Xondibian

Horse Lords

The Xondibian have been horse archers just as long as they have been herding. Their usage of the recurve bow makes them valuable mercenaries in the many wars that plague the Dead Ones Mesa, and theirhigh mobility makes them extremely effective in battle. A Xondibian's mount is often their closest companion, the same way many settled peoples consider dogs. 

Pastoralists

The Xondibian have made their livings as nomadic herders for millenia. Their herds of goats, sheep, horses, and sometimes even imported camel and bison, act as centrepoints for community life and responsibility. The average Xondibian grows up around sheep just as much as around other people, and will know just as much about their herd as themselves. 

Steppe Tolerance

The Xondibian have their own native religion that largely concerns them as a people and their relationship to the steppe and their land. As such, they do not care much for forcing others to convert, as the religion is personal to the community and to oneself, not something to be spread and shared.

Isolationist

Due to centuries, if not millenia, on the plains interacitng only with other Xondibian, they have developed a culture wary of outsiders. It is not that outsiders are expressly not welcomed, more that most Xondibian would prefer if they stayed away, escepting places such as Bastacur  and other trading points. It is quite easy to see which Xondibian do ro don't abide by this stereotype, as those that do will avoid all non-Xondibian unless necessary, while those that dont--usually found in cities such as Bastacur--tend be be extremely friendly.

Naming Traditions

Unisex names

Xondibian anmes are all unisex, with most names being based off spirits and other beyond mortal creatures that have interacted and left their marks on a tribe or group of Xondibian.

Family names

Xondibian take their names from their maternal grandfather. The name structure will be Maternal Grandfather's Given Name Chalt Given Name. Chalt meaning kin or spawn depending on the translation.

Other names

Xondibian will generally have given themselves a third name by the time they die, usually based off some accomplishment. They will use this name either only around close friends, or it will be their public name, saving their given name for their close friends and family.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

As an incredibly tribal society, Xondibian tend to value community and tribe very deeply. A child is born not just from their parents but into a community, raised by the community, and serves the community and the tribe. Private property as a concept barely registers to tribal Xondibian. Everyone has their own weapon and mount and tent, but the idea that the herd or the communities wealth could belong to one person is absurd. Just as close to the community is the Xondibians mount. Usually it is a horse, but old legends have them riding the Asinmi Great Hawk  or even dragons. Regardless, the mount should be one of the Xondibian's closest companions.

Common Etiquette rules

While they are not extremely fiond of outsiders, Xondibian are known as good hosts. Hospitality is expected from all.

Common Dress code

Due to the tribal society, most clothing the Xondibian wear has some utilitarian angle. The most common form of clothing is the Deel, a loose calf-length tunic cut at the knee. It is often adorned with trinkets personal to the wearer, and the more luxurious will even have silver or gold trims. The preferred colours tend to be blues, greens, and yellows. Purple is also worn, but only by higher nobility as a sign of rank.

The Xondibian are also known for the riding boots with upturned toes, coming together to point to the sky, ending at ankle hieght. The riding boots are always of a fine leather, due to pragmatism more than luxury. Those that wish to embellish will inlay velvet and use the mix of velvet and leather to create designs and art peices on the boots. Trousers are generally comfortable and made for riding, function over form.

Accessories include colourful overrobes, Asinmi Great Ram wool cloaks dyed and styled in various colours, necklaces made of bone and silver, and various other tribal affixes.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

When a baby is born, they are held under the sky for a full day, not allowed to be blocked from seeing the sun, moon, or clouds. This is done to ensure it is properly connected to the world, as the Xondibian beleive if a baby dies during that period, a soul had not fully formed within it, so it would not have lived a true life.

Coming of Age Rites

Learning how to ride a horse is essential for any Xondibian coming of age. Once they have bonded to a mount, oftentimes using a ritual performed by the tribe's mage, they have cleared a major threshhold to adulthood.

Encompassed species

• Human

Related Organizations

• Kingdom of Pulva Ark

Related Locations

• Pulva Ark