Culture -

Races: The Kingdom of Ethyn is a diverse land, home to a variety of races. Humans are the most numerous, but you can also find elves, dwarves, halflings, and other races living and working alongside them. Each race has their own unique culture and customs, and while there is occasional tension between different groups, the people of Ethyn generally live together in peace and harmony.

Languages Spoken: Due to its position as a major trading hub, the Kingdom of Ethyn is a polyglot society where many different languages are spoken. Common Etherean is the official language of the kingdom and is spoken by almost everyone, but you can also hear merchants haggling in trade dialects, sailors shouting orders in nautical jargon, and scholars debating in ancient tongues. It's a melting pot of linguistic diversity.

Gender Equality/Roles: Women in Ethyn have fewer rights and opportunities compared to men. The society is patriarchal in nature, with men typically holding higher positions in government and industry. Women are expected to fulfill traditional gender roles, such as being homemakers and child-rearers. However, there are some exceptions, particularly among noble women who may receive education and have more influence and power. Nevertheless, women are generally not afforded the same rights and freedoms as men and are often subject to discrimination and restrictions in both their personal and professional lives.

Ethics: The people of the Kingdom of Ethyn are known for their honesty, fairness, and generosity. They believe in treating others with respect and compassion, and expect the same in return. The king and his court uphold high ethical standards, and there is a strong tradition of public service and volunteerism. Crime rates are low, and when someone does break the law, the justice system is swift and impartial.

Autonomy: The Kingdom of Ethyn is a constitutional monarchy, with a powerful king and a bicameral legislature. The people of Ethyn have a strong sense of independence and individualism, and the government is designed to give them a great deal of autonomy. Each province has its own governor, and local officials are responsible for making many of the day-to-day decisions that affect people's lives. However, the central government still wields significant power, especially in matters of national security and foreign policy.

Greeting & Meeting: The people of the Kingdom of Ethyn are generally friendly and outgoing, and take great pride in their hospitality. When greeting someone, it is customary to offer a warm handshake or hug, depending on how well you know the person. When meeting someone for the first time, it's polite to introduce yourself and ask about their family and interests. Social gatherings often involve food and drink, and people love to share stories and jokes. However, etiquette can vary depending on the context and the participants, so it's always a good idea to observe the behavior of others and follow their lead.

Pantheon/Gods: The Seven are the main gods worshipped in the Kingdom of Ethyn, with each god representing a different aspect of life. They include the Father (who represents judgment and strength), the Mother (who represents fertility and protection), the Warrior (who represents strength and courage in battle), the Maiden (who represents purity and innocence), the Smith (who represents creation and craftsmanship), the Crone (who represents wisdom and foresight), and the Stranger (who represents death and the unknown).

Religious Tolerance: While the Seven are the main gods worshipped in Ethyn, there is a general tolerance for other religions in the kingdom. People are free to worship other gods from different lands, and there are several temples dedicated to different faiths throughout the kingdom. However, there is an expectation that citizens of the kingdom will still honor and respect the Seven as their primary gods.

Secularism: The Kingdom of Ethyn is not a secular state, as the government and ruling class are closely tied to the worship of the Seven. The crown and religious leaders work closely together to maintain the stability and prosperity of the kingdom.

Temples: The Temple of the Seven in Harbour Bay is the most prominent temple in the kingdom, located in the Bay Hill district. It is a large and impressive structure, with elaborate carvings and stained glass windows depicting the Seven and their various aspects. There are also several smaller temples dedicated to the Seven in other parts of the kingdom, as well as temples dedicated to other faiths. The temples are run by priests and priestesses who perform various rites and ceremonies for the faithful.

The Kingdom of Ethyn is known for its vibrant arts and entertainment scene, which provides a welcome distraction from the rigors of everyday life.

One of the most popular forms of entertainment in the kingdom is the jousting tournament, which is held regularly in various parts of the kingdom. Here, knights and lords compete in a fierce display of skill and bravery, jousting with each other to win the favor of the crowd and the accolades of the crown. These events are accompanied by lavish feasts and celebrations, and draw huge crowds from all over the kingdom.

For those who prefer something more exotic, there is the freak show circus, where performers display their incredible feats of strength and agility, often accompanied by strange and wondrous creatures. This is a spectacle that appeals to all ages, and draws people from far and wide to marvel at the strange and wondrous sights.

In the cities, there are high-end brothels where patrons can indulge in all manner of pleasures, both carnal and intellectual. These establishments are often frequented by the nobility, who come to sample the finest food, drink, and entertainment that the kingdom has to offer.

Fighting arenas are another popular form of entertainment, where warriors from all over the kingdom compete in mortal combat for the amusement of the crowd. These events are not for the faint of heart, but draw huge crowds nonetheless, as people come to watch the spectacle of death-defying bravery and skill.

Theater is also popular in the kingdom, with many venues hosting performances of all kinds, from bawdy comedies to epic dramas. The kingdom is home to many talented playwrights, actors, and directors, and the performances are often of the highest caliber.

For those looking for a more intimate setting, there are many taverns throughout the kingdom where patrons can enjoy music, storytelling, and other forms of entertainment in a more relaxed and casual atmosphere. These establishments are popular with locals and travelers alike, and provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Finally, dancing is a popular pastime among the nobility, who often hold lavish balls and soirées in their palaces and estates. These events are a chance for the elite of the kingdom to show off their wealth and power, and to engage in a form of entertainment that is both refined and sophisticated.

The architecture of the Kingdom of Ethyn varies depending on the social status and resources of the builders. For high-end structures such as the royal palace and important public buildings, ivory stone, black stone, and red brick are commonly used. These materials are carefully cut and polished, resulting in a polished and elegant appearance. The use of these materials is a sign of wealth and prestige, and buildings constructed from them are often considered to be of the highest quality.

The mid-level structures in the Kingdom of Ethyn, such as the homes of wealthy merchants and minor lords, are often built in a Tudor style. These buildings are characterized by their exposed wooden beams, which are often painted or stained to enhance their appearance. The walls are typically made of a mixture of red brick and wattle, giving them a rustic yet refined feel.

The lower-class structures in the Kingdom of Ethyn, such as the homes of peasants and laborers, are typically made of more humble materials such as wood, mud, and thatch. These buildings are often small and simple in design, with thatched roofs and dirt floors. While they lack the grandeur of the higher-end buildings, they are often decorated with brightly painted shutters and other small touches that make them cheerful and inviting.