User:Vivaporius/Bini (Bellum Romanum)

The Bini (: Edo) are an located in the  region of.

Ethics
Morality within Bini society revolves around the concept that humans are by and large irrational beings which require strong and stern guidance in their lives. Morality from a human standpoint does not exist, as that would infer that any individual – with enough popular support – could impose upon the majority the idea of morality they found agreeable to themselves. Thus, the only source of true morality can logically come from a non-human source, that source being religion as set down by a non-corporeal being. Because of the harsh realities of nature and society as a whole, the Bini have accepted as their maxim the idea that they must be equally harsh and unforgiving in their behavior so as to shape a society that can withstand the erosion of time and cultural evolution.

What is deemed right and wrong in Bini society stems from what is rational and what is irrational. Morality is but a concept that exists as a means to keep man on the right track for the security of all others. In short, whatever is deemed greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people, not in the short term but in the long, is deemed an acceptable act within Bini society. Charity within Bini culture is looked down upon as it is believed to encourage one to look to others for handouts rather than striving to accomplish something for themselves and giving back to society, the idea being that "charity begets idleness". While the Bini have a strong family-centric philosophy, they believe that one must learn and grow on their own for the greater good of the whole of society.

Hard work and endurance are upheld as the ideal societal cornerstones within the ideology of Bini society. The suffering of one individual for the many is deemed to be worthy of praise and honor, and sacrificing everything you may possess is deemed a story worthy to be passed on for generations for all to know. Perhaps the most important ethic held by the Bini is that of rule of the strong via merit. The Bini also consider a heavy-handed guide to be crucial to the survival of a people, as such is always the default preference of humans when all other forms of leadership have failed, and it is invariably the tyrant who rises to the fore to set matters straight and provide law and order for the many. Combined with experience and understanding, the resources of one wielding great power can accomplish the most good for the most people.

Appearance
Bini boasts strong features, with dark brown skin and generally flat noses and narrow ears and chins. Bini are typically taller than the average black African, and usually stand a full head in height over their neighbors due to selective breeding practices earlier on in their history. The emphasize on strength and endurance by both the state and the society as a whole, has resulted in the average Bini being heavy-built with clearly defined muscles. All Bini boast coarse and tightly-coiled hair, though it is not unknown for Bini women to have slightly loose hair, and the color ranges from black to dark brown. The Bini by and large possess brown eyes.

In terms of attractiveness, large hips and a narrow waist are deemed satisfactory in women, while strong, angular features and visible muscles in the arms and abdomen are preferred in men. Good hygienic behaviors are expected in both sexes, and laziness is deemed a cause of concern if not outright scorn. Facial hair on men is not viewed as particularly important, and viewed as a cosmetic feature for both sexes rather than a source of cultural virility and sexual attractiveness. Narrow eyes, large lips, and a round, symmetrical faces are viewed as important features in women.

Clothing
The Bini approach to clothing is rather unique in that whereas most other cultures regard clothing as a necessity, the Bini view clothing as an accessory. This is due partly to the warm and temperate region the Bini culture developed in, and the religion of the Bini which holds the idea that humans were created without clothing, meaning that God viewed the human body as been sufficient enough to deal with the environment around it. Clothing for the Bini is more of an option than a requirement, and no stigma is held toward those who choose not to clothe themselves at all.

Undergarment
Unlike their male counterparts, do to women not having to take part in many dangerous and utilitarian tasks, women wear no undergarments.

Children
Because of the climate of West Africa, Bini children typically do not wear clothes until adulthood. Often, a simple cloth belt or necklace may be worn, along with some jewelry their parents may wish to have them wear. When taking part in sports and activities, no clothing is worn by either sex on account of the climate permitting the absence of any garments.