Amunati - Revision history

Aleph: /* Religion */

2023-12-25T21:23:19Z

Religion

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:23, 25 December 2023
Line 31:		Line 31:
	==Religion==		==Religion==

	The Amunati as a whole are a deeply spiritual people to whom faith is an important part of their daily lives. Regardless of which religion they follow, Amunati are likely to embrace it wholeheartedly. They tend to place a high emphasis on ceremony and ritual, but believe in creating opportunities to celebrate their faith in joy as well as reverence. This can sometimes set them at odds with more conservative interpretations of their religion, but few doubt the Amunati's sincerity.		The Amunati as a whole are a deeply spiritual people for whom faith is an important part of their daily lives. Regardless of which religion they follow, Amunati are likely to embrace it wholeheartedly. They tend to place a high emphasis on ceremony and ritual, but believe in creating opportunities to celebrate their faith in joy as well as reverence. This can sometimes set them at odds with more conservative interpretations of their religion, but few doubt the Amunati's sincerity.

	As part of the Sirdabi Caliphate, Amunat's official religion is Azadi, and the majority of Amunati within their home province and without now embrace that faith. Amunati are fond of going on pilgrimage, especially to neighboring Raziya and the city of Omrazir, where many have stayed to live and work in the Temple District. They have great reverence for the Prophet's first wife Adwa, and some even honor her as the companion prophet to al-Azad. While this is irregular and not entirely approved by orthodoxy, it is not considered incorrect either, as tradition does hold that Adwa received some small revelations from the One God as well. Due to time-honored cultural practices, women of Amunati communities tend to play a more public role in religion than is typical among most other Azadi. Both women and men worship freely together in the same spaces, and some communities even boast female imams, which tend to be rare among other heritages.		As part of the Sirdabi Caliphate, Amunat's official religion is Azadi, and the majority of Amunati within their home province and without now embrace that faith. Amunati are fond of going on pilgrimage, especially to neighboring Raziya and the city of Omrazir, where many have stayed to live and work in the Temple District. They have great reverence for the Prophet's first wife Adwa, and some even honor her as the companion prophet to al-Azad. While this is irregular and not entirely approved by orthodoxy, it is not considered incorrect either, as tradition does hold that Adwa received some small revelations from the One God as well. Due to time-honored cultural practices, women of Amunati communities tend to play a more public role in religion than is typical among most other Azadi. Both women and men worship freely together in the same spaces, and some communities even boast female imams, which tend to be rare among other heritages.

Aleph: /* History */

2023-12-10T04:45:14Z

History

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:45, 10 December 2023
Line 41:		Line 41:
	==History==		==History==

	Like the [[Irzali]] in the eastern caliphate, the Amunati once boasted a proud empire that incorporated vast sweeps of territory. At its greatest extent, the Kingdom of Amunat ~~incorporated~~ much of northeastern Idiri from the present-day province of [[Ifru]] and all the way through [[Raziya]], and extended even down into the lands south of the [[Great Hazari Desert]] which itself was a somewhat less harsh environment in ancient times. The Amunati had a fruitful rivalry with the [[Milombo]] peoples who resided in the upper reaches of the [[Tamarat]] river basin, and the cultures of the two intermingled and traded as often as they clashed and conquered one another's borderlands. Their empire began its decline at the same time that the fortunes of the neighboring Rassi were ascending, and the Amunati eventually lost the lands of Raziya to the rulership of its native people, today known as the [[Razmani]]. Amunati and Razmani still tend to consider themselves rivals and to view one another with distrust. Later, the weakened Kingdom of Amunat was conquered by the Ruveran Empire, and after that empire's collapse Aumnat continued to be ruled by its successor state, the Kalentoi Empire. Despite their subordinate status for the last several hundred years, the culture of the Amunati people has proven distinctly influential and enduring, such that in all the lands around the [[Adelantean Sea\|Adelantean]] everything from religion and magic to engineering and art often owes a little to them.		Like the [[Irzali]] in the eastern caliphate, the Amunati once boasted a proud empire that incorporated vast sweeps of territory. At its greatest extent, the Kingdom of Amunat included much of northeastern Idiri from the present-day province of [[Ifru]] and all the way through [[Raziya]], and extended even down into the lands south of the [[Great Hazari Desert]] which itself was a somewhat less harsh environment in ancient times. The Amunati had a fruitful rivalry with the [[Milombo]] peoples who resided in the upper reaches of the [[Tamarat]] river basin, and the cultures of the two intermingled and traded as often as they clashed and conquered one another's borderlands. Their empire began its decline at the same time that the fortunes of the neighboring Rassi were ascending, and the Amunati eventually lost the lands of Raziya to the rulership of its native people, today known as the [[Razmani]]. Amunati and Razmani still tend to consider themselves rivals and to view one another with distrust. Later, the weakened Kingdom of Amunat was conquered by the Ruveran Empire, and after that empire's collapse Aumnat continued to be ruled by its successor state, the Kalentoi Empire. Despite their subordinate status for the last several hundred years, the culture of the Amunati people has proven distinctly influential and enduring, such that in all the lands around the [[Adelantean Sea\|Adelantean]] everything from religion and magic to engineering and art often owes a little to them.

	==See also==		==See also==

Aleph: /* Culture */

2023-12-09T15:52:37Z

Culture

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:52, 9 December 2023
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	Besides order, beauty is also highly valued in Amunati culture, and ideally things should be -- like the River Tamarat with its faithful routine -- both orderly and beautiful at once. For this reason formality and style are preferred over crass realism, in everything from painting to landscaping. Some outsiders find Amunati art and gardens to be artificial and stiff, but the best of their design manages to incorporate studied elegance with an exuberant embrace of all aspects of life and nature.		Besides order, beauty is also highly valued in Amunati culture, and ideally things should be -- like the River Tamarat with its faithful routine -- both orderly and beautiful at once. For this reason formality and style are preferred over crass realism, in everything from painting to landscaping. Some outsiders find Amunati art and gardens to be artificial and stiff, but the best of their design manages to incorporate studied elegance with an exuberant embrace of all aspects of life and nature.

	Their love of beautiful things and leisure activities sometimes gives outsiders the idea that Amunati are lazy, but nothing could be further from the truth. They are as a whole hard and diligent workers, and are willing to expend a great deal of energy in pursuing their various projects. They appreciate pursuits that combine labor with creativity, such as gardening and construction, or even planning for social occasions. Amunati take even leisure seriously, and will invest significant effort into every last practical and aesthetic detail of a parade and festival, before finally settling do to enjoy themselves in a burst of wild abandon.		Their love of beautiful things and leisure activities sometimes gives outsiders the idea that Amunati are lazy, but nothing could be further from the truth. They are as a whole hard and diligent workers, and are willing to expend a great deal of energy in pursuing their various projects. They appreciate pursuits that combine labor with creativity, such as gardening and construction, or even planning for social occasions. Amunati take even leisure seriously, and will invest significant effort into every last practical and aesthetic detail of a parade and festival, before finally settling in to enjoy themselves in a burst of wild abandon.

	Women are well respected in Amunati culture, and there were even once numerous queens in the days of ancient Amunat. Ordinarily, women are expected to engage in professions and pursuits traditionally considered feminine. Creating things of beauty is one such feminine pastime, so it is not uncommon to find women working as potters, jewelcrafters, weavers, garden designers, and even drafters of architectural plans. The more physical aspects of any such labor, however, are supposed to be left up to men -- or to women of lower status who cannot afford to adhere to such ideals.		Women are well respected in Amunati culture, and there were even once numerous queens in the days of ancient Amunat. Ordinarily, women are expected to engage in professions and pursuits traditionally considered feminine. Creating things of beauty is one such feminine pastime, so it is not uncommon to find women working as potters, jewelcrafters, weavers, garden designers, and even drafters of architectural plans. The more physical aspects of any such labor, however, are supposed to be left up to men -- or to women of lower status who cannot afford to adhere to such ideals.

Aleph: /* Culture */

2023-12-09T15:51:32Z

Culture

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:51, 9 December 2023
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	==Culture==		==Culture==

	The Amunati are chiefly agriculturalists whose daily and yearly routines follow the rhythms of their beloved River Tamarat. They value their communal life in the many smaller towns and villages strung out along the river, and even those who live in the striking metropolis of Kneph-~~Nebet~~ view country life with a fond and sentimental eye. Amunati also love being out on the Tamarat itself, and boating trips up and down the river are a popular leisure activity even among the poor. Outside their home province Amunati tend to be found living in close-knit family enclaves within the larger cities of the caliphate, where they may pursue a great variety of careers and crafts.		The Amunati are chiefly agriculturalists whose daily and yearly routines follow the rhythms of their beloved River Tamarat. They value their communal life in the many smaller towns and villages strung out along the river, and even those who live in the striking metropolis of [[Kneph-Nebhet]] view country life with a fond and sentimental eye. Amunati also love being out on the Tamarat itself, and boating trips up and down the river are a popular leisure activity even among the poor. Outside their home province Amunati tend to be found living in close-knit family enclaves within the larger cities of the caliphate, where they may pursue a great variety of careers and crafts.

	Most Amunati like for things to be tidy and orderly, and to feel that everything is properly in its place. This applies to anything from one's house and fields all the way up to humankind's place in the cosmos. Ritual holds great importance in Amunat, not only in religion but in the practices of daily life. It is perhaps this mindset that made Kalentoi culture appealing to the people of Amunat, and why the Kalentic faith easily took root in their homeland under the rulership of the Empire. But Amunati also are deeply devoted to the idea of tradition, and even in the face of numerous changes of governance and religion, many ancient practices and beliefs are still cherished. Their love for tradition can make them very resistant to any kind of change in either their culture or their personal routines, and they are capable of digging themselves very deeply into a rut (comfortable or otherwise).		Most Amunati like for things to be tidy and orderly, and to feel that everything is properly in its place. This applies to anything from one's house and fields all the way up to humankind's place in the cosmos. Ritual holds great importance in Amunat, not only in religion but in the practices of daily life. It is perhaps this mindset that made Kalentoi culture appealing to the people of Amunat, and why the Kalentic faith easily took root in their homeland under the rulership of the Empire. But Amunati also are deeply devoted to the idea of tradition, and even in the face of numerous changes of governance and religion, many ancient practices and beliefs are still cherished. Their love for tradition can make them very resistant to any kind of change in either their culture or their personal routines, and they are capable of digging themselves very deeply into a rut (comfortable or otherwise).

Aleph: /* Religion */

2023-12-09T15:51:07Z

Religion

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:51, 9 December 2023
Line 35:		Line 35:
	As part of the Sirdabi Caliphate, Amunat's official religion is Azadi, and the majority of Amunati within their home province and without now embrace that faith. Amunati are fond of going on pilgrimage, especially to neighboring Raziya and the city of Omrazir, where many have stayed to live and work in the Temple District. They have great reverence for the Prophet's first wife Adwa, and some even honor her as the companion prophet to al-Azad. While this is irregular and not entirely approved by orthodoxy, it is not considered incorrect either, as tradition does hold that Adwa received some small revelations from the One God as well. Due to time-honored cultural practices, women of Amunati communities tend to play a more public role in religion than is typical among most other Azadi. Both women and men worship freely together in the same spaces, and some communities even boast female imams, which tend to be rare among other heritages.		As part of the Sirdabi Caliphate, Amunat's official religion is Azadi, and the majority of Amunati within their home province and without now embrace that faith. Amunati are fond of going on pilgrimage, especially to neighboring Raziya and the city of Omrazir, where many have stayed to live and work in the Temple District. They have great reverence for the Prophet's first wife Adwa, and some even honor her as the companion prophet to al-Azad. While this is irregular and not entirely approved by orthodoxy, it is not considered incorrect either, as tradition does hold that Adwa received some small revelations from the One God as well. Due to time-honored cultural practices, women of Amunati communities tend to play a more public role in religion than is typical among most other Azadi. Both women and men worship freely together in the same spaces, and some communities even boast female imams, which tend to be rare among other heritages.

	Although lesser in numbers, Kalentism also still flourishes among the Amunati. They were quick to embrace this religion even in its earlier days, seeing in Kalen the embodiment of the holy benu, the mystical bird which in turn had been considered the earthly manifestation of the sun god. The tradition of Kalen as Kalen Phoenikos began in Amunat, and swiftly spread throughout Kalendom. The Amunati church based in Kneph-~~Nebet~~ has long been considered schismatic by the Kalentic establishment out of Calentium, but its regional influence is strong despite the dominance of Azadi under the Sirdabi Caliphate.		Although lesser in numbers, Kalentism also still flourishes among the Amunati. They were quick to embrace this religion even in its earlier days, seeing in Kalen the embodiment of the holy benu, the mystical bird which in turn had been considered the earthly manifestation of the sun god. The tradition of Kalen as Kalen Phoenikos began in Amunat, and swiftly spread throughout Kalendom. The Amunati church based in Kneph-Nebhet has long been considered schismatic by the Kalentic establishment out of Calentium, but its regional influence is strong despite the dominance of Azadi under the Sirdabi Caliphate.

	Before the coming of either Kalentism or Azadi, the Amunati followed their own ancient pantheon. Most of these deities were the same as those known as the Children of Dawn and Dusk, and the Children of Noon and Night. In Amunati representation, however, these gods and goddesses typically bore the heads or other features of their totem animal. The goddess Kholabi was once especially revered, being the patron of refined civilization, ritual, and magic. Some staunch traditionalists among the Amunati still adhere to their ancient religion, though this is mostly confined to the lands of the upper Tamarat in the south of Amunat province. Nirzali, whose worship is widespread throughout Idiri, is also honored by many Amunati.		Before the coming of either Kalentism or Azadi, the Amunati followed their own ancient pantheon. Most of these deities were the same as those known as the Children of Dawn and Dusk, and the Children of Noon and Night. In Amunati representation, however, these gods and goddesses typically bore the heads or other features of their totem animal. The goddess Kholabi was once especially revered, being the patron of refined civilization, ritual, and magic. Some staunch traditionalists among the Amunati still adhere to their ancient religion, though this is mostly confined to the lands of the upper Tamarat in the south of Amunat province. Nirzali, whose worship is widespread throughout Idiri, is also honored by many Amunati.

Aleph: /* History */

2023-12-09T15:50:31Z

History

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:50, 9 December 2023
Line 41:		Line 41:
	==History==		==History==

	Like the [[Irzali]] in the eastern caliphate, the Amunati once boasted a proud empire that incorporated vast sweeps of territory. At its greatest extent, the Kingdom of Amunat incorporated much of northeastern Idiri from the present-day province of [[Ifru]] and all the way through [[Raziya]], and extended even down into the lands south of the [[Great Hazari Desert]] which itself was a somewhat less harsh environment in ancient times. The Amunati had a fruitful rivalry with the [[Milombo]] peoples who resided in the upper reaches of the [[Tamarat]] river basin, and the cultures of the two intermingled and traded as often as they clashed and conquered one another's borderlands. Their empire began its decline at the same time that the fortunes of the neighboring Rassi were ascending, and the Amunati eventually lost the lands of Raziya to the rulership of its native people, today known as the [[Razmani]]. Amunati and Razmani still tend to consider themselves rivals and to view one another with distrust. Later, the weakened Kingdom of Amunat was conquered by the Ruveran Empire, and after that empire's collapse Aumnat continued to be ruled by its successor state, the Kalentoi Empire. Despite their subordinate status for the last several hundred years, the culture of the Amunati people has proven distinctly influential and enduring, such that in all the lands around the [[Adelantean]] everything from religion and magic to engineering and art often owes a little to them.		Like the [[Irzali]] in the eastern caliphate, the Amunati once boasted a proud empire that incorporated vast sweeps of territory. At its greatest extent, the Kingdom of Amunat incorporated much of northeastern Idiri from the present-day province of [[Ifru]] and all the way through [[Raziya]], and extended even down into the lands south of the [[Great Hazari Desert]] which itself was a somewhat less harsh environment in ancient times. The Amunati had a fruitful rivalry with the [[Milombo]] peoples who resided in the upper reaches of the [[Tamarat]] river basin, and the cultures of the two intermingled and traded as often as they clashed and conquered one another's borderlands. Their empire began its decline at the same time that the fortunes of the neighboring Rassi were ascending, and the Amunati eventually lost the lands of Raziya to the rulership of its native people, today known as the [[Razmani]]. Amunati and Razmani still tend to consider themselves rivals and to view one another with distrust. Later, the weakened Kingdom of Amunat was conquered by the Ruveran Empire, and after that empire's collapse Aumnat continued to be ruled by its successor state, the Kalentoi Empire. Despite their subordinate status for the last several hundred years, the culture of the Amunati people has proven distinctly influential and enduring, such that in all the lands around the [[Adelantean Sea\|Adelantean]] everything from religion and magic to engineering and art often owes a little to them.

	==See also==		==See also==

Aleph: /* Religion */

2023-12-09T15:50:08Z

Religion

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:50, 9 December 2023
Line 31:		Line 31:
	==Religion==		==Religion==

	The Amunati as a whole are a deeply spiritual people to whom faith is an important part of their daily lives. Regardless of which religion they follow, Amunati are likely to embrace it wholeheartedly. They tend to place a high emphasis on ceremony and ritual, but believe in creating opportunities to celebrate their faith in joy as well as reverence. This can sometimes set them at odds with more ~~orthodox~~ interpretations of their religion, but few doubt the Amunati's sincerity.		The Amunati as a whole are a deeply spiritual people to whom faith is an important part of their daily lives. Regardless of which religion they follow, Amunati are likely to embrace it wholeheartedly. They tend to place a high emphasis on ceremony and ritual, but believe in creating opportunities to celebrate their faith in joy as well as reverence. This can sometimes set them at odds with more conservative interpretations of their religion, but few doubt the Amunati's sincerity.

	As part of the Sirdabi Caliphate, Amunat's official religion is Azadi, and the majority of Amunati within their home province and without now embrace that faith. Amunati are fond of going on pilgrimage, especially to neighboring Raziya and the city of Omrazir, where many have stayed to live and work in the Temple District. They have great reverence for the Prophet's first wife Adwa, and some even honor her as the companion prophet to al-Azad. While this is irregular and not entirely approved by orthodoxy, it is not considered incorrect either, as tradition does hold that Adwa received some small revelations from the One God as well. Due to ~~traditional~~ cultural practices, women of Amunati communities tend to play a more public role in religion than is typical among most other Azadi. Both women and men worship freely together in the same spaces, and some communities even boast female imams, which tend to be rare among other heritages.		As part of the Sirdabi Caliphate, Amunat's official religion is Azadi, and the majority of Amunati within their home province and without now embrace that faith. Amunati are fond of going on pilgrimage, especially to neighboring Raziya and the city of Omrazir, where many have stayed to live and work in the Temple District. They have great reverence for the Prophet's first wife Adwa, and some even honor her as the companion prophet to al-Azad. While this is irregular and not entirely approved by orthodoxy, it is not considered incorrect either, as tradition does hold that Adwa received some small revelations from the One God as well. Due to time-honored cultural practices, women of Amunati communities tend to play a more public role in religion than is typical among most other Azadi. Both women and men worship freely together in the same spaces, and some communities even boast female imams, which tend to be rare among other heritages.

	Although in ~~lesser~~ numbers, Kalentism also still flourishes among the Amunati. They were quick to embrace this religion even in its earlier days, seeing in Kalen the embodiment of the holy benu, the mystical bird which in turn had been considered the earthly manifestation of the sun god. The tradition of Kalen as Kalen Phoenikos began in Amunat, and swiftly spread throughout Kalendom. The Amunati church based in Kneph-Nebet has long been considered schismatic by the Kalentic establishment out of Calentium, but its regional influence is strong despite the dominance of Azadi under the Sirdabi Caliphate.		Although lesser in numbers, Kalentism also still flourishes among the Amunati. They were quick to embrace this religion even in its earlier days, seeing in Kalen the embodiment of the holy benu, the mystical bird which in turn had been considered the earthly manifestation of the sun god. The tradition of Kalen as Kalen Phoenikos began in Amunat, and swiftly spread throughout Kalendom. The Amunati church based in Kneph-Nebet has long been considered schismatic by the Kalentic establishment out of Calentium, but its regional influence is strong despite the dominance of Azadi under the Sirdabi Caliphate.

	Before the coming of either Kalentism or Azadi, the Amunati followed their own ancient pantheon. Most of these deities were the same as those known as the Children of Dawn and Dusk, and the Children of Noon and Night. In Amunati representation, however, these gods and goddesses typically bore the heads or other features of their totem animal. The goddess Kholabi was once especially revered, being the patron of refined civilization, ritual, and magic. Some staunch traditionalists among the Amunati still adhere to their ancient religion, though this is mostly confined to the lands of the upper Tamarat in the south of Amunat province. Nirzali, whose worship is widespread throughout Idiri, is also honored by many Amunati.		Before the coming of either Kalentism or Azadi, the Amunati followed their own ancient pantheon. Most of these deities were the same as those known as the Children of Dawn and Dusk, and the Children of Noon and Night. In Amunati representation, however, these gods and goddesses typically bore the heads or other features of their totem animal. The goddess Kholabi was once especially revered, being the patron of refined civilization, ritual, and magic. Some staunch traditionalists among the Amunati still adhere to their ancient religion, though this is mostly confined to the lands of the upper Tamarat in the south of Amunat province. Nirzali, whose worship is widespread throughout Idiri, is also honored by many Amunati.

Aleph at 15:47, 9 December 2023

2023-12-09T15:47:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:47, 9 December 2023
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	The '''Amunati''' are the people of the lower [[Tamarat River]] in northern [[Idiri]], descendants of one of the greatest kingdoms of the ancient world which is now just another province of the [[Sirdabi Caliphate]]. They are a very proud people with a strong sense of ~~exclusive~~ identity, and many among them consider themselves culturally superior to their [[Sirdabi]] ~~conquerors~~. Despite this they are largely uninterested in the idea of independence from the caliphate, preferring rather to steer it from within by attaining positions of influence and power. They have a reputation for cunning, arrogance, ~~and deceit~~ -- but the Amunati themselves would claim this is largely the product of jealousy at their success. Most ordinary Amunati are now peaceful people with a love for natural beauty and the visual arts, and many have a mystical bent that influences their worship. Their province of [[Amunat]] produces talented astrologers as well as engineers and builders.		The '''Amunati''' are the people of the lower [[Tamarat River]] in northern [[Idiri]], descendants of one of the greatest kingdoms of the ancient world which is now just another province of the [[Sirdabi Caliphate]]. They are a very proud people with a strong sense of identity, and many among them consider themselves culturally superior to their [[Sirdabi]] rulers, as they have considered themselves superior to a string of other rulers before them. Despite this they are largely uninterested in the idea of independence from the caliphate, preferring rather to steer it from within by attaining positions of influence and power, and believing in any case that the strength of their culture transcends such petty things as the politics of the current government. They have a reputation for cunning and arrogance, as well as a certain dark mystery -- but the Amunati themselves would claim this is largely the product of jealousy at their success. Most ordinary Amunati are now peaceful but hard-working people with a love for natural beauty and the visual arts, and many have a mystical bent that influences their worship. Their province of [[Amunat]] produces talented astrologers as well as engineers and builders.

	==Appearance==		==Appearance==
Line 41:		Line 41:
	==History==		==History==

	Like the [[Irzali]] in the eastern caliphate, the Amunati once boasted a proud empire that incorporated vast sweeps of territory. At its greatest extent, the Kingdom of Amunat incorporated much of northeastern Idiri from the present-day province of [[Ifru]] and all the way through [[Raziya]], and extended even down into the lands south of the [[Great Hazari Desert]] which itself was a somewhat less harsh environment in ancient times. The Amunati had a fruitful rivalry with the [[Milombo]] peoples who resided in the upper reaches of the [[Tamarat]] river basin, and the cultures of the two intermingled and traded as often as they clashed and conquered one another's borderlands. Their empire began its decline at the same time that the fortunes of the neighboring Rassi were ascending, and the Amunati eventually lost the lands of Raziya to the rulership of its native people, today known as the [[Razmani]]. Amunati and Razmani still tend to consider themselves rivals and to view one another with distrust. Later, the weakened Kingdom of Amunat was conquered by the Ruveran Empire, and after that empire's collapse Aumnat continued to be ruled by its successor state, the Kalentoi Empire. Despite their subordinate status for the last several hundred years, the culture of the Amunati people has proven distinctly influential and enduring, such that in all the lands around the [[~~Adeleantean~~]] everything from religion and magic to engineering and art often owes a little to them.		Like the [[Irzali]] in the eastern caliphate, the Amunati once boasted a proud empire that incorporated vast sweeps of territory. At its greatest extent, the Kingdom of Amunat incorporated much of northeastern Idiri from the present-day province of [[Ifru]] and all the way through [[Raziya]], and extended even down into the lands south of the [[Great Hazari Desert]] which itself was a somewhat less harsh environment in ancient times. The Amunati had a fruitful rivalry with the [[Milombo]] peoples who resided in the upper reaches of the [[Tamarat]] river basin, and the cultures of the two intermingled and traded as often as they clashed and conquered one another's borderlands. Their empire began its decline at the same time that the fortunes of the neighboring Rassi were ascending, and the Amunati eventually lost the lands of Raziya to the rulership of its native people, today known as the [[Razmani]]. Amunati and Razmani still tend to consider themselves rivals and to view one another with distrust. Later, the weakened Kingdom of Amunat was conquered by the Ruveran Empire, and after that empire's collapse Aumnat continued to be ruled by its successor state, the Kalentoi Empire. Despite their subordinate status for the last several hundred years, the culture of the Amunati people has proven distinctly influential and enduring, such that in all the lands around the [[Adelantean]] everything from religion and magic to engineering and art often owes a little to them.

	==See also==		==See also==

Aleph at 15:43, 9 December 2023

2023-12-09T15:43:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:43, 9 December 2023
Line 17:		Line 17:
	==Culture==		==Culture==

	The Amunati are chiefly agriculturalists whose daily and yearly routines follow the rhythms of their beloved River Tamarat. They value their communal life in the many smaller towns and villages strung out along the river, and even those who live in the striking metropolis of Kneph-Nebet view country life with a fond and sentimental eye. Amunati also love being out on the ~~river~~ itself, and boating trips up and down the river are a popular leisure activity even among the poor.		The Amunati are chiefly agriculturalists whose daily and yearly routines follow the rhythms of their beloved River Tamarat. They value their communal life in the many smaller towns and villages strung out along the river, and even those who live in the striking metropolis of Kneph-Nebet view country life with a fond and sentimental eye. Amunati also love being out on the Tamarat itself, and boating trips up and down the river are a popular leisure activity even among the poor. Outside their home province Amunati tend to be found living in close-knit family enclaves within the larger cities of the caliphate, where they may pursue a great variety of careers and crafts.

	Most Amunati like for things to be tidy and orderly, and to feel that everything is properly in its place. This applies to anything from one's house and fields all the way up to humankind's place in the cosmos. Ritual holds great importance in Amunat, not only in religion but in the practices of daily life. It is perhaps this mindset that made Kalentoi culture appealing to the people of Amunat, and why the Kalentic faith easily took root ~~here~~ under the rulership of the Empire. But Amunati also are deeply devoted to the idea of tradition, and even in the face of numerous changes of governance and religion, many ancient practices and beliefs are still cherished.		Most Amunati like for things to be tidy and orderly, and to feel that everything is properly in its place. This applies to anything from one's house and fields all the way up to humankind's place in the cosmos. Ritual holds great importance in Amunat, not only in religion but in the practices of daily life. It is perhaps this mindset that made Kalentoi culture appealing to the people of Amunat, and why the Kalentic faith easily took root in their homeland under the rulership of the Empire. But Amunati also are deeply devoted to the idea of tradition, and even in the face of numerous changes of governance and religion, many ancient practices and beliefs are still cherished. Their love for tradition can make them very resistant to any kind of change in either their culture or their personal routines, and they are capable of digging themselves very deeply into a rut (comfortable or otherwise).

	Besides order, beauty is also highly valued in Amunati culture, and ideally things should be -- like the River Tamarat with its faithful routine -- both orderly and beautiful at once. For this reason formality and style are preferred over crass realism, in everything from painting to landscaping. Some outsiders find Amunati art and gardens to be artificial and stiff, but the best of their design manages to incorporate studied elegance with an exuberant embrace of all aspects of life and nature.		Besides order, beauty is also highly valued in Amunati culture, and ideally things should be -- like the River Tamarat with its faithful routine -- both orderly and beautiful at once. For this reason formality and style are preferred over crass realism, in everything from painting to landscaping. Some outsiders find Amunati art and gardens to be artificial and stiff, but the best of their design manages to incorporate studied elegance with an exuberant embrace of all aspects of life and nature.

	Their love of beautiful things and leisure activities sometimes gives outsiders the idea that Amunati are lazy, but nothing could be further from the truth. They are as a whole hard and diligent workers, and are willing to expend a great deal of energy in pursuing their various projects.		Their love of beautiful things and leisure activities sometimes gives outsiders the idea that Amunati are lazy, but nothing could be further from the truth. They are as a whole hard and diligent workers, and are willing to expend a great deal of energy in pursuing their various projects. They appreciate pursuits that combine labor with creativity, such as gardening and construction, or even planning for social occasions. Amunati take even leisure seriously, and will invest significant effort into every last practical and aesthetic detail of a parade and festival, before finally settling do to enjoy themselves in a burst of wild abandon.

	Women are well respected in Amunati culture, and there were even once ~~a handful of~~ queens in the days of ancient Amunat. Ordinarily, women are expected to engage in professions and pursuits traditionally considered feminine. Creating things of beauty is one such feminine pastime, so it is not uncommon to find women working as potters, jewelcrafters, weavers, garden designers, and even drafters of architectural plans. The more physical aspects of any such labor, however, are supposed to be left up to men -- or to women of lower status who cannot afford to adhere to such ideals.		Women are well respected in Amunati culture, and there were even once numerous queens in the days of ancient Amunat. Ordinarily, women are expected to engage in professions and pursuits traditionally considered feminine. Creating things of beauty is one such feminine pastime, so it is not uncommon to find women working as potters, jewelcrafters, weavers, garden designers, and even drafters of architectural plans. The more physical aspects of any such labor, however, are supposed to be left up to men -- or to women of lower status who cannot afford to adhere to such ideals.

	Traditionally, women in Amunati society also played a strong role in religious practice. Ancient Amunat always had High Priestesses to lead in the worship of various of the old gods and goddesses, and there were once religious societies made up entirely of women. Women were also sought as soothsayers, ritualists, and creators of powerful talismans and charms. With the replacement of the old ways by the new Azadi faith, women have lost much of their prominence in matters of worship. But among those segments of Amunati society who follow Idiri deities such as Nirzali, priestesses are still both common and respected.		Traditionally, women in Amunati society also played a strong role in religious practice. Ancient Amunat always had High Priestesses to lead in the worship of various of the old gods and goddesses, and there were once religious societies made up entirely of women. Women were also sought as soothsayers, ritualists, and creators of powerful talismans and charms. With the replacement of the old ways by the new Azadi faith, women have lost much of their prominence in matters of worship. But among those segments of Amunati society who follow Idiri deities such as Nirzali, priestesses are still both common and respected.
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	Before the coming of either Kalentism or Azadi, the Amunati followed their own ancient pantheon. Most of these deities were the same as those known as the Children of Dawn and Dusk, and the Children of Noon and Night. In Amunati representation, however, these gods and goddesses typically bore the heads or other features of their totem animal. The goddess Kholabi was once especially revered, being the patron of refined civilization, ritual, and magic. Some staunch traditionalists among the Amunati still adhere to their ancient religion, though this is mostly confined to the lands of the upper Tamarat in the south of Amunat province. Nirzali, whose worship is widespread throughout Idiri, is also honored by many Amunati.		Before the coming of either Kalentism or Azadi, the Amunati followed their own ancient pantheon. Most of these deities were the same as those known as the Children of Dawn and Dusk, and the Children of Noon and Night. In Amunati representation, however, these gods and goddesses typically bore the heads or other features of their totem animal. The goddess Kholabi was once especially revered, being the patron of refined civilization, ritual, and magic. Some staunch traditionalists among the Amunati still adhere to their ancient religion, though this is mostly confined to the lands of the upper Tamarat in the south of Amunat province. Nirzali, whose worship is widespread throughout Idiri, is also honored by many Amunati.

			==History==

			Like the [[Irzali]] in the eastern caliphate, the Amunati once boasted a proud empire that incorporated vast sweeps of territory. At its greatest extent, the Kingdom of Amunat incorporated much of northeastern Idiri from the present-day province of [[Ifru]] and all the way through [[Raziya]], and extended even down into the lands south of the [[Great Hazari Desert]] which itself was a somewhat less harsh environment in ancient times. The Amunati had a fruitful rivalry with the [[Milombo]] peoples who resided in the upper reaches of the [[Tamarat]] river basin, and the cultures of the two intermingled and traded as often as they clashed and conquered one another's borderlands. Their empire began its decline at the same time that the fortunes of the neighboring Rassi were ascending, and the Amunati eventually lost the lands of Raziya to the rulership of its native people, today known as the [[Razmani]]. Amunati and Razmani still tend to consider themselves rivals and to view one another with distrust. Later, the weakened Kingdom of Amunat was conquered by the Ruveran Empire, and after that empire's collapse Aumnat continued to be ruled by its successor state, the Kalentoi Empire. Despite their subordinate status for the last several hundred years, the culture of the Amunati people has proven distinctly influential and enduring, such that in all the lands around the [[Adeleantean]] everything from religion and magic to engineering and art often owes a little to them.

	==See also==		==See also==

Aleph at 12:29, 9 December 2023

2023-12-09T12:29:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:29, 9 December 2023
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	Before the coming of either Kalentism or Azadi, the Amunati followed their own ancient pantheon. Most of these deities were the same as those known as the Children of Dawn and Dusk, and the Children of Noon and Night. In Amunati representation, however, these gods and goddesses typically bore the heads or other features of their totem animal. The goddess Kholabi was once especially revered, being the patron of refined civilization, ritual, and magic. Some staunch traditionalists among the Amunati still adhere to their ancient religion, though this is mostly confined to the lands of the upper Tamarat in the south of Amunat province. Nirzali, whose worship is widespread throughout Idiri, is also honored by many Amunati.		Before the coming of either Kalentism or Azadi, the Amunati followed their own ancient pantheon. Most of these deities were the same as those known as the Children of Dawn and Dusk, and the Children of Noon and Night. In Amunati representation, however, these gods and goddesses typically bore the heads or other features of their totem animal. The goddess Kholabi was once especially revered, being the patron of refined civilization, ritual, and magic. Some staunch traditionalists among the Amunati still adhere to their ancient religion, though this is mostly confined to the lands of the upper Tamarat in the south of Amunat province. Nirzali, whose worship is widespread throughout Idiri, is also honored by many Amunati.

			==See also==
			* [[Amunat]]

	[[Category:Heritage]]		[[Category:Heritage]]
	[[Category:Character Information]]		[[Category:Character Information]]