Rama'munza Desert

The Aljakiim Mau of Rama'munza

The story of the Aljakiim Mau's origins is long lost, but many an A’mau would tell you of how they once ruled across many coastlines on Asterra from their grand empire that history has forgotten. While there is no evidence to suggest that they ever ruled such an empire their homeland is littered with ancient ruins and pyramids that suggest an empire of great size may have existed deep within the desert sands. A’mau native to Rama’munza desperately cling to this belief, and over generations of attempting to prove it have become obsessed with delving into the dangerous ruins of their homeland and seeking stories of grandeur. Unlike many other peoples of Asterra the A’mau value epic tales and folk stories over objects of material value and sometimes even coin. This does not make them give up their relics however, as they often keep unique treasures and objects that relate to their most cherished stories. For a good object of relevance to prove their tales is never in short demand, and proof of an A'mau's exploits is greatly valued among their people. This leads to many an A'mau tribe leader to amassing great hordes of what many would consider junk.

Lore and Beliefs

Most A’mau hold Mushaya(The Wanderer) as their Patron of choice. They believe he protects them from many mishaps that may happen on their expeditions to distant foreign lands. While many A’mau still remain in Rama’munza, many more succumb to their wanderlust and leave in search of greater adventures and new stories to tell. The stories from home are still held close to their heart, but sometimes the story of foreigners are just as appealing to the story-starved A'mau. Many A’mau remember each adventure with great detail, or they tell it so well that it’s hard to tell when they’re lying. A’mau have embedded great adventure stories deep into their culture to the point where each A’mau has likely heard both of their parent’s life story several times in their lifetime. It’s even frowned upon for parents to not share their great exploits to their offspring. This tradition likely keeps the A'mau's sense of family strong even through their odd tradition of leaving their young behind secretly to fend for themselves when they come of age. Many A'mau parents disappear in the dead of night to never be seen again. The A’mau are individualistic by nature, and children who remain in a familial pack for too long often wind up fighting over treasure and relics they found, leading to them often finding other A'mau to be untrustworthy. A’mau often seek answers to each object or question they have, hence why they never let go of the relics of their long-lost civilization. Their natural curiosity often gets the better of them, making them go to great lengths just to sate their appetite for a good story. Once they have the answers they seek however, they’re far from satisfied. With each answer comes either another passion, or a sinking disappointment. Extra: While many other peoples on Asterra see the Wanderer as a small Rat-like figure, the A’mau see him as a great lion-like figure bearing a torch.

Packs and Partners

The A’mau often find lifelong partners much like the other peoples of Asterra but unlike the people of Asterra they only show this attachment through words and titles. Once two A’mau become a couple they rarely refer to each other by name, usually only referring to them as “ Partner “ in native A’mau “Sha’riik”. Strangely two A’mau seem to come to this decision sporadically. Unlike humans where two people request to court one another, the A’mau simply “Choose” a partner. They start referring to one-another as “Sha’riik”, but if one doesn’t share these feelings they keep referring to the other by name. Back in their homeland the A’mau are hyper-territorial with their personal burrows. They may share these burrows with direct family, but rarely will their homes be open to their clans. They only let their most trusted friends into their burrows and even then they watch for any shady movements or actions. They have an unhealthy fear of losing their most treasured valuables to would-be thieves, which often happens among the A'mau.

Type

Desert

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