Ysi is the concept of family or clan in Tsenlanese culture.
The concept of Ysi has been important in the culture of norians since their times of antiquity. As their culture evolved so did the vital importance of these ideals. In a modern, post-arrival (YE 44) in the Kagami Galaxy, Ysi defines everything from the overall umbrella of family and clan as a whole down to the structure of the common household.
During the era of the Falcon Movement, up until YE 02 the status of ones Ysi was a limiting factor in social mobility. The stronger the Ysi, the more opportunities were open to individuals in terms of career, even military rank. Following the Umarian Wars however, social mobility and the judgment of individuals became more fluid allowing some to escape prejudice generated by being part of an unrespected Ysi.
The Ysi became even more central to the Tsenlanese during the desperate times both before and after the Craethel War (YE 40 until present) when the Tsenlan State Quorum pressed the importance of reproduction and reducing the risk of the extinction of the norian race.
The Clan, or the largest group of a Ysi refers to those of the same surname, or umbrella of a related family. Sometimes, however, those who are orphaned or estranged from their Ysi may be taken into other Ysi. Each Ysi is different, generally having its own moral code and traditions which they observe and practice. Although social mobility is not entirely reliant on the status of one's Ysi, it often is helpful and advantageous to be from a wealthy, popular Ysi.
Some notable Ysi are:
Ysi also refers to an individual's family on a household level. Tsenlanese households tend to be largely due to the practice of polygamy and Polyamory. Households and sometimes residential blocks can house multiple generations, and community child rearing is encouraged and a norm in their society. Monogramy has always been seen as a strange practice and is generally the topic of comedy and humor.
General Values:
The commonly used family relations are:
| Family Role Titles | |
|---|---|
| Trade | Nira'las |
| Mother | Tyraes |
| Father | Tharaes |
| Son | Myl |
| Daughter | Pandraes |
| Brother | Shyraes |
| Sister | Moraes |
| Grandmother | Kalyraes |
| Grandfather | Kalaraes |
| Aunt | Eil |
| Uncle | Iali |
| Cousin | Tyrol |
| Nephew | Shykas |
| Niece | Morkas |
Other significant prefixes, suffixes, and titles
| Other Relationship Titles | |
|---|---|
| Unmarried Lovers | Use the suffix -ji following each other's first name.1) |
| Married Lovers | Use the suffix -ko following each other's first name.2) |
| Friends | Friends often use the prefix So- before each other's first name3) |
| Elders | Those considered to be elders within a Ysi are given the prefix Tal-.4) |
The use of age and maturity as identifiers:
| Age and Maturation Concepts | |
|---|---|
| Infant | Infants are between the ages of 0 years and 4 years |
| Child | Children are between the ages of 4 and 11 years |
| Teens | Teens are considered to be between the ages of 12 and 17 |
| Adults | Adults are between the ages of 18 and 800 |
| Senior Adults | Senior adults are between the ages of 801 and 999 |
| Elders | Elders are from the age of 1000 and above |
Norian DNA does not suffer a detrimental or harmful consequence due to breeding between members of the same Ysi. Generally practiced between members of the same generation, and during times of threats to the longevity of the species. It is not utilized in normal day-to-day life, nor is it actively promoted.
Jealousy is considered taboo in Tsenlanese culture. It is frowned upon and is fairly uncommon in occurrence.
Divorce is uncommon in Tsenlanese Ysi, in general if a marriage becomes unviable the participants just seek other lovers or spouses. In extreme cases where there are unreconcilable differences between partners, one partner may move away from the other geographically. In general, divorce and separation are considered taboo and are perceived as harmful to future generations. In extreme cases the government will dissolve a Ysi, finding placements for individuals in other Ysi and providing counseling and social services to victims of Ysi dissolution.
Abuse and other criminal acts, such as sexual assault are taken very seriously in Tsenlanese society. In general, child abuse or any kind of sexual crime against a minor is considered a capital crime and is punishable by execution carried out in an express timeframe. This kind of crime, as well as domestic violence, is considered very offensive and unacceptable and is generally punished heavily within the legal system.