The Western Kingdoms

Home to a host of mortal races, countries in the Western Kingdoms are often ruled by either a Monarch, or in the case of the Wood Elves: a democratically elected political representative, referred to as a President. While tradition is valued to a degree, a higher value is placed on progress and innovation. Individuality is encouraged, and its denizens are encouraged to be self-confident, but not arrogant. While a shame culture does exist here, it is often only employed in practice in the case of non-compliance with their social norms. It also not to the degree that the Eastern Kingdoms suffer under: someone from Western Kingdom descent is more likely to speak ill about someone behind their back then to confront them directly. Sadly, disability is often not considered in this matter: the Western Kingdoms see unintentional social awkwardness as breaking their societal norms regardless of a diagnose.   The Western Kingdoms hold a long-standing allyship with the Eastern Kingdoms: while some social customs from these lands sometimes baffle denizens of the Western Kingdoms, they will mind to observe them when travelling. Pioneers from the Western Kingdoms have sailed to the Eastern Kingdoms for the first time long ago. They came in peace, however: famous explorer Vladask Oceanhallow was eager to learn about it culture, and quickly learned to greeted its people with respect: this served him well when he was granted an audience with the Emperor. He left with a promise to ask his king to meet with the Eastern monarch, and returned with a letter from his king asking when a meeting suited the Emperor. This meeting between royalty eventually led to a lasting peace between the two kingdoms.   A few common courtesies for travelers to observe in the Western Kingdoms is shaking one's hand as a greeting, to maintain eye contact but not stare, and to store any business cards handed to you in a pouch while continuing the conversation.