T'kakou: Technomads

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

The Keyrit-Welokyi and the T'kakou share the same ancestor, but the T'kakou have had to live in a considerably harsher environment. They remember that they came from a tribe of sailors, but they reject all ties to the sea in order to dominate the land. The share the same motto: "Takaka Tar' Turayi: War is glorious."

Shared customary codes and values

There is a common saying in T'kakou culture: "If you can pick up the rock, pick up the rock. If not, try the spear." When one has a talent, as recognized by the tribe, one must pursue it until death. However, capability always falls second to practicality. If one cannot adapt to the ideal T'kakou life, there will eventually be a better option. If not strength, then smarts. If not smarts, then diplomacy. If not diplomacy, then foraging. Truly useless people have no place among them, but they are few and far between.

Average technological level

The T'kakou have as many tools at their disposal as possible in a nomadic environment to observe the nature around them. Across the years, this has moved from mortar and pestle to portable laboratories. They are always one step ahead of their neighbor nomads, and often rivaling the settled countries in scientific prowess. What they cannot acquire through the ground they obtain from travelling merchants.

Art & Architecture

T'kakou artwork glorifies the struggle, and considers the struggle against other tribes to be just as important as against nature itself. Imagery of spears stabbing the ground in a triumphant fashion are commonplace as symbols of domination. However, art raided from subjugated tribes is also valued in high regard, allowing for a vibrant mix of culture.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Once a year, they pick a large lake in the inner part of Yatkaugo. They set a destination across the lake from their arrival point and race there. The strong run around the lake, while the smart float across the lake and the nimble try to swim. There are many ways across the lake, and only the incompetent cannot reach in good time. Reject the dotard!

Birth & Baptismal Rites

Before a baby is two years old, a stone the size of two hands is placed on its belly. If the baby is above to move from under the rock, it remains in the tribe under its current family. If not, it is passed on to other tribes in trade. The logic is that the baby has many tools at its disposal to vanquish the stone. If the baby uses none of them, it isn't flexible enough to survive in this harsh environment.

Parent ethnicities