Genre Building - Tumblr Posts
General
Do average people believe old tales, or do they dismiss some that have a basis in fact (e.g., Troy)?
Do wild and rebellious young people dress any differently from anyone else? Are they allowed to?
How do most people make a living here?
Customs
Do average people believe old tales, or do they dismiss some that have a basis in fact (e.g., Troy)?
Do wild and rebellious young people dress any differently from anyone else? Are they allowed to?
How do most people make a living here?
Does the weather or climate contribute any habits or customs, such as the mid-afternoon siesta in hot countries?
What is considered a normal family unit? How extended is an extended family? How important are family connections and responsibilities?
What are the rites of passage in this culture? Are they formalized rituals, such as being dubbed a knight, or are they informal? Are they different for men and women? For nobility and peasants?
What customs surround a birth and the introduction of a new child to the family? Is the mother sequestered for some period? Is the child? Is there a formal presentation of the new child to parents, grandparents, overlord, priest? Is a feast and celebration declared, or does everyone keep a low profile to keep from attracting demons or bad luck?
Who is normally present for births? Is it strictly a matter for women, or are men involved, or is the only woman present the expectant mother?
Who raises the children? At what age do they begin to be educated or trained? By whom? Are they considered mini-adults? Do they dress differently from adults? If so, when do they change to adult dress?
What customs surround death and burial? Is there a special class of people (doctors, priests, funeral directors, untouchables) who deal with dead bodies? What things must be done and why (burn hair to free spirit, burn body to prevent necromancy, coins on eyes for ferryman, etc.)? Are the dead feared, revered, or ignored?
What personal weapons are available to anyone who can afford them? Are some considered “for nobles only” either by custom or by law? Are there laws forbidding certain classes from being armed at all?
Read More →