Taugata

Taugata is a collection of people that reside in the broken expanse. They were the first to discover flight. Though, the methods of their flight were primitive and dangerous. The best way to explore the Taugata is to explore their history and traditions. Long ago, far before the gnomes spread their technology through the world, the people of Taugata lived isolated from each other. They knew there were people on other islands of course and were even able to communicate with smoke, notes thrown to the wind, and large leaves waved in a certain way. Generations of this practice connected the Taugata as a singular people locked away from each other. Their languages and script slowly began to condense into the same form. Soon, the need to meet these cousins from another island as strong enough for an intelligent man to create the first rudimentary hot air balloon. The technology was spread throughout the islands and ideas and customs were shared. There were a few that choose not to interact with the others, viewing them as threats rather than potential enemies.
The combined peoples called themselves Taugata and began to condense their culture into one. They further developed their techniques for sailing from island to island. They used a special breed of mushroom to determine height, followed birds to near islands, and used the stars to determine their location. They explored their lands of the broken expanse. When clockwork was shared and other peoples explored the world, they met strangers with open arms. However, many of these strangers did not feel the same and fought and stole from Taugata.

Military

The Taugata has a single engineering school which produces firearms. As a result the Taugata military is very weak. They do not set out to invade or attack others, instead focusing on defense. The majority of their outer islands are equipped with cannons and other defenses. The people of Taugata use their knowledge of the islands to their advantage when attacked.
Taugata's military is on a volunteer basis. Those that do join the military spend most of their station circling the islands and keeping the peace. They dissuade pirates and other enemies from entering their territory, but sometimes pirates and smugglers pay for safe passage through or know of undefended paths through.
Other members of the military are sent out into the world to assist others however they can, protect Taugata merchants who seek the aid, and simply keep their presence known.

Taugata Tourism

The Broken Expanse is a tropical land with delicious fruits, a variety of birds, and untold beauties. It is also at the center of Himinil. These two traits make Taugata the center of trade and tourism in the world. Taugatan islands are romanticised the same way Hawaii is in our world. They are viewed as a paradise by those who know nothing about the place. Taugata knows this, and use it to great effect. They try very hard to make Taugata a place where anyone can come to relax as well as make themselves very important to the economy of the other peoples. This is because Taugata is in the middle of three major powers, each could wipe Taugata out easily. This is why people from Taugata are as kind as possible. If everyone loves them, then no-one will tolerate their destruction.

Government

Taugata is a republic. They have equality among their people and elect representatives for each island, who in turn elect a president. Each island has a number of representatives based on population size. The vast majority of these have one representative, while the larger islands have 2 or, rarely, 3. They vote for changes to laws and meet in their capital, Ailaupapa.
The president chooses one military captain to act as the general. The general and the president must both agree to go to war in order for Taugata to wage it.
Taugata wants to aid those in need in order to keep their image. They send out ships with food to others lands that are down on their luck, they accept refugees, and even lend aid to those plagued by pirates. This gives them a reputation of being kind, but naive, people.

Power

Taugata does not have access to a large amount of land as others, so they do not produce grains or a large amount of food. They do have several fruit plantations which provide tropical fruit around the world. Taugata also has some of the most plentiful, exotic, and large birds in the skies. This makes their food sought after throughout the world. Taugata chefs are sought after by many restaurants.
Among the untrustworthy, Taugata is famous for its many uninhabited islands that are perfect to hide on. Some organizations in Taugata build hidden hideouts for wanted people, and then charge coin for the location.

Apearance

The Taugata have dark skin that ranges from a light brown to a dark ash. They are usually thin and shorter than most other peoples. They walk quickly and have a tendency to watch above them more often than below.

Personality and Manerism

It is commonly said that the Taugata are the friendliest of the various peoples of Himinil. In general, this is true. There are a few evil Taugata, of course, but it is generally safe to trust a Taugata. The Taugata are not foolish so they rarely trust people. When one allows you into their home, they are either certain that they could defend themselves or trust you completely.

History

Taugata was the first to discover flight, but they could not leave the broken expanse. At first, the Taugata were friendly towards each other, trading and making friends. Over time, however, small wars broke out. These small wars escalated over the course of a century when the broken expanse was a battlefield drenched in blood. This massive war was finally ended after the largest village was killed to the last man, woman, and child in a single night. This atrocity united the other clans of the Taugata to bring justice to those that did this evil deed. After this point, Taugata slowly reunited itself, and eventually build Ailaupapa.

Naming Traditions

Family names

Taugata have three names. Their given name, a middle family name, and the last family name. The family name is passed from generation to generation, following the fathers family. The middle name is always their mothers family name. When Taugata marries, they do not share names. Sample family names would be Chaka, Mandla, Mlungsi, or T'chae.

Culture

Average technological level

Taugatas technological level is not as advanced as some others. Even its airships are not as advanced as some others. However, they do possess the best airship techniques and tactics around. Taugata generals are particularly adept at thinking in all three dimensions.

Common Etiquette rules

In Taugata, the guest comes first, followed by the eldest. A guest is given the best food, the best seat, and the most expensive drink. Families will sleep on the floor if it means giving the bed to a guest.

Art & Architecture

Taugata art is colorful and often reflects the Broken Expanses beauty. Feathers and flowers are popular focuses of art. Buildings are usually painted into bright colors if it can be afforded.

Common Myths and Legends

There are many Myths around the Broken Expanse. Every Taugata tribe has their own myths. However, most agree that, long ago, the Expanse was once a whole island. The people of the island lived in paradise for many years, until the people became jealous of each other. This jealousy grew and grew, until the island itself broke apart before its people could wage a civil war.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Taugata find heavy set, larger woman and men beautiful. It is a sign of wealth and comfort, which is something that Taugata seek. A wide, friendly smile and healthy teeth are also considered attractive.

Clothing

Traditional Taugata clothing is crafted of grass and leaves in complex weaves. This is decorated with various flowers and colorful plants. However, since the Great War, the Taugata have worn more and more cloth. They favor skirts over pants, but when they wear pants they are loose and open. Green, yellow, and orange are the favorite colors in Taugata clothing.

Gender Ideals

The Taugata respect both their mother and father equally, but some families favor one over the other. Men are viewed as more strong and capable, but the woman has a stronger artistic eye.

Courtship Ideals

The love between two Taugata is a beautiful event. They shower each other in gifts of flowers, clothing, food, and song. There is no limitation on marriage in Taugata, and weddings are usually an ordeal that the whole village partakes in. In larger cities, there are holidays in which people get married.