Culture (development) - Revision history

Tao alexis at 00:47, 18 February 2025

2025-02-18T00:47:26Z

Tao alexis: /* Development Stage 1 */

2025-02-01T15:25:25Z

Development Stage 1

Tao alexis at 15:24, 1 February 2025

2025-02-01T15:24:48Z

Tao alexis at 15:24, 1 February 2025

2025-02-01T15:24:17Z

Tao alexis at 15:23, 1 February 2025

2025-02-01T15:23:57Z

Tao alexis at 23:14, 19 September 2021

2021-09-19T23:14:06Z

Tao alexis at 18:07, 26 March 2021

2021-03-26T18:07:27Z

Tao alexis at 17:27, 29 August 2020

2020-08-29T17:27:03Z

Tao alexis at 17:23, 29 August 2020

2020-08-29T17:23:28Z

Tao alexis at 17:19, 29 August 2020

2020-08-29T17:19:49Z

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 === Leadership ===
-Socially, DS-1 cultures are structured around kinship groups or small tribal units, where leadership is often informal and based on personal strength, spiritual insight, or survival ability. Power over [[Clan (group)|clans]] or [[Tribe (group)|tribes]] is held by chiefs and chieftains, whose authority is derived through rites of passage, sacred journeys and vision quests that test endurance, courage and spiritual connection. These trials serve to separate out the weaker members, while those who demonstrate exceptional ability or insight gain status within the clan. These elite individuals form a "council" with the right to partake in decision-making and to select a leader from among themselves. Those who succeed in these tests without distinguishing themselves further form the core strength of the clan, while those who fail become a subservient class, often relegated to menial tasks or treated as lesser members of the society. The determination of special merit is heavily influenced by superstition, with omens, dreams and perceived divine favor playing as much a role in leadership selection as physical or tactical ability.
+Socially, DS-1 cultures are structured around kinship groups or small tribal units, where leadership is often informal and based on personal strength, spiritual insight, or survival ability. Power over [[Clan (group)|clans]] or [[Tribe (group)|tribes]] is held by chiefs and chieftains, whose authority is derived through rites of passage, sacred journeys and vision quests that test endurance, courage and spiritual connection. These trials serve to separate out the weaker members, while those who demonstrate exceptional ability or insight gain status within the clan. These elite individuals form a "council" with the right to partake in decision-making and to select a leader from among themselves. Those who succeed in these tests without distinguishing themselves further form the core strength of the clan, while those who fail become a subservient class, often relegated to menial tasks or treated as lesser members of the society. The determination of special merit is heavily influenced by superstition, with omens, dreams and perceived divine favour playing as much a role in leadership selection as physical or tactical ability.
 The concept of law is unwritten, instead enforced through custom and the authority of elders or spiritual figures who claim a connection to unseen forces. Their worldview is deeply animistic, attributing divine significance to natural elements, animals and celestial bodies. Rituals and sacrifices may be common, serving both to appease spirits and to strengthen group cohesion. To survive in such harsh conditions requires immense fortitude; the weak are abandoned, ensuring that the living possess a naturally higher endurance than other humanoids of their species. As a result, members of DS-1 cultures receive +1 [[Strength (ability stat)|strength]], +1 [[Constitution (ability stat)|constitution]] and a minimum of 3 hit points. Clan structures are deeply self-supporting and defensive, fostering strong communal bonds and a wariness toward outsiders. This ingrained solidarity grants them a [[Standard Morale|standard morale]] of 8, making them resolute in the face of hardship and conflict.

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 == Development Stage 1 ==
-DS-1 cultures are rudimentary societies that have mastered only the most basic survival skills, relying on [[Fishing]] and [[Hunting]] as their primary means of sustenance. Their understanding of the world is deeply rooted in [[Mysticism]], shaping their beliefs, traditions and social structures. Without the influence of advanced technologies, these cultures exist in a state of near-total isolation, bound to the land and the resources immediately available to them. Their traditions are passed down orally, reinforced through ritual and superstition, as they lack any formalized system of writing or record-keeping.
+[[Development Stage 1|DS-1 cultures]] are rudimentary societies that have mastered only the most basic survival skills, relying on [[Fishing]] and [[Hunting]] as their primary means of sustenance. Their understanding of the world is deeply rooted in [[Mysticism]], shaping their beliefs, traditions and social structures. Without the influence of advanced technologies, these cultures exist in a state of near-total isolation, bound to the land and the resources immediately available to them. Their traditions are passed down orally, reinforced through ritual and superstition, as they lack any formalized system of writing or record-keeping.
 These societies tend to be insular and deeply suspicious of outsiders, as their limited exposure to the wider world makes foreign elements seem dangerous or even supernatural. Encounters with player characters are likely to be met with immediate hostility or extreme caution, as DS-1 cultures have no framework for understanding complex diplomacy or trade beyond simple barter. Their relationships with other groups are defined by territoriality, as the need to secure food and shelter is paramount. Any infringement on their hunting grounds or fishing waters may be perceived as a direct threat, prompting defensive or aggressive responses.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:24, 1 February 2025
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−	[[Category: Development]]	+	[[Category: Development]][[Category: Incomplete]]

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-[[File:Mining Town.jpg|right|560px|thumb]]
+[[File:Mining Town.jpg|right|630px|thumb]]
 '''Culture''' reflects the impact that [[Technology|technologies]] have on the beliefs, institutions, arts, laws, customs and daily practices of a people. It evolves in response to a society's technological advancements, shaping both internal social structures and external interactions. The level of [[Development Levels|development]] in a given locality plays a significant role in determining how its culture perceives and reacts to outsiders, including player characters.
 __TOC__

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-[[File:Mining Town.jpg|right|560px]]
+[[File:Mining Town.jpg|right|560px|thumb]]
-'''Culture''' expresses the influence that [[Technology|technologies]] has upon beliefs, institutions, the arts, laws, customs and everyday behaviour of the people.  The [[Development Levels|development]] of a locality has considerable influence over how the culture will relate to outsiders, such as the player characters.  Less sophisticated cultures will be less welcoming towards outsiders, and perhaps very aggressive, while cosmopolitan cultures will welcome a player's money more than the players themselves.  The cultures possessed by localities are described below according to their development level.<br><br>
+'''Culture''' reflects the impact that [[Technology|technologies]] have on the beliefs, institutions, arts, laws, customs and daily practices of a people. It evolves in response to a society's technological advancements, shaping both internal social structures and external interactions. The level of [[Development Levels|development]] in a given locality plays a significant role in determining how its culture perceives and reacts to outsiders, including player characters.
-== DEV-5 ==
+The nature of a society's culture is directly tied to its [[Development Stages|stage of development]], influencing not only how it functions internally but also how it perceives and engages with those from beyond its own sphere. The descriptions below outline how different levels of technological and societal progress shape cultural attitudes and behaviour.
-To survive at all in such harsh circumstances requires fortitude (the will to survive); as the weak are abandoned, the living possess a higher natural endurance above other humanoids of their species: +1 [[Strength (ability stat)|strength]], +1 [[Constitution (ability stat)|constitution]] and minimum 3 hit points.  Clan structure is inordinately self-supporting and defensive, so that [[Standard Morale|standard morale]] is 8.
+== Development Stage 1 ==
-==== Religion ====
+These societies tend to be insular and deeply suspicious of outsiders, as their limited exposure to the wider world makes foreign elements seem dangerous or even supernatural. Encounters with player characters are likely to be met with immediate hostility or extreme caution, as DS-1 cultures have no framework for understanding complex diplomacy or trade beyond simple barter. Their relationships with other groups are defined by territoriality, as the need to secure food and shelter is paramount. Any infringement on their hunting grounds or fishing waters may be perceived as a direct threat, prompting defensive or aggressive responses.
-[[Animal]] sacrifices are carried out at certain times of the year, invoking a strong relationship between clan members and death, and importantly the ideal of personal sacrifice for the good of others.
+Despite their simplicity, DS-1 cultures are deeply connected to their environment and possess an intuitive understanding of nature that surpasses more technologically advanced societies. They are adept at navigating the wilderness, tracking game and interpreting natural signs that predict weather, migration patterns, or potential dangers. However, their resistance to change means that even beneficial innovations from more advanced cultures may be rejected or misunderstood, further reinforcing their isolation.
-==== Contact with Outsiders ====
+=== Leadership ===
-Contact with outsiders is minimal; most settlements are located on rivers or coasts, enabling contact between settlements by boat.  Distances are usually extreme, however, so contact is over very rare except in cases where settlements are nearer than 100 miles apart.  The only contact may be with outsiders seeking goods such as furs, gold or provisions (meat).  In such cases, trade is usually done through a form of silent barter, with parties not directly contancing each other.  Dev-5 settlements seek to import metals (copper and bronze, which they can work), pottery and weapons.
+Socially, DS-1 cultures are structured around kinship groups or small tribal units, where leadership is often informal and based on personal strength, spiritual insight, or survival ability. Power over [[Clan (group)|clans]] or [[Tribe (group)|tribes]] is held by chiefs and chieftains, whose authority is derived through rites of passage, sacred journeys and vision quests that test endurance, courage and spiritual connection. These trials serve to separate out the weaker members, while those who demonstrate exceptional ability or insight gain status within the clan. These elite individuals form a "council" with the right to partake in decision-making and to select a leader from among themselves. Those who succeed in these tests without distinguishing themselves further form the core strength of the clan, while those who fail become a subservient class, often relegated to menial tasks or treated as lesser members of the society. The determination of special merit is heavily influenced by superstition, with omens, dreams and perceived divine favor playing as much a role in leadership selection as physical or tactical ability.
-Some knowledge of the outside world is gained through these sacred journeys that young members of the clan undertake.  It is common to seek out sacred places and monoliths that make up the larger tribal culture; and to dedicate new monoliths to highly celebrated members of the tribe, which then become important to sacred journeys undertaken by distant settlements and groups.
+The concept of law is unwritten, instead enforced through custom and the authority of elders or spiritual figures who claim a connection to unseen forces. Their worldview is deeply animistic, attributing divine significance to natural elements, animals and celestial bodies. Rituals and sacrifices may be common, serving both to appease spirits and to strengthen group cohesion. To survive in such harsh conditions requires immense fortitude; the weak are abandoned, ensuring that the living possess a naturally higher endurance than other humanoids of their species. As a result, members of DS-1 cultures receive +1 [[Strength (ability stat)|strength]], +1 [[Constitution (ability stat)|constitution]] and a minimum of 3 hit points. Clan structures are deeply self-supporting and defensive, fostering strong communal bonds and a wariness toward outsiders. This ingrained solidarity grants them a [[Standard Morale|standard morale]] of 8, making them resolute in the face of hardship and conflict.
-==== Daily Life ====
+=== Daily Life ===
-Members of the council possess the greatest number of comforts and personal wealth, with personal servants, furs to sleep on, imported weapons and metal jewelry, the use of pottery vessels and many skins to wear.  Among others, the ownership of placer nuggets, ornamental stones, axes, sea shells and warm skins are chief signs of wealth and importance.
+In dealing with player characters, DS-1 cultures are unpredictable. They may be deeply hostile, fearing corruption by outside influences, or they may exhibit a wary curiosity, attempting to test the strangers' intentions through ritual or symbolic gestures. Trust, if it can be established, is fragile and easily broken. While some individuals may be open to alliances, the collective nature of the culture means that a single misunderstanding could lead to immediate and violent expulsion.
 [[Category: Development]]

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 ==== Religion ====
-Individuals experience awe of the power of nature, particularly of storms, which threaten boats on the water and cause damage on land.  There is little comprehension of "gods," but the forces that control storms, wind, fire and water are typically the entities called upon by shamans and others.
+Individuals experience [[Awe (effect)|awe]] of the power of nature, particularly of storms, which threaten boats on the water and cause damage on land.  There is little comprehension of "gods," but the forces that control storms, wind, fire and water are typically the entities called upon by shamans and others.
 [[Animal]] sacrifices are carried out at certain times of the year, invoking a strong relationship between clan members and death, and importantly the ideal of personal sacrifice for the good of others.

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 == DEV-5 ==
 ==== Leadership ====
-[[Mysticism (technology)#Shamanism|Shamanistic]] culture serves to legitimize the power held by chiefs and chieftains over [[Band (group)|bands]] or [[Tribe (group)|tribes]].  The choice of leader relates to the practice of sacred journeys, vision quests and tests of adulthood, which separate out the weaker members and identify those that are strongest.  These obtain greater status within the clan, forming a "council" with the right to partake in decision-making and to select a leader from among themselves.  Those who succeed these test without special merit form the strength of the clan and those who do not succeed become the subservient class.  Special merit reflects a strong belief in superstitious signs and omens.
+[[Mysticism (technology)#Shamanism|Shamanistic]] culture serves to legitimize the power held by chiefs and chieftains over [[Clan (group)|clans]] or [[Tribe (group)|tribes]].  The choice of leader relates to the practice of sacred journeys, vision quests and tests of adulthood, which separate out the weaker members and identify those that are strongest.  These obtain greater status within the clan, forming a "council" with the right to partake in decision-making and to select a leader from among themselves.  Those who succeed these test without special merit form the strength of the clan and those who do not succeed become the subservient class.  Special merit reflects a strong belief in superstitious signs and omens.
 To survive at all in such harsh circumstances requires fortitude (the will to survive); as the weak are abandoned, the living possess a higher natural endurance above other humanoids of their species: +1 [[Strength (ability stat)|strength]], +1 [[Constitution (ability stat)|constitution]] and minimum 3 hit points.  Clan structure is inordinately self-supporting and defensive, so that [[Standard Morale|standard morale]] is 8.