Physical Appearance:Culturally, the Sienovese are descended from an isolated colony of Old Imperials. They have picked up both Gallacian and Searaider blood during the past thousand years, however. They still tend to be rather tall, with men standing between 5' 10" and 6' 0" and women a few inches shorter. They have average builds as a race, and hair that ranges form blond to black with the occasional red. Their eye color also varies considerably, and while they have generally fair skin, it may or may not be freckled as Gaelic skin often is.
Dress: Sienova is the center of the fashion industry on the continent. Sienovese fashions are desired and emulated by rich urban sophisticates in Northern Achaea, Gallacia, and the Covenant State. Their styles are beginning to become popular in some areas of the Marches as well, and among the younger generation of Kingdom nobles. Sienovese clothes are more tailored and fitted than those of Mithraea or Gallacia, but less so than in the Empire. For men they consist of lose, flowing shirts, baggy knee-length pantaloons, and fitted jackets extending to mid-thigh. Those who can afford to wear expensive (detachable) lace at their jacket and trouser cuffs and at their collar. Women's dress consists of dresses with long full skirts and laced bodices worn low on the shoulder over light weight lacy under-dresses. Silks are much prized, and pastel colors are very popular at the moment. Sienova has scandalized the region by devising a style of full pantaloons as an option for women who wish to ride out on a hunt, play tennis, or engage in other athletic activities (although, needless to say, such clothing is not appropriate in formal company). Both men and women wear wide-brimmed hats, often decorated with a silk band and/or a feather.
Language: Sienovese Language is very similar to the Imperial dialect, more so than in Mithraea, as they were more isolated until a couple of hundred years ago. They use the written language of the Empire as well, and have the highest literacy rate on the continent (probably nearly 60% of the population has basic written fluency and can sign their names, more can at least read a little).
Kinship/Family: Inheritance is through both the male and female lines, and the bulk of a families possessions will go to the eldest son, with the others being provided for as well as possible. Family is important in Sienova, though not so much as in the Empire. They revere and respect their elders, but do not have a traditional "Pater Familia" as in the Empire, nor do they have a cult of ancestor veneration. Contact with Gallacia has reduced the patriarchal nature of Sienovese society. While it would be very unusual for them to have a ruling queen, for example, the current queen is publicly her husband's partner, advising him and taking place in political debate. Women are also esteemed as keepers of culture and looked to for the newest popular trends. Women are generally just as educated as the men of their social class and in the upper classes have the leisure to produce fine artwork, poems, naturalistic studies, and more. The one Mithraean value which has thoroughly penetrated Sienova is the Marches respect for the multi-talented individual, male or female.
Government/Authority: See above. Nobility in Sienova is similar to that in the Empire or Mithraea. The social scale is more flexible than in Mithraean society or the Empire, however. It is quite possible for a member of the upper gentry to marry into the nobility. Occasionally even well-to-do commoners may do so, though this is considerably less common. It is also quite possible for an ingenious (and witty) individual to raise his standing through noble or even royal patronage. Money talks in Sienova, though not nearly as much as in Achaea where titles are bought and sold outright.
Religion/Philosophy: The Sienovese allow many religions within their borders and have no official state religion. This tolerance helps them to maintain cordial relations with Mithraea, the Marches, and Gallacia. Bards trained in Gallacia are as respected in Sienova as they are in their homeland, as are members of the Shadow School and other Gallacian institutions. Mithraic priests are also respected and looked to for many things, especially healing. The previous king endowed a couple of Mithraean monastic orders with houses in Sienova as a gift in return for their healing works.
Magick: The Sienovese are fascinated by magick. They go out of their way to learn about it and see it in action. Often the magicians who go to Sienova to perform are charlatans, but this doesn't much bother the Sienovese. As long as they put on a good show, fake mages are just as entertaining and far safer than the real thing. Fortune telling and divination with cards and such are quite popular as well. The king and his agents do keep a quiet eye on those who actually do have power, though there are no actual magick-related laws or restrictions "on the books." A display of obviously real magick is just as likely to terrify the uneducated here as it is anywhere, and the magicks appreciated by the court definitely lean towards the aesthetic and prosaic.
Arts: The Sienovese enjoy all the arts and encourage artists and musicians form other lands to settle there as practitioners and teachers. They produce very fine oil and tempera paintings, frescos, and statuary (more of marble than bronze) in a realistic style. They enjoy chamber music and dance music and their favorite instruments include the viol, harpsichord, flute, lute, and vihuela.
Way of Life/Professions: Professions in Sienova are widely varied. The lower classes farm and engage in viniculture, either in their own lands or the lands of the nobility. In the cities, artisans and craftsmen are diverse and generally well respected. Even actors are respected for their work in Sienova (as long as they act well!). Nobility generally do not engage in work per se, but rather manage their estates, set up trading arrangements, and enjoy their leisure time. None the less, engaging in a trade while out of necessity or enjoyment is not as discouraged as it is in Mithraea.
Cultural Background Skills: All urban Sienovese tend to be at least minimally literate in their own language. Many read the daily broad sheets. They tend to be aware of major events in other lands, and concerned with goings-on outside their borders. They will often be able to play a musical instrument, sing, recite poetry, or paint. Tailoring and other service professions, viniculture, the breeding of fine animals such as horses or hawks, architecture, and others are all popular trades for the middle classes, as well as banking and trade.