Vanks

Vank is a language that is best described as 'flowing' or 'liquid.' Their sentences often flow together into one cohesive string of sylables. Vank is not a common language even within Ignan, and is mostly observed within the confines of The Sixth Church as a holy language.   Despite that, the Vank language played a unique role in shaping a unique Elven dialect called Sylvank; a fusion of Vank and Elven languages that share words from each other.

Vank customs are known for their brutal and uncompromising approach towards criminals -- or what they perceive as 'evil'. This is due to their philosophy holding the concept of evil under heavy scrutiny.

Thoughts on Crime

Crimes are to be punished with impunity. The slightest offense is enough to earn a brand for life -- or much, much worse. Thieves have their hands severed and strung from trees as an example. Vandals will have their bones broken on the wheel until their brutish limbs are unable to break a single thing again. Murderers will always suffer a fate far worse than the one that they gave their victim and are made into a public example; they'd be lucky to be swung from a gibbet for commoners to lance with hot spikes   It's due to this exceptionally harsh approach towards criminals that Ignan has an exceptionally low crime rate. While it is far from being entirely free of criminals, most don't dare break Ignan's laws.

Scrutinize Evil

Evil is something that is reviled, and yet the Vanks do not believe that evil is something that has a inherent shape. To them, if the means justifies the ends, then it is almost always acceptable. Torturing a criminal by flensing his skin and salting his wounds would be seen as an acceptable act in Vank culture.   Vampires aren't seen as terrible; neither is the vile Blood Curse. Both are seen as dangerous, but not evil. In the eyes of the Vanks, they are potential tools that can be used for great things, much like anything else in the world.   This unique belief has lead to the Vanks holding a very progressive and welcoming culture when it comes to outsiders and tourists. While some may balk at the thought of witnessing a bandit on the street being burnt at the stake, others may find themselves welcome to walk beneath a warm sand with no judgement. Elves famously fled to Ignan for the sake of fleeing The Crusades , and were welcomed with open arms as brothers and sisters.

Welcoming to Outsiders

Outsiders are viewed as exotic in Vank culture; while they are always expected to learn and follow the rules that are enforced through Ignan, foreigners are typically treated with slightly more leeway compared to their citizens. They are, however, expected to engage with a special immigration process referred to as accueillant.

Common Conversation

Much of Vank etiquette is heavily focused on common conversation. Conversation to the Vanks is expected to be carried with equal politeness from both parties. Interruptions are viewed as taboo enough to merit a slap to the face. All speaking should be done with a firm purpose that remains unshakeable through the conversation.    Vank politics and speeches are often drawn out and long as a result.  

Titles

  Titles are very important in Vank culture. Formal addresses are always given to strangers. A priest will always be referred to by their rank, while a complete stranger may be referred to as Monsieur or Madame.

Farewells or Greetings

It is rude to leave or enter a conversation without a proper greeting. The common Vank greeting is often given with a hand on the heart and a low, dipping bow, followed by an introduction and title that they would like to be referred to as. Farewells are often done with a similar bow; the most common phrase being avec clarté; a phrase that wishes somebody a safe and clear day.  

Public Speeches

Speeches are watched with careful reverence and respect towards the speaker. Silence is given until permission to speak is granted by the speaker; it is a crime punishable by the removal of one's tongue to speak out of tune to the speaker. Even cheering or approval is given with the express permission of the speaker.   The speaker will simply say parlel (Speak) to announce their desire for the crowd to voice their opinion, negative or otherwise.

Religious & Moral Etiquette

  Many consider Ignan to be a Church-state; this is, for the most part, wildly true, as much of their morals are very based around the ideologies passed by the Sixth Church.   Kneeling for example, very rare, as they believe such a thing should be reserved only for those wishing to receive penance or punishment for a grand misdeed. Kneeling low or bowing in prostration is an open invitation for punishment and repentance. There is no bending knees or submitting to others in Ignan, as they believe every man is equal; even to the King.   Likewise, keeping silent of a crime is considered to be a crime of complacency; Ignan holds strict punishments to those that would watch crime unfold without speaking their mind.

Art

When it comes to art, Vank sculpting is and pottery is famous. They're particularly fond of decorative pottery and vibrant flowers that are often displayed in front of homes. Dryer climates often utilise flowering succulents or cacti to make up for the harsh savannahs and desserts.   Sculpting is famous in Vank culture. Many of their towns and cities often have squares centered around massive sculptures depicting people both from history and literature.   Scripture is very popular; especially in regards to fiction and creative story telling.  

Architecture

Pale marble or dark slate and basalt; the Vanks are fond of heat resistant stone that can be elegantly sculpted into something as decorative as it is efficient. Vank architecture is marked by its many black and white contrasting colors. Their buildings are usually tall with narrow windows that allow for very little lighting.   Appointed buildings, such as Churches, Political buildings, or military barracks, are often decorated with steepled rooftops and spiraling towers.

Much of Vank cuisine is marked by its favoring of sweet, spicy, and savoury dishes. Honey is used in excess for a lot of its sweeteners, and replaces sugar in most of their recipes. Much of their dishes are seasoned with spices and garnish that create a complex flavor profile.   Meats and cheeses are often dried, aged, and preserved for a longer shelf life and to allow for a nutritious snack when travelling.

Pyre Burials

Vanks revere the dead; though much of their people believe that all souls are condemned to hell, they view death as an important step in life that will lead to the cleansing of sin and the freeing of spirit. Much like Aine did when he shed his mortal shell, whatever evil the dead committed dies with the fire they're burnt upon, so that their soul may fly free and unburdened.   While pyres were common methods of disposing corpses ever since the rise of the The Blood Curse; Vanks have practiced pyres long before the curse was even prevalent. Even the most evil and vile of creatures are deserving of a proper funeral rite, for it is by fire that their soul will be free to fly unburdened.

Body Preparation

A coffin is constructed and granted to the family -- typically paid for and funded by the local Church. These Coffins are made of a highly flammable, yet sturdy wood. The body is carefully dressed in whatever clothing the family beliefs fit them in their life, before they're given a supply of their favorite foods.   The dead are believed to descend into the Pits of Sulfur; and are granted a meal from every person attending their funeral service. A veritable feast is meant to allow them to feed until they are fully cleansed of their sins in the afterlife.

The Circle of Judgement

Coffins are carried to the desired place, where they are circled by the guests. During this, a Dark Priest will begin a series of prayers granted to the departed. Starting from the Priest, each person will speak of a great deed that the departed committed. This continues clockwise, until it arrives to the priest.   Afterwards, the Priest will announce a sin that he has observed committed by the departed; if no sin can be given, he will instruct the clockwise movement across the attendees to give another sin, until it arrives back on the priest.   The Priest will then announce the beginning of the pyre.  

Solace in Ash

  The coffin is ignited, and the priest announces a vow of silence.   Every attendee is to quietly listen to the fires as it burns the departed away into a pile of ash. This silence remains until nothing but embers remain, and all mourners are then given the permission to speak, or return home.

In terms of physical appearance, Vanks are very fond of striking and unique features. They prefer slender bodies and trim frames. Eyes hold a great importance to the standard of Vank beauty; the brighter and more striking the eyes, the more you're likely to draw another's own. Muscles are appreciated, while fatness is often shunned and seen as a sign of excess or self-indulgence.   Due to their fondness of things that 'stand out', they hold other races as exotic; particularly the Elves, and also hold a notable fondness for Changelings compared to the other races.    Hair of all kinds is neatly groomed or slicked back; facial hair is either shaved or carefully trimmed.

Clothing

Clothing is variable; more often than not Vank fashion is very well known for its mix of bright colored dyes; particularly yellows and reds. While utilitarian clothing can be found across their culture, nobles or those wishing to flaunt themselves often wear clothing that helps accentuate the body's frame. Deep necklines or exposed sides are exceptionally common in Vank fashion, especially in the deserts or savannahs.

Jewellery

It is not uncommon for a nobleman to wear a different colored ring for each finger.    Necklaces, pearls, bracelets, earrings, or even piercings -- all are very common parts of Vank culture. Jewellery of all kinds can be found across Vank society, however, trinkets and baubles are also made with a story in mind. Every ring should hold a meaning to the wearer, while every piercing should carry a story or meaning that is as treasured as the gemstone representing it.   If earrings and piercings are simply worn to stand out, it is seen as indignified and too flashy.

Cosmetics

Colorful cosmetics are very common for Vank culture; though they heavily discourage covering scars with cosmetics. Asides from the fact that scars are always seen as a part of the past that should be remembered rather than a covered disfigurement, many Vanks prefer to wear their scars out of respect for their current Queen, whom is known for having a disfigured face.   While this makes powders or foundation somewhat uncommon, lipstick is very common, as is colorful eyeliner or decorations to highlight the eyes and lips.

The Faithful

The Faithful of The Sixth Church are notably limited when it comes to following Vank beauty standards. Dark Priests are expected to always wear the blackest clothing and wear minimal jewellery outside of plain onyx and black steel. This is meant to mark them as a member of the clergy; and more importantly, symbolise their devotion to Aine by standing only as beacons to his faith.   Cosmetics are likewise forbidden with the exception of Black colors; it is actually quite common for men and women of cloth to paint their upper lip black.

 "Martaeu et enclume." - Vank proverb referring to their societal roles. Hammer and Anvil in their tongue.

  Vank ideologion inherently doesn't divide their people into specific roles. They hold a firm belief that individuals are what define individuals rather than what is a part of them. Despite that, they do hold a few traditional roles and expectations for the men and women of their society.

Men

As a consequence of the Cruel Age, Vanks view men as the anvil that serves as a foundation for their people. They are to be firm, unyielding, and strong in the face of the dark. Men in Vank society are expected to hold rational and calm judgements and are expected to spare their emotions only for the wrath that they may bring upon their enemies.    Traditional roles for men include the roles that deal with the outside world; such as military, guards, and high political positions.

Women

Women are viewed as the Hammer in Vank society. They are seen as not just providers, but a firm judge that can supply introspection and advisory to the men of their country. As opposed to men, women are encouraged to foster their emotions and even explore them. Roles that women are given typically have to do with roles inside Ignan society.   Common roles for women include political advisors, roles within the Church, judges, law enforcement, and most infamously, torturers. A woman in Vank society is expected to not just stay as firm as any man in the face of vile things, but to also carry out terrible acts in the name of persecuting evil.    

Twice-Blessed

Bénideux- 'Twiced-Blessed' in Vank tongue. (Ben-Eee-Doo)

A unique gender role observed within Vank society is the Twice-Blessed; this refers to androgynous people that have embraced both masculiunity and feminity in their life. Twice-blessed are viewed as exceptionally exotic and outstanding members of Vank society. Their beauty standards, however, tends to lead to many Bénideux suffering under an immense amount of social pressure to outperform their peers.    Bénideux is often seen as more of a title; their pronouns remain as their preference, but they are typically open about their role as a Bénideux.