Puski (pʊski)

The Puski were an ancient nomadic civilization who traveled throughout Eivrall's continents and were renowned for their music and dance. Puski were seen with all of the usual varying skin tones and hair/eye colors due to their wide reach. The Puski were known for their curses and were said to practice primitive forms of magic and shamanism. They are the Viampaal's progenitors, and it has been suggested that their use of curses is what caused the Apoplexia outbreak that wiped them out.

Most hypotheses about Puski history are based on linguistic theory because Puski groups did not record their history or have oral accounts of it. Although linguistic and genetic evidence suggests that the Puski originated in Meshev, their influence was felt throughout the world. Because of their nomadic lifestyle, the Puski amassed vast amounts of knowledge and are claimed to have been among the most knowledgeable people in the world at the time. Because of this understanding, the Puski are thought to have been the catalysts for scientific advancement. As different groups encountered one another on their journeys, they exchanged information and expertise, resulting in the development of a science-based society that was backed by primitive kinds of magic. This effect may be seen in modern life, as people are attempting to understand the science of magic.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

To be accepted by the Puski, one must have adhered to a set of strict laws and customs called the Code. They believed that following their 'rules' was what set them apart from other ethnic groups, due to the fact that their appearance was as diverse as the world's ethnicities. The vast majority of Puski laws were based on the idea that the universe was divided into two categories: clean and unclean (impure). Being impure – or coming into contact with impure objects — was thought to bring bad luck, sickness, disease, and death, among other things. The list of things they deemed impure was infinite, but they did, however, have broad categories of impure items. Fluids from the body (urine, for example), rodents, reptiles, and anything that touched the ground were all considered impure.

They avoided or minimized contact with impure items once they were classified as such. From the minute they were born, they were taught what was considered impure and what was not. They changed the way they acted, thought, and communicated in order to avoid impurity. If a physical item was particularly impure, the word associated with it was likewise impure and hence should not be spoken aloud. For example, because rats were regarded as impure, they were referred to as 'things'.

Puski were known for keeping their secrets to themselves and for casting nets of intrigue and bewilderment. Such abilities were essential to their survival. Those who were not Puski were intimidated and perplexed by their close-knit, secretive nature.

Common Dress code

A coat, slacks, high boots, and a rimmed hat were worn by Puski men. Puski modesty forbade wearing only a shirt, so a jacket was worn at all times. Slacks or trousers in light colors were uncommon.

The traditional Puski women's attire had a heavy full-length black velvet skirt worn fairly high at the waist, supported by padding, and a puffed blouse made of decorative fabric, frequently with prominent ruffles and lace.

Young children wore clothing that was comparable to that of other ethnicities. Girls who were reaching maturity but not yet old enough to wear traditional dress wore long, slim, dark skirts.

Art & Architecture

Puski would collaborate with non-Puski entertainers in any area of performance, and they filled all professional entertainment roles. Weddings, baptisms, and funerals were among the events they performed at. Musical and cultural influences, such as instruments, dialects, and the subject matter of the music, were taken from the countries where they resided and assimilated into their own music. The Puski language was used in some songs. Local music – mainly instrumental – was absorbed and performed, and it was gradually transformed into Puski styles, which were usually more complicated than the original styles. Puski music, in turn, had a significant influence on local music.

The Puski's folk music was mostly vocal, with slow plaintive tunes and rapid melodies that were frequently accompanied by dance. Tongue-clacking, hand-clapping, mouth-basses, wooden spoon clicking, and other techniques were used to accompany the quick songs.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Childbirth was deemed "impure" and had to take place outside the home; the mother was deemed "impure" for 40 days.

The Puski people's principles were reflected in how they raised their children. After women gave birth, there was an element of impurity imposed on both the mother and the father. If the child was a boy, the family was regarded "fortunate," and the impurity was reduced. Traditionally, the couple resided with the groom's father until the birth of their first child. Because the Puski people put a high value on extended family, godparents and other family members were involved in the child's life to ensure his or her well-being. The child's parents often had no input in what their child ate throughout the day, thus the child relied on eating whatever was available. The community did not eat animals that were thought to have unclean tendencies.

Death was seen as impure, affecting the deceased's entire family, who remained impure for a period after the death. Private possessions of the deceased were usually regarded as impure and burned along with the body of the deceased and their dwelling place.

Common Taboos

Water was the subject of several of the traditional hygiene laws. Puski, for example, only washed in running water. A shower would suffice, but a bath would be improper because the individual would be sitting or lying in dirty stagnant water. Dishes could not be rinsed in the same sink or basin where personal clothes were washed. Because the kitchen sink was solely used for washing dishes, it could not be used to wash hands.

The surfaces of dining tables were kept pristine. Handkerchiefs were frowned upon for blowing one's nose since they preserved impurity from the nose. Puski preferred to blow their noses in disposable cloth because of this. In any event, one must wash their hands after blowing their nose or sneezing before eating.

The genital organs, which produce 'impure' discharges, and the lower body were deemed impure parts of the Human body. Lower-body clothing, as well as those worn by menstruating women, were laundered separately. Items that were used for eating were washed in a separate location.

Because certain diseases were considered impure, individuals who suffered from them were given special treatment. Women on their menstruation or those who were unwell were feared because they could spread their impurity to others. Their rigid way of life extended to their thoughts as well. Because they believed that sicknesses may be attracted to them by the power of the mind, Puski people avoided speaking negatively about sick individuals.

If a person had become impure, there were remedies or punishments given. Minor transgressions that were plainly unintentional could be forgiven by those who were present at the time of the offense. The community and, in some circumstances, the Tribunal, a communal governing body, dealt with the more serious ones.

Ideals

Gender Ideals

In unmarried women, virginity was a must. Both men and women frequently married young, and Puski law mandated that the groom's family pay the bride's parents a bride price. Once married, the woman became a member of her husband's family, where her primary responsibility was to look after her husband and children, as well as her in-laws. The eldest male or grandpa was at the top of the power structure in the traditional Puski home, and men held greater authority than women in general. As women grew older, they earned respect and power. Once they had children, young wives began to gain power.

Courtship Ideals

Marriage in Puski society emphasized the significance of family and demonstrated cross-group ties, which were frequently transnational. An arranged marriage was very desirable. Parents of the prospective couple assisted in the selection of a suitable match for their child. Parents rarely pushed a partner on their children, despite the fact that marriage by the mid-twenties was the norm. School, church, weddings, and other social gatherings were also popular places to meet a potential partner. An adult was required to supervise or accompany potential couples.

Ancient Puski by Gabrielle Decker

Diverged ethnicities

• Viampaal

Encompassed species

• Human

Related Organizations

• Federation of Meshev
• United Federation of Meshev

Languages spoken

• Pyrlish