Answering Miscellaneous Worldbuilding Questions (Pt. 3)

Here we are again, answering more questions. These, however, are from Reddit. Be sure to read Pt. 1 and Pt. 2! Enjoy!

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Suppose I'm transported to the most pleasant place in your country; where would I go for lodging, and what should I order off the menu?

The most pleasant place is considered to be the town of Wakinna, which is the seat of the Zek islands county in Obets. It has a population of roughly 45,000, compared to the largest city on the island of 900,000. It is located almost on the water, and is surrounded by mountains, as if it were a pacific island. The best places for lodging are the cabins that lead out onto the ocean.

Wandering through one of your nation's cities, a thief steals my wallet. I report the incident to a local authority. Who would they be, and what will (Or won't) they do about my stolen wallet?

The local authorities would be the police in the district you reside in. They would ask questions about where you were, what happened, and so on, and do their best to use evidence to find the suspect. However, there is not a perfect chance of success. If they fail, they would do their best to compensate what you lost (which could be a long process).

I dive to the bottom of the sea. What wonders, treasures and curiosities will I find on the seabed?

There is a massive abundance of coral reefs especially in the northern e-Obet waters, however the most spectacular sight you could find is the lost city of Wasiyasi. The city was discovered on the borders of the waters belonging to Obets and Coerspalk, and it contains ancient remnants of massive architecture: most of which remain a mystery. There are numerous conspiracies on how the city came to be. All people know is that it once existed.

What strange beliefs do your peoples have about places lying beyond the known world? (Here be dragons!)

There exist none or little: e-Obet is known for its exploratory tendencies, and there exist not a location on Diyar or the near areas of the universe that is unknown. However, there are many stories revolving around what lies in the deeps of the universe. According to e-Obet mythology, the universe was created when painters strung all of their paintings together, and that what we cannot see in the universe is space reserved for more paintings being made by the so-called "gods".

Can you give me the synopsis of one of your people's cultural/national epics? (The foundational myths.)

There once existed nothing. Now, the main part of nothing is that nothing is bound to create something. Nothing does not want to exist. And therefore, nothing, who was in control of everything (everything being nothing), created things. And the duty of the things was to create something. The something they created were painters. These painters' job was to paint a universe, and they did so. They painted the galaxy, all of the nebulas and stars, all of the comets, particle by particle. However, they soon realized their paintings needed life. They needed a conscience, they needed something to be acknowledged by. So the chief painter, Xo'zil, installed a green-blue dot, and it would serve as the universe's conscience. As the world was created, so were the forces of nature. The chief painters created two types of spirits: one type would be the natural forces, whose goal was to protect and manage the conscience, and another, the emotions, who would guise the conscience. The forces of nature and the forces of emotion worked together to harbor life in all forms. However, the chiefs needed something to give incentive to life. Therefore, they combined their numerous paintings to make an infinite universe, and they would constantly add to it: that way, the temptation of exploration is forever present.

What do your common folk do for fun?

Well, they will normally use technology all of the time, and interact with digital AI. However many outdoor hobbies are very popular, including travel.

Can you give me an example (or more) of differences in morality between people in our world and inhabitants of your nation?

A big part of e-Obet culture is that there is not much that we would consider taboo or inappropriate. In most states, there are restrictions on public nudity. but that is only due to health reasons (and many of them aren't full restrictions). Even with that, the topic of sex is taken very lightly in everyday life. Pornography is even publicly advertised. Along with that, the topic of death is taken lighter that most cultures. e-Obet society does not fear death to a huge extent, in a way similar to Bhutan, and death is sometimes even considered a great act of freedom, as you then get to reunited with the part of your soul that is unconscious, and either continue into a next life or take another path.

Zoos, Waterparks, Amusement Parks. Do you have any equivalent?

Very much so. Public attractions such as water parks even receive minor funding from the government. Zoos exist, however they are frowned upon and often serve more as information hubs instead of keeping animals in captivity. For the animals the do keep in captivity, they ensure the animals are not solitary and have an extremely broad space for living.

What's the biggest, most beloved celebration of the year?

Twovenfak: it starts at the beginning of the year as a celebration of the winter solstice, which is also close to beginning of the wet season in Obets. It features twelve days of parades, partying, vacation, and relaxation.

What's the latest fashion and/or what type of clothing never goes out of style?

Most e-Obet dress extremely casually, and e-Obet culture allows for things like nudity or half-nudity in public. There are special types of suits that e-Obet like to wear for formal events.

It's late at night and I'm hungry, what food venues are still open?

Pretty much at all times you can access e-Obet cuisine, which includes the famous Inside Out Pizza, a Spanakopita-equivalent, burgers, and a more hearty meal which is a decoration of specially-cooked vegetables.

Which arts are most appreciated in your nation?

Music has always been very big - what is considered the RL rock revolution never really died out in Obets, and you can listen to bands like those from the 60s, 70s, and 80s all of the time.

What's the closest your nation has been to wholesale destruction? (Apocalypse)

From 1897 - 1901 Obets went through a chaotic civil war, when many factions arose and turn Obets into practically pure anarchy, with it almost being impossible for the liberal government to be successfully reinstated.

Can you give the lyrics for a song from your world?(Alternative if you have no lyrics written: Can you tell me the meaning of one of your world's songs?)

See my dispatch on the national anthem.

Days, Weeks, Months, Years. How are they measured and what are they called?

See my dispatch on the calendar system.

What are the boundaries of what is magically possible?

The definition of magic is very different in Obets - magic in Obets is seen as being able to manipulate the forces of nature and physics on an extreme level. this means that things like hydroelectric dams, quantum experiments, and using advanced medicine is magic.

Can you give me some insults specific to your nation?

A common insult that is sometimes, rarely, considered a slur, is "Goram" (which, yes, is the national currency). "Goram" has no good direct translation, but it means something that can be easily manipulated for personal profit. It also means something that has been or can be oppressed or exploited for the good of someone else. There is also "Goramano" which means a person who is excessively dull: a person who cannot comprehend advanced subjects or make progress on a project.

What's the most valuable material in your nation, and how is it used?

Obets has made advancements in using ununoctium. It comes in extremely small amounts, but we think we could use it for nuclear weapons.

How much of a career can a writer have in your nation?

They can have a relatively large career depending on what they write.

Is it possible to enhance your body through means other than hitting the gym and eating well?

You can get implants however they are very expensive and often not worth it.

How is public sanitation taken care of?

There are lots of bathhouses, hot springs, including jobs dealing with sanitation. Every house has plumbing and toilets.

Can you explain one of your nation's sports to me?

e-Obet sports are not too different: there is a huge industry for both American Football (or "Zoneball"), Handball, Soccer (which is called Football), and Rugby.

Can you describe the architectural styles of your world? (high/low, peaked/rounded, ornate/modest, open/closed etcetera)

Most suburban architecture is similar to that of the US, however more monumental architecture, such as federal government buildings, are built like palaces and they have parks, arenas, etc. There are also monumental statues, such as a large e-Obet buddha on in Cena Town, which is visible throughout the city.

Can you give me the descriptions of some of your country's cheeses?

We do not produce cheese - are main food exports are rice, corn, rice, pork, rice, and rice.

What does an average household look like?

Its a mixture - many communities are the modern nuclear family, and pets are very often kept (however domesticating wild animals for pets is illegal without government authentication). There are also communities that function similar to a commune.

How are children treated in your country?

They are treated mainly as adults. they are given the same criminal rights as adults plus extra special treatment for juvenile prison. Children are allowed to be employed, as long as they have parental consent if they are under 15. Children's life often revolves around school, and they have a 4-day school week, each school day lasting approximately 8 hours (9am - 5pm). They average approximately 18,153 hours of schooling in their lifetime (excluding college). Kids are given a few-month break towards the end of the wet season and into the beginning of the dry season. The age of majority is considered to be 15 (which is the voting age, drinking age, soft drug possession age, and age of consent), but children often don't leave the house until they go to college. The drinking age is 18 for hard alcohol.

What do people in your country value most in a leader?

Transparency and democratic willpower. Through the e-Obet education system, e-Obet are taught to value democracy, and most do. The people want to know what is happening and make sure that their voice is being represented properly.

What are some common names in your country?

Note: due to the complete gender neutrality of the e-Obet language, all names are gender neutral.
Xu'zef ("Creator")
Sames ("Pathway/Leader")
Qeiobel ("Right-hand man")
Hodyi (No good translation)

What are some of your people's superstitions?

There is a rich belief in e-Obet culture of Hasteiobafak. Hasteiobafak is a constellation of four stars that are the outer stars of Crux, actually. However, the stars have important meaning in the culture. The stars are said to represent the four pillars of a functioning society, Liberty, justice, equality, and wealth. By worshipping these stars, it's said to bring you these things. The stars are also present on the national flag and national seal and are usually displayed with four points. It is said that if you were born on a day when Hasteiobafak was in the center of the sky, you would be very fortunate, or even have supernatural powers. The country fo Obets originated being built around the principles of Hasteiobafak, and they are seen as the principles of how society should be run, similar to The Three Principles in China or Aristotle's Ethos, Pathos, and Logos.

I’ve spent quite some time in your country by now, and would like to settle down. How do I obtain a house?

It's best you first look for a good community. Once you do that, look for potential listings. or, you could find a communalized neighborhood, in which it would be easier to find a home.