{ The Vibrant Culture of Gallia }

[TheChibiKiwi]

Gallia, rich in culture that stems from all around Altera. A new government built upon the foundations of the teachings of the All Mother and Grey Lady seeks to embrace the unique atmosphere and regional location afforded to its lands. Accepting of all races and creeds Gallia opens its doors to those who seek peace and escape from the problems of the main lands of Altera.

The crown of Gallia firmly believes a connection of all races can be achieved at some simple levels more than complex, being food, music and arts. The land being known for its spices and its trade around the world with other settlements has created foods mostly only known to the southern region, which merchants flock to bring to their peoples.






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Shawarma
Shawarma is a staple dish of Gallia that uses the local spices of the land. Consisting of meat cut into thin slices, stacked in an inverted cone made of pita bread, and roasted slowly over a fire pit. This dish can be made with lamb, chicken, beef or pork. It is typically severed alongside local sauces and includes a mix of greens incorporated into the dish itself.

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Falafel
Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty that is made from either chickpeas or fava beans and spices. Consisting of chickpeas, onions, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander and other spices it is a meatless option for those who follow the strictest teachings of the All-Mother.

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Hummus
Hummus is a smooth and creamy puree of cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans), tahini sesame paste and typically lemon juice. Garlic may be added to enhance the flavor but it is commonly used without it. This dip is made to be accompanied by breads and may also incorporate pine nuts and olive oil.

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Shish Tawook
Shish Tawook is a very popular skewered chicken dish in Gallia. Made of perfectly tender and juicy chicken that’s been marinating in earthy spices, yogurt, lemon juice and garlic.

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Balala Salad
Balala salad is an incredibly easy Gallian style bean salad featuring chickpeas and black beans, tossed together with diced tomatoes, cucumber, onion, garlic, parsley and mint. It can also have a bit of sumac, olive oil, lemon juice, mineral salt and pepper to turn a simple dish into a meal in it self.

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Shakshouka
Shakshouka is a dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, olive oil, peppers, onion, and garlic, commonly spiced with cumin, paprika and pepper

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Fesenjan
Fesenjan is a traditional stew, made with chicken or duck and cooked in a nutty, rich, sweet and sour pomegranate molasses and walnut sauce. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh pomegranate seeds and serve over rice.

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Drinks!
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Jallab
Jallab or Jellab is a type of fruit syrup popular in Gallia made from carob, dates, grape molasses and rose water. It is made mainly of grape molasses, grenadine syrup, and rose water, then smoked with Gallian incense.

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Limonana
A frozen / iced drink made of sugar, water, lemon, mint and orange

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Sharab Rumman
This pomegranate and orange flower drink is sweet and has a delicious subtle floral flavor from the orange flower. It has a little bit of tanginess from the pomegranate and lemon, which goes wonderfully with the sweet orange juice and honey.

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thread is a WIP

 

[TheChibiKiwi]

[This is a WIP]

Gallian Worship traditions and stances on the divine.

Gallians believe in the Altera divine as most people do, however their worship and interpretation to the gods tenets do vary from those from the main land.
Worship is either done on the streets, in the home or at various ritual cites or churches throughout the islands.​

The All Mother – Shalherana

Shalherana, the bringer of life. To Gallians the All Mother is one of the most important deities. The all mother is the creator of life and nature, and the Mother for all followers. Followers of the All-Mother in Gallia have been known to shed blood when asking for things such as a bountiful harvest, birth of a new born or protection of nature. The blood given to Shalherana represents life, and the circle of such life. Blood flows in the living and the sacrifice of it acknowledges this.



The Grey Lady

Much like the All Mother, the Grey Lady is worshipped with high respect. Blood sacrifice is given to the Grey Lady to repent, because the Gallians see a connection between Shalherana and Death, or life and death. To repent for ones sins with blood is to let the blood of a sinner flow, much like the river of judgement. The blood of oneself to the Grey Lady for repentance symbolizes that no one is above sin, and that everyone is wicked. The saying “May the blood of the wicked flow into the river of judgement” is often recited during this ritual.



The Huntress – Theodra

Despite its desert landscape, Gallians are savy hunters. Either at sea or land, Gallians survive with fresh kills. These kills are not taken lightly, and prayer to the Huntress is done before and after every hunt. In times of need, such as over population of wildlife or scarcity of food an animal sacrifice may be offered to Theodra asking her to watch over the town and provide hunters with safety.

Ignis

A small section of Gallians worship Ignis. The ways of worship do not differ from the mainland and no influence to date has been attempted to change this as people are content.

Sallana

Worship of Sallana in Gallia is scarce due to the tenet of not needing other gods and the impracticality of such belief in everyday life. Sallana is acknowledged and praised with song and dance. Marriages are often sought under the name of Sallana, however most Gallians do not see the monotheism of Sallana as life fulfilling. Bards, Artists and Poets praise Sallana but often believe in the necessity of other gods.

Jax

To worship Jax is often done in secret or though action. With the Jax temple off the shores of Gallia the concept of gambling, bartering and risk are not foreign concepts to Gallia. Gallians like to worship Jax through their actions towards others, be it winning at games, making a trade or even going on a voyage in the sea in his honor.



The All Father – Korog

A crafters craft is their pledge to korog. Followers of the All Father worship with giving crafts at shrines to Korog, as well as pilgrimages and preaching of the tenets.



Visage

Worship of visage in Gallia is allowed. How followers worship is unknown, and is a close guarded secret to the followers. The crown of Gallia has been known to turn an eye when visage related crime happens in the city.



Jishrim

Like Visage, worshipers of jishrim in Gallia tend to not make themselves known. While the crown does not support the following of the god of madness, there is no outright ban on it. Gallia maintains a stance of if its hidden, its not a problem.



Skraag

Skraag is the only deity not promoted for worship in Gallia. This is due to the conflicts of the high worship of the Grey Lady. Gallia allows gravewalkers, and vyres under the condition they harm none. Public worship of Skraag in Gallia is not prohibited, however what is done in private is private.

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Burial and Afterlife

Death is far from final to Gallians. Burial practices consist of the dead laying in the open with the deceased on display. The deceaseds weapons, food and an item of personal importance near them. These items are seen as gifts for the Grey Lady to make judgement as painless and as swift for the departed as needed. Upon revival, the items are given at the great temple as a tribute for another chance at life. In the event of no revival, the dead is burried in a catabomb with the items. Typical Gallians do not burn the dead as it is believed such action destroys the soul, however in situations such as high crimes, or crimes against the divine a person may be sentenced to death by burning, where the body is only partially burnt and the remains are scattered for a disgraced burial.​