Kri Tan
Largely unknown in North Kalatoria, Kri Tan is a culturally and historically isolated location in the east of South Kalatoria.
Due to a variety of factors over the last century, contact has begun to take place between Kri Tan and the rest of South Kalator. This is best epitomized by the in-process development of the Fen Guxi (known as the Eastern Road in Kalatoria), a sort of unofficial trading route that ambitious merchants travel to get the best prices for their exotic wares.
The land of Kri Tan are named after the qualities of the people residing there. Those people are ethnically Krissh, speaking a language of the same name - and the predominant religion of the region is Tanism.
The Wei is the main currency of Kri Tan. An evolution of the archaic beads-on-a-string system which was used to moderate barter for a long time. Wei are now valued based on the intricacy of their designs rather than their quantity, though some have cores of precious metals to ensure their value into the future.
The Krissh are the native people of Kri Tan. Originally, the term referred to all people of the land, but for the last couple centuries, the Anbai and Chuyoun people have been highly isolated from the broader Krissh population, and are considered separate ethnicities by many of the Krissh living in the imperial States within the grasslands.
The total human population in Kri Tan is roughly 480 000
Tanism
Tanism is an unorganized, polytheistic religion practiced in all manner of ways. The main, unifying components of Tanism are an emphasis on the inherent value of all kinds of beauty, and the recognition of the goddess Hi'shu - said to be the creator of the world in a time when there were no others to appreciate her beauty.
Tanism has greatly affected Kri Tan culture in two ways, firstly through the elevation and admiration of beauty, especially amongst the elite. While intrigue and subterfuge is certainly present in court, a large amount of success comes down to etiquette, manners and the majesty of one's personal appearance.
Countless different version of Tanism are practiced, and some have deities equal to or even above Hi'shu.
History
Kri Tan could be considered in its second or third period, depending on which scholar you ask. The original inhabitants of Kri Tan in the first (or zeroth) period, were the cold-weather Anbai bands, the Chuyoun chiefdom and many extant tribes.
The First Divine War saw the tribes consolidate for the creation of the States of Tun, Lin, Mau and Chu Kwa, as well as the forced exodus of the Anbai and Chuyoun to the north and south, respectively. No records exist of this time, so most the stories rely on oratory traditions steeped in mythology.
After their exodus, the Chuyoun chiefdom collapsed and was replaced by a so-called Demon King, of which precious little is known to the rest of the world. Their capital, Kugatma, is only known through dark whispers.
The Second Divine War took place around a century and a half ago. The State of Lin was the undisputed victor, and everyone else suffered varying levels of humiliation
Kri Tan uses the Divine War calendar, where time is calculated since the First Divine War. The current year is 336 DW.
Society
Social Attitudes (Gender and Sexuality):
Traditionally, Tanist belief recognizes only the genders of man and woman. However, contemporary Krissh culture has plentiful space that allows for gender expression. Kri Tan has a longstanding philosophical streak, and so if framed properly, it wouldn't be difficult to convince some people that more genders can exist though some may be reluctant to abandon the traditional approach though, which is elegant in its simplicity. Similarly, the idea that sex and gender ought be differentiated is not too lofty of an idea to be grasped by most well-learned fellows.
Tanist belief posits a number of gender norms and roles, which is generally considered as the 'default'. Despite this, acting outside that paradigm is totally acceptable, as long as it doesn't violate any other taboos.
In Kri Tan, discussion about sexuality is highly liberated, there are still many expectations to conform to standard modes of behavior, due to the structure of society. For example, a lesbian woman would not be viewed with derision, but she would still be pressured to bear children for the sake of the local community and the State as a whole.
There is no concept of virginity in Kri Tan.
Descent can be either matrilineal or patrilineal, it varies by family.
Gender equality is rather well-established in Kri Tan - many armies even have female soldiers; Though, several Tanist traditions and customs still place women in a subservient position to men over certain matters.
Social Attitudes (Nudity):
There is a largely laissez-faire attitude regarding nudity in Kri Tan.
In general, all people are expected to wear clothing in public and wealthy people are expected to dress exceptionally.
However, individuals of either sex that are considered aesthetically attractive in the current culture may be socially permitted to appear in the nude.
Historically, Krissh spirituality and philosophy have long considered there to be immense beauty in the human form (male and female) and have also used nudity in multitudinous ways in their artwork, be it portraits or performances.
Overall, as long as it is for an 'artistic' purpose, public nudity is accepted.
Social Attitudes (Family):
Creating a family is considered an obvious thing to do, and is a major part of life. One who does not at least attempt to start a family would be suspected of being severely lacking in some way.
Monogamy and polygamy are both practiced, though the latter is not common at all among those without major wealth, due to the practical difficulty in financially supporting multiple partners.
Romantic and sexual relationships are rather liberated in Kri Tan, though only if one has not undergone a ceremony that commits them to a relationship with a specific person or specific people. These ceremonies are usually the most traditional and spiritual events of peoples lives, as they are complex Tanist ceremonies with rich histories.
Depending on the context, leaving a partner may be seen as acceptable or unacceptable.
Family units are more communal among the lower class, and are more regulated among the higher class.
Social Attitudes (Age):
Children are usually named before their birth, though they may have a pet name until they have survived for a full year.
A child becomes an adult twice in their life. Once when their body begins puberty, and again when a respected elder acknowledges their maturity. In some rare cases, the latter happens before the former.
Work is done as necessary. Children will work if they have to, but otherwise they are left to play and explore the world that is so new to them.
Ceremonies for beginning puberty are more commonly practiced than ceremonies for being acknowledged as mentally mature. The reasons for this are mostly about practicality.
The content of the former kind of ceremony differ based on the new adult's sex. The content of the latter vary depending on who gave their acknowledgement, at what age they gave it, and their relationship to the new adult
Elderly people are greatly respected in Kri Tan. Their life experience and wisdom are immensely valuable. This may be partially due to the fact that most of the ancient philosophers were very, very old when they established their philosophies.
Even amongst commoners, ensuring one's elderly parents have their basic needs met is second only to ensuring one's children have their basic needs met. That is, it's placed above even one's own needs.
Legal System
Among the general populace, something is considered a minor crime if it is an 'ugly action'. This kind of thing is handled by the community. They are free to dole out any punishment short of execution. Should they choose exile, they also must leave a 'visible but not scarring' brand on the banished one.
Among the general populace, something is considered a major crime if it is a 'hideous action'. This kind of thing is usually dealt with by a Magistrate.
Among those of higher social class, any insult or offense may be brought to the Imperial Court. There, the bureaucrats will consult precedent, argue with each other or seek an opinion from the Emperor himself. Minor offences usually result in a fine or disciplinary action, while major offences are judged based on the malicious intent and practical implications of the crime, with no upper limit for sentencing - torture is usually reserved as a punishment, as it is itself an ugly sight.
If you earn the ire of the Emperor himself, you'll be lucky if he only has you beheaded on the spot. If you've been truly offensive, you might have your entire bloodline eradicated in a painful manner.
Fortunately, most people rarely get the chance to insult the Emperor. Short-tempered Emperors do not invoke much support from the important people around them.
Geography of Kri Tan
Kri Tan is currently divided into five imperial States as well as two other unincorporated civilizations.
Last edited by Froggychum, July 29 2024 09:41:36. Open game article. You can edit it once you log in.