Zaalan Free Tribes

The Zaalan Free Tribes is a loose syndicate and activist group which federates the disparate Zaalan spacer diaspora and advocates for Zaalan citizens of Hestia and the Hodeth Belt.

Context

Amidst the tumultuous escape from the Oberon Invasion, the Zaalans found themselves unwelcome additions aboard the Ark. The blame for the devastating faerie scourge was laid at their feet, as many believed their reckless dimensional experimentation had inadvertently summoned the malevolent forces. As a desperate diaspora, they roamed from world to world, unwittingly sowing strain and animosity wherever they sought refuge. Their unexpected arrival further exacerbated the crowded conditions for those embarking on the perilous journey of the Great Jump.
Tragically, many Zaalan military and political leaders had perished while defending their homeworld, leaving a void of expertise among the few seeking asylum aboard the Ark. Although the Boshaari and the Mewei empathized with their plight, they were engrossed in the endeavor of developing their own colonies, leaving little room for substantial aid. While some Zaalans found solace and welcome on the world of Aistanar, the Hiderid ruling class saw an opportunity to exploit them as a cheap workforce on Hakaria in exchange for their passage.

Shattered Roots

As time passed, an alliance of unions soon coalesced, bringing together the voices of disgruntled Zaalans across Aistanar and Hakaria, driven by the visionary union activist Hyr Bogwyn. Simultaneously, a movement took root among the discontented Zaalans, leading to the emergence of various 'tribes.' Some sought to reclaim their ancient lineages, while others forged new familial bonds, all yearning to restore their heritage and communal ties severed by the Oberon's cruel invasion whilst restoring some measure of independence amongst the broken Zaalan people.
The syndicate, embracing the diverse tribes, united under the banner of a tribal council that governed their collective destiny. In the far reaches of the Tau Elpis system, amidst space miners toiling to extract rare rocks and precious Thaumium from beyond Zindra, a ramshackle station named Teroshe emerged from the remnants of older vessels. Now a haven for all sorts of troublemakers and smugglers - boosted by Teroshe's status as a 'freeport' with few taxes levied on the little trade it gets, it aspires to be far more than a mere sanctuary for the Zaalan underclass scattered across the system— despite doubts from other Zaalans and the wider civilization of Tau Elpis, it embodies the hope of a new society, a genuine refuge from the persecution and mistrust they had endured for nearly a century.

Culture & Language

Zaalan spacers are generally organized in tribes no bigger than the crew of their own ship. Whilst many on Aistanar or Harakia see the Free Tribes as a single, coherent entity, it instead resembles a loose collection of tribes and other actors who share similar life conditions in space and a general animosity, or even hatred, towards the people of Hakaria. Thus the Free Tribes have no true leader, and rather a smattering of factions that all compete to talk freely at the Tribal Council. A current contender with much sway and insight is Ergene Qalli, a streamer and chemist from Embassy Ark.
Zaalan spacers have developed variants of Hiderid and Boshaari languages, along with a few made-up words, today known as Spacetalk (or, to more unsavoury Hiderid opponents, "Undercommon").

Type

Illicit, Syndicate