Okhotai
The Okhotai
Overview
The Okhotai, known to the Soranni as the Gendari (Those of the Gendur River) or the Kohori (Northern Barbarians), are one of the most important ethnic groups on the continent of Nirann due to their history of being conquerors and raiders of the continent.Cultures
"Subcultures"
What are known as the Okhotai, are actually several unrelated groups of nomadic peoples that formed a sort of confederation under the Okhon tribe of Suigan. The name Okhotai refers primarily to all of the unrelated groups, while the term for the dominant group within the north is the Hahan.Hahan
The Hahan are the largest ethnic family within the Okhotai nomads, consisting of the Okhon, Noloi, Bukhur, Tolkat, Mosha, Bojhor, and Henhur. They are the primary nomads found along the Gendur valley, originating at the northmost point of the river in the Irbul valley. They have a culture and clothing that is very similar to the Tahai due to living next to each other for many years. They typically wear metal war-masks less than the Tahai, but when they do wear them, they often depict strong heroes or demons.Tahai
The Tahai, known internally as the Takhari or Tahari, are the largest group besides that of the Hahan. They consist of the Tajan, Tolka, Noghur, and Nobe. They are known for traveling far and wide, settling down in places like Anosfae, The Tahai originate from the lake Manshi region prior to their migrations, which has now meant that they are the primary nomads inhabiting the regions along the northern sea and to the west. They have a culture and clothing that is very similar to the Hahan. Their metal war-masks typically depict the face of the person wearing it.Kohol
The Kohol are a smaller ethnic grouping, consisting most notably of the Imaskken. They are a group of Ukori that were assimilated by the Hahan and Tahai peoples, despite this they have many oddities about them such as patterns and herding practices.Kaicin
The Kaicin are a small ethnic grouping, consisting of the Tacin and Muksin tribes found in the forests north of Ischurrai. They are related to that of the Ischurri, although the Ischurri have since abandoned their tongue. They appear superficially similar to the Hahan, but have a unique tradition in that of their hats, clothing, and culture. They typically wear thinner clothing compared to the Hahan, as well as have their own unique style of hat with a spiked top. Their clothing tends to part in the middle or on the side, straight down and not a diagonal.Inkhur
The Inkhur are an isolate people, being descended from ancient Ingharans in the far north. They mainly settled around lake Manshi.Edyar
The Edyar are a collection of related tribes, who are only known to be related to the Livko, They wear a variant of the Kaicin fur hats and have adopted Ischurri customs largely. The Edyar are renowned for masks similar to that of the Tahai.Old Groups and Reclassifications
The Ederi, Ischurri, and Losici were once grouped with the Okhotai. The Ischurri were actually discovered to be a group related to the Alsivai and Ingharans, and so were reclassified. The Losici were discovered to be a subgroup of the Muksin, and are no longer considered their own ethnic group. The Ederi were reclassified as an isolate family, related to only a few isolate tribes in the north.Culture and Lifestyle
Diet and Lifestyle
The Okhotai are largely nomadic with the exception of the Edyar and the Kaicin. The majority of tribes herd sheep and goats, while the Imaskken actually are known to herd reindeer and muskox on occasion. As a result of this lifestyle, many rely on hunting and are therefore skilled in the bow and horse riding.The Okhotai diet as a result often consists of dairy, meat, and fats. Vegetables and spices are rare, and so they are usually obtained through trade with their neighbors.
Clothing
The clothing of the Okhotai peoples often is made of wool, with fur decoration. Among the rich, silks imported or raided from the south are quite prestigious. Fur is perhaps one of the most important adornments, as hats and linings are often made of fur as to stay warm in the frigid winters of the northern tundra.Architecture
Architecture among the Okhotai is highly limited due to the fact that most of the population is nomadic with only a few small towns dotting the tundra. In the settled towns, yurt camps remain the most common homes. The royals have begun to construct wooden palaces in a style based on that of the Soranni, whom they have long battled and looked up to in terms of settled matters. As a result, the palaces typically have soranni style rooves with overhanging eaves. The Okhotai have however, made the architecture their own, as shown by the fact that they use their own materials and patterns, as well as constructing the buildings in a manner that is unlike that of the Soranni; Okhotai palaces are typically only two stories tall, with the palace being the only building above one story. The main hall is wood, with the second story used for storage while the center of the main hall has a hearth in the middle.Festivals
Sukhhut
Sukhhut is the name for the Summer Solstice festival, with it being one of the most renowned festivals of all the Okhotai and in particular the Hahan. The festival involves a variety of events, but the people are renowned for Yak Racing, Horse Racing, and feasts in most tribes. The warrior clan of Khoryat, famed guards of Suigan's clan, are known for evening hosting a grand battle against drakes in the city of Rhun Tol. In Tahan Moghai, the royal capital, the royal family hosts a variety of events from archery contests to feasts, to hunts.For your average nomadic family though, the extended family will gather at a location that has been used for this very purpose since a clans founding. At this site, they will have a ritual offering to the gods, where a sheep is sacrificed to the gods at a ritual bonfire that is at the base of an altar and a feast is prepared. The central Altar is a pile of stones that have been carved and adorned with colorful flags. It is said that spirits inhabit these altars, and that the spirit of a clan protects those who take care of the altar. It is for this reason that during the celebration, many gifts are given to the spirit of the altar for good fortune and protection in return. The festival lasts one week to two in some parts, with the greatest feast being on the solstice itself. The richer families race their horses or yaks, while the young members upon reaching their fifth solstice make bead necklace offerings for the elders as a rite of passage.
History
The Okhotai are an ancient group that have inhabited the steppe for as long as history has been recorded. It is said that even in the Ingharan days, the ancient warlords did battle with the steppefolk. Okhotai history is intertwined with the rest of the world starting with the Imperial Era, where the Okhotai made frequent war on the Ilsairi Ketsing. In the 800s, a man named Suigan united the tribes and led them in a series of wars that ended up creating one of the largest empires to ever exist, with it breaking apart during his death as a result of the Shattering. The Okhotai fared rather well during the Shattering due to the large amount of people who were trained in archery and combat due to the rugged steppe life. The region still suffered heavily due to the loss of livestock, having to force tribute from their subjects until they rebelled and their empires slowly fell.
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