The Oblivion is a harsh environment which has bred harsh personalities and rituals. In The Oblivion, decorum means everything.
Communal living is prevalent in The Void, with many humans and faeries living in close-knit communities that work together to provide resources. This ranges from farmers providing food for their families to surplus food being given to the community, and even choirs pulling resources together to create free-to-eat restaurants or soup kitchens.
Citizenship is not recognized, but being proud of one's birthplace or current residence is still common. In this society, anyone can vote in any city and cities are governed by elected councils that make major decisions in collaboration with other cities. The people collectively agree to the proposals made by their council members.
Quick and to the point. There's no time for pondering in the Oblivion... or well... there is but people usually like to keep the talking short. Oblivious phrases are. Choppy. Blunt. And Informative. But somewhat Vague.
Naming conventions are different around the various beings. These conventions are NOT REQUIRED, but they can help to make "authentic" Glorious-Style name.
Nicknames are important in conversation, especially when introducing oneself. It's considered dangerous to give a stranger one's real name, as real names hold power in faerie culture and giving someone the power to summon you with your full name is considered dangerous.
It is common when addressing oneself to give their nickname.
Full Names are considered “too confidential” in many communities, especially in Fae communities where giving legal information is incredibly taboo.
FOR HUMANS
Humans typically have basic and simple names, which they value highly, especially those created by loved ones. Titles and epithets are less common among humans, but nicknames are popular.
Other common names among humans are ones based on high-ranking figures such as the names of Gods or other deities.
Last names usually follow the same conventions above.
EXAMPLES: Kronus, Trash, Deja Vu, Eve, Rocky, Temperance, Lucifer
FOR FAERIES
Faeries tend to have names that are jumbles or variations of human names, and sometimes names related to objects or concepts they hold dear. They often have long and extravagant names.
Last names are not always family-based (though lots of families do like to share naming conventions). Last names can freely be changed to match the first.
Sirens tend to adopt this naming scheme, since most are adopted by Faerie families.
EXAMPLES: Lilian "Lilith" Sugar, Milo "Adam" Heartafeller, Clementine "Curtain" Caller, Luki "Rafflesia" Wineache, Minerva "Athena" Freya
FOR LEVIATHANS
Leviathan names are full on titles
EXAMPLES:
ROSA ROJA DEL SOL
Bloody Maw Of A Ravenous Daemon
AYAHUASCA EXPERIENCE IN THE DESERT SUN
Jewels In The Walls Of Ancient Sandcastles
DIAMONDS FROZEN AT THE END OF TIME
Construction Of A Feral Merry-Go-Round
FOR ROBOTS
Robots like to mix it up by including their "model" number
EXAMPLES:
C0ZY_4RM4G3DD0N (Cozy Armageddon, MN: 04430)
B451-L15K (Basilisk, MN: 45115)
88+CHR0N1C+88 (Chronic, MN: 880188)
Parents
Marriage: Provides benefits from both Unions
Polygamous: Having more than 2 parents/partners is highly common
Children: Encouraged to teach them trade, but typically seen as too young or biased to be apprentices
Voting Rights: Must register with the City, proof of Birth, must be 18+
Children
Siblings: Positive connections are encouraged, but rivalries happen
Half/Step: Should not be treated differently
Protective Services: Children can seek out Social Workers if they wish to separate from their families, children would then be part of the City's "Family" (so they enroll in school & open record accounts). Once 18, they can create their own "Families".
. BONDS
HEART: Sexual & Romantic
DIAMOND: Sexual & Aromatic
SPADE: Asexual & Romantic
CLUB: Asexual & Aromantic
CHALICE: Close / Positive (Family)
PENTACLE: Distant / Negative (Authority)
SWORD: Close/ Negative (Enemy)
WAND: Distant / Positive (Friends)
FAMILIAR: Connected Leviathan
Many Oblivions are indifferent, not in a bad way, but in a "it's not a big deal" type of way. With many opting to leave their gender / sexuality as “Fluid”. There are, of course, Oblivions who have their own unique identities, none are discriminated against… At least in most communities. There are a very small number of cults with strange prejudices against certain identities. These cults are shunned, look-down upon, and actively dismantled. Trying to control one's self-expression is taboo in all cities.
Changing one's identity is considered the norm, with respect and care given to those who wish to transition. With all there is to worry about in The Oblivion, how one identifies or who one loves is of little care to others.
Polyamory and Open relations are common, especially with young adults looking to date. However, for legal and religious reasons, some cities (Such as Paradiso) only allow one marriage partner per person.
While a vast majority of cities have no discrimination against Gender, there are “fringe cults” that are Matriarchal. Hyperion being the biggest example.
WEATHERABLE GENDERS
The Oblivion doesn’t follow rigid gender expectations. They believe their genders are based on day & night cycles. Along with weather patterns.
The Sun is seen as more masculine. The Moon is seen as more feminine.
Storms are unpredictable. Clear days are easy to decipher.
Rain is odd, but not uncommon. It is unsure what rain means but it is welcomed.
Moon phases can also indicate gender! This belief in the connection between gender and natural cycles and elements has led to a more fluid understanding of gender identity.
People may identify as a combination of masculine and feminine elements, or as neither.
IN DEPTH
The Sun: Masculine, Intense, Tough-Love, Provider
The Moon: Feminine, Subtle, Unconditional Love, Protection
Sunrise: has a slight masculine lean, Sunset has a slightly feminine lean.
Storms: A shift in identity, a level of uncertainty, a lack of conformity
Clear Skies: Confidence, Zealousness, Conservative if in the extremes.
Unique, Diverse, Full of flavor. They actually care about what they eat. More than just a means of survival, it’s a subculture itself. What good is eating if it doesn’t taste good?
COOKING in COMMUNITY KITCHENS is the most common with multiple families providing potlucks to choose from and providing entertainment and company for each other.
Common Additions:
Grains
Fruit & Veggies (Salads & Dried Fruits are extremely popular)
Ambrosia (Alcohol) & Fruit Juices
Nuts & Legumes
Oils, Fats, & Sauces
Minerals & Spices
Water is scarce, so it is not used too often...
Eating together is the norm, Social Parties are done for Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Brunch, Supper, & Dessert were reserved for more family-oriented gatherings
Eating alone is considered to be Odd by most Oblivions
Finger foods & drink-able dishes are most common
Most people get food from Community Spaces, though personal trades & gardening can be done for small snacks
Spices are surprisingly easy to come by, so food is often overloaded with it (Especially Peppers & Psycho-Active Ingredients)
RESTAURANTS are mainly done among Union Leaders, those with Smaller families, or not much time to spare from working
Small Families & Busy Socialites typically get Take-Out
Young People & Union High-Ups prefer Dine-In Options
MEATS, Ranked By Accessibly (& Partially by Morality). Most Meats are considered luxuries
Invertebrates (Crustacean, Arthropods)
Fish & Amphibians
Poultry & Large Reptiles
Small Livestock (Rodents)
Pork, Mutton
Beef
Venison (& Other Large Game)
Trophy Hunting is (Unfortunately) a popular sport, though Oblivions are usually good about using EVERY part of the animal, even if it's just for show.
There's a ceremony for slaughtering animals that must be followed, it varies lightly between cities. These are typically done with a Religious member present to get the god's approval. Some rituals require butchering to be done on certain days at certain times. NOT performing a proper ritual makes the meat "Tainted" and many will refuse to eat it for fear of otherworldly consequences
CHINAMPA
Practiced In: Empyrean
Yields: Maize, Beans, Squash, Tomatoes, Amaranth, Peppers
Fertile lands located on shallow riverbeds.
WARU WARU
Practiced In: Hyperion
Yields: Potatoes, Quinoa, Spinach, Yams
parallel canals sunk between mounds of dirt, located on floodplains to be properly irrigated.
Intercropping
Practiced In: Olympia
Yields: ???
Swidden
Practiced In: Avalon
Yields: ???
Landnám
Practiced In: Valhalla
Yields: ???
Agroforestry
Practiced In: Elysium
Yields: ???
Orchards
Practiced In: Nysa
Yields: ???
Domestication & Livestock
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Roaming Livestock
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Fishing & Hunting
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Trophy Hunting
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One of the most common ingredients to use in the Oblivion is Blood. Referred to as “Vigor”, consuming it can be powerful, euphoric and bring one close to nature. It’s an important part of Oblivion philosophy, to use every part of a living body, and waste nothing, the blood especially.
BLOOD-BASED DISHES:
Blood Sausage: Swine or Bovine blood congealed into a sausage shape.
Life Milk: The mixing of blood & milk, usually from Bovines.
Cabidela: A chicken stew made with hen’s blood
Blood Pudding: A common hearty, dessert
Humans were first to start the trend and Faeries were ones to perfect it. Originally just used as protection from the elements, people began to use it to express their alliances, philosophies, and organizations. Anyone can wear almost any outfit and will not shy away from highly expressive and elaborate designs.
Somewhat simple, but always bold. Classical styles were a hallmark of the High Class. Once regarded as a revered style, Classical is influenced by royal & flowy style, formerly barred from general population until they took it by force. Colors are dulled to emphasize higher priorities, such as expensive jewelry and heavy accessories. Silhouettes are straight and narrow, leaving much for the wandering eye to speculate on. Striking, contrasting, it's hard not to focus on a classic look.
WAYS TO EXPRESS CLASSICAL .
GRAYSCALE/MINIMAL COLORS: You're a distinguished person who must present themselves in a serious way. Make sure you limit the amount of colors in your outfits. Perhaps just ONE pop color, but make sure it matches the atmosphere (dark red, light pink, deep purple, and of course, GOLD.)
SOLID BASES FOR SHROUDED VEILS: Use long, unaltered fabrics to create blocky shapes, to cover your silhouette.
GOLD & SILVER DO GO TOGETHER: Forget the faux-paus. You have STYLE. Use it to your advantage by wearing any shiny accessory you possibly can.
BUTTON-UPS, SUITS, & TIES: Look as professional as possible. Look as though you have better places to be and those around you are woefully underdressed.
LOOK TO THE GODS: Would a goddess wear your dress? Has a demi-god been caught in your outfit? Are you matching with a popular spirit? Then it must be an acceptable style.
Comparable To: Clergy, Occult, Royal, Academia, Renaissance, Medieval, Edwardian, Formal, Gothic
Centered around innovation, mystery, and liminal creativity. Cerebral prioritizes pieces that are mentally stimulating, with asymmetrical designs and nostalgic details. Neutral, muted colors are the most common. Functionality takes semi-priority, such as oversized pockets. Accessorizing is a MUST, each piece must add a statement and add a touch of eccentricity. Considered an edgy, but somewhat modern look. Those who dress in Cerebral are considered to be diligent at their craft, as these outfits must be hand-crafted from hard-to-scrap materials. Though not a show of wealth, as these outfits would be considered garish by the Classical crowd. Cerebral abuses bright colors, clashing metals, and eerie other-wordly silhouettes.
The outfit choice of nomads & the working class
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Wild, Intense, Filled with spectacles. One must sacrifice a piece of themselves in order to create a masterpiece. Art is an extremely important aspect of life in the Oblivion, a vast majority of their cultural norms and taboos are formed from the arts.
If one doesn't enjoy a good show of creativity, are they even alive? Even the art of reading tarot cards is knowledgeable. Any career involving the arts (which includes your classic stem courses) is seen as valuable. It ain't just a "hobby", it's a way of life and a much needed outlet of expression.
Considered a form of violent art, Sports are a guilty pleasure of many Oblivions. Its competitive nature and constant showcase of vibrant spectacle make it beloved by the populous. While most are most often choreographed to tell an almost too perfect tale, no one seems to care too much about its supposed "scripted" scenes... except for the truly die hard fans.
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