Saintmagnus: Difference between revisions
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{{RP award|type=bronze}}
{{Infobox country
|conventional_long_name = The Free Republic of Saint Magnus
|native_name = ''Republica Liberă a Sfânt Magnus''
|common_name = Saintmagnus
|image_flag =
|national_motto = 'Longevitate și Prosperitate'
|englishmotto = Longevity and Prosperity
|image_map =
|loctext = Southeast Gondwana, off the coast of Aivintis
|alt_map = Map of Saintmagnus, with cities
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== Culture ==
The miniscule size of Saintmagnus has been instrumental in maintaining a homogenous, unified culture within the nation itself. That said, the complete lack of traditional native culture in the region means that most of the Saintmagnian culture is an evolution of colonial Aivintian customs and values. Even so, the presence of foreign businesspeople and immigrants acts as a reminder that, even in the smallest nations, there are cultural differences and outside influences. Ethalrian influence, however, is largely eschewed, as the independence of Saintmagnus coincides with periods where Ethalrian influence on Aivintis were the strongest.
One of the most prominent symbols which is unique to Saintmagnus is Florens Summit, the mountain upon which the capital city was founded. More so than its representation of the island and country itself, it is also a religious symbol. The mountain where the great Saint himself lived, died, and is entombed. In coats of arms and other logos, the symbol for the mountain – a grey triangle with a small tower on the right slope – is present as a symbol of the country and the people of Saintmagnus.
Education is highly valued among the wealthy and comfortable people of Saintmagnus, where poverty is low. Public university is free for Saintmagnians, although only three public colleges exist on the island. The Saint’s College in Saintmagnus is the only religious university in the country, and one of few religious schools in general. Otherwise, the University of Saintmagnus and the University of Haven serve as the main postsecondary learning institutions on the island. Each of the three universities maintains distinguished research divisions. A dozen small, private colleges are spread throughout the country as well, largely in use by the rich Saintmagnian islanders.
Although the liberal arts are common subjects of study, the primary degrees pursued are in international studies. History is popular as well, and even theology has received the attention of many devoted priests and followers seeking to refine their academic knowledge of their religion. International students are welcome in all the public universities of Saintmagnus, with Aivintian and other southeast Gondwanan nationals being common sights in the halls of university. Online learning is not only allowed, but highly encouraged in the public universities as well, allowing students from around the world with specialties in Aivintian or southeast Gondwanan studies to pursue easy degrees with low costs and expert professors.
Music in Saintmagnus is largely classical and orchestral music, mirroring the traditional styles of Aivintis. This includes string instruments and pianofortes, some of which are manufactured in Saintmagnus, but occasionally brass horns and woodwinds. The opera is a longstanding Saintmagnian feature for high society, imported from other countries by way of Aivintis. Saintmagnian operas are elaborate events and complex stories, expressed in a traditional, artistic style prioritising baritones over tenors and sopranos.
Alternative and indie soft rock found its way in Saintmagnus as well, but crept over the nation in a much slower manner. Still, it remains the preferred genre of younger and more modern musicians and bands. A cappella or acoustic versions of Aivintian songs or other popular hits are somewhat common as well, serving as the most common music for cover bands to partake in. Other, foreign music is readily embraced, at least by the lower and middle classes. A general acceptance that Saintmagnian culture is largely imported lies at the heart of the national identity.
In contrast to, and indeed resulting from a counterculture movement against, the dark and drab Aivintian fashion sense, Saintmagnian clothing flexes colour and flare. Bright shirts, typically with designs from popular media or brands, are common enough, especially among the young. Felt pants, ripped jeans, and other modern, popular, mainstream styles from around the world are adopted by the oft rebellious youth of Saintmagnus, whereas even the business elite of the country can be seen in green, blue, and purple suits in addition to the classic greys, browns, tans, and, less commonly than in their northern mainland, plain black. Jackets and sweatshirts are popular to combat the cold.
The one common thread amongst the riotous styles of the youth, the dignifiedly artistic styles of the adults, and the muted but colourful styles of the elderly, is a love of jewellery, and, with age, watches. Between bracelets of threads, metals, or beads, rings of silver, steel, and gold, and chains and necklaces bearing items of religious or personal importance, the jewelled style of Saintmagnus is decadent and unique to each individual. As for watches, the smart watches of the modern world are rejected by even millennial Saintmagnians who prefer leather bands with traditional watch designs.
The making of these accessories is a valued and lucrative industry, from the expert crafts of those apprenticed as a long line of goldsmithing stretching to the original colonisation of Saintmagnus to the adept work of artsy, small businesses which advertise more attention than their titanic competitors. This cultural marvel is rather a reflection of the expensive consumer society which Saintmagnus has become over their centuries of peace and quiet wealth.
Saintmagnian architecture is largely based on the imitation and modern application of ancient styles. Most churches and government buildings feature some form of dome, whereas even the suggestion of an arch along the wall can be used to decorative effect on businesses and homes. Gothic styles, while less prominent than the neoclassical and the antiquity-esque, are present in some mainstream architectural designs. In low density urban areas, the most modern houses resemble the painted houses of Peragen or New Leganes. Simplicity is seen as a sign of nonconformity and low wealth, which is frowned upon by Saintmagnian society.
The art of Saintmagnus distinguishes itself from that of Aivintis with its divergence from the Romantic and the Dreamlike for grounded, scientifically driven Realism. Portraits are drawn with a mind to the most trivial of details, such as where the veins go on a muscled arm or hand. Uncommon sitting positions and poses are used as sources of creativity, but always in a way deemed natural and real. Landscapes and historical scenes are also common enough, with the choice of scene always being the main expression of artistry. Nationalist and religious undertones are mainstream as well. As a consequence of rebellious youth culture, street art and modern art has a minor presence in the country.
Native literature is uncommon, consisting of mostly historical accounts and religious philosophy, such as books of prayers. Academic texts are produced to some degree as well, but fiction and nonfiction novels are few and far between. Aivintian literature, on the other hand, is readily available in every small town and every corner of every major city. Poetry is even rarer, although foreign poetry is consumed at the same rate as foreign literature. The main difference is that, while Saintmagnian taste in literature parallels Aivintian trends, poetry is pursued from more exotic sources, such as Peragen, Banteay, Llygad Duw, and Sayyed.
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