Ker

The kukai weavers

The Ker keep the knowledge and traditions of the ancient Kiri Tribe. They are skilled weavers and producers of dyes. Members of this profession are usually considered isolated, disciplined and extremely patient. In some villages, specially Oalmer, many Kukai of this profession have pale skin.
"We are like the threads which are born from cotton and slowly turn into fine cloth. We are workers of time, of growth and change." -Ancient Ker proverb-

Career

Qualifications

Though the Ker are mostly known as weavers, they are in charge of different kind of crafts. Not every Kukai in the Ker profession master more than a single skill, but they usually know enough about the following:

• Handicrafts weaving
• Cloth weaving
• Dye production
• Paper production (cotton)
• Cotton farming

Career Progression

Similar to the Bat, the Ker usually learn their skills from their parents and usually inherit their professions. However, the Kukai in the Ker profession are more strict when it comes to the learning steps, making sure the kids learn all the basics before their ready to choose a specialization.

1. Cotton farming
2. Crafting thread
3. Cloth weaving
4. Crafting dyes
5. Handicrafts weaving
6. Crafting (cotton) paper

After learning all the basic knowledge, a Ker may choose to specialize in one of the previous skills. They rarely master more than a single skill as they dedicate all of their time to achieve perfection. The profession hardly lacks workforce, mostly because every member is able to help other Ker when needed.

Perception

Purpose

The Kukai weavers are skilled and extremely dedicated artisans. Most of their skills are related to cloth production as well as other handicrafts which may include baskets, sacks, sleeping mats (beds), hats and ropes. They are cotton farmers and consider themselves proud keepers of said plant. Some Ker are also very creative designers, not only for clothing but also for painting and sometimes even writing. Their inventiveness and deep knowledge of their crafts allowed them to create the first dyes, feather brushes and soot ink. They are constantly working, producing and improving their skills, which is why other professions don't ask them for help.

Social Status

Because of their skills and devotion, the Ker are considered one of the greatest sources of inspiration for other Kukai, specially for those from more technical and artistic professions. People may ask them for advice when it comes to discipline and patience. It is said that the Ker are just as "spiritual" as the Nur. However, the weavers are more isolated than the rest of the kukai, choosing to focus on their job rather than actually interacting with others, at least most cases. Few people may joke about the Ker saying that they are worshipers of the "cotton god", although this kind of comment is considered rude.

Demographics

Almost all members of the Ker profession are related, in a way, to descendants of the ancient Kiri Tribe. Proof of this is the amount of pale skinned Kukai which can be found among the weavers, although the tanned skin is still the most common. The Ker represent about 9-10% of the total kukai population and most of them can be found in Oalmer, Kukanpuke and Amutikali.

History

The name used for this profession actually comes from the ancient Kiri Tribe. Legend says that the Kiri were the first to discover cotton during the Ancient Era. They were actually leather workers from the ancient Nur Tribe who decided to leave their nomadic ways to establish a village and learn to work with cotton. The Kiri Tribe only knew how to get their cotton from the wild. But after The pakai conflict, with the help of the Bata Tribe (ancestors of the Bat), the Kiri learned how to actually farm cotton.

Operations

Tools

Just like their knowledge of weaving, some of the tools used by the Ker exist since the Ancient Era. It is evident, however, that many of these items have improved over time and new tools are also used in this profession. Some of the most important ones are the following:

• Weaving loom
• Dye/Ink jars
• Thread stick
• Scissors
• Weaving Needle
• Brushes

But most importantly, like many of the Ker would say, their hands are "the most important tools in our posession and anything else is just a matter of time".

Workplace

In a similar way as the Rram, the Ker spend most of their time in their workplaces, which would be a Ker House. These are usually small buildings meant for storage. The Ker usually work outside. They are commonly seen next to their doors either weaving, making threads or dying stuff. There are no special construction requirements for a Ker house except being close enough to the cotton fields. Depending on the village, some Ker may decide to work on different places, just as long as the have peace and fresh air.

Provided Services

The Kukai of the Ker profession are considered artisans, as most of their work requires skills, creativity and constant production of goods. However, there are other services provided by them which may not be as common as their usual tasks:

• Washing clothes
• Body painting & makeup
• Dyeing clothes

Dangers & Hazards

Weaving needles may hurt and you may accidentally get some dye in your mouth. But none of these things represent an actual threat to the Kukai. This is why some of them say that the Ker are safer than more peaceful than most other professions.

Alternative Names

kukai weavers, the patient ones, the cotton-skinned

Type

Artisan

Other Associated professions

• Bat