Crucian Serfs

Serfs Awaiting Rationing In Darvasa. Meals are provided to the laborers in Darvasa's mines and industries at a discounted rate, added to their debts.

Hiera, the home of House Crux, is a populous world boasting billions of inhabitants. But amongst those billions, only a small percentage are Crucian Nobility, though they still number well into the tens if not hundreds of millions. The rest of the population is split between Nobles and Serfs of other Houses, Freepeople often working for organizations such as the PRISM Network or the Trilliant Ring, and by far the largest group, Crucian Serfs. It is surprisingly easy to forget the billions that keep Hiera, House Crux, and its holdings running, their work and lives carefully watched over and controlled by Crucian Nobility, especially the exacting Primeborn. And yet, as with Crucian Nobility, Crucian Serfs have their own unique culture, colloquialisms, and social practices that set them apart from Serfs of other Imperial institutions.

## The Machine

Many Stahl Serfs wear breathing masks following campaigns onto the surface of Gats after its atmosphere was rendered corrosive by bombing and aggressive terraforming. Proper equipment was provided to Nobles first, and masks are often much cheaper than surgery or biopsionics.

Derived from remnants of an ancient film, and philosophies and social commentaries stemming from it, Crucian Serfs have very broadly divided into two overarching groups over the centuries. The first are **“Herz,”** the heart of House Crux. These are the Serfs who work the land, fulfill the menial administrative tasks of Richters and Anwalts, and maintain the homes for Crucian Nobles and their families. The second are **“Stahl,”** which include the Levies. These are the Serf officers of the Judicial Enforcement Services and the Serf soldiers of the House Guard, bolstering the ranks of Crucian Nobility and serving under them.

The movie that inspired this division, purportedly a documentary of pre-Imperial Serf practices, is called *Metropolis.* It is only available in small and disconnected portions, and is seen as a work lauding the relationship of Serf and Noble. The Herz below keep the world running, and the Stahl above protect the interests of the Nobility. The main character, his name lost to time, is erroneously believed to be a Stahl Serf, communicating the need for Serf and Noble to work together, or else the world will come apart. If Serfs rise up in violence, they will only destroy their own lives, and if Nobles are too deaf or complacent to the needs of their Serfs, they, too, will only unmake themselves.

The division of Herz and Stahl is less frequently discussed by Crucian Nobility, but is a silent separation in social status that has developed between Crucian Serfs. The Stahl are the “superior” Serfs, chosen to work closely with the Nobility and to travel the Empire as JES Officers and soldiers of the House Guard. Serf Officers are forbidden from questioning, arresting, or physically harming Nobles unless under direct orders of a Noble Officer, but their position does allow them to investigate Serf or Freepeople crimes or arrest and question Serfs or Freepeople. This inherently places Stahl who join the ranks of the JES in a position of power relative to other Serfs. Officially, Stahl are peers to other Serfs, servants of the Law and the Empire, but this is largely upheld in interactions with other Major Houses and more important Freepeople. Because of the War Against the Artificials, Stahl were also very recently more numerous than the Herz, a trend that has slowly been moving back towards a Herz majority.

Herz, on the other hand, are often viewed externally, and at times internally, as the lesser Serfs of Crux. They do not fight with the House Guard or serve the Law with the JES, but instead maintain what must be maintained, the lands, buildings, machines, and infrastructure of House Crux. They are necessary, but their labors bring no honor or status to their families or their House. That said, Herz owe their status more to the status of their Noble than their work, and as such may at times have more influence than a Stahl Serf. The number of Herz children is also currently growing at an incredibly rapid pace, a “baby boom” following the conclusion of the War Against the Artificials that inadvertently has been balancing the extreme loss of both Stahl and Herz lives in the war.

Herz and Stahl are individually applied, often subconsciously associated rather than literally spoken, depending on the work a particular Serf does. A father may be a Herz who’s daughter is a Stahl. What duty a Serf takes or is assigned does not depend on who their parents were. Each Serf is evaluated individually for their own capabilities, so that they might find their God-given talents and their appropriate role within the mighty engine of House Crux.

Beyond these two groups, Crucian Serfs also tend to subdivide into other groups culturally and geographically, which is described below.

## A Sharp Tongue Is A Sharp Mind

House Crux prizes knowledge and discourse. Noble education is incredibly important to the House of Law, ensuring that individuals are well-read and practiced in critical thinking, interrogating, rather than accepting, new information. Primeborn often engage in debates or thought-provoking conversations with one another on a wide array of topics, and members of the Judiciary are expected to think carefully, not quickly, about laws and legal cases in their day-to-day employment. Because of this, Crucian Nobles have also come to expect a certain level of intellect from their Serfs.

Crucian Serfs are not educated in the same ways nor to the same level as Crucian Nobility. However, if they are to function as competent JES Officers or carry on a reasonable conversation with their Primeborn liege, Crucian Serfs are necessarily expected to have minds honed to these tasks. As such, all Crucian Serfs are mandated to go through a rigorous education programme, the costs added to their debts to their Nobles.

From this practice, the Crucian phrase “A sharp tongue is a sharp mind,” has been derived. The wisdom it attempts to convey is that well trained serfs will often utilize their wit or even talk back when conversing with Noble superiors. A smart Serf will know how far they can push before they risk punishment. Their sharp tongue should not be scolded in every instance, but taken as a sign that the Serf has a good intellect. Unfortunately, some Serfs learn the hard way where the limits of this philosophy lie.

Various Nobles have expressed concern in the past that too much education can increase risks for uprisings or rebellions amongst the Serfs, but this is often seen as a necessary side-effect. More often than not, House Crux has found the education of its Serfs improves both performance and discipline.

## Lifestyle

A Serf reminiscing while drinking Hieran beer. An accident has left him with mechanical hands, more cheaply-made than those a Noble might be able to purchase.

The living conditions of Crucian Serfs varies, largely dependent on occupation. The Stahl are the most well-treated, provided equipment, quarters, training, and basic amenities as part of their work in the JES or House Guard. Even as Levies, Stahl conditions are expected to meet high standards to ensure the effectiveness of Serf Officers and soldiers across the Empire.

The Herz often encounter a wider diversity of living conditions, depending on their work and the Noble or Nobles who oversee them. The miners in Darvasa often live in cramped, brutalist apartment hives, working long, grueling hours, whereas the administrative aide of a Richter in Ven City might have a small personal suite and a more relaxed schedule.

Crucian Serfs regardless of role are generally expected to pay most of their “income” into their various debts, including housing, education, medical costs, and subsistence fees. As a token of the Nobility’s “kindness” to them, most Serfs are often provided a small spending stipend each month. This stipend can be used however a Serf sees fit, within the confines of Imperial and Local Law, and is intended to keep the local economy fluid by encouraging Serfs to purchase personal items or open a small savings account with the Acti Llibre. Serf market investments with the Acti Llibre require a Noble “sponsor” on Hiera by local Hieran law, allegedly to ensure Serfs don’t accrue too much additional debt. Truthfully it is to keep an eye on investments so that they don’t grow too quickly and allow a Serf to easily buy their freedom.

Such freedoms and niceties can, however, be fleeting. House Crux is staunchly authoritarian and strictly hierarchical amongst its Serfs as much as its Nobility. A Stahl Serf may be treated well until they step too far out of line, or commit a crime against their fellow Crucians, Noble or Serf. A village of Herz farmers may be permitted a great deal of freedom by their ruling Noble or Nobles, so long as production quotas are met, but they could lose everything if they begin organizing a rebellion or push too hard for a few extra days off. It is not uncommon for armed JES or House Guard personnel to be dispatched in response to allegations of criminal or anti-Imperial activity by Crucian Serfs, and judgements often add hefty fines to the existing debts of a Serf or prison time that prevents them from working as interest and late fees accrue on what they owe. Attempted rebellions are often responded to with force, and Serfs are just as likely to tip off the Nobility as Nobles are, hoping to earn favor or better conditions for themselves and their family.

That said, Hiera is also a chess game of the Nobility, many seeking to rise in the ranks or send others tumbling down. This often means that the Nobility are just as likely to defend Serfs as act against them, making force something that is more often seen than used. Serfs are more likely to face harsher punishments from their Noble on behalf of the law than the law itself if they transgress, but death is a rarer occurrence than non-Hierans sometimes believe.

## Beer Halls

Crucian Beer Hall in Ven City

Hiera is a cold world with harsh, forbidding winters. Beer Halls (Hieran: Bierhalles) became popular social gathering places to escape the chill winds very early in Hiera’s history, and have remained fixtures of the planet to this day. While some Noble-only Beer Halls exist, many institutions are operated by Nobles or their Serfs for other Serfs as a cultural mainstay. Socialization and leisure are considered important in moderation to the wellbeing of the Serf population, and the production of dark beers and harder liquors are common hobbies and personal businesses for many Hieran Nobles.

As a combination of Hiera’s cold winters, jagged mountain ranges, and watchful authoritarian government, Serfs and Nobles alike have tended to divide into social groups or clans based on geographic location. As a result, one’s local Beer Hall may feel much more warm and welcoming than the frosty side-eyes of visiting one far away. Crucians may work together for the good of their House on the surface, but underneath they are a divided and complex people of different cultures and distrustful glances. That said, despite a cold welcome, Beer Halls are often excellent places to meet new people and become connected with a community, so long as the locals and their customs are respected.

Many Beer Halls are large, built from stone, brick, or heavy logs. Several fireplaces, or their modern equivalents, keep the space warm. Alternatively, some locations will feature hypocausts that draw upon geothermal hotspots nearby. Heads of hunted animals will often be prominently displayed, and the various forms of alcohol available will be almost entirely local, with a rare few from across Hiera and the wider Empire.

## Relationships And Marriage

*‘Noble first, spouse and children second. Keep that facade up, and you’ll do well around here.’ ~Unknown Serf*

Relationships and marriage are encouraged between Serfs by the Crucian Nobility. That said, individual Noble opinions on a Serf’s specific partner, or the family that partner may be connected to or work for, will be very bluntly communicated. Serfs need not be in relationships with Serfs who work for the same family, but it is in their best interests that their own Noble family and the Noble family of their partner find their relationship agreeable. Relationships are never arranged for Crucian Serfs, as the political and social influence of such things is much less of a consideration than in Noble marriages, but Noble families have certainly been known to encourage, discourage, or even forbid their Serfs from certain relationships.

It can be challenging, however, for Serfs working for different families to maintain a relationship or marriage with or without the support of their respective Noble families. They may have entirely different duties, work on entirely different estates, and be expected to travel to entirely different places for long periods of time without a chance to see their spouse. As such, Crucian Nobles are allowed to take on a Serf and their debt as part of a marriage as negotiated with the Noble family of the Serf. This is encouraged by the House of Crux, which provides a debt reduction to married Serfs and economic incentives to their Noble family. As such, a large percentage of Serf families do end up working for the same Noble family.

Marriage ceremonies for Serfs are paid for by House Crux, and unusually are not added to a Serf’s debt. A lesser officiant of the High Church will conduct the religious ceremony, and a Crucian Richter will provide legal documents and approval. The upper limit of what House Crux will pay is relatively low, tending towards sparser ceremonies and receptions, but individual Noble families may choose to pay for grander affairs or add additional requested costs to their Serf’s debts.

## Stahl

As detailed above, Stahl serfs are the Levies and the bulk of the Officers and soldiers of House Crux. This has produced a stronger sense of hierarchy and duty in the culture between Stahl serfs, but also resulted in a sense of superiority that is not officially condoned or recognized. That said, there are plenty of Nobles within House Crux who see their House as superior to many others. “Why should it not be the same for our serfs,” they would argue.

Stahl Levies are mandated by House Crux to undergo regular training exercises, as well as serve in the House Guard or JES for a certain number of standard hours per year. While they are still technically under the authority of their respective Noble families, Crucian law requires they be ready for service at all times, and that they follow the commands of their JES or House Guard Noble leadership when in service.

Some Stahl Serfs are not Levies, but instead serve continuously within the JES or House Guard as Serfs of Nobles within those institutions. Some Noble families have also provided permanent detachments of serfs to the House Guard or JES as a show of support. Members of the Judiciary especially are known to do this. While under the command of the JES or House Guard, these Serfs are expected to follow the appropriate Noble chain of command, as with the Stahl Levies. Freepeople within the Empire have also been known to approach Crucian Nobles, requesting to become Serfs to join the ranks of the JES or the House Guard. Even to Freepeople, the opportunity to become a police officer or a soldier can be appealing.

Because of their work and their sometimes self-important attitude, Stahl Serfs are both hated and admired. Many Herz Serfs resent the Stahl, viewing them as traitors to the Serf class as a whole. At the same time, Stahl Serfs may be more appealing as spouses or children because they tend to receive greater spending stipends and better living conditions. With that, however, the work is also more dangerous. Stahl Serfs in both the House Guard and the JES are at times treated as expendable, their Noble officers putting them on the front lines or sending them into dangerous situations first. At the end of the day, as much as the Stahl might feel superior to the Herz, they remain Serfs, and that reality is inescapable.

### **Ranks And Titles**

The Stahl have no official ranking or title system, and are often referred to as “Officer,” “Levy,” “Soldier,” or “Stahl” by each other and Noble commanders, depending on if they serve the JES or the House Guard. However, Stahl units have been known to develop internal ranking systems to help delineate the chain of command that is assigned to them. These ranks and titles are not consistent throughout the Stahl or the Crucian Levies, and in fact may differ between different units serving on a single Crux cruiser.

Many believe this practice began after the Scream, when disorganization and failing Noble leadership forced the Stahl to organize themselves into ranks to continue to perform their duties. Rather than reinstate what pre-Scream ranks and titles were still known or could be recovered, House Crux has embraced this unusual practice.

#### **Example of Stahl Ranks and Titles**

1. Valamir - The lowest rank amongst Stahl Serfs of the House Guard stationed in and around the city of Darvasa.
2. Theodemir - Mid-ranking officers amongst Stahl Serfs of the House Guard stationed in and around the city of Darvasa.
3. Athalaric - High-level officers officers amongst Stahl Serfs of the House Guard stationed in and around the city of Darvasa.
4. Die Lollipops (singular, Lollipop) - The lowest rank of Stahl Serfs of the JES stationed on ICF Gleipnir - North Quadrant.
5. Milk And Honey (singular, Honey-Milker) - Mid-ranking Stahl Serfs of the JES stationed on ICF Gleipnir - North Quadrant.
6. The Silver Convention (singular, Silver or Bird) - High-ranking Stahl Serfs of the JES stationed on ICF Gleipnir - North Quadrant.
7. The village of Bremen on Hiera, while very small, hosts a large estate of a Crucian Primeborn and their Levies, known as the Bremen Levies, that have organized themselves into a surprisingly complex hierarchy. They are also sometimes referred to as the Musicians of Bremen, as their Primeborn Noble insists that most if not all of their Levies be trained in music. Each of the following titles is derived from unfortunate mistranslations and misunderstandings of German classical music and composers:
	1. Bait-Hoover (Beethoven) - The lowest rank of the Bremen Levies, reserved for those who draw baths for the other Levies.
	2. Fudgebatch (JS Bach and his fugues) - Levies who make sure beds are made, targets are set, and ammunition stocks are accounted for.
	3. Shoeman (Schumann) - The “first in the list,” or the first order of officers amongst the Bremen Levies, who are tasked with making sure their units are prepared for training or deployment.
	4. DieBrahmsGirl (An unexplainable crossover between Brahms and an ancient entertainer) - The lowest fighting rank of the Bremen Levies.
	5. Paco Bell (Pachelbel or possibly Taco Bell) - The highest fighting rank of the Bremen Levies, tasked with conveying orders from Noble commanders to the DieBrahmsGirls or fulfilling missions tasks in lieu of a present Noble commander.
	6. Humperdinck (Interestingly, correctly translated and preserved) - Reserve commanders who do not fight, but are expected to observe Noble tactical planning and assist in preparation of battle plans. In rare situations where no Nobles might be present, Humperdinck’s are authorized to set forth mission objectives for the Paco Bells to enact when none are available, were already fulfilled, or are no longer achievable due to unforeseen complications that invalidate the original mission.

## Herz

A young Herz Serf

Because their duties are much more broad and their lives often very different depending on their Noble family, Herz Serfs are difficult to describe as a singular social unit. The simplest thing that connects them all is that they are “not Stahl,” a fact that has led some Nobles and even other Serfs, especially the Stahl, to see the Herz as lesser. However, as explained above, a Herz Serf owes more of their influence and position to that of their Noble family, and at times may be more influential or socially important than a Stahl Serf, as much as the Stahl would refuse to admit it.

Many would describe the Herz as “the people” of House Crux. They are by far the most numerous, easily outnumbering the Nobility and even the Stahl. And even though many of their duties may seem small or unimportant, House Crux simply could not run without their support. It is the Herz who fulfill the tasks of maintenance, agriculture, industry, and many of the minor clerical and lesser administrative tasks that are required to maintain the Courts and legal system of the Empire.

Crucian Nobility would tell visitors to Hiera that the Herz are more laid-back than the Stahl, but are also more prone to progressive thinking. Such sentiments have no real grounding in observable data, but have persisted nonetheless. It is likely the case that Herz feel less pressure to outperform each other than the Stahl, which can be viewed as being more “laid-back,” and that they also have a greater amount of time available to them to read and take in information in forming their own opinions. Herz Serfs also tend to have the widest disparity between the money their work makes and their debts, perhaps lending to a sense of acceptance towards their social status. Stahl Serfs, on the other hand, have at times been known to pay off their debts, or live with much less debt overall.

The Herz have no internal ranking or title system, but a number of slang words, below, have developed in reference to various duties the Herz might be assigned.

## Serf Subcultures And Social Groups

Hierans, and by extension Crucians, tend to divide into social groups and subcultures by geographic location. This is believed to be a result of Hiera’s chill climate, geography, and authoritarian regime. This is the same for Nobles, Serfs, and Freepeople who spend enough time amongst Crucians, but groups are not necessarily the same between social classes. For example, a village may have two or three social groups of Serfs, but only one of Nobles. This often is connected to population, family grudges, or other local and interpersonal factors.

These groups tend to feel initially cold or hostile to outsiders, as Crucians are protective of what’s theirs and those they care about. Over time, however, if these groups and their customs are respected, they can often be some of the warmest and most welcoming in the Empire. That said, attempting to get one group of Crucian Serfs to talk to another is said to be “impossible as a Gaald with arms.” Crucians are happy to leave each other alone as much as befriend them, and grudges, feuds, or simply differing politics can split a group that once were friends for a thousand years.

## Hieran Language, Slang, And Gestures

Hieran language descends from several ancient tongues, including several Germanic languages, Arabic, Byzantine Greek, and Farsi, amongst others. It is known to be a coarse and sometimes aggressive sounding language with a lengthy alphabet and inconsistent declensions that were borrowed, stolen, and woven together over the ages.

Nobles rarely speak Hieran, though many have at least a passing understanding of it from their education. They are most often trained in the common language of the Empire, often to the point that they have little to no Hieran accent at all.

Serfs, on the other hand, frequently speak Hieran as a way to have conversations unto themselves. They typically have thicker accents, a mixture of Germanic and Arabic, that shapes how they pronounce the Empire’s common tongue. Many Serfs also only know how to write in Hieran, especially amongst the Herz, but Stahl are required to be well-practiced in speaking and writing Imperial.

Out of a mixture of Hieran and Imperial, and the Serfs’ use of it, numerous slang terms and phrases have evolved. A selection with explanations is provided below.

1. Gaaldlicker - An offensive name sometimes used by Stahl towards Herz Serfs, implying they are little better than the Gaald and fraternize with Hiera’s local alien population in inappropriate and intimate ways.
2. Primestool - An offensive name for Stahl Serfs sometimes used by Herz Serfs that implies one is little more than a footstool propping up their Noble.
3. Winter Nears / Ianar - A phrase of mild foreboding, used by Nobles and Serfs alike to indicate harder times may be coming. Serfs also sometimes use this phrase to warn other Serfs that Nobles are drawing near or will be coming soon. The response, “Ianar,” is a Serf shortening of “It’s always near,” indicating resignation or inevitability, that life as a Serf is always tough or that Crucian Nobles are always watching.
4. Aasgeier - Used exclusively in the original Hieran and almost always by Serfs, this rude term roughly translates to “vulture” or “carrion bird,” and is used to refer to Nobles in private conversation. The implication is that Nobles feed off their Serfs, are self-important, and think too highly of themselves. Public use of this term is dangerous, and will often get a Serf punished by their Noble family.
5. Empty Flower Boxes - A seemingly innocuous observation, “Empty Flower Boxes” has quite dark implications. Shortened from “Empty the Flower Boxes,” the phrase has two contextual meanings. The first is an observation that an especially cold and harsh Hieran winter is coming or has begun, and that some may lose their lives to the cold. From this, the phrase may also be applied in situations where someone predicts or expects dark days or punishment ahead for themselves or others. The second is a wish or desire for a harder winter or misfortune upon someone, expecting that a deeper winter might bring more fresh water in the Spring or that one person’s suffering might be to the benefit of many others.
6. Ramstein Protects / Ramstein Protect Us - A prayer or invocation to Arhat Ramstein of House Crux. “Ramstein Protects” is used as encouragement or to wish someone well with a hardship, current or forthcoming, such as battle, offworld assignment, or economic struggles. “Ramstein Protect Us” is an invocation, directed towards the speaker, who looks towards the sky, and those who stand with them, asking for protection in things to come. It may also be used to indicate frustration at an unexpected hardship.
7. Tall As The Hammerbergs / Deep As Darvasa / Slick As Melusina - These three phrases are all Crucian expressions of embellishment. “Tall as the Hammerbergs” refers to height, often used for buildings such as the Oberlandesgericht or a particularly lanky child, “Deep As Darvasa” refers to depth or wisdom, used for things like ravines or particularly large soup pots, as well as the intelligence of an individual or their words, and “Slick As Melusina,” refers to slipperiness or slyness, such as a particularly dangerous icy lake or a shady merchant.
8. Only The Ghostfrost Knows - A phrase indicating that something is unknowable and enigmatic, or at least unknown to the speaker.
9. Chasing The Pale Elfenking - A phrase that indicates someone has died or disappeared and wanders the woods of the After or is lost.

### **Gestures**

Crucian gestures fall into two categories at opposite ends of the spectrum: very obvious or nonexistent. Due to Hiera’s cold climates, many Crucians, Noble and Serf alike, often wear heavy coats or numerous layers of clothing to stay warm. This has resulted in some gestures being very prominent and broad, often looking almost cartoonishly over the top in less layered clothing. On the opposite end, the heavy layers of clothing also often resulted in restricted movement, making other gestures very subtle if they existed at all.

#### **Welcome**

With friends, some Crucians, Noble and Serf alike, will raise their arms up and spread them wide in greeting, hands curled a little as if restricted by gloves. The gesture indicates both companionship and that the individual comes unarmed with no ill intent. This is not an invitation for a hug, so if you see this gesture, do not attempt to hug anyone.

#### **Refute**

When something is particularly disliked or inspires fervent disagreement, some Crucians will bring their forearms in in front of them horizontally, one on top of the other, and swing them outward and away from their torso sharply, often leaning forward at the same time. This gesture most literally indicates “No!” but can be used for disagreement or disgust.

#### **The Thumb**

A very rude but more subtle gesture. Thick Hieran gloves often prevented complex gestures with the hands, but the thumb typically had more freedom. This gesture involves forcefully pushing the thumb between the index and middle finger. The motion intentionally represents a sexual act, but contextually is intended to imply that the intended target is the bastard child of a human and an alien parent. Use of this gesture alone has resulted in numerous Noble Duels to the death for its perceived obscenity and insult upon not just one’s character, but that of their family. If you are visiting Hiera, use this gesture only if you are comfortable with the possibility of death. Serfs will sometimes conceal this gesture as an insult to a particular Noble, but due so at their own peril if they’re unlucky enough to get caught.

#### **Cheek Kiss**

A small kiss in the air close to another’s cheek is also sometimes a sign of greeting, but only between family, romantic partners, or incredibly close friends. The closeness is an indication of deep trust that very few will receive, and indeed some family members may be denied it based on their actions, political positions, or other social factors. Attempting this gesture with someone you are not very close to often draws suspicion, and has at times resulted in imprisonment under suspicion of various conspiracies. If you are not Crucian, do not attempt this gesture with a Crucian family member, a Crucian romantic interest, or a close Crucian friend. You are not being romantic or showing your love, you are being disrespectful and unnecessarily forward. If a Crucian family member, romantic partner, or friend performs this gesture with you and you are not Crucian, know that it is an incredibly high honor and should be respected and treated as such.

#### **The “Guardian” Stance**

Many Hieran Nobles, almost instinctively, will stand facing the wind when in conversation with other Nobles or even Serfs. This is believed to be descended from pre-Scream times or possibly even during the Scream, when a Noble would show their power and intent to protect their families, vassals, and Serfs by willingly standing to take the brunt of the cold Hieran winds. This “stance” is a very subtle gesture, but often indicates whether or not a Noble considers their Serfs or Vassals valuable. At times, it can also be a subtle insult, when a lesser Noble intentionally stands facing the wind to indicate that they either reject a higher Noble’s protection or believe the higher Noble to be their equal if not their lesser.

#### **Removal of the Coat**

Perhaps one of the most blatant warning signs that a Hieran Noble is displeased to the point of violence, the removal of one’s coat is usually a gesture made immediately before performing a duel, or perhaps a fistfight. As dirting a COAT is considered a grave mishap by many Crucians, showing a lack of respect for oneself and the Way of Things, removing one’s coat before it can get damaged in combat is the standard behaviour. This gesture is distinguished from everyday donning and doffing of one’s coat by several factors. Some Nobles may choose to remove their arms from the coat before sharply shrugging it from both shoulders simultaneously, holding a powerful, icy stare as they do. Others make a point of brushing both shoulders off after the coat is removed, standing tall and focusing clearly on the target of their ire. Occasionally, some nobles might walk around with their coat on their shoulders, able to be shrugged off at a moment’s notice - a sign that this particular noble is a frequent fighter, or a massive blow hard trying to act tough. Regardless, when a noble removes their coat before a serf, things are unlikely to go well.

#### **Hieran Salute**

Most common amongst members of the House Guard and the JES, Noble and Serf alike, the Hieran Salute is made by raising one’s right fist level with their heart with the thumb towards the heart. This indicates that “the heart is with Crux.” The left hand then sweeps behind one’s back, originally to adjust long coat tails or shift the fabric to indicate the presence of any weapons by the sound of their movement. When saluting an individual of higher rank, a slight, forward bow at the waist is also customary. As with many Crucian gestures, the Salute is likely positioned lower, near the heart instead of the head, due to the thicker layers of Hieran clothing.

#### **Obeisance**

Crux is a very hierarchical Noble House. As such, gestures of obeisance are common. Serfs are expected to kneel forward on one knee, hands folded over it, when greeting Nobles. Nobles of lesser rank are expected to bow deeply at the waist in the presence of Nobles of higher rank. Requesting another Noble to kneel is considered a grave insult, but has been undertaken in the past as a sign of surrender or defeat.

Amongst those of equal rank, Serf or Noble, some choose to press their index fingers and thumbs together in a downward triangle, bowing to a shallower angle over this gesture as a sign of respect. The triangle pointed towards the earth is intended to represent the three pillars of House Crux, The Primeborn, The Judiciary, and the House Guard. Bowing over this symbol indicates that both the individual bowing and the one they bow to are part of the same, greater whole of House Crux. Herz Serfs are especially known to use this gesture as a sign of solidarity with one another.

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