Culture
& Social Structure
Wimbles
live in groups, scattered across any planet they inhabit. The smallest of
these groups is a Family, which can include close friends as well as blood relations.
Each family is headed by a dominant male the Father, although this title is not always directly related to
parental genetics, but more of an title.
Each planet inhabited by Wimbles has a Dominant Tribe. Especially large planets can have more than one, but this is unusual. These dominant tribes become responsible for the construction and maintenance of a central meeting place where the other tribes meet at least once per year. In the past these sites have existed in many different forms, from open glades planted with colourful and fragrant plants, to massive standing stone ceremonial structures. In recent times it has made sense for these places to be the logistical centres as well as the cultural and religious ones, and thus have become Starbases. Even with the many advanced technologies found at these places, still retain a very individual character and large areas are set aside for rest and relaxation. Each Wimble Starbase is hub for all Wimble life on the planet, and is both integral and essential to the Wimble way of life. It is based on the traditional methods used to relay news, trade items, exchange stories, research new crops, sell livestock, refresh the tribal genetics pool, and eat and drink far too much of the best produce from the planet. At least once a year, every tribe on the planet meets at the central meeting point for a festival that generally lasts for many days. New technologies introduced by aliens such as the Flagritz and Humans have enabled vast quantities of food and drink to be transported to the festival site, with the effect of extending the duration of the festivities even longer than before. The dominant tribe is responsible for the organization of this event, and it is expected that extra luxurious treats will be imported from other worlds with the use of newly discovered technologies. It is also becoming more common that leading tribes from other planets are receiving invitations to these massive parties. The Chief of each dominant tribe, often referred to as a Starbase Governor by other races, is known by the title of Organiser, and is treated with the upmost respect by the Wimble people - outside observers have wrongly suggested that the Organiser is viewed as a god incarnate.
The Wimbles believe in many gods, and everything falls into the portfolio for at least one of their gods. The gods of Storms, Sun, Fish, Sea and Fortune may all be prayed to when a fishing fleet leaves harbour, and an entire list of gods is prayed to when a Starship takes off. All gods are worshiped in various ways, and at various times of the day, month or year, depending upon the needs of the people. And the gods can change from place to place too. Most Wimbles spend their entire lives planet-bound, enjoying the peaceful life. The idea of getting on a ship and screaming off across the universe sounds like a lot of effort for nothing. This means the local gods can become localised to planets rather than to the nation itself. A prime example is the Sun God. This same god is known as Twilight, Saint Dismas and Beach, although there is confusion as to wether the Wimbles believe they are 3 separate gods, or the same god. Many Wimble stories talk of the "Light Ones" and refer to them as mythical godlike beings, although they are not worshiped as gods in their own right. They are treated more like a celestial conundrum, in that the Wimble people have no real idea wether they are a friendly entity or a hostile one. Most Wimbles are not even sure if they would recognise one, or what to do if they did.
Only members of the head
tribe are permitted within a Starbase itself, as they are considered highly sacred
places by historical and tribal traditions. This extends to all other races, who are
permitted within the Starport and market places, but not within the Starbase
itself. One of the duties of the head tribe is to select worthy Wimbles to join
the dominant tribe as an Employee. Generally the successful applicants tend to
be Wimbles that are literate and forward thinking, although there are many
qualities that are looked for including being a good chef, which is
always a good thing!
As with all societies, there are occasionally those that fall outside of the accepted patterns of behaviour. Sometimes they are classed as deviants, criminals or just plain different. The Wimble Nation has them too Wimbles that are not content with tending crops or cattle, have no desire to learn the culinary skills, and are bored by the niceties of spear fishing. Instead they are mischievous and sometimes violent. In the past these individuals were considered feral and outcast from their families, ignored by their tribes. They lived on the edges of camps and towns, becoming the subject of stories used to frighten young Wimbles into behaving themselves. In more recent times, a use has been found for these outcasts, for they have an insatiable desire for action (by Wimble standards). Recruited into training camps at Starbases, they are given skills that a normal Wimble would be unable, or willing to grasp weapon training, shuttle piloting and other jobs that many would consider too dangerous or energetic to partake in. With extensive help from the Flagritz Republic, the Wimble Nation is slowly developing the means to stand on its own two short legs, defend themselves from tyranny and actually pilot their own ships (although parallel parking is still a problem to most!). It seems the outcasts of yesterday may become the saviours of tomorrow.
Likes
& Dislikes Your Average Furball
Wimbles
are simple folk who enjoy the quiet life. Much of their spare time is spent
indulging in games and sports, although most of these are not very physical.
Below are lists of activities and items that the Wimble people either Love or
Hate. There are always exceptions to the rule (such as the feral-ones), so this
should be treated as a guide only.
Love
Food
the more exotic the better
Hate
Being
hungry