Andrean
culture has many distinct aspects to it. During their 2400 years
of isolation, the Andrean people developed a culture unique to
the island, developing on the fusion of Western and Eastern culture
that resulted from the blending of the Keltani Achean and Shangal
peoples. In the past 300 years, Andrean culture has drawn heavily
from the other cultures around Scandia, creating a synthesis of
the old and new.
Religion
The
majority of Andreans are atheist/agnostic, a relatively new phenomenon
occurring in the past 150 years. This is mainly attributed to
the rise of the Nihilist movement of the previous century and
modern Psychology. The roots of atheism go back to the Revolution,
when Emperor worship was abandoned following the death of the
last Emperor. Efforts to revive Emperor Worship in the person
of the Ascendant have been vigorously opposed. The largest religion
is Andrean Orthodoxy, centered around the worship of Zos Pater.
The figure of Zos comes from the religions of ancient Thesia,
brought to Andrea by Achean tribesmen millennia ago. Modern Zos
worship has combine many elements of Cruistianity. The second
largest religion is Aeris worship. Aeris was the ancient goddess
of Strife and Discord, and the household goddess of the Velkora
Duchy. Aeris has gained popularity in recent years and is seen
as a symbol of the competition in the Capitalist system. Cruistians
and Mounists are also present in Andrea, but in small numbers.
Cruistians in particular are disliked by Andreans, due mainly
to missionaries of previous centuries.
Language
Andrean
is broken into two loosely related dialects, Shangal and Achean.
Shangal is closely related to Kanjirian and Neeponese, while Achean
is derived from Thesian. Both dialects have exchanged many words
and grammar rules over the centuries. Shangal is mainly spoken
in the North-Central areas, and Achean along the coasts and South.
83% of Andreans speak both dialect fluently.
Arts
The
Arts in Andrea are unique, and have only recently drawn from other
countries. There are many ties to classical arts in Kanjiri, and
recent classical culture in Dorania. Most recently, Arts in Andrea
have focused on adapting traditional arts from around Scandia
to modern themes.
Sports
Andrea is one of the few countries in Scandia where futball (soccer)
is not popular. The leading sports in Andrea are wrestling, martial
arts, golf, and basket ball. Many Andreans are also regular practicers
of fencing and marksmanship, as dueling is legal in Andrea.
