Pronunciation: (you-AH-nen)
Galactic Region: Perseus Arm
Galactic Branch: Sikhara Branch
Galactic Sector: N4
Star System: Sol
Planet: Terra
Continent: Aimsir
Land Area: 1,618,000 square miles
Length: 2,600 miles north to south
Width: 600 miles east to west
Coordinates: 15° N to 66° S, 123° W to 30° W
The history of Yuanen begins with the inception of the Four Kingdoms: Kalmar, Hito, Sehti, and Jhenee. These four kingdoms were among the first to form in the early days of Terra's humanoid history, occupying the continent of Aimsir, covering the lands west of the Sliabh mountains. These nations would go on to fight in wars with each other and against the eastern nations of Aimsir. Several alliances would be formed and broken over the millenia
Power would eventually be consolidated into a vast empire which would be embroiled in the Blood Wars, which would ravage the empire and its people. In the Council of Ceilidh, the Jhua'nen empire would be reformed as Yuanen. Shortly after, the province of Hito would secede and form the nation of Fiadh. What remained is more or less present day Yuanen
Many of the empire's cities were destroyed in the fighting, and with decreased population, rebuilding these cities was not possible, to make matters worse, the blight that spread from the Ehkehki mountains across southern Reithe had a devastating ecological impact on the southern Sliabh mountains and southern Yuanen. Several cities were destroyed in the area which is now the Pikwata desert. Most of the population fled north to Kaze and the surrounding delta, eventually establishing new settlements, some of which persist to the present
Timeline
When the kingdoms of Terra transformed into nations at the Council of Ceilidh, Yuanen was formed from Jhua'nen, but very little changed. Since then, change has been slow. The prime minister of the country has very broad power, both officially and even more so behind the scene. A national parliament exists, but is devoid of the ability to make any radical changes. Cities are run by mayors, which have just enough power to run the day to day operations
The prime minister has the ability to override any law and to proposed laws, which require a majority vote in the parliament. Only on very rare occasions does a prime minister invoke either of these two mechanisms, at least officially. In truth, no law is put forth in parliament without prior approval from the prime minister, and all proposed laws pass. Prime ministers serve 40 year terms, after which their successor is appointed by the national council, which is also actually done by the prime minister
Law in Yuanen covers everything from business and trade to personal behavior to the observance of religious tenets. Nowhere on terra is life so thoroughly regulated. While these laws technically apply to visitors, most are not enforced and have a reduced set of punishments in the case that they are
Religion
Citizens of Yuanen worship the spirits in all things, but practically speaking, only the spirits of the four elements are actually worshiped. The spirit of Air is heavily favored, usually the worship of the other three elemental spirits is only present in temples. The spirit of Air is revered as the giver of life and the breath of the universe
So that proper acknowledgement of the movement of the wind can be observed, hanging cloth or chimes are required to be visible from any place the people might find themselves. Even roads are dotted with standing stones from which cloth and bells are hung, so that even when travelling, proper respect can be paid to the wind spirit. Cloth used for these purposes is usually dyed red but can also be purple, blue, yellow, or orange. When travelling in remote places or abroad, the people of Yuanen are well known to bring flags and chimes with them.
Additionally, sunrise and sunset are observed as often as possible, and always in silence. These times are seen as transitions between the states of the elements. Several systems of divination using the clouds are used to predict the future and make decisions
Values
Hard work, community, and loyalty to one's leader and country are Yuanen's top priorities. Everything in Yuanen is regulated, including personal behavior. Hospitality, politeness, and a sense of formality are prized and in many cases, required. Rituals and customs are a part of even the most mundane daily tasks. Personal relationships are usually reserved for close family and old friends, and trust between two people is always earned. It is not uncommon for strangers to be completely mistrusted, but not in an emotional or personal manner. Titles are used when referring to another person which denotes your relationship to that person
Dress
Long, fitted suits are the only acceptable form of clothing for formal and social gatherings alike. The suits come down to the shin, typically to the feet for women and nearer to the knee for men. The sleeves of the suit are cut wide and flow down from the arm. Bells are sewn into the sleeves for clothing worn in times of celebration. The cloth of the torso is usually wrapped, cut in sweeping lines across the body. Sashes and scarves are worn and the quality of the sash is a strong social status symbol. The sashes are worn across the body, counter to the cut of the wearer's suit
Dangling earrings are worn by all genders in different styles, and women's earrings are designed to catch the wind to make noise, either by chime, bell, or whistle. Bracelets are also worn by all genders, typically looping through themselves and dangling 6-18 inches
The people of Yuanen are, genetically speaking, the most homogenous among Humans on Terra. This is due to strict marriage practices, in which young people are strongly discouraged from marrying foreigners, even descendants of colonists from such places as Naer which have strong cultural ties to Yuanen. The result is a lack of diversity in physical features. Skin tone is medium-light, while eye and hair color are invariably jet black. Physical build does vary a little, from medium to a slightly smaller build
Food
Between the bay and the rivers of the valley, fish is a bountiful resource and is a staple of the diet. The rivers also provide a water source for sweeping rice paddies on which a colorful blend of rice is grown, providing another staple of Yuanen's diet. An array of other vegetables are also grown and used seasonally, including cabbage, celery, cucumber, broccoli, eggplant, onions, and spinach. Raspberries grow wild throughout the plain and are foraged and included in the evening meal. Hitan Oranges are imported from Fiadh and considered a delicacy. Noodles and broth based soups are also very common
Meals, as with all social interactions, have several rules of etiquette. Even the dishes themselves have strict recipes and rules for which dishes can be paired during the different seasons and at special events. Young people in Yuanen are expected to learn how to cook several of these dishes and to have at least one specialty
Music and Arts
Stringed instruments and percussive instruments are favored in Yuanen, and their music is emotionally rich. Music is one of the few areas of life in which regulation is minimal. As such it is an outlet explored by many, and performances can be quite emotionally charged. Dance is also widely practiced but is not free from Yuanen's cultural dictates. Sculpture is a common art form, and Yuanen's artists are well known for their of the wind as a part of any sculpture
