Burik Masah
"Cities of the Moon"
A loose trade/mutual defense alliance of city-states, all of whom display a moon on their flags. In the ?? region.
Amlu White circle on yellow field representing the moon over sand.
Daiviet White circle on red field representing the moon over lava flows. Near a volcano.
Gagazi White circle on green field representing the moon over grasslands.
Tlemka White circle on blue field representing the moon over the sea.
Occasional conflict with the Tunglaerr , (Votaries of Tungol, Moon worshippers) who believe the Burik Masah to be heretics and blasphemers, since they profane the holy Orb by reducing its Lucin glory to mere commerce.
Part of the animosity stems from the use of the same slogan or motto, "The Eye of the Sky Sees All."
It's actually a fairly common adage all over Asulon. The saying is rooted in fact, the denizens of the planet are under observation from above.
The Tunglaerr interpret the saying in terms of an All Seeing god looking to reward the faithful and smite the unholy.
The Burik Masah, on the other hand, primarily view the saying as a relic from a long forgotten legend or myth. They use the adage as a reminder that everyone in the trade alliance is watching the other members, not out of fear but so that they don't get the better deal.
The Tunglaerr totally despise the Burik Masah, and would wipe them from the face of Asulon.
The latter moslty find the former irritating, right up to the point that the Tunglaerr interupt trade or threaten city security. The Burik Masah are hard bargainers, preferring to maintain relations sufficiently peaceful to profit. But when profits are endangered by violence, the velvet gloves come off. They hold superb traders in high esteem and while they all look to get ahead, they also acknowledge an 'opponents' skills in haggling.
See also: bizik , Merkar,vakar, Trade
A bizik is any location at which trade occurs, similar to a farmer's market.
The Merkar is the main building in each city of the Burik Masah in which trade negotiations take place. Inside, there are multiple rooms where the negotiations are held. One of the more unusual features, however, is that instead of walls, there is amphitheater style seating for audiences to watch the guild masters at work.
The guild masters trade major commodities for the most part. In the galleries, however, there is all manner of betting going on. The more common form centers around who simply ends up with the better deal, by what percentage, and the like. The more refined form focuses not on "what" is sold or "how much" it's sold for, but on the clearly defined skills used by those bartering. It is considered a much more refined "sport". A master can gain enormous status (and coin) and gain a "technical win" in displays of skill even though the opponent gets the "better deal" in terms of the goods being traded. It is commonplace for these Masters to treat one another to drinks and food after their "bout" to honor their respective skills. They are most frequently good friends or at the least very amiable. It is nearly unheard of for the trade participants to hold any grudges or ill will against one another. (The same cannot necessarily be said of their followers. [Think in terms of football professionals--they will play all out against one another, but treat each other as comrades. The fan clubs, on the other hand, are known for rioting.]
Guild masters referee the interactions of journeymen who in turn referee those of apprentices. Masters of different guilds judge the upper echelons of the journeymen, and other masters. [Yes, this is Trade as an Olympic sport.]
The terms "trader" and "bargainer" are often used interchangeably, usually aa a semi-professional title, eg Trader Apprentice or Journeyman Bargainer.
To call someone a "haggler" implies they are completely without skill as a trader and is an insult frequently ending in a duel. The duel is of words. A panel of at least 3 guild masters, one from the guild of the duelists, and 2 from other guilds not involved in the transaction. The goal is to focus on the verbal skills of the duelists, not any exchange of materials or services. The winner is vindicated as a trader/guild member in good standing. The consequences for the loser may range from varying levels of fines for unsportsmanlike or conduct unbecoming, up to being expelled from the guild, losing the right to vote, "unmanning" or exile.
Unmanning was originally castration since that person perpetrated a crime so vile that the house had to end, lest others be trained or learn the offense. Such corporal punishment has been considered barbaric for centuries. The more modern version is that the perpetrator loses the family name and all ties to family, clan, and guild.
The only crime more reviled is cheating.
Structure
Council of envoys.
Each city-state is autonomous. The envoys meet to discuss trade and defense.
Each envoy speaks for their city. They have often delegate trade issues to the respective guild masters (or representatives). Defense issues are similarly discussed.
These envoys are called Minions of the Moon.
[minion (n.)archaic, "a favorite; a darling, one who or that which is beloved"]
Public Agenda
To promote mutual aid to the Minions of the Moon,
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