The Baklunish People

The Baklunish remain one of the most distinct and resilient peoples of the Flanaess, blending ancient traditions with powerful magic, nomadic strength, and an unshakable sense of destiny.

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The Baklunish, or Bakluni, are a proud and ancient human race descended from the people of the Baklunish Empire. Today, they primarily inhabit the northwest Flanaess, particularly the Baklunish Basin, Zeif, Ekbir, Tusmit, Ull, Ket, the Dry Steppes, and the Plains of the Paynims. Some have also migrated among the Tiger Nomads and Wolf Nomads. Their culture reflects a blend of mysticism, reverence for tradition, and a deep connection to honor and fate.

Physical Characteristics

• Complexion: Golden-hued skin
• Hair: Dark, from dusky brown to blue-black, fine and straight
• Eyes: Typically green or gray-green; hazel and gray are rare
• Build and Features: Tall and long-limbed, with high cheekbones and elongated facial features

While the Wolf Nomads have strong Flan admixture, the people of Ket show a diverse mix of Suel and Oeridian heritage, resulting in skin tones that range from pale yellow to golden-brown or tan, with a broader spectrum of hair colors.

Culture and Traditions

The Baklunish people uphold honor, family, generosity, and piety as fundamental virtues. They observe numerous customs and taboos based on astrology and have a great reverence for horses, especially among nomadic tribes. Their traditions include a rich heritage of song and dance, and they value trade and exploration as essential pursuits.

Baklunish scholars and mystics excel in arcane magic, particularly in divination, summoning, and elemental magic. Clerics and desert mystics practice powerful cooperative spells.

Clothing and Attire

• Settled Baklunish: Gowns, robes, long coats with short breeches or long tunics/dresses in bright patterns and colors
• Nomadic (Formal): Elaborate garments with puffed and slashed sleeves revealing contrasting pastel colors
• Nomadic (Informal): Rough leather or hide clothing suited for travel and survival

Language

The Baklunish language has several dialects:

• Ancient Baklunish: The classical language used in religious observances, higher learning, and the fine arts
• Modern Dialects: Variants such as Osfaradd and Low Baklunish, spoken in different regions of the west

History

The Baklunish Empire was once a great and powerful civilization, but it was devastated in the Invoked Devastation, a cataclysmic event that forced the Baklunish people to migrate eastward. Despite this loss, they have retained their cultural identity and traditions, including their deep spiritual beliefs.

The Baklunish Pantheon

The Baklunish Pantheon is small but deeply significant, with fate and destiny at its core.

• Istus, the Greater Goddess of Fate, holds all of the future on her spindles, weaving the past and present. Few dare to challenge her dominion over time, as she could easily unravel their existence. Her influence is absolute, and her wisdom is beyond mortal comprehension.
• Geshtai, Xan Yae, and Zuoken are the only other gods in the pantheon. These deities were once heroic figures who ascended to godhood through legendary trials and devotion from the Baklunish people.

The Baklunish people believe in accepting fate as it is, an unchangeable force that shapes their lives. While some attempt to control or appease fate, true wisdom lies in embracing its flow.