Novo Rhodia

The Mankorn people are actually a collection of smaller groups assimilated through land expansion and common purpose. While there is a common "over-culture," individual cultures can vary greatly within the Khanate. Looking at this culture from the perspective of a Terran-born Anthropologist, you may see some similarities to the Sami, Late-Mongol, and Viking cultures. This somewhat chaotic combination is the best example of the "take what you can use and discard the rest" mentality of the Mankorn.

The primary spiritual practice of the land is Weaverism, or the Twelve Needle Path. It is so called because of the belief that the 12 Needles of the World weave together our reality. The Core of Three are the Forgiver, the Stern, and the Mortal, representing the life cycle and the 3 planes of existence. The Guiding Four are North, South, East, and West, representing our navigation through the planes. The Five Actors are the Head, The Arms, and the Legs, representing the way we influence our reality through our actions. Together, the 3, 4, and 5 form the 12 Needles of the World, found as the highest peaks of the mountains the embrace the site of Bulag. Bulag has long been a site of meetings between differing clans from the plains, and it became the location of the Unification of the Sons, that united the Novo Rhodians under one banner. Rituals of the Weaverists are often martial in nature, the most famous being the Field of Spirits. In this ritual, several warriors don the masks of fallen and legendary heroes, imbibe a special entheogenic draught, and proceed to work themselves into a battle frenzy to receive guidance from the Stern in the conduct of Wars and Justice. Battles are fought with sparring weapons, and deaths are rare.

The two genders within Mankorn society are reasonably equal, but separate roles are generally enforced. For races wherein the distinctions are less defined, roles are set between Field-Bearer and Planter, referring to the species' reproductive process. Those with unclear or outlier processes are considered to be Male. The Planter, the male of the marriage, is expected to be the primary protector of the land, and works in the fields, workshops, pastures, and towns. The Field-Bearer, the female or females of the marriage, are expected to maintain the homestead and look after the children, but are expected to be able to contribute to their defense. Most marriages are between one Planter and one Field-Bearer, but a wealthy Planter may on occasion have two or even three Field-Bearers. This is more common in the case of areas lacking Males, or for widows who are adopted by the kin of her last Planter.

The economy of Novo Rhodia centers around herds and agriculture, but as they have gained new sub-cultures due to Land Expansion, they have grown in their craftsmanship, and are known to build wagons, lumber-works, industrial constructs, and seafaring crafts. The average Clan is neither wealthy nor destitute. Providing for the Family and kin takes up most of an individuals time, however religious practice and social gatherings are common. Novo Rhodians tend to view outside cultures with mix of caution and curiosity. They very much enjoy to learn of other lands, and to trade goods and knowledge. However, they believe that not all that is new or different is good, and measure fads against traditions that have endured them for centuries.