Tigzirin (tiɡˈziː.rin)
The Tigizirin are the native people of the island of Dzarbah. They were conquered and occupied by the Nagarajya for decades, but drove them out when the Malika of Saba conquered the island of Saba. Today, they rule the majority of the island, although an enclave of Naga remain in the city-state of Almanfaa.
Physical Appearance
The Tigzirin have skintones that range from olive to bronze, with dark hair and eyes. They have high cheekbones and well-defined jawlines, and their eyes are usually almond-shaped. They have similar height and builds to other human ethnicities in the Great Ring, with an average male height of 5'6", while women are slightly shorter.
Common Dress & Style
Men and women wear a long sleeveless tunic of cotton or wool. Men wear this over a loose shirt and trousers, while women wrap a large decorated cloth over the tunic, similar in appearance to a sari. Both men and women keep their heads covered most of the time. Men typically wear a round, flat-topped cap, while women more often wear a hood or shawl over their hair. All clothing is dyed in bright colors and patterns, and frequently has a decorated fringe that may include a variety of small charms or bells. Elaborate embroidery is also a common decorative element. Jewelry is more common on women than men, and will include rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Also, the Tigzirin will frequently have traditional tattoos on their hands and face, which the bearer selects for their symbolic meaning.
Religion & Folklore
While the Tigzirin acknowledge the existence of the many gods of the Great Ring, they worship only one: Red-Crowned Niet. Niet is also known as the 'Terrifying One', and will typically manifest as a giant woman with a blood-red crown and bearing weapons such as a bow or a harpoon. She is revered as the mother and guardian of the Tigzirin, and they believe that her martial aspect is directed at the enemies of her people, not at the Tigzirin.
When the Nagarajya invaded Dzarbah, they used a magic ritual to bind Red-Crowned Niet deep within the earth beneath her temple, preventing her from defending the Tigzirin from the invaders. When, decades later, the Tigizirin threw off the shackles of the Naga, the few remaining priestesses of Niet found a way to destroy the bindings upon her, and she emerged in time to ensure the Tigzirin victory. However, Niet and her priestesses stopped short of the destruction of the Naga remnants in Almanfaa, for reasons they did not disclose. Since then, while Tigzirt and Almanfaa have fought several short wars, Niet has never appeared in battle against them.
The most important celebration among the Tigzirin is the "Asira n Asefru Azeggag Niet", or "The Games of Red-Crowned Niet". Sometimes this is shortened to simply "Asira Niet" or "Niet's Games". This a set of competitions held in Niet's honor at the end of summer. There are many events held in the games, mostly in the arena of combat arts such as archery and swordsmanship. These are usually held to first blood, but at least one event ech year is deemed to be a mortal event, where the competitors fight until one of the combatants is dead. Many seek out participation in the mortal events, as those who win will be granted entry into Niet's armies after death, and have their names inscribed within the Temple of Niet. It is believed that those who become one of Niet's soldiers will never fade from The Dream, and will persist until the end of the world.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Foods & Cuisine
Tigzirin cuisine is largely sourced from the sea, and tends to involve a variety of stews and heavily spiced grains. Couscous is a common base for many meals. One traditional dish is a savory pastry made from layers of thin dough combined with fish, eggs, capers, parsley and chile paste. This is baked until the dough is crispy and then served with a selection of spicy condiments.
Major organizations
Main Article: Tigzirt
Nearly all Tigzrin are citizens of the nation of Tigzirt.
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