Bane'ile Culture
The ancient civilization of the Bane'ile spanned several ages and reached out far and wide across Kantostara so where, I wondered, are its monuments? The ruins and artifacts that all great civilizations leave behind for future generations to marvel at and wonder about. Yes, I know that the world itself was destroyed in a fiery cataclysm long ago, so anything that was built there was lost, but like I said, they traveled throughout the galaxy. Surely some evidence of their once great civilization was left behind. Then it dawned on me. The Bane'ile were always a nomadic people even before they ventured out from their own world. People who are always on the move don't build cathedrals or carve huge statues in stone. The Bane'ile didn't even have a written language with which to record their history and their wisdom, so is everything that they once were now lost to the passage of time? Just as that sad thought crossed my mind, I heard the music. That pulsating rhythm that gets into your blood and makes it impossible to resist the urge to get up and dance or at the very least tap your feet to the beat. The ethereal lyrics so alien to my ears and yet so mesmerizing. I have no idea what they're singing about, but I could listen to it for hours. The ancient civilization of the Bane'ile is not lost at all. It's all around us. It's in the songs. It's in the basis of the technology that goes into the ships we fly, not to mention those magenta metallic dragozale that still haunt the trade routes like phantoms from a bygone age. It's in the canals of Navaravu and all of the other worlds where the Bane'ile once lent a helping hand. Most of all, it's in the DNA of every living being who can claim at least one Bane'ile ancestor in their family tree. All of these are the monuments and the artifacts of the Bane'ile, but there are no ruins because this great civilization never died. It is a living breathing thing that has continued to transform and evolve long after its birthplace went up in flames.
Culture
Culture and cultural heritage
The Bane'ile have always been a nomadic people, always on the move, first exploring the farthest reaches of their own world, and later, wandering through the stars throughout the galaxy of Kantostara. Their tribal society centers around the elders who are highly respected spiritual leaders responsible for preserving the history and wisdom of their tribe in the form of songs that are passed down orally from generation to generation. These songs guide the people and provide the education needed to meet the challenges of life. Children are raised to believe in the interconnectedness of all life and encouraged to share their resources and work together for the common good of all.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
One of the major traditions of the Bane'ile, before their world was destroyed, was the Festival of Titi'abule. It was held on the great plain of Bo Kaabo where all of the tribes would pause in their wanderings and gather together for a grand celebration. They would share food, including delicacies unique to each tribe, and the tribal singers would sing of what their people experienced in their wanderings since the last gathering. The Singers of Songs would walk among the people imparting their wisdom along with the tribal elders. There were games and dance competitions all infused with the joy of coming together as one.
Coming of Age Rites
The Rites of Primacy are observed for all Bane'ile to mark the transition from child to adulthood. After completing these rites, the individual may enjoy the priviledges of an adult member of society as well as being expected to carry out the responsibilities.
Funerary and Memorial customs
The details of funerary customs vary slightly from tribe to tribe, but the common practice among all Bane'ile is to cremate the remains with a funeral pyre while songs are sung about the deceased to commemorate their life. It is also customary to regularly consult the spirits of those who have passed since they are considered to continue their roles as members of tribal society even after death.
Common Myths and Legends
The Song of Two Becoming One is a legend that was given to the people of Bane'ile by the mystical Singers of Songs to warn them of the impending destruction of their world at the time when its binary stars collided. There are also many songs related to this that were sung across the span of generations and were meant to guide the people to escape the destruction of their race. Included among these is the legend of the Shining Star Keeper of Singers who, it is sung, will remember the music and play a key role in restoring the lost songs of the Bane'ile long after their world is gone.
Related Locations
Comments