My first turn on is detailed worlds and cultures so I thought I'd write up some settings and See if I get any interest.
Knosia (No-see-ah*) is a chain of islands located in a tropical sea that resembles a cross between the IndoChinese and Aegean Seas and enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate.
The Knosians are a seafaring civilization of Traders, Merchants, Explorers, Philosophers, Conquerors, and Artists renowned all over the ancient world. However there civilization is best known for its ridged gender roles.
Woman can not own a boat, and Men can not own land.
If I woman sets foot on a boat she is a guest under the protection and authority of the captain. And If a man lands his ship in a harbour he is a guest to the ruling lady.
This System evolved over time as the Men would often go on long voyages leaving there wives behind to care for the home.
Now Knosian civilization consists of elaborate estates run by women, supported by fleets run by men.
On Land everything is run in a Feudal Matriarchy with Land owning women competing in a world of romance and Intrigue for the attention of the Men who's fleets they depend on for trade and protection.
On the open Seas a man's worth is determined by the size of his... erm... Boat** With the Captain being the ultimate authority on board his vessel. Knosian Sailors are renowned as the best in the world, Scouring the seas for treasures to bring back to impress the women.
This sort of arrangement has made any sort of monogamous relationship nearly impossible. The Noble houses of Knosia function as sort of a giant combination Tavern/Brothel/Nursery where visiting sailors have sex with the local girls. Any children are raised by the household, Boys usually leave home at a young age and join a ships crew to become a man.
The Social Structure.
On Land,
Noblewomen (land owners)
Distinguished guests (Captains of ships, Have the honour of sleeping with the Hostess)
Freewomen (women who are not slaves but do not own land)
Freemen (Men who are not slaves but do not own there own ship)
Slaves (Male and Female)
On Sea
The Capitan (owner of the ship)
Distinguished guests (Women who are traveling by sea, The captain is responsible for there protection and has total control over her for the duration of the trip)
Freemen (The male Crew of the ship)
Slaves (Male and Female)
*Name Comes from Knosos, an archaeological site left by the Minoan Civilization who were the priamary inspiration for this.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knossoshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minoan_civilization**In the Knosian tounge the word for Ship or boat sounds almost exactly like the word for Penis. Similarly the word for Vagina sounds like the word for Palace home or Harbour. Sail my Boat into your Harbour if you catch my drift.