Fidelity and Sexual Promiscuity
In the nation of Cre' Est, women are treated with equality to men in all ways except one: virginity.
If you're a woman in Cre' Est you're expected, nay demanded, to save yourself until marriage. If it can be proven you're not a virgin before marriage, either by someone witnessing your promiscuity or an annual doctor's exam revealing a broken hymen (even if it's not from intercourse, which can happen), you will be reported to authorities. Afterwards, the mark of sexual promiscuity will be branded into your flesh on the back of your left hand.
This brand will make you "undesirable" as a marriage candidate, and your likelihood of finding love and marriage, and a happy family, decrease drastically. The official statistic is that approximately 57% of women branded with this mark die alone. The rest end up in marriages or long-term relationships not ending in marriage which are hit or miss with regards to whether or not they're considered "happy ever after."
This brand of promiscuity (and its meaning of "undesirable for marriage") is shared with Veilbrand and Gweynura, but in Gweynura it extends to both men and women. Men in Gweynura also save themselves for marriage, and are discouraged from sexual promiscuity. If discovered in sexual adventures before marriage, the brand goes on the back of his right hand as an insult to his manhood (as the right hand is more commonly the dominant side in men) and forever marks him as a potentially unfaithful husband, which makes him undesirable.
But in Veilbrand, Egruus, the dictator of the nation, really couldn't care less as he's probably the most promiscuous and sexually hungry man on the continent with literally hundreds of mistresses to his name. But the people of the nation still hold their culture close to their hearts, and this part of their culture is among those points they refuse to just let go of even if their "leader" doesn't give a damn.
In Cre' Est, however, men are not expected to maintain their virginity. In fact, (only in Cre' Est) it's encouraged that they visit a brothel at least once before marriage so they can learn how to properly please a woman (Veilbrand doesn't encourage this, but it's not off the menu for them). And the reason is because, in Cre' Itian culture, it's not enough for a man to financially provide for his family. Being able to satisfy and pleasure his wife is also a cultural expectation. Women who become sexually bored with, or who remain sexually dissatisfied by their husbands are allowed to file for divorce citing the lack of sexual interest as a viable reason for the separation.
Marriage in Cre' Est encourages and reinforces sexual satisfaction for both sides. If it starts tipping towards one side, counseling is encouraged. And, if necessary, the side which is losing the interest of their partner is encouraged to seek professional advice from either a doctor, or from a brothel Madame. And "advice" does not translate into "have sex with them." It simply means to talk to them about the science/experience of sexual pleasure and maintaining interest with your partner. So get your minds out of that gutter!
In Triveila, sexual desire is considered normal and healthy. Everyone covets, and coveting the beauty of others is nothing to be ashamed of or shy about. It's not uncommon for both men and women who are single to approach others in broad daylight and express their sexual interest with open flirtation and sexually suggestive language. For the sake of politeness, these discussions are usually kept to a whisper so as not to disturb or interrupt others business.
Once married, fidelity is king to all relationships. Sexual promiscuity is considered unforgivable, no matter which side it's on. It's the single most common reason for divorce in Triveila.
In Shaharan, sexual promiscuity is not acknowledged as a thing. Sex is just sex. A way to explore one's body, pleasures, and enjoy time with a partner. Marriage, as well, is not a thing. So there's no such thing as infidelity. To citizens of Shaharan, the idea of being tied down in a relationship is a foreign concept. And the idea of having to specifically dedicate your life to one person is equally as confusing and illogical.
Commonwealth vs Nobility and Aristocracy
The rift between the commonwealth and the nobility (various levels) and aristocracy (highest social level under the Monarchy) in each nation is different, but similar enough that almost anyone from any of the five nations can understand, or at least appreciate, the personal struggles of one from another nation.
In Cre' Est, the rift exists most strongly between the commonwealth and aristocracy. Typically the commonwealth has no issues with the nobility unless they act like jerks. But the aristocracy in Cre' Est has a known history of predatory behavior over the commonwealth. Most notable is the attempted forcing of a bill that would have seen changes made to the laws about the commonwealth's right to organize in protest of noble and aristocratic efforts in the year 493 3.E. The commonwealth has not forgiven the aristocracy for that sleight.
In Triveila, there is far less mistrust as the nation in general has a more cohesive and cooperative style of rulership. The Monarchy (the King and Queen) have foregone the traditional Senate setup in favor of a series of official envoys who regularly communicate with the commonwealth on a monthly cycle. Data is gathered about society's current state, and used to shape any changes to laws, regulations, etc. From time to time the King and Queen will even wander the streets (with an armed escort, obviously), and mingle with the commoners.
In Shaharan, there is no rift as there is no such thing as "nobility" or "aristocracy." There is only the network of Clans, and the King and Queen who rule over all. But their titles are more a formality than governmental label, as they're also part of a Clan. The strongest Clan.
In Gweynura, the rift is also quite weak due to the harmonious nature of the people's life with nature. The nobility does have a bit of a holier than thou attitude, but for the most part they've proven to be harmless. They have a traditional Monarchal system with a Senate and voting for the populace with respect to elected officials and laws.
Veilbrand is the black sheep when it comes to the rift, as it literally couldn't be any wider. Living as a member of the "commonwealth" and the nobility or aristocracy are two entirely different worlds. If you're of the commonwealth, you live in poverty. There is no support from the nobility, aristocracy, or Egruus. If you don't find a way to make your way, good luck surviving. Crime is basically mainstream daily life now due to the pathetic state the nation's people exist in. If a day goes by without you witnessing some sort of crime like rape, murder, thievery, etc, then it's a very, very odd day indeed. If you're in the nobility, you live a life of simple luxury. Not as much as the aristocracy, and a far cry from the golden castle of Egruus, but still far, far better than the lower scum and refuse of the nation. As nobility and aristocracy, it's dangerous to live too close to the commonwealth. If you're not robbed of everything, you're either beaten within an inch of your life, or killed. And all just because you're of the aristocracy/nobility.
(STILL A WIP!!)
