Social Norms

Status & Reputation

Status and reputation is largely determined by your contributions to humanity's survival. This contributes to celebrity status among high-ranking adventurers, but also to those who have critical support roles in the demonic resistance.

Most citizens have a very skewed perspective on their lords, and are blind to much of the corruption that many nobles partake in. The bulk of their information comes from the nobility that rule them, and they are entirely reliant on their lords for safety, lodging, and quite often for stable work. They don't see the political schemes playing out behind the scenes, and are more concerned with the very real demonic threats that threaten their world. The majority look to their lords as protectors and guardians of their people. Even oppressive nobility can often get away with modestly egregious behaviors by manipulating the proper channels of propaganda.

Special Etiquette

Special etiquette is given to those with important titles: nobility, enforcers, high ranking adventurers, the anointed, and other notable figures such as the handmaidens. Certain forms of clothing or identification are forbidden to those who do not fit the designated roles. It is customary to address notable stations by their proper title until invited otherwise. Casual familiarity is improper and potentially criminal unless a personal relationship is already known.

Most social mobility is achieved through adventuring. Adventurers are revered and respected for their invaluable work against the demons. High ranking adventurers are seen as celebrity figures. It is a powerful status symbol to be a high ranking adventurer, which comes with significant social perks and status.

Purchasing a Title of Nobility is another method of social mobility, though very few can afford the extraordinary cost. Those who can were typially high-ranking adventurers, or born into a powerful enough noble family to afford it for them as well.

Gender Roles

Men and women are considered equal; both socially and legally, as a result of historic development. Concordia, the Goddess of Pacts, and her House of Maidens, represent the most powerful political faction in Endros. No amount of masculine pressure or aggression has suppressed their influence. Women often have easier access than men to acquire civic roles due to the cultural expectations established through observing the House of Maidens.

Centuries of demonic threats has resulted in both genders being about as equally likely to participate in adventuring roles. Frontline positions tend to be more dominanted by men, but the imbalance is not significant.

Relationships, Marriages, and Children

Relationships are shaped by an imbalance distribution of men (47%) and women (53%). Society is less concerned about sexual identity or polygamy, and more concerned about having children. Even gay couples often face social pressures to bear children with a viable partner to help replenish an at-risk population. Fertility bands are common and widely distributed. Priority magical attention ensures that pregnancy issues are almost non-existent. Having a child is easy, encouraged, and generally supported across most domains.

In general society, marriage is for love; typically celebrated as something like a contract between souls. Some believe that proper marriage rituals elicit an Aetheric connection that extends beyond one's life and reaches into the next lives or reincarnation. Nobles may marry for status or power.

Family Structures

Families are quite varied, though the style often depends on the cultural influence. Heterosexual families are the most common, but homosexual and polygamous families are not uncommon. Elven and Merfolk colonies are very progressive and have the widest range of family dynamics. Orckin colonies are almost entirely heterosexual. While not all Orcs or Ogres are homophobic, there is enough social pressure and open hostility from select groups that gay Orckin cannot safely reveal themselves.

Marriage, while socially important, is not considered a relevant factor in raising children. Child-bearing outside of marriage is a common social practice. It occurs frequently in unmarried and lesbian mothers, informal arrangements, professional services, etc.

Eldest children usually inherit the family name and legacy. Younger children are still expected to be properly supported within the means of the family, but often must find their own footing.

Childcare

There is considerable financial and environmental support available for anyone willing to bear children, especially in Skywood. Fertility Bands are widely available at little expense, assisting with all aspects of pregnancy: survival, fertility, nutrition, speed of development, etc. Fertility Bands are also responsible for the increased female population, by design.

Orphans are brought to Skywood's Grace Ward, ensuring a healthy environment to grow up in; typically one that is superior to a traditional home. The Grace Ward raises children to have an exceptional education, fulfillment, and opportunity. They are groomed to be very productive and successful members of society. Adoption and fostering practices are technically available at the Grace Ward, but extremely uncommon, since there are so many safe and easy alternatives.