Khensu

Why should anyone choose to rely on any other but themselves?

— Soaring Hawk, Matriarch of the Jackal Tribe

History

After the fall of the Devils who had been in control of Theligose for so many years and the founding of a new human society, there were those who resisted the changing ways of the world. As the Three Cities were rebuilt following the Rise of Man, some argued that now humans had the freedom to live as they wished, why submit to the will of another?
Instead of joining the ranks of nobles who are duty-bound to lead others or commoners who depend on them, these few instead chose a nomadic life, wandering throughout the land and hunting its creatures to survive. Collectively known as the Khensu people - travellers - over time, they split into a number of separate tribes, each taking its name from an animal.

Present Day

The life of a nomad is not an easy one and as time has passed the majority of the tribespeople have integrated back into Theligosian society, founding or joining small villages which still exist today, while other tribes have died out entirely, either due to famine, illness or war. Though you might find the odd bard who attributes her skilled singing to her Nightingale tribe ancestry or a farmer who insists to his drinking companions that his great-great-grandmother led the Hyena tribe, in general the distinct histories and traditions of these tribes have been lost or become part of the fabric of society, no one knowing precisely where they came from. For example, the names of some months were originally used by the Khensu, while others have changed over time.
The exceptions to this would be the Jackal, Sea Eagle and Mountain Goat tribes, each of which still exists to this day and proudly celebrates their histories and traditions.
Members of these tribes speak Hieratic, the ancient language of Theligose, as their mother tongue, in addition to using the common speech of Theligose. However, in general they do not use the written form of Hieratic, instead passing on stories, legends and histories verbally. The role of Sche'zade - storyteller - is a highly respected one within the Khensu, with these women or men learning the history of their tribes and being able to recite great songs and epics.

Tribes

Jackal Tribe

Of the three remaining tribes, the Jackals most closely follow the ways of their ancestors, following the migrations of deer and other prey. As with the other two tribes, they have a strong matriarchal culture which has largely been lost throughout the rest of Theligose. Like the animals from which they take their name, they live in small family groups usually made up of parents and children, with these small groups joining together at specific times of the year around the lunar festivals, often staying together for several weeks before they disperse again.  More reclusive than the other tribes, they mainly live within the Red Sands.

Sea Eagle Tribe

Members of the Sea Eagle tribe make a living as sailors, some working as fisherwomen and men whilst others transport goods and people throughout the few waterways of Theligose. Their small, brightly painted boats can often be seen in the port city of Lahun. Although more settled than the Jackal Tribe, with some living in fishing villages rather than roaming up and down along the coast, they still preserve the traditions of old, for example using traditional fishing techniques.

Mountain Goat Tribe

As their name suggests, the Mountain Goat are nomadic sheep and goat herders living in the Eastern Bahariya mountains. Travelling through the valleys to find the best grassland for their flocks, they also visit the towns and villages in the area to trade meat, cheeses and goods made from wool.

Customs, traditions and rituals

Though many customs of the Khensu share similarities with those practiced in wider Theligosian society, largely due to their shared history, there are some differences or customs that are unique to specific tribes.
For instance, in the Mountain Goat tribe weddings tend to take place on the night of the full moon during Golden Moon, the seventh month of the lunar calendar, as on this night the sun and moon are present in the sky at the same time for several hours. This occurrence is seen as a favourable omen for marriages with the sun and moon representing the bride and groom. As such, joinings may be longer than in other parts of Thelogise, as couples prefer to wait until Golden Moon to hold their weddings even if this means that they are betrothed for many months.