Nata-Kea

Nata-Kea (Zean: People of the Snake) inhabit the eastern part of Zea. They are the tribe controlling the continent's sefia supply, and are known for their symbiotic relationship with the Kea-Atara.
History
Even the eariest traditions of Nata-Kea paint them as miners above all else. The nation had reigned the Menas mountains for centuries, slowly developing the mines below ground, as well as the cities perched over beautiful valleys above.
Before the discovery of sefia (around 800 BU) Nata-Kea lived in isolation, but when the neighboring Nata-Got learned of the supernatural substance, they reached out to establish proper trading routes and relations. Increased demand forced the tribe to invent new and more efficient technology for mining and purification of ores. Thanks to Nata-Got artisans and engineers, the sefia can now flow as an unstoppable river all the way to the Nata-Fii in the east.
As the nation thrived, a decision was made to build a new city on the western face of the mountains, to symbolize the tribe opening up to the world. Soon, the city of Har-Kea (Zean: Seat of the Snake) was pronounced the new capital of the Nata-Kea people.
Nata-Kea was the tribe the least affected by the Enevir uprisisng. They lent Nata-Got their hand in squashing the rebellion, but did not suffer significantly themselves, with isolated incidents quickly and decisively resolved by local Councils.
Life and work
Nata-Kea can be divided into three groups. Those living in the east usually adhere to the old tradition the most. The miners and the Snakeguard are the most revered caste, regarded almost with devotion as those interacting with the giant snakes. In the west, trade and cooperation between tribes flourish, influencig the culture significantly, elevating merchants and politicians. Some eastern Councils regularly denounce the western style of living, but have little sway over the necessity of the sefia trade. Finally, in the south-west, are the Nata-Kea farmlands. The exact border is not clear, as they are largely occupied by unaffiliated and smaller tribes, asking for Nata-Kea protection in exchange for crops and taxes. Nata-Kea allows for free intermingling between tribes, making a 'tribesman or not' distinction much harder in the last group.
The Change
Most of those who can track their Nata-Kea lineages for several generations benefit from the Gift of the Snake. They retain near perfect sight in the darkness and have heightened reflexes. Whether the stoic nature and patience are in the tribe's nature, or a part of the Gift, remains a topic of debate.