Hey all,
Some time ago, we introduced and tested the culture mechanics with our internal testers, so it's time to tell you about it.
We refer to them as 'cultures' rather than 'ethnicities' or 'races' because, like in real life, it's a social construct rather than a genetic one that defines values, language, and biases, and it can change through assimilation (for example, among children during education).
At the start of the game, there will be four cultures: Tanaya, Kaiden, Varns, and Makha.
Knowledge
Cultures have their own language and knowledge. This means that, in addition to the 50 books written in the universal Imperial language, we have added around 50 books written in the languages of these cultures. These knowledge sources provide various bonuses, improve weapon proficiency, develop skills, and more, but only carriers of these cultures can read them. Some of these knowledge sources are also textbooks for other languages, allowing access to the knowledge of other cultures. Additionally, there is an option to translate books into different languages.
Values
Different cultures have different notions of what makes a successful settlement. For some, it's population size, while for others, it's dynasty prestige or army size. The more representatives of a particular culture, the stronger the pressure it exerts on the player's policies. As for the kings, they have roles distributed among cultures that determine their reactions to various events and neighbors. For example, Makha culture respects kings with more knowledge, while Kaiden culture looks down on neighbors weaker than them.
Traditional Skills
Like social classes, cultures have their traditional skills, allowing their carriers to work more efficiently in different industries. Warlike Kaiden are more efficient in blacksmiths crafting armor and weapons, while skilled Makha specialize in alchemy and brewing. The more representatives of different cultures in the city, the more efficient the economy, as characters from different cultures can work in various parts of it. However, the downside is the rise in xenophobia.
Xenophobia and Riots
Some cultures are intolerant of others (and respect their own). This is reflected not only in the personal relationships of lords and kings but also in alarm when there are too many representatives of the disliked culture in the city. If characters of a certain culture feel unhappy, they may start a riot by attacking representatives of the disliked culture. Unfortunately, horizontal aggression towards another culture based on prejudice instead of holding the elites responsible for prosperity (in our case, lords) is a realistic element we've included.
Migration and Repression
Most migrants share the same culture as the one chosen for the city at the start since they migrate from nearby villages. However, the culture of some migrants is determined by the culture of neighboring cities. When a neighboring city goes to war, migration from there intensifies, which can lead to increased tension. To control the cultural composition, players can engage in the repression of a particular culture, causing its representatives to be intimidated and stop coming to the city for some time.
Now, let's talk about the cultures themselves.
Kaiden
Former barbarians on the border of the Crimson Empire, which used them to guard its borders, the Kaiden value honor and martial valor above all. Their songs extol bravery and heroism, while their material culture is notably austere and ascetic.
Values: Strength. Kaiden are happy if the army of the province where they live is stronger than that of their surrounding neighbors, and they are dissatisfied if it is weaker than all others.
Xenophobia: Varns. For many centuries, the Varns troubled the empire with their raids, while the Kaiden defended it. Echoes of this ancient conflict are preserved in songs and proverbs. Kaiden do not trust the Varns and consider them wild people without honor.
Traditional Skills: Weapons and Armor. Kaiden peasants play with weapons from childhood, which makes them more efficient workers in these productions.
Knowledge: Military. Books in the Kaiden' language are naturally dedicated to weapons, military art, and loyalty
Tanaya
Once a great culture, the founders of the Crimson Empire, the Tanaya culture eventually became too steeped in religious dogma, which was one of the reasons for their downfall. Nevertheless, they still retain many aspects of imperial culture, from efficient bureaucracy to special ties with the Church of Saint Sophia, which supports them in conflicts with their neighbors.
Values: Faith. The Tanaya do not conceive of themselves outside the church, so they especially value it when their province has good relations with the Matriarch and are concerned when these relations are poor.
Xenophobia: Makha. The greedy babblers of the Makha have strayed from the Holy Mother and, in their pride, spawned heresy that consumed everything the Tanaya had built over the centuries.
Traditional Skills: Bureaucracy Paper production and office management are based on the traditional high literacy among the Tanaya peasants.
Knowledge: Bureaucracy, demagogy, and religion. Books in the Tanaya language provoke the use of intrigue and religion instead of brute force.
Makha
The oldest civilized people of Norland, who created the first cities, philosophy, and trade, the Makha have long been overshadowed by more enterprising Tanaya, and for many hundreds of years have been in demographic decline. Philosophers and heretics, the Makha are practical and prefer money and earthly comfort above all other values. The Church of Saint Sophia traditionally views the Makha with suspicion, believing that the seed of heresy still lives within this culture, and does not support the Makha in conflicts with their neighbors.
Values: Prestige Prestige is the result of a developed mind. Therefore, the Makha are happy to live in the most prestigious province and are dissatisfied if they have to live in the most backward one.
Xenophobia: Tanaya Hypocrites and schemers, only waiting for the moment to strike in the back, the Tanaya are responsible for the fire of civilization, once ignited by the Makha, almost dying out.
Traditional Skills: Workshops and Alchemy For many centuries, the Makha have honestly created the best tools and the best potions in Norland, and their family secrets make them excellent workers in the Workshop, Brewery, and Alchemy.
Knowledge: Textbooks and Potions Development of intellect, trade, as well as special treatment of Nectar and their famous ale.
Varns
The native inhabitants of the central plains of Norland, the Varns were pushed eastward by the expanding empire. Their seclusion and strict social antagonism of "us versus them" allowed them not to dissolve into the empire like other native peoples. Possessing ancient knowledge of Norland's nature, animals, and plants, the Varns seek their own unique path in harmony with the living world.
Values: Fertility Close to nature and having experienced the danger of extinction during long wars and migrations, the Varns are primarily happy if the population of their province is higher than that of their neighbors and are dissatisfied if it is low.
Xenophobia: Kaidenp Once brethren to the Varns, the Kaiden sold their old gods for imperial gold and trinkets and drove the Varns from the land of their ancestors.
Traditional Skills: Gifts of the Earth The Varns know how to deal with nature to make its fruits yield plenty of delicious food. Growing cereals, gathering from the forest, and swine farming are familiar to them from childhood.
Knowledge: Agriculture Proper food preparation, farming, hunting, and longevity.