After the Cataclysm, the people of Moren Ezen were divided and at odds with each other, splitting off into family groups to survive in the wilds. It has taken hundreds of years for people to begin to interact again and while nomadic lifestyles are still the norm, small villages and settlements are becoming more common as people set up trade stops, farms and marketplaces.
Due to the division of society after the Cataclysm, the social structure of Moren Ezen’s people varies as much as the flora and fauna they thrive on. From one region to another, people hold many different ideals, from matriarchal or patriarchal rule to egalitarian peace. This can make integration into new tribes and settlements difficult, though not impossible. Marriage practices, coming of age ceremonies, and remembrance of the dead are all examples of ideals that may vary from people to people.
With such varied social structures, what is considered social norm among Moren Ezen’s nomads and settlers also varies greatly. While one people may consider a hand shake a proper greeting, another may see it as a gesture of distaste. However, there are some traditions that have held over the centuries and seem to cross all social boundaries. Below are a few examples of the most commonly recognized social norms. Keep in mind, these are norms, not laws and may not be practiced by every individual.
Always be a good host.
Greet a stranger with an offering of food and drink.
Make direct eye contact with the person you are speaking with.
Be kind to the elderly.
Do not steal from your friends, family or neighbours.
Always speak your mind.
Loud and exuberant with friends and family, fairly austere with strangers.
Meals are eaten together.
Children are often raised by the entire family group.
Do not stand close enough to a stranger to touch arms or hips.
Don’t invade someone’s personal space.
Do not curse in polite conversation and always avoid racist or discriminatory comments.
If there is a line, go to the back of the line instead of pushing or cutting your way to the front.
Don't interrupt someone while they are talking, especially your elders.
Approach topics with discretion, avoiding conflict.
Put the needs of the many above the needs of the individual.
Meals are often eaten at one’s convenience.
A grown person without a census ID is to be treated with caution.
Wealth is often measured by physical possessions, most often being livestock and trade items, though in more settled areas Valyut has become an increasingly common currency. Distribution of individual versus group wealth varies depending on social structure and class. Many nomadic people share their wealth, meaning no one goes hungry, unclothed or unsheltered. Some settlements impose taxes for use of land and distribution of wealth becomes production and trade based. Individuals seeking wealth through less noteworthy means are not uncommon and raids are a frequent occurrence across Moren Ezen.
Indentured servitude, while not illegal or unseen, is frowned upon.
As the people of Moren Ezen formed trade alliances, the spread of ideas began to flow with the exchange of goods. Trade routes have developed from coast to coast, allowing for a far greater network of beliefs, opinions and concepts. Sometimes, people will come together that find kinship in one another and form larger groups or even exchange members. These interactions have allowed for social norms to develop, as well as the Council of elders and registering of IDs.
The education of Moren Ezen’s youth is an important value. Typically a child’s education will involve spending many hours with an elder, learning important skills. From weaving and dying fabric to blacksmithing, children become practiced in valuable tasks that can help a family survive and earn money once they come of age. In some families, skills and tools have been passed down since before the Cataclysm, making these individuals unique and often wealthy. Knowledge of medicine beyond herbal remedies is rare, those people possessing the ability to perform surgeries or properly clean wounds are highly sought out across Moren Ezen. Another rare skill is the use of a sewing machine. Only a handful of people in the world are known to possess one of the ancient, iron machines. Powered by a foot press, the sewing machine allows for clothing to be sewn with far more precision and strength than hand sewing, making the items produced very rare and valuable.
In settled areas, education stems beyond skill sets and branches into philosophy, literature and mathematics. Those who possess these skills often become tradesman and architects, furthering the development of large settlements.
Religion is uncommon in Moren Ezen. There are those who still believe the Guardians are out there, watching over the world’s people, but they are few. No other entities are prayed to or worshipped, though Moren Ezen itself is often revered in its own right. Changing of seasons (the solstices) and important events are often lead up to with celebration, sacrifice and personal prayer to ‘Mother Earth’.
Animals are an important driving force in the world of Moren Ezen. Livestock and game provide a vast majority of essential materials, e.g. milk, wool, hide, meat and bone. Horses, most importantly, not only provide many of the previous, but also a means of travel, trade and income. Working dogs, birds of prey, and some smaller predators have been trained and even tamed to provide support in hunting, herding, scouting, fishing and farming. Small cats are even employed to keep pests at bay.
Predators are also an important element of Moren Ezen. Raptors, Night Cats and Dune Dogs undoubtedly rule their territories, spreading fear and stories whenever they stray too close to camps or settlements. Because of this, people have had to come up with systems to protect their livestock and their families. Traps, signals, and guard dogs have all become common place in settled areas that are faced with predatory beasts.
Almost every animal in Moren Ezen has a use, though pets, while not common in Moren Ezen, are seen from time to time. These are animals kept purely for emotional or fashionable value and offer little in terms of work or material value. Small birds, exotic reptiles, cats and small dogs are the most commonly seen pets. Caution is highly advised against keeping any type of venomous or predatory animals as exotic or luxury pets, these creatures are not tameable and carry a high risk of death.