As we mentioned on the Main Page, Saromatia is intended to be a fairly egalitarian place. But there are still social pressures built up from ages past and women who just aren't "with it" in terms of modern social thought.

For those of you who see the correlation with the Real World (TM), have a cookie. Even though most people you meet are all for women being treated as equal people, we've still got nowhere near 50/50 representation in the government or as CEOs of companies. And there are still some "old-fashioned" men who don't understand this whole working woman thing.

So, just like in the Real World (TM), there are lingering archetypes and stereotypes that define women and men in Saromatia. Where applicable, I've tried to provide their modern parallel for comparison.

Archetypes - The Ideal Noblewoman and Nobleman

The Ideal Noblewoman, in Saromatian thought, must be just and fair in applying laws to her subjects, but should also temper this with mercy. Her mind should be keen and well able to discern both battlefield tactics and management of her lands. Ladies should be skilled at chess, for it shows an orderly mind. She must speak clearly and with authority, never mumbling or hesitating. She should be devout, and see that the proper rituals are kept for Goddess and God alike. She is a mother for the people under her care, and must concern herself with their physical and spiritual well-being. Yet she must also compel their obedience and respect.

As a girl, she should learn her letters and numbers. It is good for her to engage in some exercise of arms, so that she will understand what she orders her troops to do in battle. She should spend time with many of the people of the castle, to get to know their minds, and to better be able to judge character. She should acquire knowledge on a range of topics, so that her discussions are enlightening. While it is good to know some music or dance, to lighten the heart, she must not spend too much time on frivolous pursuits.

As a woman, she will rule over her lands fairly and with mercy. She should take a husband to be respectable, since a ruler with a string of consorts seems fickle and inconstant. If she takes lovers, she should be discreet about it. She should continue to enrich her mind with great books, especially those on law, justice, and war, which will help her to rule better. Her court should be gay in times of peace, but stern in times of war. It is honorable to patronize poets, troubadors, and the like, but she must learn to recognize flattery and not let it turn her head.

As she ages, she should begin the instruction of her own daughters in the art of ruling. When her heir is ready, she may hand over the heavy burden of ruling. It is not recommended that she wait for her own death for this passing on of power, since much confusion and turmoil often occurs in those cases. She may remain at her old court, to give counsel and advice. If she cannot do this (perhaps for jealousy), she should take herself elsewhere. Holy service is recommended.

The Ideal Nobleman embodies all the best traits of men. He should be tall and broad of shoulder, with well-formed arms and chest. He should be quite strong, but yet gentle. His legs should be not too long and well-formed. His skin should be clear and smooth, but if he chooses to wear a beard, let him keep it small and well-trimmed, not long and shaggy like a dwarf. Black is the best color for hair. His eyes should have no red in them, and be colored blue or grey. They should be lively and shining, not dull and flat, for dull eyes are the sign of a dull wit. His mouth should be neither too wide nor too small, and he should laugh often with his lady.

He ought to have a good store of knowledge, so that he can make pleasant conversation with his lady. He should be well-versed in song, music, poetry, dance, and all the arts that the Air Lord sponsors. He must know when his lady needs him to make her laugh, and when she needs to think on a matter seriously. Thus, he must have discretion. He shouldn't make a great noise if his lady has another lover, even if he is her husband. Let him find what she sees in the lover and cultivate it in himself, the better to win her back! He should have some skill in weapons as well, and it is never bad if he knows how to make some trifle or other to please and amuse her - an ornament for her hair or a sweet after-dinner dish, for instance. It will please her the more if he makes it himself than if he buys it or has servants make it.

A true gem among men will also possess discernment, and be able to advise his lady on the character of the servants of the manor, and perhaps on local matters of state. If he has a head for numbers and is trusty, she may even give over to him the running of the household, which can be a great burden for her, particularly if she is to go to war.

Stereotypes

Men. I mean, look at them. Give them some beer and dice, a seventeen year old girl to screw, and they'll be happy forever. They're always a bit insecure - we think they're compensating. They don't feel those ties of parenthood as strongly. Heck, they hardly feel any emotions strongly at all, except maybe anger. Oh, and lust. Sure, some become poets and courtiers and present themselves as civilized, but really, you know they're just hairy beasts underneath. Dear Goddess, did you hear that belch? They're simple creatures; it just isn't fair to ask them to take on burdens like rulership and justice. (Never mind that they'd probably show up at court late and smelling of wine).

Well, yes, I suppose they do have some good points. Lifting heavy objects, for instance. And all that anger makes wonderful shock troops, as long as there's a level-headed woman directing them. They smell nice (when they've bathed) and some of them sure are easy on the eye. (Well, yes, bedsports, too, but one just doesn't say that right out. Honestly!)

And here are few more unenlightened stereotypes, along with the modern ones that inspired them...

Modern	Saromatian
Women are indecisive; it takes twenty minutes for them to pick out what shoes to wear.	Men are narrow-minded; they never stop to consider alternatives.
Women can't make good decisions because they're too emotional.	Men can't make good decisions because they lack the empathy to understand the impact of the decision on others.
Men are tougher and stronger than women, physically and emotionally; women are "the weaker sex."	Labor and motherhood, baby. 'Nuff said.
Women are fragile and need someone to look after them.	Men are hotheaded and likely to get themselves killed unless someone looks after them.
Men are better military leaders, being stronger and more level-headed.	Men are poorer military leaders, since they invest too much of their ego in winning; they will make poor decisions to save face.
A woman's place is in the home.	A woman's place is in the home, but the home is a microcosm of the world. Ruling the home and the nation are the same.
Woman is the cause of the Fall of Man.	Woman gave birth to Man.

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