The League culture and customs - Revision history

Twiggy at 00:20, 13 January 2026

2026-01-13T00:20:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:20, 13 January 2026
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	Performance and display are important parts of life in the League. From the signs over every shop and the street vendors hawking their wares, the rumbustious displays of bravado by the Free companies and the dramatic duels between rival theatre troupes, to the ostentatious parties of the Merchant Princes and the displays of wealth and power, everything is on show in the League. Those who want to get ahead need to show everyone why they should be taken seriously; those who have achieved success want everyone else to know it.		Performance and display are important parts of life in the League. From the signs over every shop and the street vendors hawking their wares, the rumbustious displays of bravado by the Free companies and the dramatic duels between rival theatre troupes, to the ostentatious parties of the Merchant Princes and the displays of wealth and power, everything is on show in the League. Those who want to get ahead need to show everyone why they should be taken seriously; those who have achieved success want everyone else to know it.

	Most people in the League implicitly understand the importance of image, even while they ~~realize~~ its artificiality. Nobody really imagines that the duels between rival actors are genuine, they understand that this is performance - indeed that is the very point of the exercise. The actors compete to be more brilliant and compelling and thereby win business for their troupe. The fights between bravos might result in broken bones, but their ultimate purpose is to demonstrate the capabilities of the Free Company they work for. The masks worn by the actors in the theatre are not real, but it is attendant on everyone to treat them as real, otherwise the play cannot proceed.		Most people in the League implicitly understand the importance of image, even while they realise its artificiality. Nobody really imagines that the duels between rival actors are genuine, they understand that this is performance - indeed that is the very point of the exercise. The actors compete to be more brilliant and compelling and thereby win business for their troupe. The fights between bravos might result in broken bones, but their ultimate purpose is to demonstrate the capabilities of the Free Company they work for. The masks worn by the actors in the theatre are not real, but it is attendant on everyone to treat them as real, otherwise the play cannot proceed.

	As cicisbeo Narante Garamul said in ''Theatre and Politics'' "Remember always that the stage lies before you, and the mask you wear is the part you play in it. Rather a virtuoso villain than a mediocre hero, better a subtle servant than a heavy-handed prince. Don’t be afraid to try on masks until you find the one that suits you best, but remember to change out of sight of the audience. Loved or hated, when the curtain finally falls for you, let them feel the world is a smaller place for your passing."		As cicisbeo Narante Garamul said in ''Theatre and Politics'' "Remember always that the stage lies before you, and the mask you wear is the part you play in it. Rather a virtuoso villain than a mediocre hero, better a subtle servant than a heavy-handed prince. Don’t be afraid to try on masks until you find the one that suits you best, but remember to change out of sight of the audience. Loved or hated, when the curtain finally falls for you, let them feel the world is a smaller place for your passing."

Matt: /* Rings */

2025-12-07T02:53:17Z

Rings

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:53, 7 December 2025
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	Stealing rings is a dreadful insult – it implies an attempt to sever the target from their allegiances and loyalties. While it is common for a dying citizen of the League to pass one or more rings to friends and family as heirlooms, they are often burned along with the corpses. The wealthiest citizens of the League expect to be buried with their rings, and robbing the rings of the dead is said to bring about a dreadful curse. There are plenty of folk tales of “cursed rings” taken from the dead - either stolen from the tombs of the wealthy, taken from the fingers of a corpse before it is cremated, or stolen from a victim before their corpse is properly cold.		Stealing rings is a dreadful insult – it implies an attempt to sever the target from their allegiances and loyalties. While it is common for a dying citizen of the League to pass one or more rings to friends and family as heirlooms, they are often burned along with the corpses. The wealthiest citizens of the League expect to be buried with their rings, and robbing the rings of the dead is said to bring about a dreadful curse. There are plenty of folk tales of “cursed rings” taken from the dead - either stolen from the tombs of the wealthy, taken from the fingers of a corpse before it is cremated, or stolen from a victim before their corpse is properly cold.

	The five ring ~~piece~~ shows a hand wearing five rings, and it is widely believed to represent the hand of Stratocanthus, the first Master of the Imperial Mint. According to legend his rings represented his loyalty to his guild, the twin-city of [[Tassato]], the Nation of the League, the Empire and, depending on who one listens to, his wife or his mistress. Only one of the rings was enchanted, and there is a lot of debate among historians as to which of the rings bore the enchantment, as Stratocanthus is known to have commented in an unguarded moment that it was “the most important one.”		The five ring coin shows a hand wearing five rings, and it is widely believed to represent the hand of Stratocanthus, the first Master of the Imperial Mint. According to legend his rings represented his loyalty to his guild, the twin-city of [[Tassato]], the Nation of the League, the Empire and, depending on who one listens to, his wife or his mistress. Only one of the rings was enchanted, and there is a lot of debate among historians as to which of the rings bore the enchantment, as Stratocanthus is known to have commented in an unguarded moment that it was “the most important one.”

	==Reckoners==		==Reckoners==

Dre at 13:06, 5 July 2025

2025-07-05T13:06:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:06, 5 July 2025
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	==Hospitality==		==Hospitality==
	“''The best of everything''” might as well be the League motto. Wealth exists partly to "keep score" but its true value lies in its ability to acquire the fruits of ~~civilization~~: beautiful things, comfortable clothes, delicate ~~jewelry~~ and inspiring entertainment. While outsiders sometimes criticize the League for being a den of greed and miserliness, this is largely unsupported prejudice. Wealth, after all, achieves very little if it is simply stored in a vault.		“''The best of everything''” might as well be the League motto. Wealth exists partly to "keep score" but its true value lies in its ability to acquire the fruits of civilisation: beautiful things, comfortable clothes, delicate jewellery and inspiring entertainment. While outsiders sometimes criticize the League for being a den of greed and miserliness, this is largely unsupported prejudice. Wealth, after all, achieves very little if it is simply stored in a vault.

	The nation is a crossroads for trade in all kinds of luxury goods, and being able to set a fine table for close friends and allies is the mark of a solid citizen, regardless of social position. It is clear, however, that such a table is by invitation only; life in the League is busy, and unexpected guests are an unwanted distraction. People wait to be invited to dine; anyone arriving at a League table with an assumption of hospitality will receive short shrift. To ensure that everyone has a chance to see the depth of their hospitality, most individuals and guilds prefer to throw a lavish party, at most once a year, to which they invite everyone they know, friend and foe alike. Balls and feasts are common, with hosts competing to offer the most lavish entertainment and finest distractions. A party is a serious business in the League because it is an opportunity to demonstrate one's wealth and social cleverness.		The nation is a crossroads for trade in all kinds of luxury goods, and being able to set a fine table for close friends and allies is the mark of a solid citizen, regardless of social position. It is clear, however, that such a table is by invitation only; life in the League is busy, and unexpected guests are an unwanted distraction. People wait to be invited to dine; anyone arriving at a League table with an assumption of hospitality will receive short shrift. To ensure that everyone has a chance to see the depth of their hospitality, most individuals and guilds prefer to throw a lavish party, at most once a year, to which they invite everyone they know, friend and foe alike. Balls and feasts are common, with hosts competing to offer the most lavish entertainment and finest distractions. A party is a serious business in the League because it is an opportunity to demonstrate one's wealth and social cleverness.

Hailmur at 21:51, 20 April 2025

2025-04-20T21:51:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:51, 20 April 2025
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	Some citizens of the League keep a physical ledger in which their favours and debts are recorded, often in the form of a personal journal or small notebook that is kept on the person at all times. [[Guilds]] do much the same, recording obligations owed in ledger books. It is very useful to know who owes a favour to whom, or who considers themselves to be owed a debt, because carefully navigating the tricky waters of the League sea of favours and debts is a key element in success at politics between the cities.		Some citizens of the League keep a physical ledger in which their favours and debts are recorded, often in the form of a personal journal or small notebook that is kept on the person at all times. [[Guilds]] do much the same, recording obligations owed in ledger books. It is very useful to know who owes a favour to whom, or who considers themselves to be owed a debt, because carefully navigating the tricky waters of the League sea of favours and debts is a key element in success at politics between the cities.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=LeagueDance.jpg\|align=right\|width=~~500~~\|title=Parties are serious business in the League - they are an opportunity to demonstrate wealth and cleverness.\|caption=Host and guest work together to make a gathering a success.}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=LeagueDance.jpg\|align=right\|width=400\|title=Parties are serious business in the League - they are an opportunity to demonstrate wealth and cleverness.\|caption=Host and guest work together to make a gathering a success.}}

	==Hospitality==		==Hospitality==
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	Citizens of the League are meticulous in recording favours done and favours owed, but when they give a gift to someone it is free of any obligation, even the expectation that the gesture will be returned. Gifts are given by the rich and powerful as a way of demonstrating their social standing but the cleverness and appropriateness of the gift is much more vital. Gifts that display insight into a person's character, or allude to their situation are more impressive than mere wealth. Gifts to political opponents are common; they carry a mark of respect and appreciation. It is the mark of a true Merchant Prince that they are as gracious in defeat as in success.		Citizens of the League are meticulous in recording favours done and favours owed, but when they give a gift to someone it is free of any obligation, even the expectation that the gesture will be returned. Gifts are given by the rich and powerful as a way of demonstrating their social standing but the cleverness and appropriateness of the gift is much more vital. Gifts that display insight into a person's character, or allude to their situation are more impressive than mere wealth. Gifts to political opponents are common; they carry a mark of respect and appreciation. It is the mark of a true Merchant Prince that they are as gracious in defeat as in success.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=TheDuel.jpg\|align=left\|width=500\|title=Duels are public affairs; it is as important to be seen to have won as it is to actually win.\|caption=Even a duel between friends is deadly serious in the League.}}
	One gift that is almost never offered casually, especially to a citizen of the League, is that of a [[#Rings\|ring]]. Rings have powerful connotations to League citizens, and offering a ring is tantamount to asking the recipient to swear loyalty to the giver.		One gift that is almost never offered casually, especially to a citizen of the League, is that of a [[#Rings\|ring]]. Rings have powerful connotations to League citizens, and offering a ring is tantamount to asking the recipient to swear loyalty to the giver.

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	The Apulians have a traditional approach used for opening negotiations on important agreements. Firstly, both parties privately commit their opening position to paper and exchange them. If either party is happy with the other’s opening offer, it is accepted and negotiations conclude - if neither party is prepared to accept an opening offer then they meet again to open formal negotiations. This approach provides two notable advantages. First, it avoids either party having to name a price first, something the Apulians believe is always a disadvantage. More importantly, the approach makes clear that both parties expect to negotiate from an opening position, that each party has made an opening offer from which they will then haggle. It is considered irritatingly pointless to open with an offer that is so ridiculously stupid that it must be ignored, or to name an opening position and then refuse to move from it. Both represent a clear failure to understand how mediation is supposed to work - the latter in particular suggests that the other party is simply not intelligent enough to be reasoned with.		The Apulians have a traditional approach used for opening negotiations on important agreements. Firstly, both parties privately commit their opening position to paper and exchange them. If either party is happy with the other’s opening offer, it is accepted and negotiations conclude - if neither party is prepared to accept an opening offer then they meet again to open formal negotiations. This approach provides two notable advantages. First, it avoids either party having to name a price first, something the Apulians believe is always a disadvantage. More importantly, the approach makes clear that both parties expect to negotiate from an opening position, that each party has made an opening offer from which they will then haggle. It is considered irritatingly pointless to open with an offer that is so ridiculously stupid that it must be ignored, or to name an opening position and then refuse to move from it. Both represent a clear failure to understand how mediation is supposed to work - the latter in particular suggests that the other party is simply not intelligent enough to be reasoned with.
			{{CaptionedImage\|file=TheDuel.jpg\|align=right\|width=400\|title=Duels are public affairs; it is as important to be seen to have won as it is to actually win.\|caption=Even a duel between friends is deadly serious in the League.}}
	When conducting important negotiations, the Apulians like to demonstrate good intent by exchanging gifts beforehand. In a deal on the sale of a few dozen ingots of orichalcum this could be something as simple as a small beverage, a slice of cake, a minor trinket or something similar. As the scale of the deal increases so too does the gift; discussion of a treaty regarding territories or wains of Bourse resources would see the gifts offered to be more elaborate; items of personal or historical significance, pieces of armour, fine clothes etc. The point is that the exchange should be roughly equal, but that it should be separate from the negotiation. It is designed to put both parties in a good mood before the haggling starts in earnest.		When conducting important negotiations, the Apulians like to demonstrate good intent by exchanging gifts beforehand. In a deal on the sale of a few dozen ingots of orichalcum this could be something as simple as a small beverage, a slice of cake, a minor trinket or something similar. As the scale of the deal increases so too does the gift; discussion of a treaty regarding territories or wains of Bourse resources would see the gifts offered to be more elaborate; items of personal or historical significance, pieces of armour, fine clothes etc. The point is that the exchange should be roughly equal, but that it should be separate from the negotiation. It is designed to put both parties in a good mood before the haggling starts in earnest.

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	==Performance==		==Performance==
			{{CaptionedImage\|file=Twilight Mask.jpg\|align=right\|width=400\|caption=Image may be artificial, but it is a powerful tool.}}
	Performance and display are important parts of life in the League. From the signs over every shop and the street vendors hawking their wares, the rumbustious displays of bravado by the Free companies and the dramatic duels between rival theatre troupes, to the ostentatious parties of the Merchant Princes and the displays of wealth and power, everything is on show in the League. Those who want to get ahead need to show everyone why they should be taken seriously; those who have achieved success want everyone else to know it.		Performance and display are important parts of life in the League. From the signs over every shop and the street vendors hawking their wares, the rumbustious displays of bravado by the Free companies and the dramatic duels between rival theatre troupes, to the ostentatious parties of the Merchant Princes and the displays of wealth and power, everything is on show in the League. Those who want to get ahead need to show everyone why they should be taken seriously; those who have achieved success want everyone else to know it.
	~~{{CaptionedImage\|file=Twilight Mask.jpg\|align=right\|width=500\|caption=Image may be artificial, but it is a powerful tool.}}~~
	Most people in the League implicitly understand the importance of image, even while they realize its artificiality. Nobody really imagines that the duels between rival actors are genuine, they understand that this is performance - indeed that is the very point of the exercise. The actors compete to be more brilliant and compelling and thereby win business for their troupe. The fights between bravos might result in broken bones, but their ultimate purpose is to demonstrate the capabilities of the Free Company they work for. The masks worn by the actors in the theatre are not real, but it is attendant on everyone to treat them as real, otherwise the play cannot proceed.		Most people in the League implicitly understand the importance of image, even while they realize its artificiality. Nobody really imagines that the duels between rival actors are genuine, they understand that this is performance - indeed that is the very point of the exercise. The actors compete to be more brilliant and compelling and thereby win business for their troupe. The fights between bravos might result in broken bones, but their ultimate purpose is to demonstrate the capabilities of the Free Company they work for. The masks worn by the actors in the theatre are not real, but it is attendant on everyone to treat them as real, otherwise the play cannot proceed.

Line 38:		Line 39:

	==Relationships==		==Relationships==
			{{CaptionedImage\|file=Political Romance.png\|caption=Romance has little to do with the serious political business of marriage.\|width=400\|align=right}}
	Marriage in The League is not only a matter of love or romance. By choosing to wed, two individuals are swearing an oath expressing a profound loyalty towards one another on par with the loyalty others feel for their guild, city or nation. A wedding may be a joyous occasion, but it is also a serious business. Many League citizens who choose to get married do so later in life, in early middle age, rather than in the first flush of youth. Weddings between the young, especially by those in love, are seen as ill-advised.		Marriage in The League is not only a matter of love or romance. By choosing to wed, two individuals are swearing an oath expressing a profound loyalty towards one another on par with the loyalty others feel for their guild, city or nation. A wedding may be a joyous occasion, but it is also a serious business. Many League citizens who choose to get married do so later in life, in early middle age, rather than in the first flush of youth. Weddings between the young, especially by those in love, are seen as ill-advised.
	~~{{CaptionedImage\|file=Political Romance.png\|caption=Romance has little to do with the serious political business of marriage.\|width=400\|align=left}}~~
	It is entirely acceptable for lovers to live together, or raise children, without ever being wedded. These relationships may be as casual or committed as those involved are comfortable with. However, if someone is married there is an assumption of absolute fidelity - extramarital affairs are a serious business; they destroy the reputations of both the adulterer and their paramour. In a nation where trust is important, an affair is the ultimate expression of unreliability and treachery. The only exception is the cicisbeo (pronounced kick-a-BEY-o in Empire), a professional paramour sometimes hired by prosperous and well to do married citizens.		It is entirely acceptable for lovers to live together, or raise children, without ever being wedded. These relationships may be as casual or committed as those involved are comfortable with. However, if someone is married there is an assumption of absolute fidelity - extramarital affairs are a serious business; they destroy the reputations of both the adulterer and their paramour. In a nation where trust is important, an affair is the ultimate expression of unreliability and treachery. The only exception is the cicisbeo (pronounced kick-a-BEY-o in Empire), a professional paramour sometimes hired by prosperous and well to do married citizens.

Matt: /* Rings */

2025-03-22T00:20:53Z

Rings

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:20, 22 March 2025
Line 53:		Line 53:
	==Rings==		==Rings==
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Regina.jpg\|align=right\|title=Sharing the true story of a ring is a sign of trust and confidence.\|caption=Each ring bears a story.\|width=350}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Regina.jpg\|align=right\|title=Sharing the true story of a ring is a sign of trust and confidence.\|caption=Each ring bears a story.\|width=350}}
	In the League~~, people~~ wear rings to demonstrate their allegiances, wearing one ring for each major loyalty they owe. The giving of rings is an invitation to commit oneself to the giver's allegiance, and the casting away of rings is a clear sign that an association is over. It is rare for members of a guild to wear matched rings, though that in itself would tell you something about them. Each ring worn by a citizen of the League has a story associated with it, and the rings often bear symbols or are made of materials that have a deep significance for the wearer or the target of the allegiance.		Rings are [[The_League_hearth_magic#Rings\|a powerful hearth magic]], but they also have deep cultural meaning in the League. People wear rings to demonstrate their allegiances, wearing one ring for each major loyalty they owe, be that political, economic, filial, military, or even romantic. The giving of rings is an invitation to commit oneself to the giver's allegiance, and the casting away of rings is a clear sign that an association is over. It is rare for members of a guild to wear matched rings, though that in itself would tell you something about them. Each ring worn by a citizen of the League has a story associated with it, and the rings often bear symbols or are made of materials that have a deep significance for the wearer or the target of the allegiance.

	Sharing the true story of a ring with someone – explaining the correspondences and symbols – is a sign of trust and confidence. More than a few openly wear rings that represent hidden allegiances. If you think you know who a citizen of the League is loyal to, but they are wearing more rings than you can trace loyalties, it may be that they have a hidden loyalty, or that they felt a loyalty to someone or something in the past (an ex-lover, for example, or the memory of a dead friend).		Sharing the true story of a ring with someone – explaining the correspondences and symbols – is a sign of trust and confidence. More than a few openly wear rings that represent hidden allegiances. If you think you know who a citizen of the League is loyal to, but they are wearing more rings than you can trace loyalties, it may be that they have a hidden loyalty, or that they felt a loyalty to someone or something in the past (an ex-lover, for example, or the memory of a dead friend).

Matt at 18:02, 21 March 2025

2025-03-21T18:02:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:02, 21 March 2025
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	Citizens of the League are meticulous in recording favours done and favours owed, but when they give a gift to someone it is free of any obligation, even the expectation that the gesture will be returned. Gifts are given by the rich and powerful as a way of demonstrating their social standing but the cleverness and appropriateness of the gift is much more vital. Gifts that display insight into a person's character, or allude to their situation are more impressive than mere wealth. Gifts to political opponents are common; they carry a mark of respect and appreciation. It is the mark of a true Merchant Prince that they are as gracious in defeat as in success.		Citizens of the League are meticulous in recording favours done and favours owed, but when they give a gift to someone it is free of any obligation, even the expectation that the gesture will be returned. Gifts are given by the rich and powerful as a way of demonstrating their social standing but the cleverness and appropriateness of the gift is much more vital. Gifts that display insight into a person's character, or allude to their situation are more impressive than mere wealth. Gifts to political opponents are common; they carry a mark of respect and appreciation. It is the mark of a true Merchant Prince that they are as gracious in defeat as in success.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=TheDuel.jpg\|align=left\|width=500\|title=Duels are public affairs; it is as important to be seen to have won as it is to actually win.\|caption=Even a duel between friends is deadly serious in the League.}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=TheDuel.jpg\|align=left\|width=500\|title=Duels are public affairs; it is as important to be seen to have won as it is to actually win.\|caption=Even a duel between friends is deadly serious in the League.}}
	One gift that is almost never offered casually, especially to a citizen of the League, is that of a [[Rings ~~in the League~~\|ring]]. Rings have powerful connotations to League citizens, and offering a ring is tantamount to asking the recipient to swear loyalty to the giver.		One gift that is almost never offered casually, especially to a citizen of the League, is that of a [[#Rings\|ring]]. Rings have powerful connotations to League citizens, and offering a ring is tantamount to asking the recipient to swear loyalty to the giver.

	==Bargaining==		==Bargaining==

Matt: /* Relationships */

2025-03-21T17:21:22Z

Relationships

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:21, 21 March 2025
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	It is entirely acceptable for lovers to live together, or raise children, without ever being wedded. These relationships may be as casual or committed as those involved are comfortable with. However, if someone is married there is an assumption of absolute fidelity - extramarital affairs are a serious business; they destroy the reputations of both the adulterer and their paramour. In a nation where trust is important, an affair is the ultimate expression of unreliability and treachery. The only exception is the cicisbeo (pronounced kick-a-BEY-o in Empire), a professional paramour sometimes hired by prosperous and well to do married citizens.		It is entirely acceptable for lovers to live together, or raise children, without ever being wedded. These relationships may be as casual or committed as those involved are comfortable with. However, if someone is married there is an assumption of absolute fidelity - extramarital affairs are a serious business; they destroy the reputations of both the adulterer and their paramour. In a nation where trust is important, an affair is the ultimate expression of unreliability and treachery. The only exception is the cicisbeo (pronounced kick-a-BEY-o in Empire), a professional paramour sometimes hired by prosperous and well to do married citizens.

	Committed lovers often wear [[~~Rings in the League~~\|rings]] to represent their connection to one another, and a wedding almost invariably involves the exchange of these rings. Powerful symbols of loyalty in The League rings can have a ~~[[Rings in the League#Rings\|~~ magical significance]] when exchanged in this manner.		Committed lovers often wear [[#rings\|rings]] to represent their connection to one another, and a wedding almost invariably involves the exchange of these rings. Powerful symbols of loyalty in The League rings can have a magical significance when exchanged in this manner.

	==Libation==		==Libation==

Matt: /* Rings */

2025-03-21T17:20:56Z

Rings

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:20, 21 March 2025
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	==Rings==		==Rings==
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Regina.jpg\|align=~~left~~\|title=Sharing the true story of a ring is a sign of trust and confidence.\|caption=Each ring bears a story.\|width=350}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Regina.jpg\|align=right\|title=Sharing the true story of a ring is a sign of trust and confidence.\|caption=Each ring bears a story.\|width=350}}
	In the League, people wear rings to demonstrate their allegiances, wearing one ring for each major loyalty they owe. The giving of rings is an invitation to commit oneself to the giver's allegiance, and the casting away of rings is a clear sign that an association is over. It is rare for members of a guild to wear matched rings, though that in itself would tell you something about them. Each ring worn by a citizen of the League has a story associated with it, and the rings often bear symbols or are made of materials that have a deep significance for the wearer or the target of the allegiance.		In the League, people wear rings to demonstrate their allegiances, wearing one ring for each major loyalty they owe. The giving of rings is an invitation to commit oneself to the giver's allegiance, and the casting away of rings is a clear sign that an association is over. It is rare for members of a guild to wear matched rings, though that in itself would tell you something about them. Each ring worn by a citizen of the League has a story associated with it, and the rings often bear symbols or are made of materials that have a deep significance for the wearer or the target of the allegiance.

Matt at 17:20, 21 March 2025

2025-03-21T17:20:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:20, 21 March 2025
Line 50:		Line 50:

	The practice is considered a little scandalous among the more sophisticated and well-to-do members of the League, which has only helped to encourage its adoption as a subtle way to thumb ones nose at authority by some bravos and mountebanks.		The practice is considered a little scandalous among the more sophisticated and well-to-do members of the League, which has only helped to encourage its adoption as a subtle way to thumb ones nose at authority by some bravos and mountebanks.

			==Rings==
			{{CaptionedImage\|file=Regina.jpg\|align=left\|title=Sharing the true story of a ring is a sign of trust and confidence.\|caption=Each ring bears a story.\|width=350}}
			In the League, people wear rings to demonstrate their allegiances, wearing one ring for each major loyalty they owe. The giving of rings is an invitation to commit oneself to the giver's allegiance, and the casting away of rings is a clear sign that an association is over. It is rare for members of a guild to wear matched rings, though that in itself would tell you something about them. Each ring worn by a citizen of the League has a story associated with it, and the rings often bear symbols or are made of materials that have a deep significance for the wearer or the target of the allegiance.

			Sharing the true story of a ring with someone – explaining the correspondences and symbols – is a sign of trust and confidence. More than a few openly wear rings that represent hidden allegiances. If you think you know who a citizen of the League is loyal to, but they are wearing more rings than you can trace loyalties, it may be that they have a hidden loyalty, or that they felt a loyalty to someone or something in the past (an ex-lover, for example, or the memory of a dead friend).

			Stealing rings is a dreadful insult – it implies an attempt to sever the target from their allegiances and loyalties. While it is common for a dying citizen of the League to pass one or more rings to friends and family as heirlooms, they are often burned along with the corpses. The wealthiest citizens of the League expect to be buried with their rings, and robbing the rings of the dead is said to bring about a dreadful curse. There are plenty of folk tales of “cursed rings” taken from the dead - either stolen from the tombs of the wealthy, taken from the fingers of a corpse before it is cremated, or stolen from a victim before their corpse is properly cold.

			The five ring piece shows a hand wearing five rings, and it is widely believed to represent the hand of Stratocanthus, the first Master of the Imperial Mint. According to legend his rings represented his loyalty to his guild, the twin-city of [[Tassato]], the Nation of the League, the Empire and, depending on who one listens to, his wife or his mistress. Only one of the rings was enchanted, and there is a lot of debate among historians as to which of the rings bore the enchantment, as Stratocanthus is known to have commented in an unguarded moment that it was “the most important one.”

	==Reckoners==		==Reckoners==

Matt at 13:38, 19 April 2024

2024-04-19T13:38:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:38, 19 April 2024
Line 50:		Line 50:

	The practice is considered a little scandalous among the more sophisticated and well-to-do members of the League, which has only helped to encourage its adoption as a subtle way to thumb ones nose at authority by some bravos and mountebanks.		The practice is considered a little scandalous among the more sophisticated and well-to-do members of the League, which has only helped to encourage its adoption as a subtle way to thumb ones nose at authority by some bravos and mountebanks.

			==Reckoners==
			The Reckoners of the great rivers are dominated by several families with strong [[merrow]] and [[naga]] lineage. They have done much to establish the position of their lineage in League society. Initially powerful in Tassato, the merrow boatmen of that city began by ferrying citizens across the wide river that separated the twin halves of that city. Over the years, they parlayed their knowledge of the secret assignations of citizens into political and then economic power. Although the boatmen were careful never to pry into the affairs of others, they became experts at deducing some of the nature of other people's business simply by knowing where they were going and who they were talking to.

			When [[Aldones di Sarvos]] brought the cities of the League together the boatmen found themselves in competition with a guild of nagas in Sarvos. This secretive guild made a living collecting and compiling lists of favours and debts owed by other guilds - and for a small price revealing the nature of those relationships. The two groups soon saw the benefit of cooperation and began to work together as the Guild of Reckoners.

			Although there are now several different Guilds of Reckoners, they continue to display a great interest in secret affairs and espionage, supplementing their normal mercantile activities extensively with spying and information brokering. This suits both the merrow interest in truth and the naga interest in secrets, and serves as a lucrative sideline. As a consequence, many League citizens expect that any merrow or naga they meet will have the latest and most salacious gossip.

	==Funerals==		==Funerals==