The Ribosians had a vaguely medieval-European culture. Possibly ruled by some sort of monarchy, Ribosians had crown jewels which were guarded by Shrivenzales and Shrieves in a relic-room and were greatly revered. The Shrieves performed a ceremonial opening of the relic-room each day, where they gave thanks "for the dawn of a new day, and the retreat of the night, and the powers of darkness", and another locking it at night.