How is marriage in YN?

[Lammas]

1. What is the age limit for marriage?
16

2. Is divorce legal? After becoming a widow(er)? If yes, in what way is it treated by citizens?
It is legal, but seen as a last resort. People tend to try everything to save a marriage, which is considered sacred. This includes outside intervention by village elders, shamans or den mothers, appeals to the gods, as well as polygamy or open marriages.

3. Is homosexual marriage legal? If yes, how is it treated by citizens?
Legal, the gender is irrelevant to pretty much everyone when considering marriage.

4. Is sex before marriage legal? Frowned upon?
Legal, accepted, and even encouraged in the context of certain religious rituals.

5. What is your country's people's attitude towards marriage?
Marriage is regarded as a sacred bond, something not to be entered in lightly, but to be cherished.

6. How do they propose? With what? Are women allowed to propose?
Most of the time, there is more of a mutual prolonged discussion than a one-time proposal. However the engagement is symbolised by a pair of earrings being split up, one earring being worn by each participant. In the more recent, more and more frequent cases of polygamous marriage, earrings may also be worn in the appropriate number, as well as a rising trend of matching bracelets.

7. Is parental approval needed?
No, however outside advice from respected people such as parents or elders or religious figures is often sought out.

8. Who takes the last name?
Both names become interchangeable.

9. Are weddings private or large parties? Both?
This is variable, completely up to the engaged parties. However eloping is extremely rare.

10. Are wedding expensive?
Moderately, as there is usually a large feast involved, however there aren't usually any huge location or organisation spendings beyond food and lodging.

11. What do the spouses wear at their wedding day?
There is no standard attire, and clothing worn on the wedding day can be reused for other special occasions, or have been used in the past. Usually at least one of the pieces of clothing is new, at least, made for the occasion.

12. Where are weddings held ?
Most often in the forest, at the closest place of worship. This is meant to underline the serious commitment of marriage, as the gods or spirits are in attendance.

14. What sort of music is usually played?
Something solemn and/or mystical for the ceremony, something joyous afterwards.

15. How is the ("I Do") ceremony played out? Do they kiss?
The religious leader of the local community performs the ceremony. No witnesses are needed in theory, but often the whole community is in attendance. No gods' names are mentioned, for fear of offending those left out, but the traditional utterance is along these lines:
"Do you have faith in this union, as you have faith in the gods?" (Pause for assent) "Do you have faith in your partner(s), as you have faith in the gods?" (Pause for assent) "Do you pledge to earn your partner's faith, as you strive to prove your worth to the gods?'

When the words have been said by all parties, the officiant will remove the earrings (or, more rarely, bracelets), reunite them in a jewelery box, and bless them, after which the newlyweds go off privately to bury the box under the Sacred Tree's roots.

16. Are afterparties common? Are they separated by gender or not?
They are the standard fare, and everyone celebrates together.

17. If yes, what is done at afterparties?
Mainly a lot of dancing and drinking. The guests are not expected to bring wedding gifts, however it is the custom to set up an altar where each guest may (and usually does) present an offering to bring the newlyweds good fortune. In certain conservative areas, the ancestral custom of a free night of trance-like and communal sexual encounters with multiple and/or unusual partners is still followed to this day.

18. What kind of lovers are YN's people?
Intense. Sex is viewed as a spiritual activity, which must be met with focus and abandon.

19. Is sexual activity strictly for making children or also for pleasure and bonding?
Very much for pleasure and bonding. Contraception is widely used.

20. Is rape recognized in marriage as a crime?
Yes, strictly so.

21. Are there limits to how many children they can have?
No, but very large families are very uncommon.

22. Is your leader married?
No

23. What is a common pickup line?
Let's have some ceremonial wine and you can ride my broomstick in the moonlight

[Narland]

1. What is the age limit for marriage?
Age of Emancipation which allows application for citizenship -- many are mature enough to support themselves as early as 14. Some people mature later (some states allow until 21) but some are deemed too immature or indolent to marry until they are in their 30s, even rarer their 50s, and some never marry at all. Some choose to remain unmarried and this is a respectable decision.
2. Is divorce legal? After becoming a widow? If yes, in what way is it treated by citizens?
Divorce is lawful. Death terminates the marriage covenant. Widows are cared for by the community and encouraged to fully engage society.
3. Is homosexual marriage legal? If yes, how is it treated by citizens?
No, as it is considered an oxymoron or logical absurdity as much as a married bachelor or square circle. Civil unions are frowned upon but occur in metropolitan communities such as Narport and Heatherbrook.
4. Is sex before marriage legal? Frowned upon?
No, fornication is illegal. Laws vary between jurisdictions from tort to misdemeanor, but in larger cities generally a tort. It is frowned upon in society and highly discouraged. Knowingly spreading a sexually communicable disease is a felony subject to hard labor and continuing psychiatric observation. Satyromania and Nymphomania are commitable offenses.
5. What is your country's people's attitude towards marriage?
Marriage is serious business. Do not get married if you are too morally stupid or self-unaware for the responsibility. Bad marriages lead to greater unhappiness, and societal malaise.

Marriage is the familial archetype upon which the fabric of society is woven. It is between a man and a woman in federal headship as self-governing individuals fitting and suited to procreate the next generation for the preservation of the species in liberty and law now and forever. All political power of government flows in this order: Individual to family, to community to state in contractual obligation to each other the latter being always obliged to the former. Without individuals there is no marriage, without marriage there is no family, without family there is no community, without community there is no state. The state has no cause interfering in the natural order and function of a lawfully self-governing family.

Alienating the affections of a spouse is a crime in all jurisdictions in Narland. The punishment varies according to the disruption of the family anywhere from 6 months in jail to 5 years hard labor in a work camp. Adultery is treated in more harshly. A serial adulterer can expect to spend 5-15 years breaking rocks.

6. How do they propose? With what? Are women allowed to propose?
Proposal rituals vary from region to region. The diamond trade developed differently in this timeline and not usually used as engagement or wedding tokens. A plain band is used for engagement that usually attaches to a more intricate wedding band.

A Formal Custom
One popular custom is for the man to show up wearing his national dress, with a covered wicker basket carrying a bottle of wine, a marriage cup (a special goblet made usually of lead crystal --some handed down for generations) and an uncut loaf of bread. He may optionally have a marriage proposal written in calligraphy on parchment or vellum stating all he has to offer and bearing his feelings toward her. He will offer her the bottle of wine, and ask, "Will you marry me?" if she accepts then breaks the bread and offers her the larger portion. They each take a bite (sometimes they offer bites from each other's portion), and pour the wine into the cup. Once the wine is poured and they sip from the cup they are considered engaged.

If the woman initiates the proposal she meets him wearing her national dress and the same type of marriage basket. She may optionally have a scroll in calligraphy as well, but will always ask him what are his intentions and feelings toward her. If he takes the basket and offers the wine and finishes the ritual they are considered engaged.

Many times both will wear their national dress as a show to others (especially if one of the couple's family members strongly disapprove, but the couple resolve to go ahead with marriage.

At any time before drinking from the cup the proposed may reject the offer. The proposer will then say, "Keep this (the wine) as a token of my esteem and leave.

An Informal Custom
The most popular informal custom is for the man to bend to one knee and ask, "Will you marry me?" If it is the woman proposing she may stand, sit on his lap, or kneel, and ask, "Will you marry me?"

Betrothals are very common in rural areas.

Yes women are allowed to propose.
7. Is parental approval needed?
It is generally sought but not needed.
8. Who takes the last name?
In most of Narland the woman takes the man's surname, although she may take his family name if that is what he more commonly known by. Sometimes they will create their own family name (especially if both families strongly disapprove of the marriage). Compound names are also common. Sometimes neither change their names.
9. Are weddings private or large parties? Both?
Both
10. Are wedding expensive?
Expensive weddings are repugnant to most Narlandren and considered a sign of weakness and decadence. The more efficient with the cost (without being austere) the more praiseworthy the wedding.
11. What do the spouses wear at their wedding day?
Their best national dress or formal wear.
12. Where are party weddings held (if you said yes)?
Anywhere that is considered a "beautiful place for a wedding." Rose gardens, public parks, opera houses, cathedrals, beaches, etc.
13. Where are private weddings held (if you said yes)?
Same, anywhere that is considred a "beautiful place for a wedding." but smaller venues.
14. What sort of music is usually played?
Any sort they want, although Canon in D by Pachelbel, Yadid Nefesh or the Bridal Chorus by Wagner is usually reserved for the bridal entrance.
15. How is the ("I Do") ceremony played out? Do they kiss?
Wedding vows vary according to custom and denomination. What is usually seen on TV are Presbyterian vows (to have and to hold, etc.), but each religion and denomination does it differently. East Church vows and contracts are very involved taking nearly an hour, and Quaker weddings have no vows. Usually it is the couples first kiss, but not always. Quakers do not usually kiss -- they just go off somewhere private.
16. Are afterparties common? Are they separated by gender or not?
No, the wedding is the afterparty. All celebration is done before the wedding ceremony and vary according to custom. Pre-nuptual parties are common, some being mixed, and some according to sex.
17. If yes, what is done at afterparties?
N/A
18. What kind of lovers are YN's people?
There is no stereo-type. In general Narlandren are all over the board.
19. Is sexual activity strictly for making children or also for pleasure and bonding?
All of the above.
20. Is rape recognized in marriage as a crime?
No, one cannot rape one's spouse as their bodies belong to each other. However, spousal abuse (such as sexual assault) is a crime punishable from anywhere between 1 and 5 years hard labor per offence (few people survive a sentence longer than 5 years hard labor). The penalty for rape is death.
21. Are there limits to how many children they can have?
As many as they can afford.
22. Is your leader married?
No, we have no leaders, only public servants. However, our current Commonwealth President is a bachelor.
23. What is a common pickup line?
Pickup lines are not part of Narlandish culture and imply devious or criminal intent.

[Deuxott]

1. What is the age limit for marriage?
Depends on the state, generally 18.
2. Is divorce legal? After becoming a widow? If yes, in what way is it treated by citizens?
Divorce is legal and occurs frequently. Citizens are indifferent to it; you won't be judged for having a divorce.
3. Is homosexual marriage legal? If yes, how is it treated by citizens?
It is legal and viewed as normal. Human-robot marriages, on the other hand, are controversial. In more conservative states, an inter-species couple will likely be discriminated against.
4. Is sex before marriage legal? Frowned upon?
It is legal and is not frowned upon, except by religious fundamentalists.
5. What is your country's people's attitude towards marriage?
Marriage is seen as the norm and most people desire to be married.
6. How do they propose? With what? Are women allowed to propose?
They propose with rings. It is common to propose while on a space cruise. Both men and women propose.
7. Is parental approval needed?
No.
8. Who takes the last name?
Nobody, the names are kept. The children generally take the last name of the father though.
9. Are weddings private or large parties? Both?
Both.
10. Are wedding expensive?
Due to automation in the 31st century, everything is relatively inexpensive, including weddings.
11. What do the spouses wear at their wedding day?
Tuxedos or gowns.
12. Where are party weddings held (if you said yes)?
Generally on space cruise ships.
13. Where are private weddings held (if you said yes)?
Anywhere and everywhere, but beaches are a popular place.
14. What sort of music is usually played?
Electro-Pop or Electro-Jazz.
15. How is the ("I Do") ceremony played out? Do they kiss?
Generally, they read vows, say "I Do", and kiss. However, there are a wide variety of ways the ceremonies play out due to the diversity in the galaxy.
16. Are afterparties common? Are they separated by gender or not?
They are common and are not separated by gender.
17. If yes, what is done at afterparties?
Dancing, drinking, weed, karaoke, partying.
18. What kind of lovers are YN's people?
They are mostly romantics.
19. Is sexual activity strictly for making children or also for pleasure and bonding?
It is for both.
20. Is rape recognized in marriage as a crime?
Yes and in some states it is a life sentence.
21. Are there limits to how many children they can have?
No. We are so advanced and own so much land that overpopulation is nearly impossible.
22. Is your leader married?
Yes, to First Lady Victoria Klein.
23. What is a common pickup line?
"I think you might be a star, because I can't stop orbiting around you."

[Zitravgrad]

1. What is the age limit for marriage?
18 or above. This is also the age of consent.
2. Is divorce legal? After becoming a widow? If yes, in what way is it treated by citizens?
Divorce has not been legal until the Revolution. This means that it is a new thing in the society and still a gossip topic. But it has been normalized, somewhat...
3. Is homosexual marriage legal? If yes, how is it treated by citizens?
Yes. The treatment varies, but overall the socialist government has been actively trying to normalize it after years of being frowned upon.
4. Is sex before marriage legal? Frowned upon?
Depends on your social class. The higher, the more they care. These days, it is more normalized.
5. What is your country's people's attitude towards marriage?
Zitravgradian society values family and marriage. People also marry at a relatively young age.
6. How do they propose? With what? Are women allowed to propose?
Traditionally, it is with rings and on any festival or holiday, with Midsummer being the most popular. But now, it's just the same... romantic dinner and stuff.
7. Is parental approval needed?
Traditionally yes. But now it is no longer the norm.
8. Who takes the last name?
Automatically the name of the man (in male-female marriage) or the name of the older partner (in same-sex marriage)
9. Are weddings private or large parties? Both?
Usually a house party.
10. Are wedding expensive?
Somewhat. Even if the weddings are held only among families and close friends, Zitravgradian families are quite large.
11. What do the spouses wear at their wedding day?
Suit and wedding dress, or traditional folk dresses.
12. Where are party weddings held (if you said yes)?
At family's home (for family that lives together or nearby) or at a hotel.
13. Where are private weddings held (if you said yes)?
Sometimes church, sometimes courthouse, sometimes somewhere in the nature.
14. What sort of music is usually played?
Classical.
15. How is the ("I Do") ceremony played out? Do they kiss?
Vows are read, they say "I do". Kiss is very optional but not done in a courthouse wedding.
16. Are afterparties common? Are they separated by gender or not?
Not common, if there is one it won't be separated.
17. If yes, what is done at afterparties?
Dancing, drinking and generally conversing.
18. What kind of lovers are YN's people?
Quiet, shy at first but devoted and caring. Sometimes jealous. Watch out.
19. Is sexual activity strictly for making children or also for pleasure and bonding?
Both. Now more to the latter because parental licensing.
20. Is rape recognized in marriage as a crime?
It is. But some might not dare to speak out. We are trying to end that.
21. Are there limits to how many children they can have?
Yes, according to financial status.
22. Is your leader married?
Yes.
23. What is a common pickup line?
Pickup lines are uncommon. They don't work.

[Peoples United Republic of Exumis]

1. What is the age limit for marriage?
A Peep must be at least 25 to marry.
2. Is divorce legal? After becoming a widow? If yes, in what way is it treated by citizens?
Divorce is legal but only permissable after state approval. State approval rate is less than 5%.
3. Is homosexual marriage legal? If yes, how is it treated by citizens?
No. Same sex marriages would dilute government funding and support allocated toward nuclear families.However, violent hate crimes toward homosexuals are punishable by law.homosexuality is currently under review and study in the Exuman Mental health and science community.
4. Is sex before marriage legal? Frowned upon?
Sex before marriage is frowned upon in most Exuman communities but legal for anyone aged 20 and up.
5. What is your country's people's attitude towards marriage?
Marriage is critical in securing Exuman family values and the future of the State.


6. How do they propose? With what? Are women allowed to propose?
Proposals are traditionally given as a scented scroll with a love letter written inside.proposals are excepted by breaking the seal on the scroll and signing your name next to the proposer's name.these letters are purely symbolic and not legal documents. It is completely acceptable for a woman to propose.



If the woman initiates the proposal she m

Yes women are allowed to propose.
7. Is parental approval needed?
Approval of the State trumps everything.
8. Who takes the last name?
All citizens of the State already share the same last name: EXUMIS.the first name is chosen by parents, middle name according to region at birth, second middle name can be added after marriage (the spouse with the lower military paygrade can to add their spouses middle name as their second middle name). Peeps must be within 2 pay grades of each other to marry.otherwise it is considered to be fraternization punishable by law.
9. Are weddings private or large parties? Both?
Matrimonials are formal events similar to a Marine Ball.
10. Are wedding expensive?
Expensive matrimonials are not necessary in Exuman culture.
11. What do the spouses wear at their wedding day?
all attendees wear their ceremonial dress uniforms. A regional justice presides over the ceremony. The couple will pin ribbons to each other's uniforms.
12. Where are party weddings held (if you said yes)?
Most matrimonials are held in some sort of State government edifice.
13. Where are private weddings held (if you said yes)?
Private matrimonials are traditionally viewed as unpatriotic and unusual.private ceremonies are commonly held by suspicious occult organizations.
14. What sort of music is usually played?
No music is played during the actual ceremony.
15. How is the ("I Do") ceremony played out? Do they kiss?
All attendees stand at attention in formation. The couple stands side by side at attention, front and center.the regional justice reads the marriage clause of the State constitution.after the clause is read the judge asks the couple to take one military step forward if they are still willing to go through with it.if both man and woman step forward,the judge will instruct them to pivot to face each other.they will then take turns pinning each other's uniforms with matrimonial ribbons.the judge will officially endorse their union.matrimonial ribbons must be worn when in ceremonial dress for the duration of the union.
16. Are afterparties common? Are they separated by gender or not?
Receptions are common and a lot less formal.
17. If yes, what is done at afterparties?
Gifts are presented to the bride and groom.a popular game involves the bride and groom shoving cream pies into the faces of an unmarried couple as a wish of luck that they'll be next to marry.dart throwing, wrestling, and sign language karaoke are also popular post matrimonial reception games.
18. What kind of lovers are YN's people?
Exuman couples are very private.
PDA is prohibited in designated business districts and military installations.married couples in uniform may lock arms anywhere after sundown.Married couples in State-approved casual dress may hold hands or lock arms anywhere after sundown.Any other form of PDA is prohibited in public areas.
19. Is sexual activity strictly for making children or also for pleasure and bonding?
All of the above.
20. Is rape recognized in marriage as a crime?
Spousal abuse is punishable by law.usual up to 7 years of State Maximum Correction and Labor. if there is DNA or unmistakable evidence the penalty is laser castration and/or death.
21. Are there limits to how many children they can have?
As many as you can afford.plus your home must have the minimum State required provisions per child per household.
22. Is your leader married?
Dr.Truth is currently in an engagement with Zinchãya, the beautiful daughter of his late predecessor King Zofee.She will be 25 years old next Exumer (the first flower month).
23. What is a common pickup line?
A thornless Yellow Liger plant is a common gift for courtship proposals.
It's culturally acceptable for a Peep to be in multiple courtships at once but more than two is usually frowned upon in most Exuman regions.(one gender may far out number the other in certain rural regions of Exumis where it's acceptable to have up to five potential suitors)
It is traditionally expected of a peep to formally end all other courtships after becoming engaged to someone.

[New Order Philippines]

1. What is the age limit for marriage? 17
2. Is divorce legal? After becoming a widow? If yes, in what way is it treated by citizens? Divorce is legal, and people are fine with it.
3. Is homosexual marriage legal? If yes, how is it treated by citizens? Citizens are very cool with it.
4. Is sex before marriage legal? Frowned upon? Legal and not frowned upon.
5. What is your country's people's attitude towards marriage? It's that important chapter in their lives people experience.
6. How do they propose? With what? Are women allowed to propose? Women are allowed to propose.
7. Is parental approval needed? Depends.
8. Who takes the last name? Anyone.
9. Are weddings private or large parties? Both? Can be both.
10. Are wedding expensive? Depends, but mostly no.
11. What do the spouses wear at their wedding day? Anything they want.
12. Where are party weddings held (if you said yes)? Anywhere they want, but mostly hotels.
13. Where are private weddings held (if you said yes)? Same as above, but instead of hotels, gardens and beaches would do.
14. What sort of music is usually played? Anything, so don't be surprised if metal music is playing while they're saying their vows.
15. How is the ("I Do") ceremony played out? Do they kiss? Vows are read, then they say "I do.", then kiss.
16. Are afterparties common? Are they separated by gender or not? They're common, and mostly they're not separated by gender.
17. If yes, what is done at afterparties? Drinking, partying, conversing, and other typical things afterparties have.
18. What kind of lovers are YN's people? Very caring and compassionate, though sometimes they show PDA a lot, and they're mostly pervs. But still kind.
19. Is sexual activity strictly for making children or also for pleasure and bonding? It's mostly the latter.
20. Is rape recognized in marriage as a crime? Yes.
21. Are there limits to how many children they can have? None.
22. Is your leader married? Yes.
23. What is a common pickup line? I can't think of one.

[The Land of the Ephyral]

EPHYRA: Marriage

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This Article is sanctioned by the Senate and Freeborn Landerholders of Ephyra, by the authority of His Honor, Archon Telemanthys Gorgosios Lenaleos.

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1. What is the age limit for marriage? | There is a distinction between legality and custom in Ephrya. It is through a seemingly complex series of developments that result in boys becoming men and girls becoming women, and ages are relevant to a degree. A female in Ephyra of citizen background (citizens are the only ones who may marry) is seen as fit for marriage from the day of her first menstrual cycle, an event known as 'first blood' in Ephyra. The first blood is taken as a biological sign (as well as a sign from the gods) of the onset of a girl's fertility. With this average age being around twelve in Ephyra, this places the minimum age limit for marriage for females at ~12 years old.

However, due to issues concerning female health both in sexual activity and in childbirth, it is practically unheard of for marriage to take place this young anymore, and whenever it does it is for very specific reasons concerning the family, and consummation still does not occur for quite some years.

The window of first-time marriage for women in Ephyra is commonly between the ages of 15 and 25. The age of 16 in females marks the end of the adolescent stage brought on by menarche in Ephyra, and signifies the female in question as a grown woman. Women of the lower classes marry later, usually between 20 and 23. Upper classes can have a broader range, extending younger also to a 'common' age of 17.

For males, there is no biological determination of their adolescence and it is assigned to the age of 12. Unlike females, boys at this age who are then known as "young men" are not legally permitted to marry. This comes at the age of 16 and their acknowledgement legally and within the family as a man. However, the window of first-time marriage for men is approximately 20 to 30, with the later age being much more prevalent especially in the lower classes. This is often to permit extended military service as well as the establishment of a career and financial success.

In most cases therefore, the male is older than the female in marriage, perhaps by as little as two to three years, and perhaps as much as fifteen. However, both are examples of rarity, and five to ten years seniority is most common.

2. Is divorce legal? After becoming a widow? If yes, in what way is it treated by citizens? | Divorce is entirely legal within Ephyral law, and widows and widowers are all considered eligible for re-marriage upon the death of a spouse. Widows however are obligated to wait a period of twelve months, in order to rule out challenges of paternity if pregnancy becomes aware of when the husband is dead. Widowers are bound by no such restriction.

Divorce is not a common event in Ephyra and is often the source of communal gossip when it does occur. For women in particular, the concept of a one-time marriage is held in regard. As brides are expected to be virgins upon their wedding night to demonstrate their sexual chastity, second-time brides are on the one-hand proven non-virgins, whilst on the other hand (if they have children) may have proven fertility. Younger widows evidently remain a more desirable marriage prospect, as do younger divorced women, and typically women who exceed the age of 35 will find second marriage more difficult.

Due to the relatively informal but still ceremonial manner of marriage, divorce is not a difficult process. Divorce may be initiated by either the man or the woman; the man by removing her from his house, and the woman by leaving with her possessions. Divorce with fault is what draws the most attention, and can lead to familial division and court assessment. This can include the mistreatment of a spouse, typically the wife, by the husband. On the other hand, female adultery may bring such problems upon her birth house that she is both divorced and disowned. Action may be taken against an adulterous wife, or against the husband by the wife's family, to seek financial compensation. Whilst many of these issues are not crimes unto themselves, they can pose life-long consequences if a court determines liability, fault, or blame on the part of one spouse. Adultery is considered by far the worst.

3. Is homosexual marriage legal? If yes, how is it treated by citizens? | Homosexual marriage is not permitted and any acts are subject to the cultural norms and social censure imposed if outed.

4. Is sex before marriage legal? Frowned upon? | The legality of it is questionable due to the difference of Ephyral law from many common or civil law structures. Whilst no prison time or direct punishment will come of sex before marriage, it can lead to loss of rights and disowning from the family. This is focused on females. Men are known to utilise prostitutes and slaves for sexual pleasure in what can be their many years prior to marriage. Women are expected to come to marriage as virgins, chaste, and sexually moral in contrast to the socially scorned prostitutes. To, with her consent, engage in sexual relations with an unwed woman under the legal guardianship of her family's head, is an act called 'seduction', and in many ways is considered no less abhorrent than rape as it is an affront to the authority of the woman's father and familial honour. If caught in the act, this man may well be killed (though not often done). If brought to court and found to have committed the act, he will be obliged to pay compensation to the father of the defiled woman. If unable to be paid, the man will be considered in debt to the father, which if not paid off in due course, can result in a separate charge leading to the man's enslavement.

If the man is found to have committed the act, the woman in question is found liable of invitation, and her citizen's right of marriage will be revoked due to the legal imposition of the status of infamy upon her. Though not always done, the woman may be disowned by her father there and then, removing her by his authority from the family, and from his legal control and also protection. This is reflective of Ephyra as an honor-shame society, and leaves the woman with the permanent stigma of what is essentially an unwed adulteress. The fate of such women is varied, though many resort to prostitution.

Whether or not therefore sex before marriage is "legal" shall be left to your decision. There are no police who pursue leads of such acts, and they must be reported and taken to court directly by the affronted. It is in effect managed like a civil, monetary case, but with more binding consequences.

5. What is your country's people's attitude towards marriage? | Marriage in Ephyra is seen as an absolute necessity for its citizens. It, and the consequence of legitimate reproduction, are the highest duties of the citizenry.

6. How do they propose? With what? Are women allowed to propose? | There are no prosposals. Whilst not forced, marriages are arranged, and the father of an eligible woman will select suitors and propose them as husbands to her. The young woman is also perfectly able to propose her own choice of suitor to her father. Would-be suitors can also present their interest to the father, not uncommon due to the communal nature of Ephyral society. One way or another, a suitor is selected, gifts are exchanged, and a betrothal declared. Marriage then follows at a selected date.

7. Is parental approval needed? | Due to marriages being arranged it is necessary. To take a woman into your house and to live with her as your wife without the approval or gift exchange of and with the father of the woman is the aforementioned 'seduction'. However, due to legal mastery of the family, it is the father's approval and not the mother's that is needed. A suitor doesn't require his own father's approval but will often seek his advice on the suitability of a bride, often leading to the father of a suitor taking part in the familial discussions.

8. Who takes the last name? | No one. Women in Ephyra remain in the house of their birth and do not take any extra names. Nor does the man. The children however will bear the family names of their father and not their mother.

9. Are weddings private or large parties? Both? | It can easily depend on the family. Guests are necessary to invite as witnesses to the marriage, presenting of the dowry, and entry of the woman into her new husband's home, but the scale of the wedding is entirely up to the family's in question. Many weddings invite guests from their close-knit and well known community and can be quite the large affair. Smaller weddings are not unheard of, and not remarked upon, but less common.

10. Are wedding expensive? | Not always but they can be. Food and drink is to be provided of course, but weddings do not involve the reservation of a venue or any other sort of Western tradition, and is usually concentrated in and around the house of the man being wed. The costs of the wedding are typically split between him, his father, and father-in-law.

11. What do the spouses wear at their wedding day? | The groom is most usually dressed in plain but bright white tunic and toga, of the same style worn when he became a man, to signify his accepting of responsibility over the first member of his household; his wife. Women wear white often too, a symbol of purity and their sexual virginity, in the form of a dress in much the same style worn on a day-to-day basis. A woman's hair is tied for the first time on her wedding day, the binding of her hair to symbolise her chastity within marriage. A himation cloak may also be worn in reflection of the male toga.

12. Where are party weddings held (if you said yes)? | Usually at the groom's house.

13. Where are private weddings held (if you said yes)? | Usually at the groom's house.

14. What sort of music is usually played? | Nothing specific. Choice of music if any as to the families involved. Ephyra has no concept of wedding music.

15. How is the ("I Do") ceremony played out? Do they kiss? | There is no such ceremony. Ephyral weddings are not so formal. The bride and groom simply enter the groom's house as one. A kiss may be shared but this is not part of any specific ceremony.

16. Are afterparties common? Are they separated by gender or not? | Guests to a wedding will usually continue to feast and celebrate after the bride and groom have entered the house as husband and wife. They are not sex-segregated, although women tend to remain with their husbands or fathers. The continuation of a marriage celebration often poses a valid environment for talks of other betrothals.

17. If yes, what is done at afterparties? | It is during the continued celebration that the husband and his wife will be taken to their new shared bedroom to consummate their marriage. This is perhaps the only act of sexual intercourse between a married couple that is expected to be of public knowledge, as it is their first physical union as a married couple and signifies the legitimacy of the ceremony that transpired.

18. What kind of lovers are YN's people? | In large part due to citizen female sexual chastity and protection, foreigners find little basis to judge that half of Ephyral sexuality. Like many things, sex is often conceived of with a conquest mentality, and foreign tourist women who engage in sexual relations with citizen men (itself not a crime of any sort - and also Ephyral women who discuss their sexual life), Ephyral men tend to prefer power over tenderness in sexual relations. In large part this is to continually affirm to their wives a present virility and masculine virtue. Some may therefore regard Ephyral men as 'rough lovers', even austere, and controlling.

From Ephyral husbands and those few foreign sources detailing sexual relations with free Ephyral women, they are a near perfect counter-balance to the male sex. Where the male emphasis is upon dominance and assertion, the female is upon compliance and docility. However this doesn't necessitate a lack of passion, only a surrender of direction. Whilst Ephyral sexual morality is strict in the governing of one's self-restraint in all things, relations between a married man and woman are quite freely able to be intense and intimate. They simply follow to quite a degree the role of the active vs the passive, male and female respectively.

19. Is sexual activity strictly for making children or also for pleasure and bonding? | For men before marriage, pleasure in sex has primarily been derived from prostitutes and slaves, as well as concubines, with literal emphasis on sexual pleasure directed toward the wife. However, in addition to the goal of procreation instilled in men and women, a married couple can quite legitimately seek pleasure and the strengthening of their relationship.

Cultural emphasis on sex however places procreation as the priority.

20. Is rape recognized in marriage as a crime? | Not in and of itself. If a woman divorces her husband, but claims fault through mistreatment and her family makes a claim of compensation, forced sex may be cited as an aspect or the core of this. However, it's validity rests on the court's decision on whether this was for the objective of procreation, or out of malice. If the former, that aspect of a case will be dismissed. If the latter, is it not treated as a separate crime but part of the civil case, and will be compensated. As far as male on female rape is concerned, it is an abhorrent crime, but in marriage is not considered one at all. As the objective of marriage is indeed procreation, and female consent to the marriage was established by agreeing to the suitor, sexual acts that dishonour a wife are considered more objectionable than rape.

Ephyral law doesn't recognise female committed rape, as any such act is either within the confines of marriage, an act of adultery, or self-imposed seduction for which the male may well be pardoned once found complicit, if proven satisfactorily that he did not voluntarily have intercourse.

21. Are there limits to how many children they can have? | No. Indeed, more is preferable. Average fertility rate is three children per woman. Upper class women reproduce more due to lesser financial concerns. Mothers of three children are considered duly honoured. Mothers of five are communally dignified. Eight or more children leads to the agnomen of Saña asāline being affixed to a woman's name, meaning 'venerable mother'. Lower class women have fewer children, and so achieve that title rarely. On the whole however, more children proves a mother's fertility and a father's financial success. Most women continue to reproduce into their mid-thirties, after which it is common for childbirth to cease, for sex to be primarily for pleasure, or for the husband of such a woman to derive sexual pleasure from other means.

22. Is your leader married? | Yes. Archon Telemanthys Gorgosios Lenaleos is married to Spardikae Gorgosios Lenaleos (sister-wife by aristocratic tradition), with whom he has sired five children over ten years of reproduction.

23. What is a common pickup line? | Pickup lines are ill-advised to be used on or by free Ephyral women, for the simple purpose that this type of verbal seduction if successful results in the court-liable act of seduction. However, Ephyral men and non-citizen men may verbally attempt to court non-citizen women with whom sexual activity is not penalised; as well as by such non-citizen women with any man, or in particular, prostitutes.

Telling a woman she is "Veleys walking" is a common one, with Veleys being the Ephyral goddess of love, sexuality, and womanhood and beauty. A female on male counter that is heard of may be "Nalarion walking", assigning to a man the powerful virtues of the primary god of war. It can also be a reference to the innocent virginity of the priestess Ephyra before her defilement by Nalarion, potentially indicating a wilfulness of submission and play. Female used pickup lines are rare however due to male conquest mentality making it unseemly for a man to be 'picked up', but such lines may be used as flattery and invitation for return.

Asking a woman to "make the Virgins pray" is a reference to the Virgins of Lysharar, a religious cult to the goddess of the same name whose perpetual chastity and virginity is the counterbalance to the sexual acts of all women, and in particular, the depravity of prostitutes. To "make the Virgins pray" is an invitation of sex with the exaggerated idea that the Virgins of Lysharar shall have to devote themselves more to their goddess to account for the new sexual pairing.

Foreign men and women to Ephyra will very likely utilise their own pickup lines, translated to Ephyral, though how well these are understood may vary. Many foreign men derive pleasure primarily from prostitutes in Ephyra, whilst it may well be free Ephyral citizens or slave men who take the interest of foreign women, and discounting the former's social censure regarding sexual self-governance, it is not necessarily difficult for tourists to acquire sex in Ephyra from brothels or from free men in a woman's case. Due to manner of dress, tourist women are often considered to be "easy spoils" in the conquest mentality, and can attract sexual attention from their distinct manners of dress. Whilst making it perhaps easier for foreign women seeking sex in Ephyra to acquire it, in more rural areas less familiarised with tourism, it can very easily prove precarious or dangerous for such women as their background and possibly more revealing manner of dress compared to Ephyral women suggest openness and invite sexual attention.

[Ziyu]

1. What is the minimum age for marriage? 16 years old
2. Is divorce legal? After becoming a widow? If yes, in what way is it treated by citizens? Yes, no one really cares if people are divorced.
3. Is homosexual marriage legal? If yes, how is it treated by citizens? No.
4. Is sex before marriage legal? Frowned upon? Yes it is legal, but among Christians and most Buddhists it is discouraged
5. What is your country's people's attitude towards marriage? Marriage is an important part in a Ziyuan's life and people are encouraged
6. How do they propose? With what? Are women allowed to propose? Most Ziyuans ask their significant other to marry them, usually by offering them a ring or other piece of jewellery
7. Is parental approval needed? No, but it is standard to obtain it
8. Who takes the last name? The wife
9. Are weddings private or large parties? Both? They can be either.
10. Are wedding expensive? No
11. What do the spouses wear at their wedding day? The husband will wear a suit and the wife will wear a dress, or both will wear traditional dress
12. Where are party weddings held (if you said yes)? Wherever the couple choose
13. Where are private weddings held (if you said yes)? Wherever the couple choose
14. What sort of music is usually played? Traditional Ziyuan music
15. How is the ("I Do") ceremony played out? Do they kiss? Yes
16. Are afterparties common? Are they separated by gender or not? Yes, not separated gender.
17. If yes, what is done at afterparties? People celebrate the marriage and have lunch or dinner
18. Is sexual activity strictly for making children or also for pleasure and bonding? Both
19. Is rape recognized in marriage as a crime? Yes
20. Are there limits to how many children they can have? No
21. Is your leader married? Yes, interim Prime Minister Ru Chae-Young has been married for the last 17 years

[Saranidia]

1. What is the age limit for marriage?: both bride and groom must be over 16
2. Is divorce legal? After becoming a widow? If yes, in what way is it treated by citizens?
Divorce is legal for "disgraceful conduct" and "irretrievable breakdown" and people may marry after becoming a widow. divorced people are not directly judged for it but it is common to ask "Why?" and say "how unfortunate"
3. Is homosexual marriage legal? If yes, how is it treated by citizens?
Yes it is legal. Left-wing citizens are for it but not right-wing ones.
4. Is sex before marriage legal? Frowned upon?:
it is not legal for followers of Islam, Catholicism, Christianity or Judaism, and so it is commonly frowned upon.
Some small religions legalise it.
5. What is your country's people's attitude towards marriage?
it is viewed as a sacred social and emotional bond
6. How do they propose? With what? Are women allowed to propose?
Women can propose. people normally purpose with an engagement ring and flowers.
7. Is parental approval needed?
the girls parent's approval may or may not be needed to depending on the Islamic scholarly consensus at the time.
8. Who takes the last name? either depending on the rules of their religion and tribe or if these are neutral: personal choice.
9. Are weddings private or large parties? Both?
either, a certain number of witnesses is required but large parties are optional.
10. Are wedding expensive? for the affluent(especially nobility which includes senior officials ex officio) yes, for the relatively poorer, no.
11. What do the spouses wear at their wedding day? depends
12. Where are party weddings held (if you said yes)? at an area licensed to do weddings with enough resources such as most mosques, most churches, many synagogues, most temples
larger registry offices and an area provided by the Mayor of the City
13. Where are private weddings held (if you said yes)? at the mosque, church, synagogue, temple etc. or registry office
14. What sort of music is usually played?: traditional Arabic or Indian music
15. How is the ("I Do") ceremony played out? Do they kiss? they typically don't kiss in public(although westerners including western Muslim converts and their descendants might), it involves asking the bribe and the groom whether each consent to their vows and then signing a document.
16. Are afterparties common? Are they separated by gender or not?: yes but are typically family occasions with relatives of both genders.
17. If yes, what is done at afterparties? feasting
18. What kind of lovers are YN's people?: romantic. Also loyal(especially the women) and protective(especially the men)
19. Is sexual activity strictly for making children or also for pleasure and bonding? all three, especially bonding
20. Is rape recognized in marriage as a crime?: yes if it can be proven; in someone is found guilty the minimum sentence is 40 years to life and placement on the Domestic Violence Register and the Sex Offenders’ Register.
21. Are there limits to how many children they can have: no?
22. Is your leader married?: yes to the Emir of Tanwirid though he is presumed dead.
23. What is a common pickup line? "You are very well designed by Allah"

[Jebslund]

1. What is the age limit for marriage? 15 (age most Jebslunden Kerbals reach adulthood), 13 if the difference in age between partners is no more than four years AND any underage partners (defined as younger than Age-of-Majority) are able to independently pass a battery affirming that they understand what they are getting into and are not being maniulated or coerced into marriage, as well as have the maturity to make such decisions.
2. Is divorce legal? After becoming a widow? If yes, in what way is it treated by citizens? Yes, and as a necessary evil. It is generally something not to be done lightly.
3. Is homosexual marriage legal? If yes, how is it treated by citizens? Yes. Most see it as no different from heterosexual marriage.
4. Is sex before marriage legal? Frowned upon? Yes. Depends on who you ask, but mostly no.
5. What is your country's people's attitude towards marriage? Important, but a personal decision, for the most part.
6. How do they propose? With what? Are women allowed to propose? By asking, depends on the subculture, and depends on the subculture.
7. Is parental approval needed? Not by the majority, though it is seen as important.
8. Who takes the last name? Depends on the marriage.
9. Are weddings private or large parties? Both? Both. It depends on the marriage.
10. Are wedding expensive? Depends on the wedding.
11. What do the spouses wear at their wedding day? Usually military uniforms or, for those who were exampt from service, similarly functional/important clothing. Otherwise, it depends on the subculture.
12. Where are party weddings held (if you said yes)? Depends on the wedding.
13. Where are private weddings held (if you said yes)? Usually at home or in a church/temple/mosque/synagogue/what-have-you, otherwise it depends on the wedding.
14. What sort of music is usually played? Depends on the wedding.
15. How is the ("I Do") ceremony played out? Do they kiss? Depends on the wedding.
16. Are afterparties common? Are they separated by gender or not? Yes. Not usually.
17. If yes, what is done at afterparties? Feasting, drinking, sparring, swapping stories, sometimes social drugs, dancing, singing, competitive cooking, competitive eating, gift exchanges, occasionally a StuG-IIIG team hunt.
18. What kind of lovers are YN's people? Depends on the individual, really.
19. Is sexual activity strictly for making children or also for pleasure and bonding? Usually for pleasure and bonding. A comparatively small minority see it as strictly for making children.
20. Is rape recognized in marriage as a crime? Yes. With harsher penalties than rape outside of marriage.
21. Are there limits to how many children they can have? As many as they can feasibly support. Generally, one marriage will not produce more than 6.
22. Is your leader married? He *was*.
23. What is a common pickup line? "What say you and I go flying together sometime?"

[Xeloncaresia]

1. What is the age limit for marriage? 21
2. Is divorce legal? After becoming a widow? If yes, in what way is it treated by citizens? Yes it’s legal. Widows are seen as normal people.
3. Is homosexual marriage legal? If yes, how is it treated by citizens? Yes, it’s considered abnormal by some but it’s not a problem to them.
4. Is sex before marriage legal? Frowned upon? Yes
5. What is your country's people's attitude towards marriage? It is seen as a union between two individuals.
6. How do they propose? With what? Are women allowed to propose? Proposing happens a long time after a couple declares themselves to be engaged, but usually when one of the two asks the other. Usually the one proposing is the more dominant one in the relationship. And yes women can propose. In fact in Xeloncaresia, it is just as common for women to propose as men do.
7. Is parental approval needed? In some cases yes, but most of the time no.
8. Who takes the last name? the two retain their last names after marriage. Though a married man won’t be addressed as Sir(which is how an unmarried man is addressed), but as Mister. A married woman will be addressed as Mrs, whereas an unmarried woman is Ms.
9. Are weddings private or large parties? Both? Both, but due to the nature of Xeloncaresian culture, most weddings are private. People of high status have large parties though.
10. Are wedding expensive? somewhat, it costs a couple of thousand Pelmier.
11. What do the spouses wear at their wedding day? very fancy/exquisite suits and dresses.
12. Where are party weddings held (if you said yes)? ballrooms, religious temples, or even backyards.
13. Where are private weddings held (if you said yes)? in their own home, or at a religious temple (without anyone around)
14. What sort of music is usually played? beautiful classical music mainly, but that can vary based on culture.
15. How is the ("I Do") ceremony played out? Do they kiss? the woman waits at the front stage while the man approaches her (the opposite of what happens in rl), the I do had already happened since after the proposal.
16. Are afterparties common? Are they separated by gender or not? not really. No they’re not separated by gender.
17. If yes, what is done at afterparties? huge banquets, large feasts
18. What kind of lovers are YN's people? very loyal, trustworthy, keeps your secrets, shares a deep emotional bond with you, accepts both your pros and cons. Will have a partnership kind of relationship. Doesn’t like domestic relationships, wants to be treated equal to you.
19. Is sexual activity strictly for making children or also for pleasure and bonding? that’s up to the couple.
20. Is rape recognized in marriage as a crime? Yes, though the repercussions aren’t as severe normally.
21. Are there limits to how many children they can have? No, though most prefer a max of three.
22. Is your leader married? Yes.
23. What is a common pickup line? na

[East Gondwana]

1. What is the age limit for marriage? Minimum age is 21
2. Is divorce legal? After becoming a widow? If yes, in what way is it treated by citizens? Divorce is fully legal and relatively easy. There is generally no stigma amongst the general population.
3. Is homosexual marriage legal? If yes, how is it treated by citizens? Yes. This is generally accepted by most of the population.
4. Is sex before marriage legal? Frowned upon? Legal, and generally expected.
5. What is your country's people's attitude towards marriage? Marriage has recently become a divisive topic in terms of whether it should exist as a legal institution at all. The government recently trialed abolishing legal marriage and replacing it with civil partnerships, but backlash forced them to reverse this. However, many still advocate for legal marriage abolition.
6. How do they propose? With what? Are women allowed to propose? Anyone is allowed to propose. Proposing with rings is common, though it depends on the culture.
7. Is parental approval needed? No.
8. Who takes the last name? It is entirely up to the partners to decide if anyone changes their name, and if so who and how.
9. Are weddings private or large parties? Both? Depends on the individuals and cultures.
10. Are wedding expensive? They can be. It is free in a government registry office.
11. What do the spouses wear at their wedding day? This varies greatly across cultures, age groups, and individual preference.
12. Where are party weddings held (if you said yes)? They are often held in places of worship, wineries, public parks, hotels, and community centres.
13. Where are private weddings held (if you said yes)? Registry offices, personal homes, and other places.
14. What sort of music is usually played? Varies hugely across various demographics.
15. How is the ("I Do") ceremony played out? Do they kiss? A legally registered celebrant is required to preside over the official part of the ceremony, with certain legally required declarations and the signing of a marriage document. Otherwise it is up to the participants to decide.
16. Are afterparties common? Are they separated by gender or not? Receptions are common, their nature varies a lot.
17. If yes, what is done at afterparties? Mainly drinking, eating, and dancing.
18. What kind of lovers are YN's people? Well educated.
19. Is sexual activity strictly for making children or also for pleasure and bonding? Sexual activity is unrestricted between adults giving informed consent, with the exception of activities that cause (or are reasonably expected to cause) permanent injury or death. Public nudity and sexual displays are also not permitted, with the exception of nudist beaches and certain approved organised street events.
20. Is rape recognized in marriage as a crime? Yes.
21. Are there limits to how many children they can have? No.
22. Is your leader married? No.
23. What is a common pickup line? "Hey u up?"

[Serlanda]

1. What is the age limit for marriage?
18
2. Is divorce legal? After becoming a widow? If yes, in what way is it treated by citizens?
Yes, but not after widow.
3. Is homosexual marriage legal? If yes, how is it treated by citizens?
No, only civil union.
4. Is sex before marriage legal? Frowned upon?
Everyone can do what they want, but is prefered not to do that before marriage.
5. What is your country's people's attitude towards marriage?
Something normal.
6. How do they propose? With what? Are women allowed to propose?
With an ring or what you want. Everyone
7. Is parental approval needed?
NO
8. Who takes the last name?
Usually people don't do that.
9. Are weddings private or large parties? Both?
Both
10. Are wedding expensive?
Unfortunately yes
11. What do the spouses wear at their wedding day?
White dress
12. Where are party weddings held (if you said yes)?
Usually in churches or any place
13. Where are private weddings held (if you said yes)?
Usually in churches
14. What sort of music is usually played?
Any
15. How is the ("I Do") ceremony played out? Do they kiss?
They kiss
16. Are afterparties common? Are they separated by gender or not?
Are common
17. If yes, what is done at afterparties?
Drink, eat and things like that
18. What kind of lovers are YN's people?
In general good
19. Is sexual activity strictly for making children or also for pleasure and bonding?
What they want
20. Is rape recognized in marriage as a crime?
If is confirmed, yes
21. Are there limits to how many children they can have?
No
22. Is your leader married?
Yes
23. What is a common pickup line?
"Eres una flore"/"Inseparable"

[Saciu]

1. What is the age limit for marriage? People aged 17 and above can marry
2. Is divorce legal? After becoming a widow? If yes, in what way is it treated by citizens? Yes. It is always legal, and is treated normally.
3. Is homosexual marriage legal? If yes, how is it treated by citizens? Yes. Saciu has historically been free of homophobia.
4. Is sex before marriage legal? Frowned upon? Yes. It is only frowned upon if the couple gets pregnant and a baby can't be supported.
5. What is your country's people's attitude towards marriage? Can be a waste of time, can be a good thing.
6. How do they propose? With what? Are women allowed to propose? It is much more informal than in the rest of the West. It tends to simply be brought up randomly, without any props such as rings.
7. Is parental approval needed? No.
8. Who takes the last name? Normally, they keep their names. Any children can take either name.
9. Are weddings private or large parties? Both? The actual marriage is a mundane legal process, though large parties are often held a a reception.
10. Are wedding expensive? To get married costs 10M, or about $25. More is often spent on the party.
11. What do the spouses wear at their wedding day? Normally, their favourite outfit.
12. Where are party weddings held (if you said yes)? Any venue willing to hold a party.
13. Where are private weddings held (if you said yes)? The formal marriage process takes place in a marriage and law office.
14. What sort of music is usually played? Whatever the couple likes.
15. How is the ("I Do") ceremony played out? Do they kiss? They sign a legal contract.
16. Are afterparties common? Are they separated by gender or not? They are common, one for each participant in the marriage.
17. If yes, what is done at afterparties? It's normally an even more informal, smaller party.
18. What kind of lovers are YN's people? Unashamed and unorthodox.
19. Is sexual activity strictly for making children or also for pleasure and bonding? The emphasis is put entirely on the latter.
20. Is rape recognized in marriage as a crime? Yes, and results in the normal penalty for rape.
21. Are there limits to how many children they can have? No.
22. Is your leader married? No.
23. What is a common pickup line? "Me interesses coma un paresse prospaente sescale e/o romantica. Te pleiria-un caeta?" Translation: "You interest me as a prospective sexual and/or romantic partner. Woud you like to go on a date?"

[The Brague]

1. What is the age limit for marriage? A citizen must be 20
2. Is divorce legal? After becoming a widow? If yes, in what way is it treated by citizens? Divorce is legal, and prenups are very common practice and not seen as insulting. Divorce is not very common.
3. Is homosexual marriage legal? If yes, how is it treated by citizens? Yes, and while it is widely accepted by most, there are still some radical conservative groups who are against it.
4. Is sex before marriage legal? Frowned upon? It is legal and it is actually almost encouraged, as experimentation before marriage is recommended in the culture.
5. What is your country's people's attitude towards marriage? It is seen closer to a business contract than an act of love, yet is also viewed as a proclomation of complete trust in an individual. To lower and middle classes it is seen as largely unnecessary as it is rare for either persons fortune to improve greatly, however in upper classes it is seen as a very strategic way to advance one's family and position.
6. How do they propose? With what? Are women allowed to propose? Either sex may propose, either with a ring or marriage arm-band made of metal.
7. Is parental approval needed? No, but recommended depending on social class.
8. Who takes the last name? Wives almost always take their husband's name, unless otherwise agreed upon or the wife is of a higher social class than the husband. It can go either way in homosexual couples.
9. Are weddings private or large parties? Both? Often large parties, but upper class weddings tend to be more elitist. Upper class citizens often invite important people over friends, while middle and lower class do not invite just their family, but nearly anyone, even strangers.
10. Are wedding expensive? Yes
11. What do the spouses wear at their wedding day? Suits for men, often with a multi-colored and multi-patterned (the more elaborate, the more important and wealthy a groom is) waistcoat and matching sash, with a top hat. WOmen often wear elaborate and beautiful short dresses.
12. Where are party weddings held (if you said yes)? Often in either the groom or bride's home
13. Where are private weddings held (if you said yes)? N/A
14. What sort of music is usually played? Upbeat and fast folk music, or whatever is the couple's favorite music.
15. How is the ("I Do") ceremony played out? Do they kiss? Similar to a christian wedding, and they do kiss.
16. Are afterparties common? Are they separated by gender or not? Yes, and no they are not separated by gender.
17. If yes, what is done at afterparties? They often include the couple's closest family and friends, and are stages around a bonfire of sorts.
18. What kind of lovers are YN's people? Polyamorous but very close. Polygamy is frowned upon and outlawed but married couples are not expected to sleep only with their spouse. That being said, marriage is seen as a contract-for-life of sorts and usually this couple, if not seriously romantically involved, are at least very trusting of each other and close friends.
19. Is sexual activity strictly for making children or also for pleasure and bonding? Also for pleasure and bonding.
20. Is rape recognized in marriage as a crime? Yes, absolutely
21. Are there limits to how many children they can have? No
22. Is your leader married? Yes
23. What is a common pickup line? N/A

[AquilaJordyn]

1. What is the age limit for marriage? 18
2. Is divorce legal? After becoming a widow? If yes, in what way is it treated by citizens? Divorce is illegal except in cases of domestic abuse, threatening behavior or improper conditions for a child. Widows may remarry.
3. Is homosexual marriage legal? If yes, how is it treated by citizens? No.
4. Is sex before marriage legal? Frowned upon? Yes, but it is frowned upon.
5. What is your country's people's attitude towards marriage? Marriage is a sacred union whereby 1 woman & 1 man freely chose to give themselves entirely to each other for the sake of a child; Marriage is the right of children.
6. How do they propose? With what? Are women allowed to propose? Per tradition, Syagrots bring each other to the Southern Black Forest to propose under the trees. Women are allowed to propose & propose about as often as men.
7. Is parental approval needed? No, though it is traditionally sought after
8. Who takes the last name? Classically, the man would always take the woman's name. Since Christianization, the spouses generally take the name of the spouse who proposed. In modern times, hyphenation has become more popular.
9. Are weddings private or large parties? Both? Wedding ceremonies are almost always very private, with only family and close friends invited, as well as parishoners (Assuming it's a Catholic Christian wedding, as most Syagrots are.)
10. Are wedding expensive? Syagrot weddings generally require quite a lot of food, but Syagrots normally keep things modest & tasteful. Many will make food rather than cater as well, with all of the guests bringing a dish, resulting in weddings being fairly economical. The state also sponsors weddings for young couples planning to stay in Syagros for the next 10+ years of their marriage, offering stipends to needy couples.
11. What do the spouses wear at their wedding day? In Syagros, the bride wears a white gown, while the groom wears his family suit of armor, a set of armor handed down to him through his father's line for generations.
12. Where are party weddings held (if you said yes)? In the Church.
13. Where are private weddings held (if you said yes)?
14. What sort of music is usually played? Ancient Syagrot Hymns are played during the ceremony.
15. How is the ("I Do") ceremony played out? Do they kiss? The I do ceremony is very intimate. The I do's are the traditional lines seen at any Catholic Christian wedding. Yes, they do kiss.
16. Are afterparties common? Are they separated by gender or not? Yes, they are common. No, they are not divided by gender.
17. If yes, what is done at afterparties? The doors to the wedding venue (often a house, backyard, a garden, forest or the beach) are opened to the community and a huge feast, dances & poem readings happen well into the night.
18. What kind of lovers are YN's people? Syagrots tend to be very romantic, intimate, passionate lovers. Syagrots grow up wanting nothing more than to be the best spouse for their one-and-only, they tend to put a great deal of effort into making the experience as pleasurable for their spouse as possible and the act is considered sacred & beautiful. None of that is to say Syagrots have an immature, Disney sort of understanding of the marriage act. Rather, they want to simply offer all they have to their spouse in the act & in the marriage itself. Syagrots enjoy having fun in their marriage, experimenting even. What matters most to them however is closeness to their spouse. Syagrot men and women are generally egalitarian in their love-life as they are in their marriage.
19. Is sexual activity strictly for making children or also for pleasure and bonding? Syagrots are always open to children in sexual activity. They'll engage in it for the sake of bonding or let on by pleasure, but should the relations result in a child, they're open to the blessing.
20. Is rape recognized in marriage as a crime? Yes, rape in marriage is recognized as a crime.
21. Are there limits to how many children they can have? No. Generally, Syagrots have 4~7 children, but families are smaller 2~3 in the larger cities.
22. Is your leader married? Yes.
23. What is a common pickup line? Pick up lines are generally not employed, Syagrots take their relationship more seriously than pick-up lines allow. However, when employed, Syagrots seem to enjoy overly, purposefully cheesy lines that are intended to get a laugh.

[Terabithya]

1. What is the age limit for marriage? 16
2. Is divorce legal? After becoming a widow? If yes, in what way is it treated by citizens? Only his Holiness the Pope can annull a marriage. Otherwise there is no divorce. If your spouse deceased you may remarry.
3. Is homosexual marriage legal? If yes, how is it treated by citizens? There is no such thing as "homosexual marriage". There are no homosexual sinners in the Kingdom.
4. Is sex before marriage legal? Frowned upon? No, that is a sin and therefore illegal and frowned upon.
5. What is your country's people's attitude towards marriage? Umm, positive? Marriage is for love, conceiving children, family and care.
6. How do they propose? With what? Are women allowed to propose? Usually men propose to women. "How" that's up to them. Of course women are allowed but they usually don't do it.
7. Is parental approval needed? Not by law but there should be an approval by the father of the bride.
8. Who takes the last name? The wife takes the family name of her husband usually.
9. Are weddings private or large parties? Both? Usually private.
10. Are wedding expensive? No.
11. What do the spouses wear at their wedding day? Appropriate clothes.
12. Where are party weddings held (if you said yes)? Near the Church and/or at home (of the couple or if that's not the case it's that of the husband usually).
13. Where are private weddings held (if you said yes)? Same as above.
14. What sort of music is usually played? Terabithyan and clerical.
15. How is the ("I Do") ceremony played out? Do they kiss? It are sacramental church weddings. Of course they do.
16. Are afterparties common? Are they separated by gender or not? No, there are none such.
17. If yes, what is done at afterparties? N/A
18. What kind of lovers are your nation's people? What?
19. Is sexual activity strictly for making children or also for pleasure and bonding? It is especially for love and family.
20. Is rape recognized in marriage as a crime? Only upon charge by the husband or wife.
21. Are there limits to how many children they can have? No, of course not.
22. Is your nation's leader married? No, neither the Queen nor the Lord Chancellor.
23. What is a common pickup line? There are none.

[The Koranic]

1. What is the age limit for marriage? 15
2. Is divorce legal? After becoming a widow? If yes, in what way is it treated by citizens? Divorce is legal. Widows and divorcees may remarry after at least 4 lunar months and 10 days after their divorce/spouse's death. Most citizens support the current arrangement.
3. Is homosexual marriage legal? If yes, how is it treated by citizens? No, both homosexuality and homosexual marriage are illegal and frowned upon.
4. Is sex before marriage legal? Frowned upon? That is adultery, which is highly illegal and frowned upon.
5. What is your country's people's attitude towards marriage? They view it as a sacred bond and duty to Allah.
6. How do they propose? With what? Are women allowed to propose? It is custom that men propose to women and do so as Muhammad (SAW) did. Women are allowed to propose but that is socially abnormal.
7. Is parental approval needed? Yes, under Sharia law.
8. Who takes the last name? Usually the woman, but that is entirely at the couple's discretion.
9. Are weddings private or large parties? Both? Depends on spouses.
10. Are wedding expensive? Depends on spouses.
11. What do the spouses wear at their wedding day? Up to them.
12. Where are party weddings held (if you said yes)? Depends on spouses.
13. Where are private weddings held (if you said yes)? Depends on spouses.
14. What sort of music is usually played? Depends on spouses.
15. How is the ("I Do") ceremony played out? Do they kiss? Depends on spouses.
16. Are afterparties common? Are they separated by gender or not? Depends on spouses. If they occur, they are usually gender-seperated.
17. If yes, what is done at afterparties? Depends on spouses.
18. What kind of lovers are YN's people? ?? (That question does not make sense)
19. Is sexual activity strictly for making children or also for pleasure and bonding? Sexual activity for purposes other than child creation is frowned upon.
20. Is rape recognized in marriage as a crime? Yes.
21. Are there limits to how many children they can have? No
22. Is your leader married? Yes
23. What is a common pickup line? Pickup lines are generally not used.