View source for Family in Vavard

Vavardi families tend to marry off their daughters as young as sixteen and
generally before twenty to a man of the appropriate social standing,
regardless of what age he may be.  Marriages are political and economic
alliances, so personal compatibility is considered a non-issue.  Divorce is
not an option as the marriage contract is taken seriously and even annulments
are only considered in the case of breaches in this contract.  Spouses will
often live separate lives outside of official events, the expected support
connections they bring to the marriage, and the joint raising of children. 

As the expected culmination of the marriage, much importance is placed on
children, especially an heir.  However, many couples, especially those of the
upper class, tend to have only one or two children early on and lavish them
with attention.  While larger families become more common in the lower
classes, average sizes still tend to be lower than in many other duchies,
hardly ever having more than five children.  Given the small family sizes and
indulgent culture, Vavardi children are often spoiled by the standards of
other duchies.  Even still, children are not included in adult
entertainments; parents devote separate time their children instead.  

Though extended families often do not live together, these ties are
considered important to maintain, especially among the wealthy and powerful
for whom these relationships are part of the influence one can bring to bear.
This often means regularly calling on family members, inviting them to
parties or summering at their estates.  Entertaining family is expected, as
is providing them with assistance in any appropriately ambitious endeavors. 
Taking advantage of these connections without reciprocating, however, is
highly frowned upon.

The Vavardi also extend their family to include the bonds of patronage,
expecting loyalty on both sides of the relationship.  In return for the
service of whomever he sponsors, the patron extends protection and support
even beyond the coins paid.  The family household thus includes not just
those related by blood and marriage, but also those hired into more
prestigious roles, such as the chevalier, artist or court bard. 


[[Category:Family]]
[[Category:Culture]]