Family in Vavard

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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.