POLIS OF ARETÉ
SUMMARY
The Empire is composed of multiple islands spread across the oceans, each inhabiting their very own Polis. Though all citizens of the Astra Empire bear the same basis for religion, there are many cultural differences when it comes to their main deity of worship as well as the structure to their societies. Feast of Fear: Devil's Joy is set in Arete, a flourishing Polis based around knowledge and philosophy, famously known for its rich academia and prodigious researchers. Ruled by The Order, the citizens of Arete have the duty to serve their Polis in whatever way they can, while reaping the benefits of comfort and wisdom. Arete resides within the large island Ousia, satellite to the much smaller and uninhabited Eikon.
Being the most isolated island of the Empire, residents of Ousia depend fully on water transportation to communicate and interact with the other distant Polis. Save for the upper class and wandering merchants, common citizens go their entire lives without ever leaving Ousia- both out of difficulty to make such a trip as well as lack of desire. Although Areté dominates the mainland, its heart is set in the north, leaving most of the remaining land inhabited by smaller and less developed cities. Whilst being officially recognized as being owned by the Polis (and thus its inhabitants citizens of it), these numerous villages lack most of the glamour, wisdom and comfort offered by the prosperous Polis.
The Polis of Areté worships The Order, Iustitia, as their main Goddess, upholding her values with a strong sense of command. But Iustitia's spotlight doesn't discredit others; all those under the Empire can worship all deities in varying levels and ways, meaning the citizens of Areté are free to be devouts of any God- with the exception of Kenos, the God of Chaos, who is regarded as a fallen deity.
SOCIETY OF ARETÉ
Those who are born under Polis territory are considered citizens from the moment they reach adulthood, regardless of species or gender. All outlanders are regarded with certain hesitance and suspicion, though it greatly depends on their relationship with the Empire.
Citizens of Areté
Those born into the Polis of Areté or accepted as their own after proving their worth. The citizens make up all those who are allowed to enter and reside inside the Polis' territory, and are expected to carry out tasks or duties given to them by the upholders of Order. These vary depending on the citizen's age, social standing, and personal skills, and have the goal of keeping Areté as a functional and balanced society. Examples of the duties that citizens carry out are: Doctors having no fees for simple procedures and appointments, Artists organizing and performing public events, Philosophers having scheduled seminars for knowledge sharing... In short, all who reside in the territory of Arete are its citizens, regardless of additional titles and ranks they may have (such as philosopher or soldier.)
Path Leaders
Also referred to as Upholders of Order, the path leaders are the pillars of organization for Areté. Though citizens are greatly involved in choices and politics, the final decisions for the Polis are made by those who represent the deities' path of devotion. They stand with similar power, with the exception of The Order in Areté; as the representative for Basilissa Iustitia's devotion, the path leader for The Order is considered to be of slightly higher ranking compared to the others. Similarly, in other Polis, the main path leader is that of the God they worship most.
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It’s common manners to address path leaders by the honorifics “Master” (masculine/neutral) and/or “Lady” (feminine)
Outlanders
Those who are not citizens. Outlanders are divided in two:
Polis Outlanders
Citizens of a different polis under the empire. Treatment of these outlanders varies with the relationship between their Polis.
Example: A citizen of Areté is an Outlander in the Polis of Aion.
Empire Outlanders
Those who are not citizens of any Polis, and so are not part of the Empire. Treated with immediate hostility and suspicion, these outlanders are not allowed anywhere near the Polis.
Example: The Exiled
Social hierarchy based on wealth and family name are also important factors in the Empire’s society, especially when it comes to wealth. These are divided in a similar way to real ancient Roman society, though it’s important to note that Areté does not have slaves.
SPECIES & PREJUDICE
The Astra Empire is majorly composed of canines. Though cats have long been integrated into their society, their blooming numbers are still no match for the number of dogs. Due to this, as well as the large differences between species, all aspects of the society in a Polis are very canine-centered. Prejudice against cats is a crime as both species are considered equal in the eye of the law, however, felines may still experience unfair situations and treatment in their day-to-day life, given many dogs see them as weaker or prey-like.
GENDER & SEXUALITY
*This section is based in historical facts and does not reflect the admin's beliefs.
In this society, sexuality is not a defined concept and there are no proper labels. Though it's understood citizens have different tastes, it commonly refers to physical appearance and species rather than gender (though the latter may also occur). Same-gender relationships are entirely common, however they’re often seen as “less serious” than one between two different genders by those who hold more traditional views.
It’s understood that most people have multiple partners at once, however only one of those is the “official”. Societal opinion on the ethics surrounding this depends individually.
Gender is conceptualized between three; male, female, and androgynous (nonbinary identities). Androgynous individuals are those who do not belong to the binaries of male or female. They're often associated with the arts, for some reason.
Trans-ness is accepted by society as an innate trait, and so trans individuals are perceived as their gender and held to the same standards as the cisgender. This view is benefitted by the lack of gender in a few of the worshiped Gods (Bacchus & Ophiuchus).
CULTURE & FASHION
Due to the gods being represented in full-face masks, it’s extremely taboo to wear a full-face mask or one that covers the majority of your face. In theaters and during masquerades citizens may use half masks that cover only one side.
Leather collars are associated with passionate or extremely faithful worshiping of the gods, usually a specific one.
Some things considered masculine are shorter tunics/robes/skirts, asymmetrical makeup and armor straps, while feminine things include braids, symmetrical and/or bright makeup.
Femininity and masculinity are not directly dictating of gender.
Jewelry and golden accessories are common in society, as well as colorful and bright clothes with different patterns. Outside of armor, wearing dark or black outfits is extremely rare and considered negatively strange.