Kleshite (Klesh-ite)

Kleshian Girls by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Native to the Jungle of Klesh in the southeasternmost corner of the island of Lankhmaria, Kleshites are a noble race of dark-complexioned humans. They live in one of the three population centers in the Jungle or in small groups or settlements throughout its wilderness.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Andea, Denjissi, Nuinnen, Serri

Masculine names

Adwa, Embae, Koonteachi, Menjal

Unisex names

Anninni, Umboku, Fatalah, Embele

Family names

Kleshite names put emphasis on vowels over consonants. Names very greatly in length. Some say that the size of the name given to a Kleshite child is directly related to the boredom of the parents when they choose it. Their names often have meaning in the Kleshian Language that can't be directly translated into Lankhmarian.

Other names

Adebayo, Fatima, Kwame, Nia, Sadio, Amadi, Chiamaka, Kofi, Ngozi, Tariq

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Kleshite. Each city within the Jungle of Klesh has a dialect and a set of local phrases and slang unique to its own city.

Culture and cultural heritage

In Kleshian culture, the “self” is not separate from the world, it is united and intermingled with the natural and social environment.
It is through relations with one’s community and surroundings that an individual becomes a person of volition, whose actions and decisions affect the entire group rather than just oneself.
There is a Kleshian proverb that captures this idea: “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu,” (“A person is a person through persons”).
The culture of each ethnic group centres on family and can be found in each group’s art, music and oral literature.
Ethnic groups have customs that are unique to their culture. The customs and traditions of each group have been woven into a tapestry as colourful and diverse as the people of Klesh themselves.

Shared customary codes and values

When a Kleshian leader visits another leader of any culture, it is customary for a very large feast, wines and entertainment to be held in honor of the meeting. It is only on the second day that any business or negotiations can be discussed. Trying to quicken this process, even in the face of dire times, is frowned upon and considered vulgar.

Average technological level

One of the Kleshian people's most noteworthy advancements is in the field of agriculture, where they have developed innovative irrigation systems to sustain their crops during times of drought. These systems, utilizing a combination of underground water channels and carefully placed dams, have greatly increased crop yields and allowed the Kleshite people to thrive even in harsh environments. This technological achievement is a testament to their ingenuity and resourcefulness, and has helped to ensure the continued success of their society.

Dams by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Common Etiquette rules

Hospitality to others, even at one's own expense, is pinnacle behavior. Elder citizens are shown the greatest respect and during mealtimes, are served first and served the best portion.
To call someone liar, thief, or to accuse anyone of a deviant behavior is a treachorous charge and one must have abundant proof of such or risk being labeled as a trouble maker. As such, it is rare to accuse anyone directly of suspected behavior. Instead, it is expected that one goes to the Council of Elders to discuss such concerns, and the Council will subsequently advise the course of action.

Common Dress code

The Kleshites take great pride in their appearance and manner of dress. Regardless of financial status, it is common to wear clean and pressed handmade garments and most often are colorful in nature.

Kleshian Dress Code 3 by Chad Watson via Midjourney

A Beautiful Smile by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Kleshian Dress Code 2 by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Kleshian Common Dress Code 1 by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Art & Architecture

The M'Bōchīsh and Têkhâsh populations choose to live in the deepest parts of the jungle, while the Bâklîsh choose to live in natural clearings within the jungle.
As such, the M'Bōchīsh and Têkhâsh cities have municipal structures made of granite slabs, including very large flat topped pyramids used in their religious practices. Residential buildings in these regions are made of Mahogony wood with stucco, especially found in M'Bōchīsh and Têkhâsh have a similar architectural style but use wood from the Kapok tree. Fresco and bas relief art is part of the typical buildings and dwellings. It is said that some structures are thousands of years old, having been handed down to each descending generation. The architecture is both beautiful and advanced, enviable even by Dwarves.

Kleshian Building 3 by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Kleshian Building 2 by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Kleshian Building 1 by Chad Watson via Midjourney

The Bâklîsh on the other hand choose to live in round huts made of mud and stone, with conical thatch rooves. That said, the architecture of these buildings is extremely sound and very weather-proof. Like the other cities in Klesh, they decorate their huts with vibrant colors and designs.

A beautiful Kleshian hut by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Kleshian huts by Chad Watson via Midjourney

A Kleshian Village by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Foods & Cuisine

The M'Bōchīsh are well known for their cuisine involving cinnamon, pepper, vanilla and curry. The Têkhâsh are known for their light and elegant desserts. The Bâklîsh are known for their tasty Venison and Venison Jerky that are very filling and therefore useful to a traveler with limited carrying capacity.

KLeshian Desserts by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Smokehouse filled with Venison by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Storytelling is part of the cultural tradition. They are told by people known as a"Griot" (pronounced Gree-oh in Kleshian, translated as "Bard" in Common). As well as being storytellers, they are poets, historians, genealogists, and musicians. Songs fill the air most days and while a small people, their lungs are mighty and their range magnificant!
Kumpo Dancing is performed principally amongst the Bâklîsh but is present across the empire. Three times a year, there are dance competitions, each city taking turns to host. The Kumpo mask is made up of thin dried palm leaves which are beige in colour and cover the dancer from head to toe. The other feature is a stick which is secured to the performer's head which he uses to spin almost magically in fast gyrating circles while being accompanied by an ensemble of metal bells, singers and drums.
The purpose of the mask is to protect the Kleshian people from bad supernatural forces and to stir the fires necessary to prepare for war.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

The birthing ceremonies of the Kleshite people are steeped in tradition and ritual. When a woman goes into labor, the midwife is summoned to assist her. The midwife is considered a sacred figure and is treated with the utmost respect. She is responsible for ensuring a safe delivery and bringing new life into the world.
Once the baby is born, it is immediately washed and wrapped in a cloth. The mother is then given a special tea made of herbs and roots to help her recover from the birth. The baby is kept with the mother for the first few days, during which time she is given special foods and drinks to help her produce milk.
On the seventh day after the birth, a naming ceremony is held. This is a joyous occasion, and friends and family come from far and wide to celebrate the new arrival. The baby is given a name that reflects its character and personality. The name is carefully chosen by the parents and is considered to be very important.
As the child grows, it is taught the ways of the Kleshite people. It learns about their customs, their beliefs, and their way of life. It is taught to respect its elders and to honor its ancestors. And when the time comes for the child to become an adult, it will be ready to take its place in Kleshite society.

Coming of Age Rites

The coming of age rites of the Kleshite people are a significant moment in their lives. It marks the transition from childhood to adulthood and is celebrated with much fanfare. The initiation ceremony involves a series of tests and trials that the young Kleshite must pass to prove their worthiness as adults. These trials include endurance tests, hunting tests, and tests of courage. The Kleshite people believe that only those who can endure these tests are worthy of being considered adults. Once the young Kleshite has successfully completed the initiation ceremony, they are accepted as full-fledged members of the tribe and are given the respect and privileges that come with adulthood. The coming of age rites are an important part of Kleshite culture and are celebrated with great pride and joy.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Crying at Grave by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Funerals are the main unifying events for the Klesh. When a person dies, family members follow specific procedures to ensure the deceased is properly cared for:
The Kleshian officials are informed of the death. The Kleshian administrative head is told so that he may make a legal record. A burial site is chosen by survivors of the deceased. The owner of the land (the oldest member of the family founder's lineage) is ceremonially asked permission to bury the body on his land. Both the Kleshian head and the owner of the land are given cowry shells as a ritual payment for the land used to bury the deceased. According to the Kleshian symbolism of numbers, three shells are given if the deceased is a man, four if the deceased is a woman. The deceased is prepared for burial. First, the body of the deceased is cleaned and wrapped in plain cloth. Members of both sides of the family then bring the deceased offerings of blankets. They talk to the person, saying "I, (name), am bringing this for you." Once the offerings are made, the children of the deceased's sisters may take away any of the blankets they want for themselves as a part of their ritual rights. Next, the deceased is transported on a bamboo frame to outside the entrance of the compound, where the local widows give him/her a last ritual feeding of locally-grown cereal crops that have a religious significance to the village. All the guests turn their backs while the feeding ritual takes place. The deceased is carried to the graveyard. Along the way, coins and cowries are given as offerings to the deceased for whatever may be needed while traveling in the afterlife. Before burial, these are removed by the family. Dirges with powerful messages about life, women, and families are sung. They often include the thought, "Can you believe you will not see this person anymore?" Singing and the giving of offerings continue at the grave, dug earlier by members of the family. People remind the deceased to remember them and help them. Pregnant women ask for protection during their pregnancies.
Unnatural Deaths If a person dies an unnatural death (for example, being hit by lightning, dying in childbirth, dying by drowning, etc.), the spirits are disturbed; this is considered to be a dangerous situation by the Kleshian. Certain rituals must be held to calm the spirits. Specialists are called in to perform these rituals. Because of their professional relationship with fire, water, and iron, blacksmiths serve as mediators with the spirits in cases of death by lightning.
Deaths of Parents One way a husband shows his great appreciation of his wife is at the funerals of her parents. At these ceremonies, the husband will pass out money to the musicians and to a female member of his wife's family who stands near them. The money given to the woman, a significant amount, will then be passed to the wife. She will use the money to buy things she needs, such as new clothes or new utensils. She may also buy animals that will be taken care of in the compound of her brothers. The animals are an investment that will be inherited by the wife's oldest son at her death. These purchases can be the basis of a woman's wealth.

Common Taboos

Kleshian taboos may involve such acts as walking on a dog's grave, touching a corpse, or failing to show the proper respect to certain beings, such as rulers or twins.
Twins: In Klesh the birth of twins is considered an extremely powerful event in which the deities interrupt the normal course of Human birth.

Kleshian Twins by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Pot breaking: Due to their fragile nature, clay pots tend to break a lot. So, in an attempt to ensure women handle the pots with care, some communities consider it a taboo for a woman to break a cooking pot.

Broken Clay Jar by Chad Watson via Midjourney

They liken the pot with a woman’s uterus, in which she carries her children for nine months. So, when a woman breaks a cooking pot, she is considered to have destroyed her entire lineage. A special ritual must be performed to cleanse a woman who breaks her cooking pot.
Elderly People: Any form of disrespect to the elderly is an automatic curse. In fact, some communities do not allow young people of the opposite sex (whether married or dating) to hold hands or engage in any form of caressing in the presence of an elderly person. It is considered disrespectful.
Other communities don’t allow young people to speak in the presence of elderly people, particularly during family and community gatherings. Similarly, young people are not allowed to address elderly people by their names. They are supposed to be addressed by the names of their children. This taboo is pegged on the belief that elderly people have the powers to bless and curse.

A council of elders by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Common Myths and Legends

Gueno by Chad Watson via Midjourney

HOW THE WORLD WAS CREATED FROM A DROP OF MILK At the beginning there was a huge drop of milk Then Old Ones came and created the stone. Then the stone created iron; And iron created fire; And fire created water; And water created air. The Old Ones descended a second time. And they took the five elements And they shaped them into man. But man was proud. Then The Old Ones created blindness and blindness defeated man. But when blindness became too proud, The Old Ones created sleep, and sleep defeated blindness; But when sleep became too proud, The Old Ones created worry, and worry defeated sleep; But when worry became too proud, The Old Ones created death, and death defeated worry. But when death became too proud, The Old Ones descended for the third time, And they became as Gueno, the eternal one And Gueno defeated death.

Historical figures

Jumbe by Chad Watson via Midjourney

There is a legendary figure in Kleshite history named Jumbe, who was known for his bravery and leadership skills. He led his tribe through a time of great turmoil and danger, navigating them through treacherous terrain and fierce battles with The Quarmallian, who invaded the Jungles of Klesh for the purpose of enslaving the Kleshian people. Jumbe was a brilliant military strategist who seemed to have a mystical ability to anticipate and counter the military movements of The Quarmallian. Because of his strategies, he was able to lead the Kleshite to victory, defeating The Quarmallian and driving them from the Jungle in less than 14 days. To this day, his strategies are utilized in military organizations throughout Nehwon.
Jumbe was also a skilled hunter and tracker, able to provide food and resources for his people even in the harshest of conditions.
His legacy lives on, inspiring young Kleshite to strive for greatness and to embody the qualities of courage, endurance, and resilience. The coming of age rites that Jumbe himself likely went through are still celebrated today, a testament to the enduring traditions and values of Kleshite culture.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Kleshites are generally a tall people with amazing reflexes. A native Kleshite typically has an ebony complexion, dark hair and dark eyes, however genetic variances occur, especially in the ethnic tribe of Bâklîsh. Colorful and decorative clothing is culturally important to the Kleshites which due to their relatively exotic styles and superior craftsmanship, can fetch high prices in markets throughout Nehwon.

Kleshian People by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Kleshian Blood Hunters have a tradition of marking themselves with scar tattoos, ink tattoos and body piercings. The complexity of design and pattern and the degree of symmetry in these tattoos tell a story to others with a trained eye who know how to interpret the meanings behind their display. Shortly after being inducted into the Blood Order, the presiding Hemocraft Wizard of the order will begin marking their bodies to communicate their membership. As the Blood Hunter advances in skill, technique, and merit, additional tattoos are added as a sign of their advancement. It can take many years or even decades before a Blood Hunter is fully decorated, so to encounter one with a great amount of body art is a sign of accomplishment to be sure.

Kleshian Warrior 1 by Chad Watson via Midjourney

A modest amount of worn jewelry is typically the fashionable trend. Body piercing placement is carefully chosen and considered, often connotating one's place in society. Members of Kleshian Guilds have their own body piercing traditions, whereas the placement, value of material used, intricacy and number of said piercings likewise communicate to others their status within said guild.
Women find earth tone and metallic make up to be fashionable if used with discretion. Hair styles in all genders vary with each passing generation, yet careful hair designs and patterns are an enduring trend. Some individuals enjoy being smooth shaven while others may decorate their hair with jewels, beads, shells and other such trinkets.

Example of Kleshian Beauty Standards by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Gender Ideals

Women typically are responsible for home management and child rearing while men tend to earn a living through hunting, fishing, farming, crafting or trading. That said, it is not uncommon to encounter a role reversal. Kleshian women are raised to develop their artistic talents so inevitably, some become so skilled at their craft that it makes more financial sense for her to be the family breadwinner by creating and selling her art. As such, it is left up to each family how they arrange their family dynamic and split their responsibilities.

Courtship Ideals

Arranged marriage is a very old yet still present tradition, especially in settlements outside the three larger cities of Klesh. Each family determines their adherance or abandonment of that tradition. Whatever the decision, no one disregards the wisdom of how a couple has come to form.
Heterosexual men tend to pursue females they find attractive. In courtship, men will personally handcraft a small gift in an artistic medium in which they are skilled to express their interest. The value of the gift is considerably less important than a personalized meaning attached to it.
Homosexual relationships aren't regarded as a deviation as they are in some cultures, but rather held in high regard. In Kleshian culture, same sex relationships signify the beautiful and complex expression of Nature through its Human hosts. While it is an uncommon variation, approximately 5% of all couples are in a homosexual relationship.

Relationship Ideals

Monogamy is held at the highest esteem and marital infidelity is against tribal law. Until a spouse has been chosen, it is acceptable that a single individual may have as many relationships as they'd like as long as they involve others who are single. Some individuals choose not to be married and that is found acceptable as well.

Major organizations

• Burzum, a Mercenary/Rogue guild that is present in each of the three cities in Klesh

• Die Söhne, a trafficking organization that deals in drugs, Human trafficking and engages in contract killing. They are also planted throughout various Guilds and within governmental agencies with the purpose of supplying intel to the King of Lankhmar.

• People of the Plains, a bard organization that continuously travels Nehwon, collecting stories, songs, dance, theater and other such liberal arts for the purpose of enriching the Kleshite with knowledge of the outer world. They also share their culture with the people they encounter on their travels, likewise enriching others with the knowledge of Kleshian culture

A display of Kleshian Beauty Standards by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Kleshites are typically a taller people with varying shades of ebony skin, clear complexion and beautiful bone structure. Their appearance infuses the use of tattoos, skin scarification, facial and body paint, body piercings and intricately styled hair. To some outsiders, their appearance strikes them as exotic and attractive while others find them mystical and frightening. In any case, all regard them as a powerful and independent people who are known for their seclusionary culture and powerful trade network that is based on Emerald Mining.

Kleshites are a Human Variant and as such have ability variations:
Mark of Passage, the following traits replace the Human’s Ability Score Increase trait in the Player’s Handbook.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and one other ability score of your choice increases by 1.
Courier’s Speed. Your base walking speed increases to 35 feet.
Intuitive Motion. When you make a Dexterity (Acrobatics) check or any ability check to operate or maintain a land vehicle, you can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to the ability check.
Magical Passage. You can cast the misty step spell once with this trait, and you regain the ability to cast it when you finish a long rest. Dexterity is your spellcasting ability for this spell.

Wild Magic Sorcerer by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Spellcasters of Klesh are typically either Sorcerers that source their power from Wild Magic.
It is said that Klesh's first sorcerer, Ajembii, stumbled upon Wild Magic over 1000 years ago. Ajembii was an apprentice wizard who attended a school in M'Bōchīsh. Ajembii was not like the other students who seemed to have been born with a natural affinity for it. Instead, he discovered his powers by accident when he stumbled upon a hidden grove deep in the jungle. There, he found a mysterious pool of water that glowed with an otherworldly light. Drawn by curiosity, he reached out to touch the water and was engulfed in a burst of energy.
From that day on, the Ajembii found that he could tap into the power of the wild magic. Unlike the structured spells of traditional magic, this power was unpredictable and chaotic. It could bring great fortune or terrible destruction, depending on how it was wielded. Because of this, he was expelled from the School of Wizardry as he presented a danger to himself and to others.
As he learned to harness the wild magic, Ajembii became feared and revered in equal measure. His abilities grew to include shape-shifting, telekinesis, and even the ability to conjure up creatures from the depths of his imagination.
But with great power came great responsibility. Ajembii knew that he had to be careful not to let the wild magic consume him. He used his gifts to protect the innocent and fight against those who sought to use magic for their own nefarious purposes.
And so, the Ajembii roamed the land, always on the lookout for new sources of wild magic and new challenges to test his skills. He knew that his power could never be fully tamed, but he was determined to use it for good and to keep the world safe from those who would abuse it.

Blood Magic Wizard by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Hemocraft Wizards and Blood Magic originated in Klesh. Very few wizards outside Klesh know or dare try to wield its energies. It has been rumored that a Blood Magic Order has been established in Kokgnab.
Blood Magic was first discovered a young farmer from Bâklîsh named Membb about 950 years ago. One day while tilling his fields, Membb found a strangley shaped statue made of granite. The statue was heavy for its size and showed no chisel marks at all, appearing as though its shape was naturally formed.

Cthulhu by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Membb took the statue back to his hut and set it near his hearth. Every day during his meals, he would stare at it, contemplating what is was while he slowly chewed his food. One evening about three months later, Membb went to bed and during the night had an incredibly frightening series of nightmares involving images of a gargantuan version of the statue as a living creature rising from the Sea of Monsters. A strange language murmured words into his mind during the nightmares, with each word seeming to pummel his mind and yet somehow expand his conciousness and make it stronger. He was trapped in this nightmare in a state of sleep paralysis and did not awaken from it for 3 days straight. When he finally regained control of his body and awakened from his "sleep", he rose from his a different man. He was still Membb, yet he was not. He knew things about magic even though before this, he knew nothing of magic. He was a farmer after all. This magic however was unlike the magic he witnessed from the wizards and spellcasters he knew from the village. This magic required the use of blood. From that day forward, Membb grew stronger in power with each passing lunar cycle. His knowledge came from within; he just knew what to do when casting his magic, what rituals needed to be performed, and what words or gestures he needed to utilize. Most shockingly, when he used words to cast his spells, he did so in a language unknown even to himself. Membb eventually formed the Order of the Blood Hunter, to whom he passed his teachings along with the mysterious statue that seemed to be the source of his knowledge and power. It is not currently known where the statue is today or if it exists at all.
Blood magic, also known as Hemocraft, taps into the inherent vitality of a creature to enhance the caster's abilities, while simultaneously weakening and manipulating the bodies of their foes from within. Certain mages with a darker inclination may resort to hemocraft in order to amplify their spellcasting abilities, even if it means sacrificing their own life force to achieve terrifying levels of magical power.