About the world, Important, read me!

[beta the admin]

Timeline
Laws
Culture and Customs

Quick timeline:

2123:
-Civilization's lowest point; crime vice and poverty are everywhere
-Children of the Enlightenment formed as a reaction

2126:
-The Children of the Enlightenment take control of the government, many of our modern laws are set into place

2202:
-The Enlightened School is established to reform the minds of problematic youths

2316:
-Donovan Tobin becomes headmaster of The Enlightened School

2323:
-The current year...who knows?

[beta the admin]

Timeline
Laws
Culture and Customs

Laws:

The expression of any opinions that challenges or threatens society's current state is strictly forbidden. All forms of expression are included. Scientific discovery is outlawed, and all writers, artists, and musicians must obtain a permit and have all work approved by the government before it can be distributed. Dissent, obviously, is banned as well.

Nearly all of the things believed to contribute to crime or immorality are also on the banned list. Drug use, excessive drinking, homosexuality, adultery, and gambling are all forbidden. Though, the determined will still find ways to indulge themselves.

And what happens when someone is caught? Well, no one knows for sure. One day, these people up and disappear, never to be heard from again. Some think that they are imprisoned for life. Others think they're executed. Some even think that they're brainwashed, given a new identity, and released back into the world.

And now a list!

Just to help keep things clear and easy, the following are illegal and for adults punishable by, well, whatever they do once those people disappear. Minors breaking any of these laws will be turned over to the Enlightened School.

-Intoxication (adults may still drink in moderation)
-Cursing and vulgar language
-Homosexuality
-Premarital sex
-Gambling
-Adultery
-Dissent of either government or culture
-Scientific and technological advances
-Creation, distribution, or possession of non-approved art, music, or literature
-Protesting
-Drug possession, manufacture, and use
-Improper dress (i.e. showing too much skin)
-Possesion of weapons

[beta the admin]

Timeline
Laws
Culture and Customs

Culture and Customs:

Though we may be hundreds of years in the future, we may as well have traveled back in time. The modern culture is very heavily influenced by the old Victorian era, especially in aesthetics, fashion, and the emphasis on etiquette.

Aesthetics and fashion:
That's right, all of those lovely Victorian dresses and architecture are back in style. Homes are decorated with muted colors and lace on the inside and decorative structures such as dormer windows on the outside. As for fashion, a woman is expected to wear a corset, keep their hair pinned up, and stay covered. A man should not remove his jacket in the presence of a lady, for such would be considered crude.

Etiquette:
Formalities, such as which fork to use are important, but not nearly as much so as behaving properly. Children are to be seen and not heard, and topics of conversation are chosen carefully. Neutral topics, such as the weather, are generally safe. It is extremely vulgar to swear or discuss anything even implicitly sexual. Euphemisms are commonly used to avoid such a faux pas. For example, furniture does not have legs, it has limbs. A woman is not pregnant, she is 'in a family way.'

A person must also be careful in how they portray their own attitude. In a society where even differing opinions are not allowed, having an unpleasant or disagreeable attitude is reason for suspicion. Practically speaking, there is no danger in grouchiness itself, but it could start rumors, which CAN be dangerous

Technology:
Centuries ago, modern technology as well as scientific advancement were banned. Thus, we have the telegram, the steam engine, and gas lamps. That's about it.

Love and Dating
Well, people really don't date. A young man will ask a young woman's father for his daughter's hand. The couple usually knows each other fairly well, but pragmatic reasons are also a factor. Marriage for love is not unheard of, but neither is marriage arranged solely by the parents.

Suffrage (voting)
No one, male or female, votes. The government is completely separate from the people. Very few know anything about how it functions and who's in charge.

Women
Women do not have the same rights as men. Almost always, men will be considered smarter, stronger, and more emotionally stable. A woman may still pursue higher education and a career, but she will never be as successful as her male counterparts. Additionally, women are thought of as wives and mothers first, and anyone who ignores those roles will be thought of as strange.