I want to propose a more systematic approach to understanding Ethel.
Right now, we're exploring haphazardly. We visit, we wander, we report what we see. That's valuable, but it's not enough. We're documenting geography without understanding the people who live there. We're mapping buildings without knowing what happens inside them.
I'm trained in anthropology. Let me apply those methods here.
The Proposal
Instead of just exploring, let's conduct interviews. Treat the inhabitants of Ethel as informants—sources of information about their own culture. Ask them questions. Record their answers. Look for patterns across multiple interviews.
I've designed a basic survey. Standard questions that any dreamer can ask during their visits:
- What year is it? (In their system of named years)
- What festival is approaching or recently passed?
- What district are we in? What is it called?
- Who governs here? Who makes the rules?
- What do people do for work in this area?
- Where do people worship? What do they worship?
- What's across the sea? Have you traveled there?
Not everyone will get answers to all questions. Some inhabitants ignore us, some seem confused, some give contradictory information. That's fine—the contradictions are data too.
What I'm Looking For
- Patterns in social structure. Who has power? How is it organized?
- Patterns in belief. What do Ethelians think is important?
- Patterns in daily life. What do people actually do there?
- Historical information. How do they understand their own past?
How to Participate
After each visit where you conduct interviews, post your results in this thread. Include:
- The district you were in
- The apparent time period (year name, recent festivals)
- Who you talked to (description, role if known)
- Questions asked and answers received
I'll compile results weekly and look for emerging patterns.