Pallisican culture
Pallisican Culture originates in Southwestern Keltia, in the region of Passas. The culture of the Pallisican people is heavily influenced by traditional religious practices, and an expansive and complex system of trade.
Art
Architecture
As one of the most complex and well-defined styles of modern societies, Pallisican architecture places a strict emphasis on religious themes relating to the alliance between man and aead, a race of beings who are believed to inhabit the Realm of Indigo. That said, it is also an architectural style which has been influenced by a long history of foreign rule in Passas.
Classical Horned Style
Based upon the traditional architectural styles of the kralian peoples who inhabited the region of Pallisica prior to the arrival of the settlers from Lovely who would establish the Republic of Passas, the Classical Horned Architectural Style is the oldest, and the most common, architectural style in modern day Pallisica. Though less common in New Zimia than in Passas, this style can still be seen in Northern Corum, particularly in the Region of the East and the Wallis Islands. The 'horns' which are seen on these buildings reflect spiritual notions regarding the aead.
Basic Classical Horned Style: (Figures 1.1, 2.1, 2.9)
Believed to have first originated prior to the arrival of Lovelian Settlers in 2549 ASC (364 WG), this style features primarily geometric surfaces, including an essentially flat roof. Government offices in the Wallis Islands were constructed with respect to this architectural style.
Walled Classical Horned Style: (Figures 1.2, 2.2, 3.0)
Like the Basic Classical Horned Style, this style is thought to have originated soon before the arrival of the Lovelian settlers in the 2540s ASC. The Walled Classical Horned Style deviates from the Basic Classical Horned Style, insofar as it features curved, sloping roofs, walls, and less prominent horns.
Non-Walled Classical Horned Style (Figures 1.3, 2.3, 3.1)
First documented in texts dating back to the Republic of Passas, this style represents the first multi-story building in Pallisican architectural history. Typically associated with government buildings from the era of the Republic of Passas, the Non-Walled Classical Horned Style is uncommon in New Zimia.
Extended Horn Classical Style (Figure 1.4)
An architectural style which first came to prominence during the era of Craitish rule in Passas, the Extended Horn Classical Style dominated housing architecture in Passas for nearly three-hundred years ASC. Today, this style, which is known for its tall, pointed horns, is is still very common in Passas and New Zimia. Controversy surrounds whether this style is truly distinct from the Non-Walled Classical Horned Style.
Alternate Horned Style[u] (Figures 1.5, 2.4, 3.2)
An architectural style which came to dominate Passasian society during the period of collapse which followed the Craitish withdrawal from Passas, the Alternate Horned Style represents an increased emphasis on simplicity, and necessity, as well as an utter rejection of the failed social institutions associated with the Republic of Passas. Often built from compacted wood and earth, rather than stone, the Alternate Horned Style is common in rural areas of Passas, though it is less common New Zimia.
Non-Horned Classical Style
Often associated with the Zidado Kingdom, which came into existence in the years prior to the Hammish annexation of Passas, the Non-Horned Classical Architectural Style is extremely common in New Zimia. Regarded as a symbol of Pallisican independence, all New Zimian government buildings are designed in this style, including Lucinspire, which sits at the heart of the nation's government. Designed to reflect a greater appreciation for the Classical Horned Style, which had fallen out of favor during the period following Craitish rule in Passas, this style incorporates traditional elements without appearing outdated.
Non-Horned Platform Style (Figures 1.6, 2.5)
First documented in texts dated to the 3890s ASC, the Non-Horned Platform Style is the predominate architectural style in Pallisican administrative centers, such as Zidado West and Lucien. This style is notable for the elaborately carved and molded pediments which are supported by columns which extend up through the center of the building. Pediments often feature depictions of scenes relating to the rise of the dynasty of Lucien I, who unified Passas during the period of Hammish rule, or other scenes relating to the wars which ravaged Passas until the rise of King Lucien I.
Non-Horned Non-Platform Style (Figures 1.7, 3.3)
In many ways a more modest version of the Non-Horned Non-Platform Style, the Non-Horned Non-Platform Style features heavily rounded walls, and a second story rather than a carved pediment supported by columns. Commonly used for lesser administrative buildings in New Zima and Passas.
Domed Classical Style (Figures 1.8, 2.6, 3.4)
A variation of the Non-Horned Non-Platform architectural style, the Domed Classical Style came to dominate some sectors of Pallisican society after the Hammish annexation of Passas. This style is very popular in areas with large ethnically Hammish populations, particularly in Passas, though it is virtually non-existent in New Zimia, where many people continue to harbor some degree of resentment regarding Hamland's claims to the Pallisican homeland.
Compressed Classical Style (Figures 1.9, 2.7, 3.5)
Another variation of the Non-Horned Non-Platform architectural style, the Compressed Classical Style first came to prominence shortly after the establishment of the Second Republic of Passas, during the reign of King Lucien III, at a time when anti-Hammish sentiment amongst Pallisicans had begun to dip in popularity. Notable examples of buildings designed in this style include Seemsy Castle, the former capital building of the Kingdom of Passas.
Modern Wallis Style (Figures 2.0, 2.8, 3.6)
The only architectural style that can accurately be described as being distinctly New Zimian, the Modern Wallis Style combines traditional elements of Haifan architecture, with elements of Passasian architecture associated with the Classical Horned Style. The most prominent examples of this architectural style include Grand Duke National Mall, in the city of Sinclair, and the campuses of the University of Port Brent.
Fashion
Fashion in Passas has changed very little since the era of King Lucien III. Morning attire for the women of Passas involves a simple, soft, muslin gown, which is worn from the early hours after sunrise, to shortly before noon. Afternoon, the simple muslin gowns are replaced by extravagant, velvet dresses, adorned with lace, ribbon, and net. These evening dresses are often short-sleeved and low cut, as opposed to the long sleeve, formal gowns worn earlier in the day. White gloves are usually worn with evening dresses, which might be accented with all manner of exaggerated effects, such as bustles, panniers, and crinolines. Particular colors are used to distinguish between the various age-groups of women. Periwinkle blue, pink, and lilac are typically indicative of young age, and are often worn by women seeking courtship and marriage, whereas older women tend to prefer much more harsh colors, such as purple, black, and crimson. The most prominent hairstyle for women consists of masses of curls worn over the forehead and ears, with the long hair in the back, drawn into loose buns (psyche knots). In terms of head wear, bonnets are very common, while more liberal women prefer mob caps.
Men's fashion is much less intricate, typically featuring some variation of the standard, which consists of dull-colored, tight breeches, heavy, high-waited wait coats over linen shirts worn with cravats, and hessian boots, as well as a top hat. Men's hairstyles tend to feature short curls, with long sideburns or muton chops. Hair wax is all the rage amongst the men of Passas.
Fashion in the Kingdom of New Zimia andother regions across the Realm of Passio-Corum, is similar to that found in Passas, though it is often more practical and less demanding. New Zimian women, for instance, wear a single outfit on any given day, rather than changing from morning to evening attire after lunch. The type of clothing which, in Passas, would be considered morning attire, is treated as night-time attire by New Zimians. In terms of daytime attire, New Zimian women wear clothes which resemble the evening dresses worn by their Keltian counterparts. These dresses are usually short sleeve and low cut,so that they reveal the neck and shoulders. Unlike Passasian women, New Zimian women do not typically wear gloves, nor do they adorn their outfits with extravagant bustles, panniers, or crinolines.
As is the case in Passas, women distinguish themselves according to age and status by wearing particular colors. Lighter shades of blue, pink, and yellow are often worn by women seeking courtship and marriage, while older, married women are known to wear darker colors such as purple, black, and crimson. That said, while color can be used to indicate a woman's availability, it can also indicate her religious affiliation. Women may adopt other unique personal touches to their wardrobes in order to further highlight their availability, or lack thereof. Rings and necklaces, for instance, are often worn by virgins, but not by married women.
Like their clothing, New Zimian women’s hairstyles are less demanding than those worn by Passasian women. Most New Zimian women allow their hair to flow freely, rather than tied up into pony tails or other similar styles, though this also varies depending on marital status and religious affiliation. Many religious women prefer to keep their hair very short, if not cropped, while more secular women tend to grow their hair long. Umarried women are more likely to tie their hair into pony tails, or to adopt other styles, while married women typically allow their hair to flow freely.
Men’s fashion in New Zimia is very much like the that found in Passas. Men typically wear dull-colored, tight breeches, heavy, high-waited coats over hemp shirts, and hessian boots. Top hats are still somewhat common, though they have largely fallen out of usage. Likewise for hair wax, which has also fallen out of usage in Passas as men have adopted a general preference for closely cropped hair. Like women’s clothing, men’s attire tends to expose the neck and shoulders, though this style has become less prominent in men's clothing since the abdication of King Lucien IV.
The standard for beauty in New Zimia maintains that less fat is more attractive than more, while too little fat is a sign of poor health. Lighter colored hair is considered more sexually attractive than darker colored hair, as are larger, lightly colored eyes considered more attractive than smaller, darker eyes. Taller individuals are considered more attractive than shorter individuals. In New Zimian culture, a large, wide face, and prominent forward facing ears are the most highly sought physical characteristics. For this reason, Duchess Ya Mi (Zidado West), has garnered a large following of eager, young Zimian males. Even well into her old age, Mi remains a significant sex symbol amongst a large portion of New Zimian youth.
