Vass Society

The Vass are a friendly and liberal people who show considerable deference to authority and expertise. Vass culture is heavily focused on education and the acquisition of measurable or defined skills. This cultural emphasis has created a society that not only cherishes academic pursuits but also insists on formal apprenticeships and established trade qualifications in nearly all areas of commerce and industry. Interestingly, this societal demand for expertise has minimized the role of the government in regulating industries, as the trades themselves have voluntarily adopted standards in response to public demand for established qualifications.

Class Structure

There are three major class divisions within Vass society:

1. Wards: The Wards constitute the entirety of Vassian nobility, government officials, and military officers.
2. Faculty: The Faculty represents the scholarly and intellectual class of the Vass.
3. Citizens: The majority of Vassians fall into the category of Citizens.

Culture

Language

The primary language spoken by most Vassians is Jajicj, a dialect unique to the Simal Archipelago. Jajicj is a fusion of Ilistan and an ancient Byrizi language, which allows speakers to understand some Byrizi and many Ilistan dialects. The Vass Kingdom is the only country in the world where Jajicj is the official language.

Early Influences

The cultural identity of the Vass has been shaped by various early influences, which contributed to the development of their unique form of nationalism and cultural symbols.

Art

Art in Vass society is heavily influenced by their emphasis on education and the intellectual traditions of their culture.

Genealogy

Genealogy and historical lineage are important aspects of Vass culture, reflecting their respect for tradition and expertise.

Societal Issues

Several pressing issues currently affect Vass society:

• Welfare: There is a lack of a comprehensive social safety net. Charitable groups protest against child labor, the lack of universal public education, debtors' prisons, lax drug laws leading to addiction and crime, and other societal issues.
• Education: Education for all but the Wards is privately managed. Private schools, ranging from trade schools to elite academic institutions, provide instruction from grade school to the university level. Many children are homeschooled, and there is a significant number of autodidacts within society. However, some of the very poor cannot afford what would be considered a proper education.
• Industrialization: Industrialization and mechanization have led to overcrowded cities as people migrate from the countryside. There are concerns about the impersonal nature of work in factories and work farms, with some societal elements calling for a return to simpler times.
• Pollution: Pollution is becoming a significant issue due to the increasing demands of industry for power, which is primarily derived from coal.
• Crime: Crime, primarily robbery, remains a concern. Highwaymen threaten the countryside, while pickpockets and muggings occur frequently in urban areas. Prostitution is considered a nuisance and is only criminalized when solicitation occurs. Brothels, gambling houses, and opium dens are common but are often targeted by "do-gooders" and various religious ministries.