The Canopy

In brief: the People are 

 

Socially a loose caste system, with nobility at the top, then wealthy merchants and scholars, then craftsmen and tradesmen and certain elite entertainers, with farmers and hunters and other entertainers rounding out the next-to-last rung. The bottom of the social hierarchy is comprised of beggars, thieves, nomads, and outcasts. Religious figures and Descenders exist outside of the normal hierarchy, moving freely among all castes and respected by all (generally). Social mobility is somewhat fluid--while improving one’s station is difficult, it is not impossible. 

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Serial monogamy is common, with partnerships formed and then amicably dissolving, although many Canopians--particularly the lower castes--do mate for life. Family ties are loose and determined by nurture rather than nature, except among the upper classes, where blood ties are closely monitored and recorded--although adopting a poorer Canopian into a rich family is far from unheard-of. In general the sense of community is much more important to the average Canopian than the sense of immediate family, and the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” is applied so liberally that some Canopians, despite having happy childhoods full of love and affection, could not begin to tell you who exactly their parents are. All sexualities and gender identities are seen as equally valid, and due to the equal sharing of parental responsibilities, there are very few if any strictly adhered-to gender roles. Homosexual couples not-infrequently adopt, or contribute to community child-raising. 

 

Intellectually as intelligent as human beings, with an extremely primitive written system (that is being refined by the day), a strong oral history tradition, an intense interest in the stars and the world around them, and a definite pride in knowledge. The People do have many types of art, including visual art, storytelling, singing, dancing, and theater. They also engage in athletic competitions of various sorts. There is a burgeoning system of currency consisting of exceedingly rare beads made of Descender-brought stone. This system is still largely mistrusted, especially among the poorer classes, and bartering remains king. 

 

Religiously devoted to the concept of the forest itself as a sort of ur-god, rather than an individual spiritual figure, although certain famous deceased shamans are worshipped as something like saints. Deceased People are given funerals and are “interred” in a designated tree downwind from the major city-trees, where they are left to the birds and the elements. Shamans make regular trips to this tree to string the resulting bones into long chimes, the noise of which can be heard all the way to the Great Tree on a clear day. This gives the tree its name--The White Tree. Canopians have no concept of a permanent afterlife, believing instead in reincarnation that mirrors one’s previous life--unreformed thieves are likely to end up as magpies before returning as People; singers as Birds of Paradise, etc. 

 

Anatomically comparable to monkeys or lemurs, with a prehensile tail, opposable thumbs, and  long, silky fur that protects against the Canopy’s harsh winters and the nearly-constant wind. They are notable for having crests between their ears and at the base of the tail which are used to aid in expression and communication. They are omnivorous and subsist mainly on plants and insects with occasional meat, which due to the tightly regulated nature of fire is usually eaten raw or dried. While most Canopians, if healthy, live to be around 65 years of age, ages reaching into the hundreds are not uncommon, especially among nobility and Ritualists. Descenders are the shortest-lived class of society, even if they do not meet with incident. Some say this is because being on the ground is naturally sickening to a Canopian.

 

Legally ruled by a small council of elected officials who hold the positions for life, upon which time a new member is elected. Council positions are nominally a meritocracy, but as with all election-based systems, corruption exists, as does a certain amount of kowtowing to the voting public. Certain types of laws and criminal trials are decided by popular vote--whoever turned up to watch the proceedings, if of an adult age, is allowed to contribute a vote. Other questions are decided strictly by the council. The council are paid in taxes and privately live a cushy lifestyle, although many attempt to appear humble to appease the public, as assassinations for unliked council members are common, although less so than they used to be. 

 

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