Architecture/Living

Many Nyssian homes are made out of mud bricks and are about 300-375 square feet. Foundations are generally non-existent. The walls are mostly painted white or yellow, although some are decorated with frescos or hung with ornamental textiles or mats.

The typical worker’s home has two to four rooms on the ground floor, an enclosed yard that acts as a kitchen, and two cellars for storage. Niches in the wall hold religious objects, usually related to Scy.

More substantial houses have rooms arranged around the inner courtyard, or on either side of a corridor. A crenellated wall faces the street with a wooden door being the single opening. There are small windows in the upper story walls, which are covered with shutters or mats to keep out the flies, dust, and heat. Gateways are generally made of stone, even in poorer households.

Roofs are flat and surrounded by a low wall pierced with waterspouts in the rare event of water accumulation. During hot weather the inhabitants often sleep there. In country houses these roofs are accessible by an open staircase from the inner courtyard. Roofs often have their own furniture and are used as extra storage and living space.

Plumbing and decent sewers are rare. Waste is collected and dumped in the river or on the streets. Passersby beware.

An interesting feature of Nyssian life is that they rarely use tables. Even kitchen work is done while crouching, with the utensils laid on the floor. Scribes squat on the floor as well, writing on papyrus spread over a wooden board.

Lighting is provided by lamps, generally shallow pottery containers filled with oil. Olive oil or the smellier oil of the kiki (castor berry) is common, although fat and tallow are used as well. The wick is made of linen and salt (to prevent smoking) and is floated on the oil.

While the wealthy sleep on beds, the poor sleep on a mattress filled with straw or wool, a mat, or the bare floor.

Gardens are also quite popular. Even smaller homes often have some prize plants, trees, or even animals such as fish or birds. Wealthy homes can have very exotic collections, usually laid out in an orderly fashion.

Most Nyssians use reed baskets for storage and carrying goods. Boxes of wood or ivory can be found but are very expensive. They are often elaborately decorated with drawings or inlays.

Clothing

Most Nyssians wear minimal linen clothing. For men this consists of a short loincloth resembling a kilt; for women a simple dress with straps. Some citizens wear a tunic called a calasiris. Nyssians at every level of society rarely wear shoes, except for protection or special occasions.

The upper levels of society occasionally adorn themselves in silk clothing. Animal skins, particularly leopard, are worn by priests and pharaohs in their role as the first servants of the gods.

Cuisine

Beer, bread, and onions are a central part of the Nyssian diet. These items plus oil are an important part of most workers’ wages. The beer is made from barley and is consumed daily. The most common fruits are dates, figs, and grapes (and raisins).

Poultry is available to all but the most wretched, and mutton and pork are common. Mice and hedgehogs are also consumed. Hedgehogs are encased in clay and baked. When the clay is cracked open and removed, it takes the prickly quills with it.

The Nyssians also are proud of a locally invented a delicacy called kabid thyrhun. A duck or goose is crammed with food using the technique of gavage. The animal’s liver is then harvested and consumed. It is very expensive but evidently a must try for the discerning traveler.

Culture

Nyssian culture is human-centric, but all races and varieties of humans can be found here. They are very provincial—and citizens are protective of their status. Foreigners remain outsiders no matter how long they have lived in Nyssia.

The economy is based on slavery—goblinoids and humanoids alike. The Nyssians seem rather agnostic on who they “collect.” These slaves have no rights and most experience extremely harsh conditions.

Nyssians are also known for their expertise is poisons. Poisoning is probably the leading cause of unnatural death among the upper class, and elaborate precautions are often taken before meals.

Customs

Most Nyssian dead are buried in shallow pits. They are laid to rest on their left side, in a contracted position facing the west. Much as the sun sets in the west, the dead must go that direction into the afterlife. Rich Nyssians are embalmed and mummified upon death. Pharaohs are entombed in massive pyramids of stone. Pharaohs often build their pyramids during their lifetime, and attempt to make it larger and more glorious than their forebears’.

Landmarks

The pyramids around the capital of Dahhun are magnificent to behold. The capital also contains some of the best botanical and zoological gardens in all of Veras.

Language

The Nyssian language is distinct from the more Alvenian influenced languages of the west coast, and the many tongues of the Five Banners Kingdoms. The writing system consists of hieroglyphics, usually carved into clay tablets or inscribed on papyrus. Tradespeak is widely used, although it is not as common in the countryside.

Law and Order

The cities have dangerous areas where even locals fear to tread. Stay in the safe areas and have some coin available in case of misunderstandings. The countryside can be very dangerous without a local guide. The army’s Cobras can sometimes be overly enthusiastic in securing slaves for the Pharaoh and have freer rein outside the cities.

Miscellaneous

Common trees: Date and other palm trees, sycamore fig, pomegranate, nut trees, jujube, willows, acacia, and tamarisk.

Common Flowers: Daisies, cornflowers, mandrakes, roses, irises, myrtle, jasmine, mignonettes, convolvulus, celosia, narcissus, ivy, lychnis, sweet marjoram, henna, bay laurel, small yellow chrysanthemums, and poppies. Papyrus and lotus in the ponds. Grapes and other vines.

Politics

The Pharaoh is the absolute ruler, and all serve him or her directly. Each Pharaoh has been descended from the gods and communes directly with them. The bureaucracy if very efficient, although it serves those with power and money. Bribery is common and often required to get things done.

Religion

The State religion is the worship of Scy, god of death. His relics and images are found in most Nyssian homes. The clergy of Scy play an integral part of all aspects of life. The church of Raidan also has many followers and a powerful priesthood. The Pharaoh is considered the Head Priest of all churches.