Vouard
The name of our haven is sh'Vouard. Its elements are hills, lakes, smooth, and geoglyph.
Setting
A city of predominately white stone with features that flow naturally around the contours of the hills and lakes. Viewed from above it presents a series of geoglyphic symbols of holy import. Beyond the city lies one big mountain. On the other side is another community that lives different emotional lives as influenced by inter-planar travel.
Flaw
Stoicism: The school taught that virtue, the highest good, is based on knowledge; the wise live in harmony with the divine Reason that governs nature, and are indifferent to the vicissitudes of fortune and to pleasure and pain.
Traditions
Justice
Anyone can take anyone to court with ten of your peers as a impromptu jury. Argument logic takes precedence over moral rightness. A prerequisite to a court case is proving material harm to that jury. It is shameful to bring a suit because of your emotions. Children are taught to make court cases at a young age and enact justice with their peers.
Symbols
Moot The gathering of an impromptu court. (Looks like a horseshoe or septum ring with 2 points of emphasis)
White cord used to encircle/demark the impromptu court.
Grief
Those who experience loss are expected to deal with their grief in small specially designed rooms. Many people will overcome their emotions alone, though it is not uncommon for one or two others to help the feelings pass.
Symbols
A pendent of a folded heart to be worn around the neck in times of sadness.
Forebodets is the word for emotions directed at the future, whereas emotions of the present are called Afootets. Forebodets are viewed much less sympathetically and are expected to be reasoned away quickly. An example would be grief felt over a miscarriage, for it is assumed that one is grieving a future that won't occur.
Education
No matter the education goals of a child, mastering Ethics, Debate, & Logic are of highest priority. One simply cannot be seen as educated or even wholly sane without a firm grounding in them. All science is viewed through the lens of Stoic theology.
Symbols
Sejulo A title for someone who has achieved sagehood, defined as someone who is free from passions and only experiences clear-headed good feelings. These feelings aren't excessive or diminished; they are the correct rational emotions: joy (enjoyment, cheerfulness), wish (good intent, goodwill, welcoming, cherishing, love), and caution (moral shame, reverence).
Moonstruck A term to describe someone who did not successfully sue for graduation from the basic educational institution. This term is also used for burnouts, homeless people, insane people, and people seen as any of these.
Family
Discipline of children is meted out by extended family and expressly not by parents so as to prevent emotions from corrupting the parent/child relationship. To attain adulthood, children sue their family for emancipation. After which, they have full autonomy in society.
Symbols
Disciplinary hillock outside of the living grounds where children are disciplined away from parents.
White robe of emancipation to be worn for a day after winning participation in society.
Entertainment
Logical debate is a sport to enjoy. You can spectate leaders in government or join a neighborhood council to partake in the small matters of the society. Or a mock trial of a previous famous case.
For truly frivolous pursuits, people turn to shows of exceptional self-mastery such as fire-walking, geek shows, feats of strength, tumbling acrobatics. Or improvised games of whit such as flyting. 1on1 Strategy Games, especially abstract strategy.
Joywreck: Getting caught up in forebodets about a game/challenge such that it spoils your performance.
Strategy games are often played blind or visualized, meaning two players must constantly update board placements and/or pulled cards in their minds while a third player moves hidden games compontents based on directions by the other players. This style of gameplay is called "murk play."
Relationships
Partners are formed by individuals looking for another person who might complement their strengths or vice versa. No consideration for attraction or other emotions should be considered. More than two-person parental units are common should each individual contribute an important part of a whole.
The breakpoint where the family symbol is split into a number of peices to be caried by each family member.
Twomoons - Every village has a Twomoons home where unhomed, unemancipated, children live awaiting permanent placement in a new home or emancipation. The village is required to place them within two moons from whence the name is derived.
Religion
Stargazing plays an important role in religion. A pious person should wake up shortly before the sunrise in order to see the stars fade. This is done to be reminded of those who came before and have passed on, their soul-fires returning to the distant suns. It also humbles the stargazer, as they are reminded that no matter what actions they take, they will die and fade as do the suns.
The strokes of the syllabic alphabet were designed to mimic specific constellations; these well-known constellations are associated with morals, elements, natural places, and characters in the traditional fables.
Dark rooms so priest of the faith can sleep all day and observe the stars all night.
Aesthetics
Artistic expression/appreciation is transcendental -- truth is inherent in nature therefore no expression can be said to be "wrong" As a result art tends towards the abstract, provocative, and emotional, counter to prevailing cultural norms. Art is often seen as dangerous, counterintuitive, and revolutionary.
"Art" is depicted as a double edged athame -- truth cuts both ways.
On the white steps of the grand courthouse rests the veiled statue, An Illustrious Accident by legendary artist Leona Starr. It's sublime depiction of nature is thought to be too much for those without a strong foundation in logic. The annual revelation coincides with a festival day where passions may flow freely and any space may be a grief room.
