Kriti

From Wiki

1 Overview
2 Culture
3 Religion
- 3.1 Thetalos
4 Geography
5 Clothing
6 Noteable Citizens
7 Lexicon
8 References

Overview

Kriti are an island people descended from a very ancient culture. With interestng traditions all their own, heirarchy, culture and religion, they are an oft looked over, but very unique society.

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Culture

Kritians are descended far back from the Achaians as it seems most of the cultures in that area seem too. Part of the Hellenic empire when they expanded but fell back in on itself much like Tiberium. In regards to the Tiberian expansion, Kriti retained their sovereignty, fighting them tooth and nail to keep Tiberian from their soil and succeeded. They still speak Hellenic, but have kept to their old traditions. While the government is lead by males, the religion of Kriti is led by females. the Archon is the ruler, while the Kore has the religious reigns. The Archon outranks the Kore, but her words, the Kore's, are listened to and obeyed. Nobles are descended from the line of Minos, an famous king who was involved with the business of the gods. they call themselves the "Kindred of Minos"

Slavery is not outlawed here but a standard in life. Mnd many a noble has slaves that are ether freeborn or captive. Male and female alike. Some are set for specific tasks, others all encompassing. The different between the two is that one is treated lesser than the others. Better to be freeborn than a captive.

Wrestling is a popular sport, participation by men, but enjoyed by both they and women from every rank and file of Kritian society. Standard relationships seem to be heterosexual, though it's not unheard of for homosexual ones, and neither is it condoned.

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Religion

Kritians worship a pantheon, much like others. Mother Dia, Mother Earth, is the head of them all. They consider her the mother of all other deities in the world, that she has many sons. Fair thought since they are the oldest race known to man. One of these weaker and lesser were or are Zagreus: god of Insight and Madness. One of Dia's many sons, also known as Iacchos.

The head of the Kritan religion is the Kore. A woman, unmarried, and in charge of all things religious. The Handmaiden of Mother Dia. Maiden is just a title, the Kore can still produce children. She sits secondary in the Kritian hierarchy to the Archon, who is first. She has the final say in all things religious and sanctifies everything in the end.

While Kritian religion is female dominant, males do have their place in the religion, the Heirophant is the second head religious leader and is the Kore's assistant, overseeing the daily running of the island of Temenos. He wears a diadem of ribbons bound about his hair and generally is the guardian to the Kore.

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Thetalos

They are the only known civilization to have an ability to remove blood curses. It is said to be a gift granted to the descendants of Minos by Zagreus. While many come to take part of this religious cleansing, not all survive it. Before one can undergo the actual ceremony, they are secluded from the rest of the population. No food or drink for two days, they are kept quiet to meditate and to think upon why they are in need of this cleansing and pray that they survive. Outsiders are not welcome to attend the ceremony except by invitation of the Kore and none speak of what occurs there.

The ritual is held in the evening with a procession from the base of the mountain to the caverns further up. The one seeking expiation approaches the Kore, offers up a sacrifice. The Kore accepts. Enough food and drink given to wet the throat and they are then directed up towards the cave. They must go up alone, without support. They enter naked save for a cowry shell on a leather thong to dedicate him to Mother Dia and a blessing from the Kore for their safety. What goes on inside, not many know and a great many never come back out. Mother Dia does not grant them the absolution they look for. The supplicant recalls their trespasses, their guilt and sorrows, the reason they need cleansing. The memories of the event(s). A temporary madness, as befitting the bestower of the gift.

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Geography

Kriti is located south east of Cardicca Unitas, the capitol city is Phaistos, the port city of the main island is just outside the walls and called Kommos. A series of islands, east of the mainland are called The Temenos. The actual city of Temenos is on the mainland. The only way to get there is by sailing as it is an island. While the city of Temenos is on mainland Kriti, it is a society unto it's own. A city state of Kriti one could say, much like La Serenissima is a city state of Caerdicca Unitas, and consider Kriti the mainland. the Archon rules Kriti, and the Kore rules Temenos with the is Heirophant.

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Clothing

Due to the climate of Kriti, male and female alike favor loose clothing. Many layers of thinly woven linen that is sheer enough to give glimpse of the female form beneath, cut low in front and back, parasols to protect from the sun. Cosmetics of a wide variety and jewelry to decorate. Men favor loose trousers and tunics, embroidered more, the higher up in rank. Children tend to run around either naked, or half clothed, depending upon gender and age. Mantles, are popular as well, to protect from the sun and cool breeze. The archon when dressed for matters of state wears a white linen robe trimmed in gold and purple borders with a golden diadem sitting in his hair as well as a necklace bearing the Seal of Minos.{1}

At a religious ceremony, things differ greatly. The linen robes, tunics and pants are abandoned in favor of white linen kilts, belted at the waist with rolled leather, upper body bared to the sun. The Kore herself wears a ancient religious dress, flounces skirts sewn with ivory plaques, the bodice baring her breasts and a golden diadem seated in her hair.{2}

Durng wrestling matches that the women watch and men participate in, the men wrestle "mother-naked" as the author states it. Nudity or near nudity does not seem to be uncommon in the least and a natural state.{3}

The Archon's guards of the city wear linen kilts, Steel cuirass's, light armor and helmets with red plumes. Sandals and greaves protect their lower legs and they carry short spears and ox-hide shields. {4}

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