No matter how restrained the Karterians comport themselves in their everyday, that doesn't mean they're immune to the desire for a good festival! And after the problems arcane radiation has brought, a situation that grows more dire by the year—it's important for morale to be able to put those fears aside for a few days. (Some still feel that any celebration is worse than unnecessary, but dangerous. Why, those are resources that could go to... something else! Something more worthy!) Otherwise, Karterians are a restrained bunch: they celebrate special occasions, but there aren't many holidays proper. More information about these holidays will be given when their dates approach!

Midsummer

Traditionally occupying the days leading up to the midsummer solstice, and culminating on the first day of official summer. The brightest time of the year is yet celebrated by the adding of more lights—as if to coax the sun to stay for that bit longer. There used to be far more superstitions attached to the holiday, but they've largely fallen out of favor, or been suppressed; Karteria is a modern, scientific society, after all! Commerce largely grinds to a halt, as the majority of Karterians are given time off work, to better enjoy the long days and bright nights.

Salvation Day

Salvation Day is not a holiday steeped in ancient tradition. It falls on the day where the war with Lupê came to its tragic close. Memorialized on its first anniversary, it turned organically into an annual event as it became clear that the consequences of that war would not be soon forgotten. Yet while not quite possessing anything like a festival atmosphere, many years later the day has become not quite so somber, or preoccupied with anything like reflection. Karterians come together instead to celebrate Peacock, a figure whose nobility and self-sacrifice touched the hearts of citizens across class divides. This may have been the day where arcane radiation became the plague that it is—but it was also the day where they were saved from immediate and miserable death.

Many a merchant has learned to take advantage of the patriotic mood, creating peacock-themed goods for the masses to purchase. While the original Peacock was a person, the animal behind her transformation is gradually becoming a symbol of Karteria itself.

Midwinter

Midwinter is a holiday traditionally occupying the week leading up to midwinter solstice. Candles light both storefronts and private residences, celebrating the turning of the sun, and the eventual promise of Spring. It is a time meant for lovers, couples, and the amorously-intentioned—though more modern interpretations (popularized in Karteria, and finding less traction elsewhere) include familial love or even friendship under the holiday's umbrella. Kelesians in particular are known to be enamored of this holiday, with displays taking over streets and homes alike. Until travel between islands is restored however, the Augmented will have to settle for the more staid Karterian demonstrations.

We regret to inform you that some Karterian citizens are stuck in the American 1940's-1950's, but fused with a bit of scientific innovation. Karterians are all about Lots Of Foods Condensed Into A Single Flavor Bar/Slice, and for some reason their answer to this is... jello salads, NutriBars, and casseroles. There are strange foods in convenience stores that are brightly colored and foil-wrapped, promising the delivery of this-or-that vitamins and nutrients necessary for productivity. A home-cooked meal is often still compressed into some kind of form, like gelatin rings, loaves, or sheets. These foods are nutrient-dense.

If you need some awful inspiration for this dark side of Karterian cuisine, check out A Box of Betty. How nice.

There seems to be some strange ubiquitous leaning toward foods either sweet and fruity, or salty and vinegary. Spicy foods exist, and some people enjoy them. There are lots of "astronaut foods" out there, in the sense that things are frequently freeze dried and packed for convenience. Many of these quick Nutrient Foods are bland, or otherwise single-note in flavor.

When it comes to better foods that aren't so strangely comported, those exist out there, often prepared at small, nice restaurants or in homes with people who enjoy cooking their classic cuisine. Commonplace foods will be inspired by a fusion of Scandanavian and Eastern European dishes, especially Hungarian, though prepared often with whatever Karterians can still obtain. The problem is that many resources that once fueled these nicer cuisine choices are... difficult to obtain now. These nicer dishes are more prevalent in Ekklisis and Eparsis, suggesting of a common heritage.

Conservative yet liberating; glamorous yet simple. The fashion of Karterians is best described as a blend of ages and shapes, where men and women alike value time and place in their wardrobe. Function and fashion can coexist for citizens of Karteria, and attire varies depending on the occasion. Overall, think between a range of western 1920 to 1939 if you're looking for inspiration.

Casual Dress

Casual attire for both men and women is often cut in shapes intended to be comfortable and simple. Women wear plenty of flowing, straight-fitted dresses featuring low waists, with hems that range from the ankle to the knee, as well as comfortable, muted slacks. Men wear plenty of knit sweaters and soft-collared shirts, as well as roomy slacks. Lots of straight-fitted garments, colors skewing toward black, gray, white, brown, beige, and gold—with the occasional pop of color. Needless to say, Karterians like looking clean and presentable in their day-to-day wear, though they also like being comfortable. Karterian citizens don't often wear accessories while in casual attire save for a brooch, watch, or hat.

By and large, Karterians view themselves as a scientific and pragmatic people. Superstitions have no place in society, and if one's claims can't be backed up with any kind of testable, repeatable proof—then you shouldn't be making them at all.

Organized religion has no place in a society like this, and there is no widespread belief in any sort of god, or creator figure. Supernatural entities of course exist (many of whom are utilized as Spectral-type Natural Souls), as does magic—but these are areas that are still fully explicable. They can be understood, their laws defined just as surely as gravity, so they see no contradiction in favoring both science and the arcane. Any leaning towards religiosity, however, is dubious; believing anything on faith alone is not only a mental failing but a moral one. A person willing to operate without proof is worth wariness; just what might they do, if they've given up rationality?

This is, of course, merely their self-perception. Karterians are just as guilty of the same biases, the same opinions-presented-as-truth predilections as anyone. Being faced with the inexplicable and the unknown causes feelings of unrest in many—and some privately fall back onto what society would consider primitive beliefs.

Take arcane radiation, for example. The public has a general understanding of what it is, and why it's there—why Katalyth is no longer available as a source of energy. But why isn't it clearing up? Why aren't things getting better, when everyone is doing what they're supposed to? Patho-Gen has been short on answers, on explanations, and while few would admit to it outloud or in public, some imagine it being some sort of... curse. The work of some thing outside natural law, that defies understanding—a retribution for some sin they've forgotten.

But officially, they are a sober, restrained, and overall logical people.

Karteria as a whole is a well-educated city. It's not to say that all schooling is equal (it isn't; a gulf exists between rich and poor, one that's only been widening since the barrier came up, and the outside world was cut off), but it is widely valued. To be learned is not a thing worth skepticism, nor particular snobbery. It's expected; it's as fundamental as gravity.

Basic education (the equivalent of K-12) is free and available to all. University education is heavily sponsored by the state, but in recent years has become progressively less so, placing it increasingly out of reach of the lower classes. Usually what sets "rich people" schooling apart from the poor or average is the presence of courses that focus on debate and government, but there are other differentiating features, such as renowned professors or customised curriculum. Even so, those with a demonstrated aptitude towards a particular subject or art form are likely to receive some manner of stipend to support their academic development.

In addition to public schooling (running the gamut of 'adequate' to 'arguably the best in the city') there do exist private schools, with high tuitions only affordable to the elites. While the education there is genuinely good—you're absolutely getting what you pay for—to be a graduate from one of these entities is side-eyed by most. Being a scholar from the illustrious Basileios Gymnasium might mean something to those of Basileios itself, but to everyone else all it suggests is that you bought your way to the finish line. (Of course, this doesn't hurt these graduates' career prospects; nepotism is alive and well, and those scholars transfer neatly from the Gymnasium to their parents' offices.)

Libraries are a solid presence throughout the city, and one of the few places that are popular across demographics. Popular authors can achieve some level of notoriety, though the profession as a whole is not terribly well-paid. But the populace keeps up to date with new releases, and a knowledge of the classics is pervasive.

A 'philosopher phase' is common amongst the youth, and those who don't grow out of it (and who are either good at it, or from a monied background) usually become lawyers or politicians. Everyone else takes on more practical careers... but a love for the literary (or at least a comfortable familiarity) remains in them all.

Without going into the mess of Karterian property laws, civic duties, inheritance taxes, and the sorts of things the Augmented will never have to deal with... there are some rules that characters might find themselves coming up against.

Social Conduct

Karterians are a reserved sort. And this is reflected in their behavior both publicly and privately. It's unusual to initiate conversation with a stranger without a good reason (Such as asking for directions, or some other form of help—that is completely permissible, and most Karterians will go out of their way to see that stranger sorted. The more beastly the Augmented become, the more wariness on that front they may face—unless they've done a good job ingratiating themselves with the population.). They also frown on people being too rowdy, so try to keep your enthusiasm to a minimum! (This definitely includes barking, howling, crowing—if your Natural Soul is a vocal sort, keep it down!)

Public Displays of Affection

Public affection may as well be public indecence to Karterian eyes, as anything more than some polite handholding is frowned upon. Only the briefest of hugs is permitted (and you'd better maintain as much bodily distance as possible!), and even that might be pushing it in circumstances sufficiently formal. There should be absolutely no kissing, butt-touching, or an extended amount of longing-filled eye-gazing.

While you're not likely to be arrested for it unless you're a repeat offender, flaunting these social mores too openly will lead to characters being asked to depart the premises, or otherwise shunned. It will also help to lower the reputation the Augmented have amongst the Karterians... as like it or not, they view their otherworldly guests as a collective.

(Not every city-state on Pathos is as stodgy as Karteria. Kelesis in particular is lax in this regard, almost contrarily taking an opposite stance to Karteria.)

Petty vs. Serious Crime

Karteria treats even petty crime severely, but not in the sense of tossing criminals into jail. Thefts, defilement, property damage, disturbing the peace... These are moral failings, but just how morally robbed is the criminal? If it can be proven that the act in question is premeditated, that is worthy of a more severe punishment. But for crimes of passion or impulse, for the apple stolen by a hungry person...

Many minor crimes have punishments served beyond the jailhouse in the form of community service. Hell, you may even be required to serve time by washing dishes at a local understaffed diner, or by answering calls with a script from angry citizens demanding to hear about the allocation of their tax dollars! Certain businesses offer a sort of employment to such petty criminals to get free labor out of them, all while... apparently trying to help them shape up. Help them feel useful, or something. The idea they have is that being integrated with the community might help, and it could even serve to give them skills other than stealing apples! Even Augmented will be subject to such punishment, should they be caught performing a minor crime. By the end of their service, they will be expected to give a presentation, either before the public or in front of a confidant, about what they did, what the consequence was, and what they've learned over the process. ...Saying that you'll do it again? It's not a good idea. Be warned.

Premeditated crime, especially when the stakes are higher, such as stealing a rare piece of equipment or burning down the condo of a high-ranking public officer... These will be treated with more weight. Not only will reputation be impacted more readily, but these could be offenses requiring detention by Karterian officials. ... For the sake of playing in an RP game and being able to participate, Patho-Gen has managed to square away such legal matters by suggesting that Patho-Gen will take responsibility—and they mean it when they say that, as characters will likely be... altered in some way. Fuck around, find out.