B'ckth Komodo (buh-KETH ko-MOH-do)

The B'ckth Komodo are an ethnicity of Komodo that occupy the island chain named for them, which surrounds the Hrthath Volcano. They have lived near the volcano for centuries before it was active and have chosen to stick to their homelands, even though there is always a threat of a cataclysmic eruption. The islands that they migrated to after the first eruption (~150 PE) were originally barren with very little animal and plant life. However, with the help of seafaring traders bringing seeds and livestock, as well as migratory tropical birds, the islands became much more verdant and vivid.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Vyrnla, Scrxa, Jn'lla, Sylthath, Ssrna, Ll'lma

Masculine names

B'frth, Ixlm, Fntth, Nrnth, W'dk, Br'nth, Klmth

Unisex names

Byrmth, Plgn, Ymth, B'rn, Rstcklyth, Nrl, F'ssth

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

• B'ckth Komodan dialect (100%)
• Trade pidgin (75%)
• Kelthis (<10%)

"Srr'vss hth frsha nxh hth dtham zthn rfassma."

--B'ckth Komodan Dialect

Translate

Srr'vss welcomes you and we offer you this sandmelon.

Culture and cultural heritage

The majority of B'ckth share a deep love of trade, as it has brought life to the islands around Hrthath. They have opened their islands to tourism from the continents and ask for seeds and wildlife in exchange for bejeweled talismans they make from the gemstones they mine from the land around the volcano. 

• Miners (40%)
• Agriculturists (35%)
• Traders (25%)

Shared customary codes and values

• B'ckth must contribute something to the betterment of their islands, be it a new farming or mining technique, animal husbandry, healing practice, or something else.
• Family is the strongest bond. This bond still takes time to grow, like the First Trees.
• Always serve with open hands, but do not condone those of ill intent.
• The weakest body still has value among the strongest minds.
• Those who escaped the First Eruption planted the seeds of our survival.

Coming of Age Rites

Male B'ckth can choose to work in the mines, if it's something they would like, while all others are forbidden. On the day of their 17th birthday, a celebration is held for those who choose to work in the mines the following year, with a year of apprenticeship under a mentor miner. 
On the 18th birthdays of the islands' B'ckth, a mass celebration is held for everyone's coming of age, and each individual shows off their work and/or research that they have completed under their mentors, showing their devotion to contributing to the betterment of the islands.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Upon death, the family and friends of the deceased row out in a lantern-lit flotilla to a distant spot off the coast with the body, shrouded in a pale, white linen. The deceased's favorite gemstone is wrapped around the top end of the shroud and a rite is recited by a chaplain or oracle that the family consulted with regularly.

"In life, they served the Islands and their family. May the waves wash over the gem of their being, And bring peace to them in the afterlife."

--Common B'ckth Funerary Rite

Major organizations

Miner's Watch

The Miner's Watch consist of the miners that work on the island of Hrthath. They live on an artificial floating island during eruptions. Between eruptions, they set up camps to check seismic and magmic activity to keep the rest of their kin safe.

Racial Makeup: 100% Komodo

Encompassed species

• Komodo

Related Locations

• B'ckth Islands
• Hr'thath