Karith

Origen myth

The Karith trace their origin to the days of the collapse, when wizards in their hubris destroyed the world, those who were turned away from the city were left to die to the angry beast hordes and the cruel desert's advance. Most would die, only those who were quick to adapt and strong of will would be able to outrun the dangers. Some of those who fled, would feel a calling, something which drawed them to a great and old temple, here they would find Tjatjarn waiting for them, he had seen their suffering, and could bear it no longer, he taught them to fight, he tought them to ride, taught them respect for the world, and when they left the sacred place they would be the Karith, The Wanderers.

Wanderes of the Waste

The Karith call no single place home, most of their kin are nomads, taking their herds from oasis to oasis and the few spots of feed available. Though some are semi-sedentary moving camps for different seasons, but one thing remains certain the Karith are always on the move, their journey is one of necessity and tradition, for not only are most oasis claimed and hotly contested lands, but the Karith believe that to live a single place to allow oneself to become the like the wizards who ruined the world is a sin, only by staying on the move and pushing themselves to their limits can they stave off the sins of the past.

Relation to magic

The Karith consider magic taboo, it is what brought ruin to the lands and is an toxin that makes men believe themselves gods, it is a gateway to hubris. Thus do they distance themselves from it, it's practice is an affront and not condoned by the tribes, only those who can perform mircales through the gods is considered acceptable, for they see it as humbling, it means to understand an aspect of the world rather then perverting it.
This naturally brings them into conflcit with the great cities, some tribes let it pass and trade with them non the less, for they are often dependant on one another, though some are highly aggresive towards those that wronged them, for it was the mage lords that brought ruin, and they have yet to pay for their sins.

Gods of the Karith

Tjatjarn

As Savior and teacher of the Karith Tjatjarn is the greatest of the gods to the them, for Tjatjarn is the Steward of life in the desert, it is he who gives all creatures the breath of life, and it is he who protects it, and also him who must take it. He is both a warrior god and a god of life, it is in his domain that the Karith give all to, it is thanks to him that they may life, for he taught them how to respect and bond with all life in the desert, for in the end we all share the same breath, and just as surely will be all one day cease to do so. Those who call upon do so not to wage war or take lives, but to protect that which they love.

Karlk

Karlk is an important god to the Karith for they see the oasis as his tears, given to them in sorrow of their fate, thus they are objects of sacred refuge, where violence is grave taboo. For Karlk is a god of life, without his sacred waters all would have shriveled up and died beneath the cruel sun. His gift to all are the moon drops, according to the Karith, if they were to be gathered, they would bring back the lush and verdant valleys of old restoring the lands of Kathlam.

Calium

They worship Calium the warrior god, for the Karith seek to embody his strength and determination in overcoming the obstacles before them, they give thanks in his name before and after every battle, and hone their skills on a daily basis, in the hopes of gaining his favor and surviving the harsh nights of the desert.

Harkon

To the Karith tradition, honour and law is very important, and though her worship is often indirect, it is quite common for them to leave her sacrifices when making important decisions and to seal oaths in her name to ensure their fulfillment.

Companions of the Karith

Camel

Camels make up a great deal of the karith caravans, strong sturdy animals that can trained for the harsh life ahead of it, often prized for the loyalty of the animal and the strong bond forged between a rider a camel, many a Karith would could his trusting pack animal a part of his family, for they can fierce when their master wills and calm when he his.

Droffledump

These hulking giants are often noted as being incredibly dumb my city dwellers, yet the Karith understand that the Droffledump is merely a gentle giant, and that use such and animal requires training, patiance and food. For at tribe to have such a beast is a sign of status, it means that the tribe is well off to afford that cost of it, but it more than makes up for it with it's strong back, calm demeanor and willingness to let it's masters utilize it's strength. For the tribes that often trade conduct themselves as trade caravans such beast can be invaluable.

Scourges

Scourges as they are known to the city dwellers are of an entirely different breed, incredibly aggresive and with a lust for blood, unmatched by many creatures, it is hard to imagine such a beast to be reared and trained, but there are those who have managed by the blessing of Tjatjarn, for such a beast is fit only for the mightiest of champions and once bonded, it will fiercly loyal unto them.But it is fickle bond, to maintain it the rider must always show strenght and never leave an opening for his beast.
The results are however worth it, nothing strikes fear in the heart of mages as that of Scourge, for they are resistant to all magical effects and seem to hunger for the flesh of spellcasters with an will chase them with in uncanny ferocity.

Shimri

The great beetles are the key to many desert bound nomads, they consist of mainly salt stones and other minerals, the beast are naturally rather hostile, but if one has managed to capture and train a female, and smear oneself in it's pheremones they become quite gentle, even allowing one to take the eggs from the them. Thus do many clans live of the produce of the Shimri, feasting on their eggs and meat when they die, shearing them during the year for a linin like filiment, that's incredibly resilliant and using the shells from the slaughter for canisters and armour.

Darkani

Often called plain hounds by outsiders for their similar behavior these scaled creatures are quite resilient and their natural pack instinct make them excellent hunting companions of thee Karith. They're however incredibly aggresive and require a strong master to restrain them, generally such a position is not sought after, for he must life away from the main camp in order to ensure that the beast do not accidently attack another member of the clan nor animal.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Femine names usually carry some sort of aspirational charecter for women such as beauty, knowledge and duty e.g:

• Altan Boke , Golden Strength
• Altan Derkireci , Golden Runner
• Bayar Checheg , Joy Flower
• Burgujin Chagan , Eagle of White
• Chagan Sube , White Needle
• Ekejin Baghaturia , Mother of Bravery
• Erdenedei Bayan , Jewel has Wealth
• Erdenejin Noghu , Jewel of Green
• Getegurcijin Bayar , Tracker of Joy
• Osol Gal , Increased Fire
• Qara Enq , Black Peace
• Qara Vachir , Black Thunderbolt
• Qorin Burgud , Twenty Eagles
• Qutudei Suren , Dignity has Majesty
• Shria Tegus , Yellow Perfection
• Subedei Kecegu , Needle has Ferocity
• Surcidei Kelegei , Archer has Silence
• Surcijin Noghu , Archer of Green
• Teijurban Artai , Has Three StripesTeinegan Ulagan , Has One Red

Masculine names

Masculine names usually carry some sort of aspirational character for men of such as strength, duty and leadership e.g:

• Altan Chinua , Golden Wolf
• Arslachin Bayar , Lion of Joy
• Arslachin Tegus , Lion of Perfection
• Artai Artaighuci , Striped Beast Herder
• Artaightachin Keletei , War Beast of Eloquence
• Artaightadai Yeke , War Beast has Greatness
• Artaighuchin Kecegu , Beast of Ferocity
• Artaighucichin Bora , Beast Herder of Grey
• Artaimachin Koke , Riding Beast of Blue
• Chinuachin Yeke , Wolf of Greatness
• Dalan Surcin , Seventy Archers
• Dologhon Oyugun , Seven Wisdoms
• Jurgaghan Artaighun , Six Beasts
• Koke Cuburi , Blue Flowing
• Oyuguchin Arigh , Wisdom of Purity
• Qachachin Suren , Flank of Majesty
• Taitabin Mongo , Has Fifty Silver
• Ulagan Delger , Red Abundance
• Unegechin Mongke , Fox of Eternity
• Unegedai Keletei , Fox has Eloquence

Family names

Family names denote which clan you are from, which are derived from an ancestral figure, which is Mahar(Elder) as Prefix to a name. And a clan name, which is derived from a shared attribute.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The Karith speak a dialect of Karun, though many clans have subtle differences in dialect, but are still easily able to understand each other.

Culture and cultural heritage

To the Karith, clan and family holds great importance, for one cannot survive alone, which has bred a culture of cooperation and reliance upon one another, a fact which extends to other clans, a clan which has abundance may share with a less fortunate clan, in the thought that one day they may stand in their situation. Indeed it is considered taboo to not heed the request of a brother, it is considered dishonarable to leave a clan mate, and rude to deny another clan.

I and my brother against my cousins; I and my cousins against the stranger

— Chinuachin Yeke Khundra of The Mirage Riders

It is common for children to live at home until they are married, at which point they are given animals from each family to carry the couples tent and wares. Though it is not uncommon for the youngest child to stay with their parents and take care of them in their old age. The Eldery are greatly respected amongst the clans, for one does not survive to such an age without great strength and wisdom, therefor their word is greatly respected.

Shared customary codes and values

To the Karith, if a wanderer comes to your camp, you are obligated to allow him 2 days of shelter and food before you are allowed to kick him out, it is sacred to offer them hospitality as Tjatjarn once did to the Karith. Though after those 2 days the host has no further obligation.
To the Karith privacy is greatly important, though much of their life is communal, the affairs of their family is something best kept to the tent, and do not concern the rest of the clan with their personal concerns, such things should be kept to the family and close friends, and to speak of such private affairs to an outsider is frowned upon.

Common Dress code

The Karith often dress in heavy robes and cloths, covering most of their bodies to avoid the scorching sun and spare their skin the worst of it's punishment. Indeed it is consider quite personal to be in the company of others and not wear the traditional garbs, and to show skin.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

The karith appreciate a sun kissed body, to them it means that the person carries great experience and strenght to bear the desert heat, well defined muscles are also sought after traits as strenght and physic is incredibly important traits for the harsh lands they travese.

Gender Ideals

To the Karith there are clear and defined roles for each gender, men are suppose to be outriders, looking for food and hunt even raiding and shepherding the numerous animals the clan may posses, aswell as take political roles. In general men are expected to act and decide the course the tribe must take. While women are expected to be camp followers, cooking, sewing and raising the children, aswell as being the camps protectors while the men are out. However all are expected to know how to ride, fight and take care of their animals, for one, women must teach the children too young to ride with their farther and such skills are simply a necessity to survive.

Demonym: Karithi

Related Organizations

• Chinuachin Uulyn
• Guild Yamar
• House Fadil
• Karlk's Stewards
• The Royal Firebrand Striders

Related Items

• Moon Drops

Related Locations

• Kathlam Desert