Cüchi (ʦʰuʧʰi)

"The emperor's heart yet ached for the northern peoples remained beyond his grasp, reveling in their backwards ways and rejecting progress. He yearned to bring them enlightenment but they would resist with lance and arrow."

— Translated from the Grand Histories of the Amun

The Cüchi are a human society primarily concentrated in the frigid steppes of the Bumoxi. They are known for their nomadic lifestyle and their independent spirit.

History

The origins of the Cüchi as a distinct culture are difficult to pinpoint as they do not possess a written language and all Sheb accounts were destroyed in Night of Ignorance. What can be assumed safely is that they are an ancient people who predate the Amun Dynasty, possibly by centuries. As the Amun Dynasty extended its control northward from Kuyoyang it eventually reached the Bumoxi, the Wastes, where non-Sheb peoples lived. They attempted to subjugate the peoples of the steppe for decades but were unable to effectively root them out. Whenever they marched an army north, the Cüchi would simply travel further north, leading the invaders on until their supply lines were stretched too thin and they were forced to retreat without ever having fought a significant battle. The Amun court continues to maintain that the Cüchi are "barbarians in need of enlightenment" but for all practical purposes the two peoples coexist in relative peace.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

Steadfastness

The Cüchi's cultural watchword is "Gindek" which is often translated as "steadfastness," "stubbornness," or, occasionally, "honor." It emphasizes being true to oneself and resisting all forces that would attempt to break you. 

Hospitality

The Cüchi are known to be hospitable despite, or perhaps because of, their harsh homeland. Sheb border villages have repeatedly reported Cüchi tribesmen bringing food and hides to them during extreme winters, despite the historic rivalry between them and the Amun emperors. The Cüchi do not see an enemy people, only people who need food and supplies if they are to survive.

Piety

The Cüchi are outspoken shamanists and their religious practices can be observed in nearly every aspect of their lives. Specific prayers exist for skinning different types of animals, eating morning, afternoon, and evening meals, and even for mounting one's horse.