Tsothu (T’So-Thoo)
Wardens of the Ulwahi
History
Origins
Due to the presence of a strong oral tradition amongst the Tsothu, their earliest history is surprisingly well-preserved. It is said that the progenitors of all the Ngambi peoples came upon the Ulwahi from parts unknown, having fled their original homeland due to a now-forgotten war of cataclysmic proportions. Much knowledge was lost in this exodus, and the old gods of the Ngambi were cast off and forgotten for having seemingly forsaken their worshippers. Upon witnessing the natural splendor of the Ulwahi, the forebears of the Tsothu claimed the great desert as their new home, and for a time lived harmoniously as one people.
Life amongst the Ezukili
Wars for Tsothu Independence
Contact with Lagona
Characteristics & Culture
Appearance
The Tsothu are a stocky and well-muscled people, of modest height but possessing considerable strength and endurance. Their skin is the color of teak and ebony, while their hair, typically worn short by men and women alike, is jet black. The Tsothu are famous for their vibrant and many-hued eyes, which range from blues and greens to grey, violet, and even red. For this reason, the Tsothu are often referred to by the Lagonans as Indraharush, or 'Rainbow Men'.
Faith & Folklore
The Tsothu people are deeply spiritual... (More to come)Magic
The Tsothu practice a form of onomantic ritual magic known as Igweyani. For more information on the history and execution of Igweyani, see this manuscript.Death-Speakers of the Ulwahi
Society
Traditionally, the Tsothu are an egalitarian society. Women can lead their own family groups, and while most are tasked with the gathering of food and rearing of children, any woman skilled enough with spear and bow is permitted to take part in hunting. Children are not expected to work or perform any social duties besides play. Leisure as a concept is vitally important to the Tsothu; conversation, music, and dance are regarded as essential in order to counteract the long, laborious hunting excursions for which the Tsothu are famous.
While Tsothu family groups will often band together and select a chief to lead them during times of strife, the powers of such individuals are severely limited. Typically, the Tsothu make decisions amongst themselves via consensus, with men and women having equal say in all things.
Relationship with The Whistling Men
Since the first interactions between the Tsothu and Achinakh thousands of years ago, the Tsothu have hated and feared their island neighbors for their enigmatic whistling language, which seems to entirely resist the effects of the onomantic Igweyani. So deep-rooted is the animosity the Tsothu hold for the Whistling Men that the S'kankho word for Enemy is Ach'Shaba. Due to the close association of the Achinakh with falcons, many Tsothu believe the birds to be malevolent spirits or mindless homunculi, and will kill the creatures on sight.
