![[ RALUBIA ]](pics/raltitle.gif)
The Ralubians
There are two branches of the Ralubians, who themselves are a major branch of the eastern Makurian peoples.
Nesserlubians: make a home on the coast of the Albir Gulf, particularly in the Nesser Valley.
Anilubians: The eastern branch, who form the bulk of the ruling minority. The Anilubians themselves, who typically refer to themselves only as Ralubians, have within their society a powerful warrior class called the Delandriate and an equally powerful merchant class called the Melandriate.
Family
Kinship
| Kinship | Non-dominant |
| Lineage | Patrilineal |
| Inheritence | Primogeniture |
Marriage Rules
Ralubian men buy their wives, collecting them like ornaments if they can afford it.
Naming
Ralubians typically have only one name. They used to use more, but they've fallen into disuse. If two persons with the same name need to be distinguished, one or both are referred to by a title or a nickname. There are many, many Ralubian names, sometimes borrowed from other cultures. The oldest names have meaning, but many current Ralubian names are merely whimsical strings of syllables that sound pleasant to a Ralubian ear.
Society Characteristics
| Progressiveness | Conservative |
| Planning | Very long term |
| Advancement | Indifferent |
| Growth | Unaggressive |
| Militancy | Militant |
| Unity | Fragmented |
| Tolerance | Aloof |
Social Class and Status
Foundations of Status
Ralubians consider themselves to be superior to their subject nationalities, but within their own culture, wealth is of primary importance. However, those with wealth should also have the economic power to keep it and acquire more. Ralubians still appreciate someone who displays surpassive skill at arms or deals.
Customs and Rigidity of Status
| Status Archetype | Vocational Cluster | Status Level |
|---|---|---|
| Ruling Agency | Political (Elarate) | 20 |
| Ruling Class | Political (Delandriate) | 19-18 |
| Privileged | Ecclesiastical (Priesthood) | 17-15 |
| Privileged | Arcane (Adept/Havilai) | 17-15 |
| Privileged | Merchant (Melandriate) | 17-15 |
| Privileged | Military | 14-13 |
| Professional | Bureaucratic | 12-11 |
| Professional | Academic | 12-11 |
| Professional | Arts | 12-11 |
| Professional | Other Professional | 12-11 |
The Citadels of Vathir
Ralubian free society divides itself into what are basically corporations or guilds. Each association specializes in a sector, guarding its secrets and profits with complex initiations and harsh punishments for transgressions. In Vathir, they are also organized under one of the four citadels for protection. Even in other cities, craftsmen will identify themselves with the Vathirian citadel.
First Citadel: Includes the Stoneworkers Hall and the Woodworkers Hall.
Second Citadel: Includes the Jewellers Hall and the Brotherhood of Metalworkers.
Third Citadel: Includes the Clothworkers Hall and the Perfumers Hall.
Fourth Citadel: Includes the Beastmasters Court and the Hideworkers Court, as well as the Block (the Slavers Hall) and the Red Chambers (Society of Torturers).
Fifth (High) Citadel: Includes the Engineers Hall, the Hospital (Society of Physicians), the Temples, the Scriptorium (Scribes), and the Hall of Timekeepers.
Ralubian Costume
Ralubians are fond of draping themselves in jewelry and metal artifacts, sometimes in lieu of any cloth at all. Anphirai is a warm country, and in the city of Vathir especially, it is not unusual for people to appear in public with very little in the way of covering. In the Prulam, however, it is common to wear robes that protect one from the sun.
Eating Habits
Diet
Ralubians live on a diet of fish, amphibians, vegetables, and grain.
Dining Rituals and Practices
Men and women dine together, almost always with a company of friends and relatives. Food is eaten whilst reclining on couches. Children and animals eat separately from the adults, often with the servants.
Language
Ralubian is the dominant language in Anphirai and among the city-dwellers of the Prulam.