#ivendarea

Culture and History Isolated in Ivendareas northwest, yet still at the frontier and open to the world, the Nathras make up one of the more unique Ivendarean population groups. Not really fitting in with their own people, still proud of their Nyr heritage, they make the best of any situation and oppurtunity.

Cultural Heritage In ancient times the Nathras were predominantly fishermen. They were also the first to build ships and attempt to set sail to foreign shores (with mixed results). With the spread of Aman’s Teachings and more and more people becoming part of this new religion, the Nathras felt increasingly threatened in their way of life. While embracing any new knowledge, some of the rules proposed by Aman, such as not eating fish and meats, or hunting and fishing for food and leather, the Nathras struggled to adapt without any new means to sustain themselves in the cold north with infertile earth. Groups such as the Wylaai, who also had to deal with a too harsh environment for farming, received and embraced the support of southern communities to artificially create fertile land. The Nathras though were more hesitant to give up on their established way of life.

Until today there are many Nathras who call themselves devout followers of Aman’s Teachings while still continuing their traditional trade of fishing.

Despite their isolation, the Nathras were accidental ambassadors for their whole nation on two occasions. Both the Aapha of Darthonis and the Kitu from far away Drua Shye landed first on their shores. So while they are a little bit detached from the main portion of their continent, they are rather connected to dealings with the outside world and developed into versed traders.

Trade is actually spoken more commonly in Westpoint, the capital of the region, than any other language including Nyrval. Currently Westpoint also calls Ivendarea’s largest trade harbour its own, and to the outside world the Nathras enjoy a reputation of being the most laid-back and open-minded of the Nyr. Language and Dialect The accent of the Nathras is considered “flat” and a little monotonous combined with speaking rather fast. Since most Nathras speak Trade more commonly than Nyrval, elements of both languages are mixed into the other, creating a rather unique colour, sound, and vocabulary.

Shared Values Living conditions in the north are comparatively harsh, with unpredictable cold and storms, therefore it is important to the Nathras communities to be adaptable and keep a watchful eye. Courage is one of the most-taught virtues, and unselfish devotion is the most important service one could offer for the community.

The Nathras have a very relaxed view on life and death. Death is not the end of all things, and sometimes a noble sacrifice is necessary to prevent greater evils from happening. Life on the other hand is meant for joy. While not scared of hard work, a rather laid-back attitude is common in the northern villages.

The Nathras work to live, not the other way around. Also, not many would openly call themselves religious, but subconsciously many of their social conventions are actually tightly connected to the beliefs of the Aman’a Valeethi, and most do believe in the gods. They just don’t make a big deal out of it and don’t tend to pry into other people’s business. Accepting differences in regards to politics and religion is essential to the Nathras, particularly because as a people of traders they often have to deal with travellers and outsiders.

Similar to the Wylaai the Nathras are also known to be rather hospitable, and they enjoy fun and entertainment. Westpoint, the settlement with the highest percentage of Nathras among its population, is home to an arena where people can measure their strength in public battles for the entertainment ofma crowd and some coin. All on a voluntary basis of course.

Common Etiquette As much as the Nathras enjoy being part of a devoted community, they expect everyone within the community to contribute something, even if it is just a symbolic gesture. If everyone helps together to get unpleasant things done, the faster it is possible to devote oneself to the beautiful things in life again. While they have a rather relaxed relationship with death, it is not well-liked to talk ill of the dead. In fact, remembering them in a positive light is very important and if not in the local temple, at least in the deceased’s home a small space or shrine is dedicated to their memory.

Entertainment and hospitality are so important that it is rude to refuse an invitation or gifts. Furthermore, no food or drink should be wasted, it should be shared, re-purposed, or donated, never thrown away. The same goes for basically everything else, too: before throwing it out, consider if it could be of use for someone else or for a different purpose. And should someone unexpectedly gain riches, it is expected of them to invest into the community, not hoard their money.

Major Organizations Less an organization but still one of the major institutions in Westpoint, the Arena is the city’s centre of entertainment. No matter if as a spectator betting on contestants, or by entering the ring oneself, it is also a popular place to earn extra coin without big commitments.

Fashion The Nathras will wear their clothes until they’re literally falling apart - and then they’ll fix them as best as they can, use parts of different articles of clothing to make a new one, or find a new purpose for them. Nathras fashion is rugged and wayward, unconventional at best and questionable sometimes too. Influences from a variety of cultures and eras can be found in everyday clothing, the motto is: do what you like.

While most prefer practical clothing that doesn’t get in the way and is comfortable, there is not much the Nathras would frown upon in terms of colour and material combinations. Compared to most other groups of Nyr across the nation, the Nathras in particular prefer more fitted clothing and trousers over the flowing robes, wide sleeves, and huge scarves seen more often in central, southern, and western Ivendarea. Remarkably they are also the only group that very commonly wears clothing made of animal materials such as leather or bone. They don’t tend to make these clothes from scratch, but if a rich Assadin merchant throws out a still decent leather coat, it is going to be re-purposed and worn rather than wasted.

A Nathras worker dressed in a colourful mix of clothes from various cultures and second-hand items is wearing body paint and striking piercings. The woollen scarf has seen better days but was decorated with colourful pearls and pebbles found near Westpoint’s shores. The typically Assadin-style riding boots are commonly worn by soldiers and might have been won in the arena. The trousers are a patchwork of different materials, and the warm Aapha coat’s buttons don’t match, but the fur-lining certainly helps against the cold winter winds. 

Art & Architecture The Nathras’ architecture is exactly as patchwork as one might think when looking at their clothing. Building materials are rare, everything is reused several times. Stones of crumbling ruins are turned into the foundation of a new family home, the wooden beams of sunken ships are salvaged, cleaned, and thoroughly dried, then used for building furniture. Driftwood is integrated into the buildings as are rocks dug up in fields. Some houses are built directly into the sides of cliffs where possible. There’s no limit to creativity in terms of housing. In Westpoint in particular nautical elements such as rope and even used fishing nets find their way into people’s homes and gardens. An old steering wheel makes an interesting dinner table.

The Nathras are inventive and creative, and they are known to have an eye for design and beauty. Creating jewellery and all sorts of petty wares and haberdashery from whatever they lie their hands on, their markets are a true paradise for everyone looking to spruce up their wardrobe or buy a unique piece of artwork. Known to have patience and a calm hand Nathras also have a reputation of creating particularly intricate and huge mosaics, incorporating them into their buildings and artwork. They find and create beauty in everything.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals Individuality is beauty, as is creativity and devotion to a cause... and all is subjective. Colourful body paint and makeup emphasizing the body’s anatomy - curves, muscles, tendons, and bone structure - are popular. Hair is adorned with little trinkets, natural or glass pearls, worn in braids, decorated or held together with colourful pieces of fabric, or flowing freely. A positive outlook on life, no matter the difficulties, is considered attractive.

Courtship Ideals Courtship is playful and passionate. Fun and experimenting are important, experiencing small adventures together and getting to know each other during those times. Directness is appreciated, as well as creativity in the way one is wooed, bold and brave is better than following strict traditions and social conventions.

Relationship Ideals It is rather unusual for the Nathras to begin living in a committed relationship in young years. Exploration and adventure are important before settling down, otherwise unrest might cause tension in the relationship later on. On-off-relationships are quite common, where couples cross paths several times before finally deciding to settle down together - if at all. Many actually never settle down, have children with several partners if they want them, and continue to live life relatively independently. It is very common among the Nathras that children are raised by several adults, related to them or not, rather than specific parents. The community is one big family that looks after each other, and its needs stand above individual relationships.

[Read on World Anvil]

Culture and History

The Nyr of Maan Garth call themselves “Gaanar”, which was the name of the tribe that used to roam the island before Iovana Neron united the nation.

Cultural Heritage

Until the spread of Aman‘s Teachings and their rise to godhood, the Gaanar were predominantly fishermen and hunters, as the rocky island with dense jungles and active volcanoes is not very suitable for farming. That being said, on the formerly green slopes around Panthil and along the southern coastline of the island, farming and animal herding was more commonly practised. Aman teaches though that the consumption of animal flesh is morally questionable, particularly when the creature is slain for this particular purpose and did not die of other causes naturally. It is very likely that Nyr are reborn as animals from time to time, and being hunted as prey by one‘s peers is as traumatizing as the death penalty to the soul. The death penalty was abolished with the introduction of Aman‘s teachings as the nations main religion, and eating meats and fish became a big taboo.

The Gaanar had trouble adapting to this new way of life, but wanting to honor their heritage – Aman being of their people originally – they found different ways to survive. The Giant Goats so commonly seen on Maan Garth are no longer slaughtered for their meat, instead dozens of variations of dairy products are made from their milk. Every possible inch of farmland is used to grow grains, rice, fruits, and vegetables, and scientists put years of effort into creating more farmland out of the seemingly most inhabitable spaces, including the tips of the sharp rocks protruding from deep within the islands surface. Volcanic ash is used as fertilizer, and whatever can‘t be grown on the island is imported from the mainland to sustain the growing population.

Still though, particularly the poor and those living in secluded villages resent the state religion‘s restriction and continue fishing or hunting or slaughtering their animals in times of dire need. Even in Panthil itself there are establishments where fish and meat are served, simply because it is as much the island‘s heritage as Aman‘s Teachings are.

Language and Dialect

While most people on Maan Garth speak several languages, the traditional Nyrval is spoken almost exclusively in everyday life. This leads often to a Gaanar immediately giving their place of origin away when they leave Maan Garth, as most speak other languages with a clearly noticeable accent. The typical dialect of Maan Garth as such also has a harsher pronunciation, relatively fast way of speaking, and a great range of modulation of the voice compared to most mainland dialects and “pure“ Nyrval. Some describe the sound of Maan Garth‘s flavour of the language as passionate to angry sounding, which is more than fitting for the rough islanders.

Shared Values

The greater good of the community is always to be regarded as one of the highest virtues one could strive for. Independence and freedom are valued just as much as honoring history and one‘s ancestors, as well as learning from one‘s own past lives. It is true that a lot of the Gaanar seem to have a rebellious streak, which is something the prophet Aman could already say of themself. “Take nothing as granted“ and “question what you‘re told by your superiors and outsiders“ would be mottos many Gaanar agree to.

Yet, rebelliousness doesn‘t necessarily equal violence. Peaceful resistance – and sometimes a certain sass and disrespect for authority figures that don‘t prove themselves worthy in their eyes – are just as effective.

Definitely the most isolated group of Nyr since the beginning of time, the Gaanar have always felt a little as outsiders longing to be part of the community on the Ivendarean Mainland. Torn between keeping their independence and unique way of life and being a part of something bigger, they are a people of contradictions. Often appearing harsh or cold to outsiders, they are one of the most passionate peoples of Ivendarea in love, life, and conflict. To truly move forward you have to go all – in, and indecisiveness is generally disliked.

Important Historical Figures

Aman: Scholar, Prophet and now one of the eleven gods, born and raised in Panthil

Iovana Brestine: Sometimes referred to as the “Queen of Peace“, who set up a peace treaty with king Zerenda to end the conflicts following the Invasion War. Technically she wasn‘t born on Maan Garth, therefore is not truly of Gaanar origin, yet she spent more than half of her life on the island and her revolutionary deeds carried out out of a passion for the future of her people and nation alone render her worthy of calling herself “Gaanar“. She still resides in Panthil and is an active part of Iovana Panmorn‘s council, despite her high age

Iovana Rava: Sometimes called the “Rebel Queen“, the first and so far only Ivendarean Iovana to be born on Maan Garth, and one with one of the most tragic fates

Common Etiquette

Being direct and open with one another is usually valued more than false politeness. If someone makes a mistake it is talked about very directly and immediately, but still in such a constructive manner, that the one accused can learn from the situation for the future. If someone dislikes someone, it is told to the face of the other person, not behind their back – gossip is not well – liked or accepted.

In a city as crowded as Panthil, unwanted body contact is as much a part of the daily routine as getting dressed in the morning. Therefore, as soon as there is enough space available to put a comfortable distance between each other, bystanders can witness groups dispensing quickly to give each other room to breathe. At least an arm‘s length of distance is very appreciated whenever it is logistically possible, particularly with strangers and in business – or educational settings.

Generally though most of the Gaanar aren‘t afraid of body contact, and especially in relaxed situations with friends and family they will most likely sit close by each other.

The elders of the community are treated with great respect – some of them still alive were born in a time before the Assadin invaded and still remember how life used to be, have travelled to places long lost, and have spoken to individuals Nyr children nowadays only know as historical figures from books and stories. The elder‘s knowledge and wisdom are invaluable – on the downside they tend to look down a bit on the exceptionally brash and overly ambitious youth.

Fashion

The clothes of Maan Garth are colourful and light, particularly in the warmer months, but everyone has at least one garment made from the wool of the Giant Goats native to the island. The wool is the perfect protective layer against rain, which can occur suddenly at any time and get very intense.

Most of the inhabitants of Maan Garth consider themselves devout followers of Aman, and therefore they don‘t wear a lot of clothing made out of animal leather. Most clothes are made from natural fibres such as linen, but silk is just as popular. Shoes are made from anything ranging from driftwood over straw to wool. Common motives in clothing are dragon scales, water, and the ocean. Most Gaanar wear their hair long, open, or in braids, although with younger generations more daring hairstyles are becoming popular. Due to the often heavy winds, rain, and stormy weather, headscarves and hoods are a common sight, worn to protect the hair and preventing it from slapping into other people‘s faces.

Art and Architecture

Maan Garth‘s art is inspired and strongly influence by religion, common themes as well are magic, the change of the seasons, and the local flora and fauna. Flowing lines symbolizing water, circles showcasing the cycle of rebirth, and mosaics consisting of thousands of intricate glass pieces demonstrate how every little member of a community contributes to a bigger picture.

The architecture of settlements like Panthil reflects Maan Garth‘s wild but harsh beauty, with most buildings being made from the common dark – grey stone, overgrown with moss and ivy, as well as details made from obsidian and driftwood. Nautical motives are common, such as one of the highest districts of Panthil being called the “Crow‘s Nest“, and handmade, braided ropes serve not only functional but also decorative purposes throughout the city.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Individuality, originality, and tradition are celebrated among the Gaanar. They preferrably grow their hair long, wearing it in intricate braids that demonstrate skill, patience, and craftsmanship. Clothing can sometimes be quite revealing, and is often very fitted to the form of the wearer. Showing off one‘s skin and body proudly is met with respect, symbolizing being true to oneself, accepting of oneself, and proud of one‘s identity as Nyr. Piercings, body jewelry, make – up, and tattoos are also relatively commonly seen and considered as enhancements of natural beauty, accentuating one‘s features.

Courtship Ideals

Long phases of courtship aren‘t popular on Maan Garth. Life is harsh and can end quickly, just one wrong step too close to a cliff or too deep into the jungle and it‘s over. Most individuals prefer directness, stating one‘s wishes from the start, and not wasting time or disappointing the other party by hiding what one truly wants from a potential relationship.

Flirting and courtship are open and direct, can appear almost blunt to outsiders, but the communities of Maan Garth are tightly – knit and most individuals already know each other in one way or another anyway. Being turned down is never taken as an offense, and if a romantic relationship isn‘t desirable, friendship is always offered as an option instead.

Relationship Ideals

Many relationships, especially among younger demographic groups, are usually very casual, open, or of a short duration when new adventures await elsewhere. Casual flings with friends or even strangers are commonplace, which led to the stereotype of the Gaanar being detached from their feelings or peers, irresponsible, or even disloyal.

With most stereotypes, there is a true core even to the worst of them. The Gaanar are indeed relatively solitary and distanced from the Nyr on the mainland, but in regards to interpersonal relationships this is of course not true. Long – lasting relationships are just as common on Maan Garth as elsewhere, but especially in their adolescence, sometimes even until way later, romantic partnerships, friendships, and sexual relationships have not as clearly defined borders as almost everywhere else.

Due to recent events young couples on Maan Garth are currently also encouraged to not have more than two children. Panthil in particular is facing a serious problem of overpopulation, with water and food resources as well as health care and education not being able to keep up with the influx of refugees. So in return this policy of fewer children has lead to a significant surge in polyamorous relationships, where two or three children are brought up in families of three or more romantic partners, which is in line with the laws and allows raising an individual more children than what would be possible in a non – polyamorous relationship.

[Read on World Anvil]

Culture and History

Cultural Heritage

The majority of the Nyr tribes roaming Ivendarea before the first talks about uniting as a nation were even considered were hunters and gatherers. The Gideya though have been farmers from early on. They had discovered that the valleys and plains west of the Skyreach Mountains are particularly fertile farmland. It was reason enough to stay in the area where the land provided plenty.

Over time, as their population and demand grew, the Gideya developed and invented means to keep food fresh over longer periods of time, making farming more effective with advanced tools, and figuring out ways to increase the fertility of the earth even in areas where growing plants didn’t seem possible at all at first. Their knowledge and achievements in farming later also enabled groups like the north-eastern Wylaai to begin profitable farming in the cold north and everywhere else where it had been unthinkable before the tribes united. The Gideya also have a history of being strongly spiritual. A lot of the good that happened to them in the early days they ascribed to being particularly blessed by the gods. Still calling a rich variety of seasonal festivities to honour the gods and seasons part of their cultural heritage, they also helped shape many of the rituals that are now a central part of the Aman’a Valeethi - the followers of Aman’s teachings. Aman felt tremendously at home in the community they found among the Gideya, who in return felt that Aman was a kindred spirit. Many of the Gideya among their followers who helped put together Aman’s Teachings described a spiritual connection from the moment they first met.

Even after Ivendarea had been united, many of its peoples still had their own religious views and practises, and the Gideya, who were predominantly farmers, already at this point didn’t practise animal sacrifices - or sacrifices in general - to soothe the gods. This resonated strongly with Aman, who had left Panthil amongst other reasons but particularly for the sacrifice practises at the local temple there, as described in the famous children’s tale “Aman and the Sacrifice”.

It is not surprising therefore, that the “cult” shaping around Aman’s teachings had its origins in the area of later Maan Ganyr, and that the majority of Aman’s early followers were Gideya that helped spread their teachings across the nation.

Language and Dialect

Most Gideya speak several languages. Their brand of the native Nyrval tends to be very melodic and a little drawn-out sounding in comparison to the neighbouring dialects that are either harsh and fast or smooth and flowing. The Gideya have a lot of modulation in their voices and their accent - also when speaking other languages - is often described as “singsong”.

Shared Values

The Gideya are known to be gentle souls in general, very connected to nature and deeply rooted in their homes. Spirituality and religion are as important to them as is being a nurturing member of their community. The Gideya value family life and tend to have big, often far-spread families. Many Gideya are also talented mages and alchemists and value knowledge and education greatly. While they don’t see themselves as warriors, they don’t shy away to fight when they need to protect their homes from foreign forces. This goes back to ancient times, when tribes of the Sylai, Wylaai, and Nathras had formed the first ever alliance to attack the Gideya in an attempt to steal their supplies. Completely taken by surprise and not knowing how to fight back against the warriors of these tribes, the Gideya swore to never have something comparable happen again. So while it is true that they have a calm demeanour, therefore being mistaken as peaceful and naive victims, they are actually very calculating and observant of potential dangers to their way of life. Resistance, peaceful or not, is just as much a value taught from an early age as is devotion to one’s homeland, religion, and family.

They did not back down when Zerenda’s invasion forces threatened their lands, and with guerrilla tactics - knowing their lands, the surrounding forest and valleys like the back of their hands - kept succeeding in fighting back the Assadin all on their own for a long time.

During the occupation of Saratheas before and after the Cleansing they helped smuggle former citizens out of the city and into safety and begun small sabotage acts against Zerenda’s forces, making his residency in Saratheas as much of a nuisance and discomfort as possible.

Not causing a war has always been a priority for them. Resistance and disobedience to an abusive government? Definitely. War that destroys homes and families and causes suffering? Never. This is why, despite legendary personalities of Gideya resistance such as Erraia, the Gideya are generally very resentful towards late Iovana Rava, Iovana Panmorn, and the Omrai Omvalis and their sympathizers. Rava and the Omrai Omvalis caused a civil war mainly fought on the Gideya’s lands, destroying ancient buildings dating back to the early days of the nation. Many Gideya fought in the conflict and lost their homes, not exactly because they wanted, but because they had no other choice if they didn’t want to be slaughtered by king Alund and his forces or be driven out of their homes. The Omrai Omvalis caused the war, Rava didn’t stop it from escalating. And, to top it all off, in the darkest hour of the war Panmorn teleported Avon Maan, one of the most important spiritual sites of the nation, out of the burning city of Maan Ganyr to a “safer” location in order to preserve it. The Gideya felt betrayed, robbed and completely hopeless, and they are no supporters of Panmorn’s isolationism and the divide his actions during and after the Revolution War brought upon Ivendarea.

At the same time though, of course, they are just as resentful towards the Assadin rulers who also did nothing to prevent this war from happening. Alund escalated the situation and ravaged the lands of innocents because they happened to be caught in-between the two fronts of the conflict. This is why the Gideya hate to take sides, grim and resentful towards anyone who thinks themselves in the right and superior over others. They believe that anyone having “the best” in mind for the nation will achieve the opposite.

Common Etiquette

Politics is something not to be discussed in casual settings, as it is a sore spot for many Gideya especially in recent years. Also, as a people with a strong sense of community, it is considered rude to refuse offers for help or in return, not offer help when someone else needs it. Sharing resources and workforce are commonly taught, and while personal space and property is valued, too, it is rare to find all doors closed and no-one available to help in whatever endeavours in a predominantly Gideya community.

Historical Figures: Erraia

Referred to as the “mother” of the movement of the Omrai Omvalis, Erraia was originally a peaceful revolutionary who led a small movement of resistance against king Ulden and his abusive government. When Erraia’s movement began to grow and even gained support from Iovana Rava, Ulden sent soldiers to end their assemblies - with tragic consequences for all involved. After a fire started by Assadin soldiers destroyed her hometown, Erraia agreed on a plan to assassinate king Ulden which was partially successful but also resulted in her arrest and public execution a few days later. She has become a figure of legend and a martyr for the Omrai Omvalis.

The Gideya value knowledge and sharing it - not doing so and being overly secretive and possessive regarding, for example, a family recipe, is considered selfish and rude. Openness, the Gideya believe, is essential for the growth of a community, as is owning up to one’s mistakes. Those who obscure a mess-up or mistake made, even if it was something small, are (gently) reproached. Spirituality is important, and joking about it is not well-liked, particularly coming from outsiders of a community. It is also a matter of great joy, and everyone is always invited to join religious festivities, no matter if they are a believer or not. Being a very communal people, the little available personal space is treasured. Usually there is at least one room in each house not open to visitors at all, even closest friends, that can be used as a place of refuge, quiet, and meditation. Temples in the area also have these private rooms, and since the nation was united they have become more common in other areas too. It is almost sacrilegious to disturb or forcefully entering this space when someone is inside already.

Art & Architecture

Being the first people that had permanent settlements in Ivendarea, the Gideya traditionally are referred to as the first builders or master-builders of the nation. This is somewhat true, somewhat not; of course all groups of Nyr have their master-builders today, and not every Gideya makes a great architect. This way of thinking stems mainly from the fact that only with the Gideya’s original input it was possible for many of the other tribes to begin building cities as quickly as they did. The Gideya had the base knowledge about what building materials and ways of construction to use to get stable structures - but everyone else contributed their part in questions of design and developing unique new building types fitted for a variety of purposes and regional challenges. Predominantly Gideya villages to this day could hold on to their small, picturesque farm buildings’ charm of old. Made from natural stone and other regional materials they don’t seem particularly advanced or special at first glance, but are definitely very comfortable. One will quickly learn though that in addition to the endearing exterior all Gideya structures are built with great thought and a very specific purpose in mind, no matter if farm house or temple. The most famous examples of Gideya architecture and design are probably the tower Avon Maan, originally situated in Maan Ganyr, since the Revolution War located in Panthil, as well as of course Maan Ganyr itself and large parts of Saratheas. The city’s circular design is an essential part of Gideya architecture, reflecting their strong religious beliefs and sense of harmony, while the buildings within the city more strongly reflect the bold aesthetics of the Sylai.

Fashion

The Gideya wear predominantly practical clothing, coming from their background as farmers, but a lot of religious symbolism can be found even in the most basic everyday tunic. A typical outfit consists usually from only 2-4 items that can be worn in at least two different ways, making the same outfit suitable for a large range of weather and environmental conditions or for both every day and festive occasions.

Blue is a very common colour, as it is associated with religiousness. Similarly warm, earthy tones, as well as accents of green, for example in jewellery or as decorative stitching on seams are commonly seen. The fabrics are light and flowing, comfortable to wear in the hot and humid summer months, and during the cooler seasons layers of heavier, thicker fabric are added.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

The Gideya love to let their hair flow freely and among the Nyr as a whole they also often wear it much shorter than other groups, as it is more practical during work on the fields in hot humid weather. Physical strength is considered attractive, as is a warm and welcoming personality. Willingness to work hard and not being upset about having to do dirty work are virtues and sought-after particularly when building relationships.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship can be a comparatively long-lasting phase, to get to know each other well and imagine what a future together would be like up to the smallest details. A more direct approach is often preferred, clearly speaking about boundaries and expectations.

Timing is important, too, and a matter of respect and etiquette. Flirting in religious and spiritual settings is an absolute no-go, as it shows that the one flirting isn’t taking spirituality serious enough. It is also considered selfish to lie about one’s true intentions, for example asking someone for help to work in the fields, in fact though only wanting to spend quality time together in a secluded area.

What is appreciated though is spending time together during work or prayer. Walking to the temple together or bringing each other self-made lunch to work in the fields or forest are small but well-liked and often-seen gestures among couples whose relationships are beginning to blossom as well as between life-long partners.

Relationship Ideals

As many things in Gideya communities, relationships are taken rather seriously and are a spiritual matter. Two or more souls felt a connection and somehow managed to find a way to connect to each other across time and space. Soul-Bonding ceremonies are more common among the Gideya than any other community, predominantly among established but also a comparatively high percentage of younger couples. It is believed that due to the Gideya’s great emphasis on spirituality and high percentage of soul-bonded couples the majority of souls are reborn into their old communities to find each other again. Relationships are definitely meant to last and to build a life together, partners are chosen carefully, and not always something has to blossom from even the most lovingly planned out courtship phase. Like the fruits on their fields, love needs to be treated like a rare seed if something strong and fruitful is supposed to grow from it.

[Read on World Anvil]