T'iselek (tʼiˈsɛlɛk)
"When the Nakaal pulled the Human species across the Dream and into our world, most found themselves in places very similar to where they originated. This was not the case for the T'iselek people, whose new home was far colder than the one they had left behind. Their first years in the Great Ring were harder than most as a consequence." - from the Librarian's overview of the cultures of the Great Ring
The T'iselek are an ethnic group of humans who live on the island of S'Chaanee in the Northwestern Region. They are the most numerous of the three peoples of S'Chaanee, and reside in the southern two-thirds of the island.
For years, the T'iselek have had to fend off advances by the Empire of Wamato, who have sent expeditions to test how difficult it would be to establish a naval base on S'Chaanee. So far, these attempts have been relatively easy to repel, but they have inspired a movement among the T'iselek to form an alliance amongst their various communities for mutual defense.
Physical Appearance
T'iselek people have dark, straight hair, and their skin tone ranges from light to medium brown. Their eyes are almond-shaped, and brown is the most common eye color. They have high cheekbones and broad, rounded faces. They are about the same height as other human ethnicities, with men averaging around five foot six, and women slightly shorter.
Common Dress & Style
T'iselek clothing is usually made from the wool of the Xwsalalam dog, which is thick, soft, and very warm, and superior to the wool of sheep or goat. They are masters of weaving and knitting, and the cloth made from the wool is dyed in a variety of colors and patterns. They also make use of leather and cedar bark cloth when constructing garments.
Wool robes are usually worn over the shoulders, and sometimes covered with a cedar bark cape. Men and women wear shirts of wool under the robe, paired with either leather leggings or cedar bark skirts, frequently with woolen undergarments for warmth and comfort.
Jewelry is popular, and is usually made from shells and precious stones. Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets are the most common forms of adornment the T'iselek wear.
Religion & Folklore
The T'iselek people believe that the world around them is filled with spirits and gods, collectively known as the Shxw'qw'elahł. During adolescence, the T'iselek are guided by their elders through a series of rituals that help the individual connect with one or more of these spirits and form a bond with them as a guardian and advisor. These rituals are designed to immerse the participant in the Dream, where they can perceive and interact with the Numina that reside there.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Main Article: Shtul'ul
The T'iselek people speak the Shtul'ul language, which is unrelated to any other language in the Great Ring, and is considered one of the more difficult languages for foreigners to learn.
Foods & Cuisine
Fish and shellfish are the backbone of T'iselek cuisine, along with various berries and vegetables. Clams are a particularly beloved food. The T'iselek will preserve the clams by smoking or drying them, and eat them throughout the winter. They also will preserve foods by burying them and allowing them to ferment in the ground; fermented fish eggs are considered a great delicacy.
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