their practices in the modern day. During their earliest pre-history, prior to the founding of Eidenn, these pre-Eidennites were more property than people: As a result, many families were split up, and countless bloodlines were separated and scattered. Given the carelessness which with those lives were treated, some bloodlines came to an end altogether, and have no known descendants today.

Because of this unfortunate past, Eidennites take pride in their family line, and children are taught from early ages to recite their lineage, sometimes back to those near-mythical founding families. All backgrounds are considered to be worthwhile, whether the legacies left behind are those of pioneers, laborers, or wealthy industrialists. Prestigious comes from the depth of one's connection to the nation, so the farther back one can confirm family in Eidenn, the more lauded the bloodline. Those of mixed stock - that is, with one or more parents or ancestors from outside of Eidenn - are given some leeway with their history: If so desired, one can choose to ignore their "outside" blood and only record their Eidennite parentage, or touch cursorily on their non-Eidennite ancestry.

Family units are generally considered sacrosanct, and politesse dictates that family units can only be criticized by others with definite cause: I.E., there is abuse occurring within the household, which no family member has reported. Such occurrences are rare, partially due to emphasis placed on the family and partially because avenues of stress-relief are both provided and encouraged. Gay and lesbian marriages are legal and accepted with Eidenn, and are considered no better or worse than heterosexual marriages; common-law marriages and simple co-habitation are also viable options, and are similarly accepted with Eidenn. However, polygamy is illegal and carries with it heavy fines and jail-time for all involved, with any children of those unions being placed into foster care. Adultery is considered similar to polygamy, but usually involves a fine with no time served. Casual prostitution, however, doesn't count, and there are government-sanctioned brothels for both men and women, which have a strict health-policy and which are used to vent frustrations that would otherwise cause problems within the family. The number of visits per person per month is tallied, and if judged to be "addicted" to the event psychological help is called in.

For ease of reference, a heterosexual couple will be used as the following example, although similar roles are found in every family.

It's typical for the mother and father to both work, along with elder siblings; grandparents, or retired elder relatives, care for their children and see to household chores, such as shopping for groceries or tidying up. This means that parents may work for most of the week, although every Sunday is set aside as family time, and holidays are also time spent with families. Children are expected to put effort into their schooling, which stretches from three years of age to seventeen; at eighteen, most teenagers should be getting their first job. The hierarchy in the family is very loose, based on respect, and parents allow their children - at any age - a freedom of speech that may shock stricter countries; however, the children typically grow into adults who learn that authority is fair and takes care of you as long as you respect and work for it... At least, in Eidenn.

Traditionally, elders are taken care of by their immediate family, and the credits that come to them are contributed to the household; however, there's nothing wrong with living alone, should one be capable in one's golden years. Although there's no pressure on the marriage front, it's frowned upon to remain single: The nation believes that it's everyone's duty to carry on your family legacy and procreate, to prevent one's bloodline from being lost. Should one be decided about not having children, one can fill out the appropriate paperwork and have your sperm or eggs transplanted into a childless individual; roughly .05 percent of the population is infertile.

Employers in Eidenn, from the state itself down to the lowliest retail job, are bound by law to ensure that their employees have the greatest amount of opportunities presented to them. In turn, Eidennites must work hard and put in the extra effort, as ambition and a varied or deep skill-set are what employers desire in employees. Health benefits are good, as are retirement funds, but paid vacation is grounds for bargaining, although maternity leave is covered in full. Nepotism is heavily fined, demonstrating that there is a limit between family loyalty and injuring your place of employ (and thus Eidenn). Employers must give at least thirty days' notice before taking an employee off the payroll, and grounds for dismissal include theft, embezzlement, and sexual harassment.

[Goias]

Goian society is organised around a (somewhat vague) set of basic guidelines called either the "new system" or the "new canon" (to contrast with the highly polarised society that existed during the monarchy). They tend to be only very general with lots of variation of additional rules between the various ethnicities, making it a bit difficult to collect and organise them.

For all intents and purposes, the foundation of Goian society derives from a focus on families and communities, which are considered the basic units of society. The norm is extended families where as many as possible live together in the same house or apartment and maintain strong ties to the ones who are located in other parts of the city or country. Nuclear families are in the minority and are generally found in immigrant families who have recently moved to the country - they tend to gradually become extended with further relocations or the birth of offspring. The average family has at least two or three offspring, and it is considered customary to have gender diversity within the progeny - having just sons or daughters is believed to cause problems relating to the other gender later in life.

In keeping with the egalitarian and communitarian focus, Goians highly value familial harmony. Parents who argue instead of sitting down and solving a problem through discussion is considered a transgression of familial duty, and doing so at home when their children can overhear them is considered really bad and irresponsible. Similarly, parents focusing attention upon a certain child will draw disapproval on the grounds that there is a real possibility of causing resentment from the others - poor relationships between a family's children is believed to be a problem which should be remedied. Goians regard intra-familial feuds as stupid wastes of time. Authority and its responsibilities in the family are shared between both parents, who make decisions by coming to an agreement over which course of action should be taken. Despite this consensus, it is the norm to have the mother rule the children with what Goians call "the maternal glove" - you can do whatever you want, but the second you screw something up, hell awaits. Goians commonly define it as "like a leash held by an iron fist".

An important part of the welfare system is paternal and maternal leave - Goians believe that children should be raised by their own parents, and parental absence will affect a child's psychology.

The worst insult one can use in Goias is to insult someone's entire family. Sure, people will get really angry if you insult a certain member of the family (mothers and sisters tend to be the most frequent targets, with predictable accusations of incest), but insult the entire family and you will most likely get beaten by the insultee and regarded with contempt by others once they find out. The easiest way to ruin your standing in the eye of Goians is to act or say anything discriminatory (doesn't matter if it's misogynist, misandrist, racist, xenophobic or what have you), after all.

Society in general focuses on families and communities, but the citizens manage to strike a balance between communitarianism and respecting individual rights, being eager to avoid either stifling individuals through social pressure (tall poppy syndrome and the "pressure-cooker" system of Japan being the worst aspects in Goians' eyes) or the excesses and damage that rampant consumerism and individualism can cause to society as a whole. Overall, the Goian national psyche can be said to be founded on the basis of consensus, but citizens belive that "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few".

Unsurprisingly, the most important lessons one learns in Goias are mostly about the importance of democratic principles, consensus building and egalitarianism, to the point that they're pretty much accepted as national values. The most important thing to Goians is to contribute in some way to society (a/k/a the famous JFK statement - "[...] ask what you can do for your country"). Taking part in community organising or volunteering for social programs is a regular feature of the education system. The country's main social and administrative institutions enjoy a the citizens' respect due to their effectiveness and key role in the success of the country from a socio-economic standpoint, but are perfectly aware of the burdens associated with it - the famous Spiderman adage "with great power comes great responsibility" is practically burned into the heads of people in positions of power/authority.

[Katrajan]

In earlier times, the chidarians were nomads; later, when they began to settle down, a caste system became more and more influential. The four castes were:

dhur
They were mostly peasants and herders.

majlĭ
They were mainly craftsmen and workers.

prathû
Warriors, politicians and stock breeders.

nanaj
'shamans', philosophers, some artists, politicians.

A 'Clan' (Jurma), mostly consisting of between 30 and 2000 people, included all castes. Clans interacted in special convents; on this convents, weddings between members of different clans were resolved (mostly the biological male used to live with the female's clan, but there have been exceptions). For traditional Chidarians clan-kinship was always more important than blood-kinship.

Today, after industrialization and urbanization of all chidarian lands, the castes and clans become less important. Chidarians seem to change to an extraordinarily individualist nation - often explained by sociologists as effect of loosening clan-bindings and the traditionally minor meaning of consanguinity.

[Rhiokio]

Rhiokian Social Structure

The Rhiokian Social Structure is separated is separated into the following social classes usually based on jobs within ones community. Certain social classes live in certain areas of town. Social Classes are not ranked by poorest to richest as all social classes are treated as important to the Rhiokio, its economy, and its survival.

The Military Class: These are primarily military families which live on the edge of cities in case of the event the city was ever under siege. All members of the family eventually end up in the military.

Merchants, Farmers, Laborers (Working Class): Merchants and Farmers are the other two common work fields within our society. They usually live more further into the cities than the Military Class. All Farmers are entitled free farmland, merchants a free shop, and laborers a free house. However they pay a small income tax back to the government from their sales and work. (A small income tax may I mind you.)

The Wealthy: The rich live even further in to the heart of the city.

The Politicians: People that work in this field live in the central areas of the cities. Embassies are also located around where they live.

Family Size

Family size normally depends on the social class.

Military Class: These are normally large families. A median family usually contains ten or more people with at least one farther or mother. The father is the head of the house.

The Working Class: Working class families vary in size almost all of the time.

The Wealthy: Wealthy families in Rhiokio don't usually get that large, usually up to four or five people in each house or mansion. Usually a mother, father, and 2-3 children. Of course however there are no true limits.

The Political Class: Most Politicians these days in Rhiokio really don't have families as they tend to focus more on their work than personal life. If they do have a family they tend to be small. Normally a husband, a wife, and one child or a husband and wife and no children or just a single man or woman.

[RightLeaningChristians]

Family Size - Usually between 5-15 Children
Homosexual Marriage - Banned
Polygamy - Banned
Women - Aren't the same as men. They are treated with respect, but have a different role in society, raising children.
Fathers - Provides for the family. Teaches the boys how to be men.
Mothers - Helps raise the children. Often teaching the young girls how to be a respectable women.
Grandparents - Always giving advice and words of wisdom to the youth. Treated with great respect.
Children - Known to be the future leaders of tomorrow, they are treated with respect. Sometimes misunderstood by Adults, they're still the center of attention when get-togethers occur.

Same still.

[Lerika]

"Mater semper certa est", as the saying goes. Thus, society in Lerika is essentially matrilineal. Family units vary in size and shape, but the one constant is a woman and her children.

The state religion of Abioexoism considers having children to be a sign of defiance against death and necessary for the process of reincarnation to continue. Breeding in Lerikan society is therefore encouraged, and people are relatively open about sexuality. Large families are common, and although there is little by way of formal marriage, men are partially responsible for the welfare of children they father, with mothers and the local government covering the rest.

Due to Lerika being a theocratic empire, the people are willing to listen first and foremost to the clergy. Most nobles have some kind of religious role. This allows them to alter the population pretty much as they please.

Children are respected as a source of future life. Elders are respected for their experience. Everyone in between is respected for the fact that they do most of the working and all of the breeding.

Social standing is mostly dependent on adherence to principles of Abioexoism. By necessity this elevates nobles and the current Cycle Imperial.

[Sskiss]

The Sskiss civilization, and by extention the Sskiss species, is and always has been hierarchal. The strong dominate the weak. There is a definate pecking order which pervades across the entire social structure.

Males and females are regarded as equal for the simple reason that both are essential for reproduction and the enteral life cycle of Birth, Life and Death. It has always been this way, and always will be. Needless to say, regarding the sexes, the Sskiss never had any concept of terms such as "equal rights" or "womans liberation". Such concepts are utterly alien to the Sskiss. Most Sskiss species are polygamous and perennial. However, some are monogamous and are more intermittent in their breeding cycle.

Any Sskiss grouping is bonded by three basic things; sight, smell and genetic heritage. The first two also extend to crechemates. All Sskiss born of the same creche at (more or less) the same time are by extension, crechemates. The old Sskiss Apothegms "Crecehmates are as one" reflects this point. Crechemates are roughly equivellent to "old friends". The bond between crecehmates is deep and will last the entire life of the individual. The last thing, ones genetic heritage applies to males, females and offspring - these are the deepest bonds of all.

It should also be noted that mentally and phycologically Sskiss have no concept of "masculine" and "feminine" behavior. It is essentually an alien concept. Males and females are simply viewed as essential to the life cycle, and thus the continuation of the species.

The young are viewed as the continuation of that cycle, a pairs genetic progeny. The young are also viewed with a certain "detachment" in that most hatchlings will not survive their first season or two of life as mortality rate is high. The old are held in great respect, as they impart wisdom, experience and knowledge to all, thus continuing Sskiss civilization. There is also the "brood mother" a female Sskiss (often of huge size) that tends to the communal creches by culling the weak, malformed and diseased and teaching basic survival skills. Although she has no real social and/or political power, she is perhaps held in the highest esteem. She is often referred to as the "mother/protector of the race". All Sskiss, regardless of species or rank in life, always remember their brood mother by sight and smell.

The Sskiss civilization is also caste based. These castes are; Tyrant/Ruler, Scientist, Worker and Soldier caste. There are a number of sub-castes within each of these as well.

There are approximatly 3000 species of Sskiss, but in general this will apply to all species.

[New Olwe]

Since New Olwe is making an intense effort to shrug off the shackles of monogamy, the "traditional" family unit of two parents is rarely found in the nation. In certain places in the rural territory of Arcadia you can still find married, two-parent farmer families, but outside of that region it's mostly more unusual arrangements.

Most households have one or two (some have as many as five) men living with between four and eight (sometimes as many as twelve) women, and the children that have been produced from these couplings. The Grand Duke (national leader) is actually regarded as unusually faithful to his mates because only two women who are not either his servants or his children live with him (and if you count the maid he's knocked up, that's only three living women he's fathered children with). Same-sex couplings among these groupings are almost as common as heterosexual activity. All of the men and women -- as well as the older children -- in the household share parenting responsibilities and household chores, though usually it is the biological mother who nurses a baby (it's considered important for that bond to be formed, even though the child will technically have more than one mother and father).

[Republica Espanola]

Quicky marriages are the new abortion.

[Samurkhan]

While both Polygamy and Polyandry are legal in Samurkhan, neither have been widely practiced since Prince Dermot Qa'Tark (the current Prince's grandfather) took just one wife. Elders are welcomed by their children. Elders are respected for their wisdom and life-experience and are often fought over by the children on who will house them. Children will often live with their family until they are married, when they will often times set up their own home. Slavery is illegal. Same-sex couples are condoned and treated fairly. They are allowed to adopt, and often do. Most people marry someone of roughly their age. Most are married around the time of finishing their rigorous educational program: so between 26-30 depending on their program. The Male-centric culture is trying to erode. Since Dermot Qa'Tark, women have been allowed to inherit royal property (property goes to first-born child, or the next if the first-born does not desire the responsibility) .

Men and women have equal job opportunities and income is usually equal. Women are treated fairly by their employers and are allowed paid-maternity leave. Often times men will become stay-at-home dads instead of women always taking care of the children. It often depends on professional ambitions of individuals, etc who stays at home. Often times parents will have at least one parent stay-at-home or work part-time until their youngest child is about 12. People often live in enclave areas of the city near where they work. Vouchers and other incentives to move are given to people. This is to cut down on the amount of transportation needed. People do not own personal automobiles. Socio-economic neighborhoods are all roughly the same. Neighborhoods are culturally diverse, though obviously some enclaves attract certain professionals.

[Cameroi]

there is a slight majorty of cameroi living most of their lives, their entire adult lives, as, in any social sense, hermits.

the large minority who do live in familys, as indeed nearly all are born into, the cameroi family has no fixed number of adult parents, though generally consists of two or more of each gender. and some of the sentient life forms in cameroi do have more then two genders. what binds cameroi families, though of course mutual love and affection are part of it. is having intrests in common. thus cameroi kinship can is often more often cognative rather then sanguine.

finding potential cognative partners is one of the many advantages of the cameroi tradition of pujzhush, that two or more year sabatical, between the nine years, biginning at age three, of lower school, and the more practically focused five to nine aditional years of upper school and the life long learning experience that continues for most cameroi, even after that.

[Verdeguay]

Verdeguayan society is staunchly conservative and patriarchal. Divorce is illegal. While legally women and men are on an equal footing, in practice the status of women's rights leaves much to be desired. Spousal abuse is fairly common, especially in rural areas, which tend to be even more conservative. Children are beloved in Verdeguay, although most parenting is pretty strict. Education is valued highly, although child labor is common in some areas (the legal status of child labor is, to put it mildly, ambiguous). The vast majority of Verdeguayans are Catholics, but religious freedom is guaranteed, and incidences of discrimination against religious minorities is virtually unheard of. Race relations are quite good, too, although Amerindian Verdeguayans lag behind their mestizo and white counterparts in most socioeconomic indices, due to the fact that they have historically been neglected by society. There is a small population of Afro-Verdeguayans (mostly descended from free slaves) and a small but rapidly growing population of Asian-Verdeguayans. While socioeconomic indices vary widely by race, no one in Verdeguay thinks anyone else is inferior or superior because of the color of his skin.

[Skibereen]

Skibereenian (properly: Irysh-FInegall) societal structure is highly complex as the Irysh-Finegall people remain highly clannish(tribal).

A list of priorities might look like this(in order of importance):

Direct Family(Mother/Father, Son/Daughter, Brother/sister)

Family Clans(Clan groups of the Mother and the Father)

Extended Family(Uncles/Aunts, Cousins) This position on the list assumes this group is not part of the Clan of which the subject family is part of.

Local Community(this may include the entire town or just a neighborhood)

Physical Nation

Government

Clans in Skibereen are often comprised of members who are also members of other Clans in some way shape or form. Clans can be born into, and chosen. The Clan also must accept a person as a member...this is decided by as many different method and criteria as there are clans.

Skibereen is almost devoid of Racism and indeed Irysh-FInegalls are often amused by tourists who speak ill of other "Races". This seemingly bright note is deeply contrasted by the blood feuds which can rise between families and full on brush wars between clans. The new Democractically elected government is trying to curb these type of things from happening.

While women are legally allowed to work any job, while they do indeed serve in almost every function of the military save some Special Mission Units(yes women do indeed fight directly as trained front line combatants) chauvinism is alive and well in Skibereen...or so that is what some people who come to Skibereen tell the people. Men open doors for women, rise when women enter a room, a man seeks the parental permission to marry a woman(though in this instance the mother is often the deciding factor).

Body modification specifically tattoos and scarification are the norm in Skibereen and in truth one appears out of place when the former are found lacking on their form. The tattoo is a designator for clan, family, political alignment, religious affiliation, sexual preference, occupation, number of children, etc etc The Irysh-Finegall will tattoo and scar ever bit of skin of thier bodies. Each mark, word and symbol holds meaning and those meanings are relative to the individual clans and regions. It is speculated that less then ten thousand people in the whole of Skibereen are capable of reading in total the meaning of all of the Irysh-FInegall tattoos and scars and the fact is many of these men are indeed the artists themselves who do the work.
Any Irysh-Finegall over the age of six or seven can readily look at a person and see what their main Clan affiliation is and hazard a guess at secondary affiliations as well.

There does exist a spattering of rebellious youth who reject the marks and go bare from the waist to display unmarked(or little marked) flesh in defiance of the time honored societal tradition of Clan and Mark. However before backlash from this rising movement occurred the Archbishop of the Orthodox Church Of Skibereen commented that indeed this was merely the birth of a new Clan...whose mark is their unmarked flesh. In truth these words are beginning to appear to be completely true as the movement slowed and now it is indeed often viewed as merely another Clan.

The difficulty for the new government in reducing certain types of violence in Skibereen is that the previous decade saw the nation having one set of laws--known as the Blood Laws.
This was and is an ancient code of Honor shaped over hundreds of years to reflect the spirit of the people of Skibereen. The Blood Laws are a highly complex topic which could themselves fill volumes so what is here written will be the most hollow and cursory examination.

Killing is not always Criminal(it is rarely Criminal as a matter of fact)
A few reasons killing is justified in Skibereen: Failing to return a greeting, Refusing a Drink(sans an explanation), Failing to make good on Gambling Debts(specifically gambling debts), insulting the quality of another man's whiskey, insulting the quality of someone's cooking, and so forth and so on. Proper reciprocation in these events--it is always legal to kill someone before they can kill you.

The Blood Laws also require that Irysh-Finegall be especially hospitable to travelers, making the nation of Skibereen a tourist mecca...though its streets over flow with violence.
A ke point in this is that outsiders are not expected to know or uphold the Blood Laws, so much is tolerated from tourists. However once a tourist or alien resident makes it clear they do understand the Blood Laws then they are subject to them(Much like children in Skibereen who are not 'bound by blood' until they understand what that means) it should also be noted that should an outsider be informed of something related to the Blood Laws and they are told it is indeed related to the Honor of another that in all liklihood the person has just issued a warning and the next decision made could be life or death.

In contrast to the violence of Skibereen is the fact that like almost no other people do the Irysh-Finegall find cause to erupt in celebration, one can always find festivals on going and every other day is a holiday of some sort.

Education is the single most import aspect outside of family for Irysh-Finegall people, Illiteracy in Skibereen is criminal unless you have been diagnosed with a biological impairment, the blind are legally obligated to learn Braille. Educators are venerated in Irysh-Finegall society in almost a religious manner. Soldiers come in second on the scale of Societal respect and indeed education is highly prized in the Armed Forces.

Demographically Skibereen holds Large groups of people with West African heritage, Indian Subcontinent, but the majority is European of the Gaelic and Norwegian.
The largest religion in Skibereen is Christianity(primarily OrthodoxChurch of Skibereen), then Islam. and then Hindu. Of course all manner of religions can be found in Skibereen and all are largely tolerated.

[Auman]

Truly biblical.