#dotty teay

I stand with crystalline poise, Ah, the beauty, ah, the grace, Like a statue I make no noise, Blank eyes and blanker face.

No mere monolith remain I, Eyes and face seem to instill A wordless, human, kind of cry Blessed, cursed, to display - until

My marble head hits the ground, Used by crowds to stone Saint Paul, Chunks taken without a sound - Please, statues don’t speak at all

Today I will be using the Aria Circle for Day 3 of Worldbuilding June.

What is the main ethnic group? Other sizeable ethnic groups? Glass Beads for a Kingdom takes place in a fantasy universe, so of course the ethnicities are different. But the inhabitants of the Aria Circle share ethnic traits with the average Mongolian. The Aria Circle is very secluded, and has been for a while, so there’s no real ethnic variety. Some unusual traits show up here and there, but are uncommon. Eye colour, however, is very varied.

Describe a day in the life of a typical person: Begin with wakeup, breakfast with Aria and checking of the assigned chores for the day. Free time, then lunch, the most informal meal of the day, often taken with friends. After this is completed, classes proceed in Arias. These cover the topics of expertise for each Aria, and any adult member of the Aria can host one. They ensure that knowledge will be passed down. All Aria members attend these, not just children. Then the second set of chores, and free time and bed. Sometimes meetings are called.

How often do people bathe? Rarely, as water is a precious commodity out on the plateau flatlands. Most water comes from wells.

How much is someone’s solemn promise worth? It depends on the Aria. For Azure, it’s priceless. Mahogany and Alabaster are usually genuine, although the latter’s understanding of human psychology can border on well-meaning manipulation. Viridians never promise what they can’t fulfil, so rarely promise. Pay careful attention to their wording, too. Vermilions are blunt, usually honest, but also aren’t afraid to make decisions to prioritise. Lilacs like to embroider the truth, and aren’t afraid to disregard a promise if needed.

How do people feel about accepting charity? As a whole, members of the Aria Circle are reliant only within their community, so charity from the outside would likely be refused. Most would accept aid, aside from Azures, who are proud. Viridians are pragmatic about it, while Vermilions will always return the favour.

How do people feel about giving charity? Mahoganies are best known for being empathetic, they're the most likely to give it. In terms of healing, however, most Aria Circle members would.

How much to people gossip? Again, depends on the Aria. Azure’s subtly gossip, while Alabasters just simply seem to know. Vermillion rarely care, and Mahogany never seem to get what’s going on.

What does the fashion look like? Everyone wears a similar outfit; there’s no real allowed variance in fashion. Antelope leather wear is worn by all; some variation. Everyone wears either a dress and leggings, a tunic and leggings, or a top and leggings. Jackets and vests are worn outside during the colder times of year, but aren’t needed inside. Soft boots are worn.

Are there any rules of hospitality? Guests are rare - very rare. There is no official policy, and each Focus has their own opinion. A vote would be taken, but if they were injured, there’d be taken in.

How to people feel about strangers? Each to their own, but mistrust is generally the order of the day.

Are there any favourite pastimes? If so, what are they? Pastimes range from herb tending, genealogy , cooking, sewing, glass-staining, hand games or even just talking. ‘Useful’ pastimes are encouraged.

Do people keep pets? If so, what are the most popular? No, pets are very much not kept! Because the antelopes are a source of food and leather, people aren’t supposed to grow attached. For this reason, they aren’t named.

How do people get around? If the destination is inside the walls, foot I usually employed. However, riding-equipment is employed for further distances, and the antelope are good steeds.

How up to date are people on recent events? The Aria Circle receives a precursory pigeon from the Euphemian capital, as do all outposts within the town. This keeps them up to date. Little attention is paid to these by most, however.