Vekh

The original inhabitants of the island of Eritris. Ashen skinned, tall, lanky folk, who always cast a vary eye upon all that is in sight of them. Their tribes are in a constant state of war for dominance, and the best camping spots near the migration patterns of the local A'rech. Their two greatest tribes are: The Ehn'anuri, the children of the great father. The Avan, the spotted ones.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Avina, Leyothe, Vez'inge, Valaca

Masculine names

Ul'khar, Barakh, Adikh, Es'Vak

Unisex names

Sagah, Belkah, Vaq'nah,Valacnah,Baraknah

Family names

Ayn'Letic, Beruz, Vash'Nakabi, Luperec

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Vekh

Average technological level

The Vekh fight with spears and bows made of bone. They wear little to no armour, most of the time, their only defensive implements are shields called "wings" that are attached to their backs, and forearms, thus protecting them while they fire their bows.

Common Taboos

Polygamy is looked down upon. Using metals is considered a cardinal sin, as is visiting the ruined city of Kwarinn.

Common Myths and Legends

Great Father Ashbar: Vekh myths describe the time of dawn, when Eritris was but a barren wasteland, forgotten by the gods, inhabited by only the children of Apesh'Nuva, dead king of the seas. These creatures are said to have the tail of a snake, sharp fins on their arms and head, and the face of a human. they were a bloodthirsty people, who killed and ate anyone unfortunate enough to get stranded on their island. One day, the ancestors of the Vekh, came through the sees, fleeing from some terror now long forgotten and shrouded into myth. Upon their landing, the children of Apesh'Nuva greeted them, and offered them a place in their camp. They danced, and talked and feasted till the crack of dawn, and when the humans one-by-one fell into a drunken haze, the treacherous serpents sprung their trap. They shackled and enslaved the Vekh, and forced them to be shepherds and cattle for the sustenance of their master. The Vekh prayed to their creators, but were met with ill omens, until one of their own, an old man named Ashbar in his desperation got hold of a dagger, and carved his own heart out to offer it to the gods. The second the last heartbeat faded, the gods of the Vekh awoke from the magical slumber Apesh'Nuva cursed them with, and saw what have become of their people, and their faithful servant Ashbar. They turned the body of Ashbar to a mountain of great fire, which consumed the snake people, but left the Vekh unharmed, except for turning their skins ashen. Thus since that day, Ashbar has been quiet, but folks say, that when the Vekh are in despair, the heart of Ashbar starts beating in the mountain, and fire shall purify the island once more.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Tall, skin gray as ash, big eyes, the larger number of braids they have, the more beautiful a person is considered. Each braid is gifted by an elder member of the tribe, for remarkable deeds.

Gender Ideals

Vekh society is mostly pragmatic. The gender roles that bind their culture aren't born of any bias, but reason. Women are expected to provide spiritual guidance, drive economic agenda, while males are left to wage war, provide food via hunting, and conduct diplomacy.

Courtship Ideals

Vekh society is fiercly monogamous. Vekh children are educated by the elders, in small closed camps. after the first few years, romantic relationships start developing between youths. The day that they can take their place as members of the tribe, is their wedding day for most. It is considered a disgrace, for an adult to have no partner.

Major organizations

@Mainlanders are usually met with distrust if not outright hostility.

Related Myths

• Great Father Ashbar

Languages spoken

• Vekh