Post by Victoria on Oct 7, 2009 6:37:35 GMT
The villagers of Benevolence form a society inspired by a mix of ancient European and 16th - 18th century New England cultures, traditions, fashions and beliefs. They are all humans, thus will not likely have super senses, super strength, purple hair, etc. Average life expectancy is seventy.Clothing
I won't be too strict on this; it's considerably wide open. I don't expect everyone to be history experts, and either way, this roleplay takes place in an alternate universe (so we can mix things up as much as we want!). Generally, they would wear homespun materials, not really bright colours (for lack of dyes), of the styles worn by the colonists of New England from the late 16th century to the mid 18th. Modesty would be expected. Unless a character is rich and from out of town, fancy stuff and jewels would be extremely scarce. "Rich" to the villagers would be living in a bigger house, having more acres of farmland, and owning those three extra cows.
Some popular films featuring costumes of clothing of these eras include: Sleepy Hollow, Pirates of the Caribbean, Perfume, and Plunkett & Macleane.Technology
As for technology, including everything from cookware to musical instruments, they can have anything that was invented by 1700, but keep in mind that some of these things might be impractical for a villager to keep or be able to buy. For example, a villager isn't going to haul around a canon and by this time, broadswords weren't really used. Try a pistol and a worn-out rapier. Most things owned by the villagers would be handmade or heirlooms. Same goes for medicine and medical practices.Social Customs
Everybody would know everybody. Obviously, some people would be cranky, others would be friendly, others would be matchmakers, etc. Names should be Welsh or English. Honour, family and a woman's reputation are very important to them. Duels happen when one man accuses another man's sister of not being a virgin, for example. Women are honoured and respected, but they are not supposed to hunt, go to pubs, curse, remain unmarried, etc. A father has the right to arrange their daughters' marriage. When a woman is married, her family sends a dowry with her. A dowry is a set of items set aside for her to help her start up her own home; this might include pots, dinnerware, and her wedding dress. Rings are used for engagement and marriage if the villagers can afford them. Unless very close, people will be referred to by their last name: Miss _____ (unmarried woman), Mrs. _____ (married woman), Mr. _____ (grown man), Young _____ (boy child).
Despite the formality, secrets and intrigue are sure to abound in every village household.Beliefs
Superstitions and holidays are explained in the "Culture and Pronunciation Guide","Main Plot" and "Calendar" threads. These are very important, so I recommend reading them. They do not know that the cats of the village can turn humoid at night or how they keep away the Gewin.Currency
Most commerce is done through trading goods. However, currency does exist in the form of small brass coins stamped with a Latin inscription called "Embits". They are mostly used by and with traders passing through who do not live in Benevolence.Language
They do not speak in ye olde English. They speak English. So "thee", "thy", "ye", "thou" is pretty obsolete. However, they do not use modern slang like "cool", "dude", "baller", etc. Avoid the use of contractions. "Don't" = "do not", "wouldn't" = "would not", etc.Professions
The following is a list of suggested professions. If you come up with something else, go ahead and apply with it and I'll tell you if it works.Midwife
Farmer
Carpenter
Woodcraftman
Blacksmith
Farmhand
Shepherd
Shepheress
Baker
Tailor
Seamstress
Barman
Hunter
Traveling Tradesman
Physician
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