Imperium Mars Fillius (Mars Fillii) Description

[Zephyranthes]

“Tantae molis erat Romanam condere gentem.”
“What a lot of work it was to found the Roman race.”
-P. Vergilius Maro, The Aeneid

Taking beyond what could be reasonably called inspiration from the Romans, Fillii culture is an almost picture-perfect match of the Empire from several millennia back. The same social classes of patricians, plebeians, equestrians, peregrini, slaves, etc. still hold the same significance, save that it is slightly easier for one to move through the social ranks if one is of Fillii descent, and not a slave. In fact, some of the better Imperators were even the sons of freedmen! Something that may come as a shock to any foreigners who may visit the Imperium is the wanton and noticeable misogyny that seems nonexistent in many parts of modern-day Sirius. Women are universally considered to be below men, in legal, social, and physical matters. The only exception is when an extraordinary woman appears, such as the champions the Imperator allows to serve in the military, in which case they are considered to have been born in the wrong body, and not truly be a woman. Surprisingly, the one aspect in which they are equal is the view of homosexuality. Whilst not necessarily illegal by any means, the subject is very taboo, and such relationships are kept more secret than adultery. Although it is seen as being shameful enough to ruin one’s public reputation for life, a good number of Fillii are believed to have at least dabbled with it once. There is also prevalent xenophobia among most classes, particularly the plebeians.

The entirety of the population are adherents to the Roman polytheistic religion that dominated a majority of the Empire’s history. It is of common belief that the Imperator, at moment of birth, is blessed with the divine essence of one of the gods, depending on their astrological birth sign. The rest of the Fillii population believe that the same happens to all, but the extent of the blessing depends on their social station. Extremely pious and devoted to their beliefs, it is rare to find anyone within the Imperium who is of any other denomination or lack thereof. Prophecy and portents given by oracles and seers are of great importance in all matters of life, whether it be the chances of tripping over a rock, or the outcome of a battle. The Fillii are a superstitious people, and look for signs in all things.

After getting past the intolerant and conservative aspects of Fillii culture, it is not hard to see that they are an extremely principled and honorable people. Following the original Latin ways of mos maiorum, they believe in the values of loyalty, respect towards one’s fellow citizen, dedication to the gods, virtue, self-control, perseverance, and moral, physical, and mental discipline. Familial relations are of high importance as well, with respect towards one’s parents, extended relatives, and ancestors being an absolute necessity for a good Fillii citizen. These values have many connections with the military, as not only do they reflect such a lifestyle, but service in either statecraft or the military is somewhat of an unspoken responsibility for most male citizens. This also extends to marriage, as the act solidifies a more amicable and close relationship between the families of the newlyweds. Adoption of adults is not uncommon, as it is more out of sociopolitical and economic reasons, rather than of love. This system, referred to as patronage by most, takes on the name patrocinium, means that the patron provides protection in the form of legal and fiscal aid, helps to put in a good word where it is needed, and support the client’s endeavours in elevating themselves socially and politically. In exchange, the client is required to offer his services for whatever his patron may need. This relationship extends far beyond adoption, and is the basis for Fillii societal relationships as a whole.

The arts, for the most part, have stayed within the scope of Greco-Roman tradition, although music in particular has been greatly expanded to include genres of all varieties.