Dīd i Yit (/diːd ɪ jɪt/)
Dīd i Yit (House of Life) is a small settlement or outpost on the island Vauqi i Yit. It is dedicated to the protection of life and to Shibi Yaud, the Kaushan name for the god Ŗažu.
The settlement started in 1706 CT when Voshan naqī Shanai finally reached what he later named the Island of Life. He constructed a small dwelling in which to retire.
Over the next ten years, learners, or kikalo, began to make pilgrimages to the island to learn from the legendary military leader. What he taught, though, was not combat, per se, but that one should always seek life, through prayer to Shibi Yaud and meditation. But he also taught strength of body, developing his own martial practice based on minimizing harm to others and preserving life above all.
His followers took to calling themselves "Ta Kiyitalo", those who are always learning about life. Voshan (and later others) was given the title of "La'alidi", or teacher of life.
As more and more people made the journey to the island, the settlement grew. When Voshan died in 1716 CT, there where about 30 adherents to Voshan's teachings living on the island. In the 200 years since, the size of the settlement has been kept intentionally small, with no more than about 300 people ever on the island at a time. Rarely are there more than 75 people living on the island.
The community is fully self-sufficient, growing their own food, keeping their own livestock, and maintaining the small number of buildings. They also live rather primitively, with nothing that many would consider modern conveniences. It is an intentionally austere lifestyle.
Government
There is no government, per se. Learners learn, teachers teach, all work to feed and cloth themselves. When there is a problem, everyone meets to determine a solution, with the most senior La'alidi leading the meeting but seeking the advice of all.
Architecture
All buildings on the island are hand made from native woods and grasses with primative tools. Thus, there is no architecture, per se, just functional buildings. However, the Hall is a large building constructed longhouse-fashion from local timber, with a thatched roof and stone chimney. It has a central post that has Shibi Yaud's four pointed star and sun emblem carved into it. It is the the primary meeting house for the islanders, able to hold about 100 people.
All other buildings are ad hoc constructions.
Founding Date
1706 CT
Founders
Alternative Name(s)
House of Life
Type
Outpost / Base
Population
65
Inhabitant Demonym
kiyital (kiyitalo pl.)
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