The Palidaeans are the residents of Palidae. Palidae has a rich and unique culture that has emerged as a result of its diversity.
Palidaeans are often stereotyped as being rigid, and all about rules, however this is almost entirely restricted to their foreign dealings. In reality, the Palidaean people often operate rather informally amongst themselves. The only place this is not particularly true is within the trading halls, as well as in guild politics. That being said, while the trading halls are not informal, the lower halls can be rather raucous and often appear informal to those not familiar, however the ongoings are actually highly sophisticated, with many deals being negotiated, struck and renegotiated.
Palidaeans have a very strong connection to the arts. This has resulted in multiple arts colleges emerging in Palidae.
Despite so much of Palidae focusing around their guilds, those who choose not to join a guild are not looked down upon, as their work in the city still serves the city. However, while that is broadly true, there are those who do see individuals who do now join a guild to be acting in protest to the system. In contrast, those who are not a member of a guild due to being a licenced Free Contractor are often revered, as that means they are individually successful enough to negotiate with a guild for independent operation.
Much of the daily lives of the Palidaeans centre around its guild system. Almost all businesses in Palidae are guild businesses, and almost every citizen joins a guild within a few years of reaching the age of majority. It is most common for families to remain within the same, or related guilds. While not universally looked down upon, the decision to join a different guild is looked upon by some as a betrayal of the family. This is by no means a majority position, however.