crysalla culture

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overview

Crysalla culture is often nomadic and simple. They love stone carving and jewelry making. Crysalla do not have a standardized currency, and live on a barter system, using mostly manufactured goods and precious metals.

• Crysalla name themselves. While Crysalla names can be anything, please do not name a Crysalla after a gemstone. Their gemstones are a part of their body, it's the equivalent of naming yourself leg.

sialli

Sialli has the numeric characters of 0-9 and 30 alphabetic characters: A, B, C, CH, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, RR, S, SS, T, TH, U, V, W, X, Y, Z. It is written left to right, and capital letters are distinguished only by a larger type size.

How to use Sialli/Sialla: Crysalla speak Sialli. It is Sialla culture to keep your eyes closed.

• Sialli is an extremely diverse, complex, and rapidly evolving language. Despite sharing the same root words, regional dialects can be indecipherable to a Crysalla on the other side of the globe. Sialli is a written language, and Crysalla will open their eyes to read and write. It's not considered a faux pa, so long as they do not look up from their work.
• Crysalla have paper! It is most commonly made from the mulberry tree. Papyrus is used primarily in South’s domain. Crysalla have books made from paper as well as illuminated manuscripts made from leather.

culture

• Trade skills are highly valued in Crysalla society. Arts, music, crafts, and most importantly, textile weaving, are highly lucrative careers and well esteemed. Metalworking, stoneworking, and textile working are considered the three prized art forms.
• Crysalla, having one sex, do not have a concept of gender identity. Sialli has two pronouns; animate (Sisha/Sishe/Sihalla) and inanimate (Sossa/Sosse/Sossalla). Crysalla may be referred to as a specific gender or pronouns by Gannea, who have a gender trinary. Crysalla may choose to refer to themselves as Sossa, as a form of identity expression, however it is very rare, as it is also used as a derogatory term for Crysalla with Petrification, as they are slowly turning inanimate.
• Crysalla may tattoo their scales, however as they shed their skin periodically as they grow, they will need constant reapplication with every few sheds.

clothing

• A Crysalla sews their own apparel to wear in both forms as they grow up. Each article of clothing directly represents the Crysalla’s identity. Crysalla hand enchant their fabric as they weave, making it able to be worn when changing forms. Crysalla may change their apparel over time to reflect their social status, or after experiencing a major life event, such as the death of a loved one.
• Because Crysalla genitalia are hidden under their belly scales like snakes or lizards, Crysalla may often forgo pants in their bipedal forms. Crysalla pants, when worn, extend to the end of the shin, the heel of the foot. They are paneled and buttoned in both the front to facilitate removing them and in the back to allow for the tail. The back button rests above the tail, creating a high waisted style. Crysalla do not wear shoes.
• The first and only animal domesticated by Crysalla is the Sialli Silkworm, an enormous insect larvae that produces large cocoons that can be spun into silk. Crysalla have domesticated multiple textile crops, such as cotton, flax (linen), hemp (paper, rope, fabric), ramie (fabric), jute (fabric), abaca (fabric), bamboo (scrolls), various plants used to produce natural dyes, as well as sugarcane. Wool was originally the single rarest and most expensive textile, spun entirely from wooly Crysalla. Gannea have since domesticated and bred multiple wooly beasts and introduced cheaper, more plentiful wool into the economy, but Crysalla wool remains highly valued.

life

• Crysalla are primarily solitary, and rarely choose a romantic partner or companion to live with. Crysalla in areas with a higher Gannean population are more likely to cohabitate. Due to the offspring hatching on their own, most Crysalla will never know their parents or relatives. They lack a direct comparison of a family unit, and as the result of not knowing their genetic relatives, inbreeding may accidentally happen. Crysalla will often travel far away from their residence during their gestation period to lay their eggs, to spread their gene pool wider, and reduce the risk of genetic depletion
• When a Crysalla dies, their organic flesh will rot away, leaving their mineralized skeleton, Soul Stone, and crystals behind. Soul Stones and crystals of dead Crysalla are commonly kept by those close to them as mementos. Crysalla with known companions will have their remains entombed in elaborate crypts, but if a Crysalla dies alone or unknown, as they often do, their bodies will be left to return to the earth. Crysalla skeletons are often pillaged by Gannea for their mystical properties.
• Crysalla with dark elemental affinities may be ostracized or persecuted by society, as they are viewed as ill luck, due to Razarath. They will often flee to live out their lives in seclusion on Zarasi.
• Crysalla in areas with high Gannean populations may use their bipedal form more often, and live in constructed stonework houses rather than typical caves or sleeping under the stars.
•  Crysalla natural mating patterns are typically non-monogamous, although it is more common to mate for life in modern day. Crysalla perform elaborate airborne courtship dances, similar to eagles. Crysalla will gently bite each other to show affection, rub their faces against one another, or wrap their wings around each other in a hug. They purr when they are content.

laws and society

• Deities act as patrons to the Crysalla in their territory and missionaries under their God. Crysalla will often pay tribute to their patron in a shrine, or conduct pilgrimages to their God’s High Temple to leave offerings.
• Crysalla laws are enacted by a patron deity in their domain. They can vary entirely by individual, and can change when replaced by a new patron. This makes the legal system extremely loose, and very little acts will be punished as crimes. Victims or their loved ones of a crime may report it to a patron deity, but if the offender has already fled to a neighboring deity’s lands, it is unlikely that they will be prosecuted. Gannea have next to little legal recourse.
• The biggest sin in Crysalla society is Crystal Cannibalism. In this, a Crysalla consumes a dying or dead Crysalla’s Soul Stone, and absorbs their magic and soul into themselves. The cannibal is similar to a sacrificial recipient Crysalla, in that the soul of the devoured lives on inside the cannibal. Consuming multiple Soul Stones can cause insanity and heightened magical power, making cannibals highly volatile, extremely dangerous, and must be executed on sight by Godly decree.
• Consuming Crysalla flesh is not considered a sin in Crysalla society. As Crysalla naturally consume their own shed skin, amputated limbs or the flesh of the dead is safe to consume. It is the act of killing a Crysalla to eat them that can be punished by a patron’s law.
• Siablan is embroiled in ongoing wars between the four Gods. Crysalla often possess very nationalistic sentiment and devotion to their patron God. Migration between Gods is rare. West was the first to wage war on Siablan (against North), roughly 100 million years ago, and the other ensuing conflicts pop up throughout the planet's history.
• Crysalla Deities may enact magical curses as punishment for crimes in their domain, banishment, mutilation, or death.
• The practice of slavery exists in the Western Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere. It is banned in the Eastern Hemisphere; and just not common in the Southern Hemisphere. It resembles the slavery of the ancient world, not chattel slavery. If you are going to include this in a Crysalla’s story; just use common sense. Don’t make a Crysalla with afro-textured hair a slave. These are fun crystal dragons. Don’t be racist.
• Crysalla don’t have sex crimes in their culture. And while accidental inbreeding can happen, no Crysalla would knowingly have an incestuous relationship with a relative. These are fun crystal dragons. Don’t make it weird.

diet and habitat

• Crysalla originally ate their food raw, however, after the Gannean domestication of several spice crops, it’s become more and more common to cook it. Crysalla may now eat Gannean innovations such as cheese and baked goods.
• Crysalla are extremophiles, capable of surviving and adapting to all types of harsh climates. This is even to the point that they are immune to most toxins, as many Sialli animals are poisonous, and environmental toxins such as sulfur are entirely harmless to them. No known plant or poisonous animal is capable of killing an adult Crysalla if ingested, however they can experience debilitating food poisoning in large enough doses, and Crysalla young can be killed. Consuming bentonite clay or activated charcoal can help settle an upset stomach!
• Crysalla brew various alcoholic beverages, including ones from poisonous fruits, as they are immune to the toxins, other than ethanol intoxication.

EDUCATION

While most traditional education is individualized, from a younger Crysalla apprenticing a master, there are schools in urbanized areas of Siablan since the Gannea settlement on the planet, which become centers of art, politics, and magic.

• Crysalla of any age are able to attend, for the price of working for the school in labor, such as growing crops or maintenance, or by paying tribute to a deity that sponsors the school. Schools are called “Unversities” if they offer all level courses.
• The four Gods all have a university in their capitals that specialize in elemental magics. Crysalla that attend these highest esteemed schools are often hand-picked for service to the Gods themselves or their deities.
• Crysalla school grades are roughly 500 years each, consisting of primary (elementary), secondary (middle), tertiary (high), and quaternary (college) level courses.
• Crysalla schools teach a variety of subjects, including combat in both forms, all four types of magic use, math, science, history, reading, writing, arts, religion, language, and social studies. Schools of tertiary-quaternary levels will also offer trade programs directly; assigning a class to a master to apprentice under (for example, smithing).

holidays

There are five major holidays celebrated on Siablan, and they are celebrated once every Sialla year. Holidays are a time to get together with companions, or flock to cities to celebrate, and drink copious amounts of alcohol. Festivals of music, theater, and art sales are common.

Spring Equinox

The Spring Equinox is a celebration of its season. It takes place in the first quarter of the solar year in the Northern hemisphere and in the third quarter of the year in the Southern hemisphere. 

The Spring Equinox is devoted to the God East, and their elements, Air and Nature.

The Crysalla of East’s domain sacrifice fruits, wine, and flowers to East’s temple.

• The Spring Equinox is a celebration of Siablan’s rings. Crysalla everywhere will buy and sell handcrafted rings and bracelets.
• The Spring Equinox takes place when plants are in full bloom. Crysalla everywhere adorn themselves in flowers.
• It’s a time of romance and spring flings. Crysalla’s elaborate aerial courtship dances are celebrated, and watched by various envious onlookers.
• For one day of the year, Crysalla will open their eyes to the public, allowing everyone to see into their souls.

Summer Solstice

The Summer Solstice is a celebration of its season. It takes place in the second quarter of the solar year in the Northern hemisphere and in the fourth quarter of the year in the Southern hemisphere.

The Summer Solstice is devoted to the God South, and their elements, Light and Earth.

The Crysalla of South’s domain release thousands of glowing lumi to light up the earth in celebration.

• The Summer Solstice celebrates the sun, Nasira. It’s common to see a Crysalla basking in its rays while gorging themselves!
• It is customary to eat very spicy food, and to wear yellow for luck. This can be any article of yellow clothing or jewelry, in either form.
• Music is celebrated. Enormous music festivals will take place, and Crysalla will travel from all over to large cities to hear musicians play and sing.
• Crysalla will bury one tribute item in the earth. It is expected to be valuable, in the hopes that another Crysalla will one day uncover the hidden treasure, as a token of generosity and tribute to the planet.

Fall Equinox

The Fall Equinox is a celebration of its season. It takes place in the third quarter of the solar year in the Northern hemisphere and in the first quarter of the year in the Southern hemisphere.

The Fall Equinox is devoted to the God West, and their elements, Fire and Plague.

The Crysalla of West’s domain enact nine Crysalla sacrifices, throwing them into the fires of Vhagris.

• The Fall Equinox is a celebration of the nine planets in Nasira’s solar system. Crysalla do everything in series of nines.
• The Fall Equinox celebrates metallurgy, be it smithing weapons or jewelry crafting. Crysalla everywhere will travel to cities to hawk their wares and enter competitions.
• Crysalla will burn massive bonfires that last for the full 54 hour day cycle. They’ll each throw nine offerings into the flames as a sacrifice for luck.
• Crysalla will have elaborate, bloody combat tournaments as a test of their strength.

Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice is a celebration of its season. It takes place in the fourth quarter of the solar year in the Northern hemisphere and in the second quarter of the year in the Southern hemisphere.

The Winter Solstice is devoted to the God North, and their elements, Ice and Water.

The Crysalla of North’s domain enact animal sacrifices, spilling the blood on temple altars.

• The Winter Solstice celebrates Siablan’s 27 moons. The high temple makes 27 animal sacrifices.
• It is customary to give gifts on the Winter Solstice, especially gifts of livestock, meat, and sweets. Eating large amounts of sweets is typical. 
• Weaving is celebrated, be it blankets, tapestries, embroidery, or clothing making.
• Crysalla will carve elaborate ice sculptures for contests. Even Crysalla in the southern hemisphere will import enormous blocks of enchanted ice that will not melt to do so.
• It is custom to bathe in the nearest river, sea, or ocean.

The New Year

The New Year is a celebration of Siablan itself and its place in the cosmos. It’s primarily about bringing in luck for the new year. Elaborate firework displays take place at night.

• Theater is celebrated! Crysalla will perform various historical plays about the various wars fought and stories told on Siablan. From tragedy, to reenactment, to satire, to comedy, the audience will see anything! The most popular play is The Dawn Of Siablan, which tells the story of Razarath and the Gods.
• Crysalla will practice divination en masse, in order to see omens of the coming year.
• Severed and preserved polydactyl limbs are often traded for good luck. Because Crysalla regenerate limbs, don’t worry, they’ll grow back!
• Crysalla everywhere play various gambling games in celebration, to test their luck.
• It’s custom to eat a crystal of the same species as your Soul Stone for good luck!

religion

gods

Crysalla trace their origins to the first, the god Razarath, a powerful being of darkness that created the four godly siblings East, West, North, and South, as well as the Presalla. The four then created the first Crysalla themselves- those who became minor Deities, and later the standard Crysalla and Aquilla. Few surviving Presalla remain in modern day, elusive and solitary.

The first Presalla and Crysalla were created in the same way; by Razarath or the Gods imbuing gemstones with souls summoned from another plane. These Presalla and Crysalla are now long passed, replaced with generations of descendants.

RAZARATH

• The first God of Siablan, Razarath is referred to as both the Creator and Destroyer. Razarath has a gemstone of Purple Diamond. They are the God of Darkness, and their color is Purple. Their first subjects created were the Presalla, and then their four Gods to wrangle them. When the Presalla proved wildly unstable, violent, and uncontrollable, Razarath resolved to eliminate them– only to be defeated by the four, who sealed their creator away in crystal in the southern pole. 
  • Owned by @linsaangs.

EAST

• East is the eldest of Razarath’s children. East has a gemstone of Jade. East is the God of Air and Nature, and their colors are White and Green. East values connection, wisdom, and the preservation of life. Their followers value tradition, meditation, and patience.
  • Owned by BunBone.

WEST

• West is the second eldest God. West has a gemstone of Ruby. West is the God of Fire and Plague, and their colors are Orange and Red. West values strength, duty, and courage. Their followers value strength, adaptability, and dominion over the weak. West was the first of the Gods to wage war on Siablan– against their sibling North.
  • Owned by oyaoyasumi.

NORTH

• North is the third eldest God. North has a gemstone of Sapphire. North is the God of Water and Ice, and their colors are Cyan and Blue. North values resilience, truth, and justice. Their followers value candor, justice, and a black-white morality.
  • Owned by Nald-Thal.

SOUTH

• South is the youngest God. South has a gemstone of Citrine. South is the God of Earth and Light, and their colors are Brown and Yellow. South values creativity, positivity, and charity. Their followers value freedom, fun, and artistic expression.
  • Owned by worm_kin.