The Soul Plains - Culture

Some believe in bushido. Others believe in wanton manslaughter. Soulborn are vastly varying in what they seek. If oneself lacks a family or affiliation, it is oneself who decides their 'code', be it one of honor or one of violence.

Despite not all having the same code, Soulborn all respect one another with a few pieces of 'common ground'. Some directly ignore this, though they are usually 'the strong'.

• Do not show one's true capabilities, unless among declared allies or declared enemies. This is a principle followed with a character's higher-end style (if they possess one, such as a Devic or Asuric), and generally their Release. Soulborn who ignore this are frowned upon and tend to be named outcasts who cannot trust even themselves.
  
• Appreciate souls. They are the only constant in your life that is tranquil and bring you clothing to place upon your back.
  
• Regard the strong. Do not respect them, do not praise loyalty to them; acknowledge them as those who can fell you at the slightest provocation.
  

Varies between cultures. There is one constant, though:
-- The strong decide everything. When you can make your own decisions, you are strong. Regard the strong, and do not fret with their turf or their people until you know you can challenge them.

There are a few others, namely in the form of 'rumors' or light perceptions.

• Recluses are very odd. As a result, Nihon-jin in general are viewed as 'strange people'.
  
• Studying is pointless if it is not a physical endeavor or art at play to hone one's abilities.
  
• Procreation is afforded only to the strong or those who have something to pass on (such as familial abilities).
  
• The number six is unlucky. It is because many Soulborn die before they reach this age -- which is the point where mental maturity begins to weigh into their consciences.
  
• Technology is for softies and the rich. Kido is as well.
  
• Soulborn with no affiliation are typically referred to as Rounin.
  
• Soulborn serving an affiliation (family or faction) are usually referred to as Samurai of the -enter affiliation here-.
  
• Those known to be in the stealth or assassination field (though.. you shouldn't try to be known as someone within this field) is referred to as a ninja, or shinobi/kunoichi.
  

Those of the north (Hanguk-in) believe themselves to be the future. They originated Kido and began the importing of technological advances from the living realm. They are the founders of Eun-Cheonan and are among the richest within the Soul Plains. These are intellectual types and tend to hold any knowledge they have above the heads of others.
Those of the east (Zhongguoren / Huaren) perceive themselves to be the center and the most important. They pride themselves on being flashy, resplendent and glamorous, and hate to be compared to (or reminded of) the Hanguk-in.
Those of the south (Nihon-jin) boast that they have the most potential and that by depriving themselves of as much stimuli as possible they can rise to the top among souls & Soulborn alike. They usually have reclusive tendencies, and were the first to popularize asceticism to an extent that even the more prideful began to notice and take.

There also tend to be some mixed ethnicities. It is uncommon but not impossible to see those with 'sun-kissed' or darker skin tones, though overall anyone within the Soul Plains tends to be of oriental descent.

Late January ~ Early February: Chinese Lunar New Year. Huaren holiday. It is represented by red & is heralded by fireworks as well as celebration of the new year. Has a festival in Guāngliàng every few years.
April 3rd: Mild Bloom. Minor holiday celebrating the bloom of cherry blossoms. Celebrated in most southern towns due to the localization of Nihon-jin there.
First 2 Weeks of July: Household Finding Day. Held every few years. Only celebrated by the eastern cities. Masters come from the cities to visit the average areas of the Soul Plains.
December 1st: Brawling Festival. Medium to higher-end Soulborn congregate to a predetermined location - randomized every year, to bout in 'good fun'. It is code for none of them to maim or kill one another in this festival, and is meant to be a good showing/demonstration of abilities.

Split between three cultures, souls are highly varying in how they dress. Here, it is the patterns, complexity, and fabrics utilized by these folk that matter. Even if someone bears little layers or fabric covering themselves -- if it is lush & expensive, it will usually take the notice of most people. Despite this, accessories & 'extra garments' like scarves tend to be considered unnecessary unless they are proof of a milestone (such as prayer beads, Jade Cove or earrings).