Overview
The Mani are a resilient, innovative race of humans common to the continent of Azura, which is ruled by the Azure Empire. They are particularly spiritual and in-tune with the land and their greater community. As a collective culture, they prize unity among all else.
Shrines and temples dedicated to Paolu can be found throughout regions the Mani control. Most Mani are fervent followers of Paolu. The Azure Empire is a mixture of large, sprawling cities and tiny rural villages. The Azure Empire has the largest population of humankind in the world. There are many varying kinds of people in it, with many different ambitions, outlooks, and perspectives on life. Philosophy is regarded with much respect in Mani culture. Knowledge is precious.
Appearance
Mani skin tones range from tan to fair. Though their eyes are slightly thinner than their Okunan neighbors, they bear the same rich, dark shades of hair. Hair is typically worn long or pinned back in elaborate, ornate braids and buns. Men and women wear robes, tunics, and long flowing fabrics. Facial hair is kept close-trimmed or shaved off. Monks of Paolu are commonly seen in simple cloth.
Notably, the color 'azure' is rare and difficult to achieve in the Isles due to a scarcity of cobalt and lapis lazuli. Any jewelry, dyes, or other accessories made with a rich cerulean-azure blue are coveted heavily. Typically only upper class citizens can afford such finery. Commoners wear regular blue to try and exude classiness.
Society
Most Mani are farmers who work the land, serfs to Kyō (feudal lords), or artisans and merchants. Merchants are so numerous and wealthy that they constantly generate new forms of luxury and entertainment to occupy their time. Drama, storytelling, woodblock prints, stone and porcelain ware, silk brocade, and lacquerware are a few of their innovations.
Castes
The Mani have two castes of people: Lowborn and Highborn. Highborn Mani can trace their roots back to a noble household, while Lowborn cannot. It is possible for Lowborn to found new noble households, and for Highborn to be disgraced and their Highborn status revoked by the Kyō they serve. Performing shameful acts or violating the tenets of Paolu in twisted ways can bring shame to a family.
Family
Due to the collective nature of their society, Mani are careful not to do things that will reflect poorly on their kin. Family is a very important concept to them. Blood ties, especially so; this is so prevalent a belief that the Azure Empress and Paolu’s Celestial Master succession is based on the nearest female blood relative rather than qualification or merit. Despite women being the leaders of the Azure Empire and Paolu, they are not treated as superior to men in any way. Both genders are equal in Mani society and no preference or privilege is given to either one.
Marriage
Courtesans, elaborate social events, and ritual feats are common in Mani culture. Their marriage customs allow for concubines, and bastard children are as accepted as their full-blooded counterparts. It is the Mani way not to punish children for the dalliances of their parents. Concubines often end up as matrons of the household while spouses are afforded time for leisure and pursuance of hobbies. Only the rich elite can afford to take care of concubines as well as spouses; thus, they are not common in lowborn households.
Cultural Values
Equality, balance, harmony, unity. These are the important values that most Mani hold.
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