Tahaki

Slender and pale skinned humanoids, with somewhat disproportionately large heads and long hands. Their large eyes and ears enable them to keep track of their surroundings even in the deep dark structures far underground for which they were - according to legend, at least - made. Shorter than Makkali, at around 160 cm tall, and much less heavily built than the Ska’s, with an average weight around 60 kg, Tahaki are wiry, and strong for their size. Tahaki have dark, wiry hair, ranging in color from deep brown through bluish black and dark tan, which they wear in a large variety of styles, from braided to shorn short to stiff, waxed spikes.
Tahaki are mono-gendered, which differentiates them from the other Stocks of the archipelago. When they are ready to have a child, they become pregnant, gestating the baby for nearly a full year before giving live birth. The baby is then fed masticated food by their parent, for at least the first year of life. Because of this unusual arrangement, most Tahaki would be considered asexual, and it is common for Tahaki to be confused by the elaborate mating rituals and romantic relationships common among the other Kindreds. They do, however, make easy friendships, and value good, cheerful company as highly as any of the other peoples.
Traditionally, due to their homes deep underground, Tahaki cultural expression has been monochrome to the degree that texture has taken the place of colour. Braided and woven fabrics and leathers are extremely common, as are studs and beads of metal, clay and natural substances like horn and bone. Since reaching the surface, and establishing Fen Shanty, Tahaki have also embraced the world of colour fully, and make extensive use of dyes and paints in everything from clothing to mosaics, body painting and tattoos. Their tradition of using patterns and textures has remained, however, and Tahaki settlements are a riot of colours, patterns and textures that can seem disorienting to others.
Tahaki value community greatly, and share a selfless work ethic, where each community member works for the good of all. As such, their communities - even large cities like Fen Shanty - work with remarkably little oversight and official organization, as each individual finds a need and fulfills it. In mixed communities, Tahaki are welcomed with open arms, and valued for their work, and there are several settlements who have adopted their style of community, to mixed success.