Ondari

The Ondari hail from the wild jungles of the western end of the continent. Perpetual struggle for survival against the dread beasts and apex predators has resulted in the Ondari developing superb physiques. Most Ondari possess bronzed skin from the constant sun exposure and helpful adaptation of blending in to the terrain.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Kawallpa, Kirchala, Pacha

Masculine names

Apuyuma, Hatun, Miconi, Pachu, Veraquotl

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

The culture of the Ondari varies between the tribes. It is tied closely to which of the Apex Predators that the tribe worships as their patron. It is this religion that sets them apart such that some tribes share only the most superficial of similarities.

Ondari Religion

Der’Khat

The great black panther was the first apex predator encountered by the inhabitants of Ondar. It is for this reason that she is the most revered by much of the populace. Only the followers of Der’Uturu actively seek to place their apex predator above her. The great reverence of the people ensures that there is never a lack of tribute to the Acolytes of Der’Khat.
Unique to the valley of the capital is the periodic great black trees. Though not so large as the great trees of the elven lands, the large black jungle trees stand apart from all others in Ondar. Black bark is topped with vibrant green foliage, akin to the coloring of Der’Khat herself: deep black fur, with bright green eyes. It is during the daylight hours that Der’Khat may sometimes be found within such trees. Tribute relayed from the Acolytes is delivered to a specific tree monthly.
Acolytes dress in black fur, the highest ranking using the fur from panthers. The panther fur is only permitted to be taken from panthers found dead. Harming of the potential children of Der’Khat is forbidden, and so none may hunt the dark cats. Ritual combat is performed with claw gauntlets, constructed to mimic the paws of panthers. Champions of Der’Khat are those who have been scarred by her but permitted to live. When the wounds heal naturally, bearers of the scars find themselves instilled with some of the power of the great cat.

Der’Amaru

At the heart of the swamp is the home of Der’Amaru. In thick black water, more reminiscent of sludge than actual water, is where he rests. The fetid pond is at the heart Amaruappa, the people building their settlement around his worship. Acolytes of the great snake throw sacrifices into the dark waters, where he greedily accepts them. The mind of the apex predator is unknown at times even to his chosen, as even generous tribute is sometimes not enough to satisfy his hunger. Most times he is appeased, but some days he lashes forth from the depths to devour a follower. On such occasions, the follower is said to have been unworthy to approach the great serpent.
Acolytes dress in snakeskin, often ornamenting their appearance with fangs and bones. Greater renown is seen from the power of the creature that once possessed the ornaments. Unlike the other predators, Der’Amaru shows no disfavor at the hunting of snakes for their parts. Ritual combat is done with snake fang daggers, generally coated in poison. Champions of Der’Amaru are rare, but reputed to have impossible agility and speed. Some who approach the great serpent for tribute are said to look up into his eyes when his head rises from the depths. After some unknown exchange, Der’Amaru sinks his fangs into the chest of the follower. Those who survive the agonizing poison are thereafter his champion.

Der’Machi

Though his followers have taken to the trees, Der’Machi himself does not often climb. His large size hinders ascending many of the jungle trees. Some who have earned his wrath discovered no safety in the branches, however. The sheer strength of the apex predator allows him to uproot many of the trees of the jungle. Many who have observed the actions of other gorillas in the realm have noted that they consume only flora, with the exception of some insects. Der’Machi is unique in this regard, consuming both flora and fauna. It is for this reason that he is still considered one of the apex predators, as well as the shared characteristics of the other Ondari gods.
Acolytes of Der’Machi dress in the furs of gorillas. Given the emphasis on family from the great gorilla, harming of any possible progeny is forbidden. Use of the bodies of naturally deceased is all that is permitted. Der’Machi himself has expressed fond amusement at the small furless creatures seeking to emulate his children. It is in part due to the mimicry, in tandem with the tribute, that he has adopted the followers. Ritual combat is performed unarmed, and rarely to the death. The defeated presents themselves before Der’Machi himself who decides their fate. Champions of Der’Machi come from this group. After having been defeated, they must grow strong enough to defeat the one who bested them before. Should they succeed, they must then hunt a dread beast of the jungle for tribute. If Der’Machi approves of the offering, he marks them as favored.

Der’Anka

High in the mountains above the northern cliffs giant nests can be seen. It is there on one of the peaks that radiant light shines. The descriptor of “golden” to the great eagle is apt. Her progeny has a light brown to gold coloration, unlike the darker color of other mountain eagles. Her own color is that of polished gold. Initial wariness at the small creatures coming to inhabit her territory was overcome by their gifts to her, and reverence they showed to her and her children. That followers of the apex eagle would even go so far as to protect other eagles that were not hers only further solidified her decision to allow them to stay.
Acolytes of Der’Anka wear outfits decorated with assortments of feathers of mountain birds. Higher ranking acolytes are afforded the right to wear eagle feathers. The High Adept headpiece is an elaborate eagle mask, decorated with feathers of Der’Anka. Though the feathers do still glow, no other enchantment is known to exist on it, unlike the Sunfeather Cloak. Ritual combat is performed using talon knives, on a small platform that has been extended from the cliff face. The most zealous of followers engage in a marvelous defense of the cliffs. Through much trial and error, winged gliders have been constructed and are used by sling wielding acolytes.
It is through skill of flight that Der’Anka chooses her champions. Frequent updrafts along the cliffs permit those who are skilled in navigating them to remain in the air for hours at a time. On occasion, the great winged predator has snatched soaring acolytes from the skies. She retrieves them to her nest atop the high peak and leaves them alone there for the night. Should they survive the cold and thin air, she marks them in the morning.

Der’Uturu

The apex predator Der’Uturu spend much of his time near the southern river. The great tiger enjoys cooling himself in the waters that very few others dare to tread. It is for this reason that he at times finds himself in conflict with the fearsome crocodile Der’Qaraya. Observers of such conflicts have noted that the victor always permits the vanquished the opportunity to leave. Between the two combatants, Der’Uturu has more often won the fights. The great tiger possesses both astonishing strength and extreme agility.
Acolytes of Der’Uturu wear the pelts of tigers. The forbidden act of slaying tigers is also present in their teachings. Ritual combat is performed in much the same way as with the followers of Der’Khat. Claw gauntlets are the ritual weapon. Ritual hunts are much more common among the followers of the great tiger. Participants hunt the dread beasts of the jungle, and may only use claw gauntlets to do so. Champions of Der’Uturu are most often chosen for the greatest skill at combat and hunting. Ritual hunts are closed with tribute to the great tiger. On rare occasions, Der’Uturu has approached the hunters and marked one among them as his champion.

Der’Tiru

All of the great sea is said to be the domain of the great shark Der’Tiru. At least once every year in the waters off the coast of Tiruhattun she can be found. She will stay in the surrounding waters for a week at a time, before heading out to the unknown depths. It is there that her worshipers pay tribute. Der’Tiru appreciates tribute in the form of any large creature, which presents a challenge to offering dread beasts of the jungle. To offset this, her most zealous of followers travel far out to sea. Out of sight of the shore is where great whales are found. Armed only with shark tooth tipped spears, they drive the creatures towards the shore where they can be slain close to the sacrificial floating platforms.
Acolytes of Der’Tiru dress in the hides from marine creatures. More prestige is given for the skins of predators, except for that of great white sharks. Early on in their worship, followers who donned the skin of a great white faced the wrath of the dread shark herself. Whether the white shark was slain or found deceased, wearing of their skins is forbidden. Though she objects to the wearing of her children, she does not punish her followers from consuming those they find slain. Champions of Der’Tiru are not chosen from the greatest hunters. The greatest among the deep divers will at times attempt to show dominance over the shark god herself. Most are consumed for their insolence, but some return marked as her champions. The method they used to differentiate themselves from those who fail is never spoken of. When they return marked, they are also covered in heavy bruising and struggle to move for weeks after the encounter.

Der’Qaraya

When not basking in the jungle sun on river islands, Der’Qaraya lurks in the depths for many miles. The great crocodile returns to his followers with the changing of each season. During such appearances, great feasts and sacrifices are held. The devoted to Der’Qaraya note that he is more fickle than the other gods. Many sacrifices are ignored if they are not fresh, or containing a great deal of meat. If a tribute is judged very poorly, he has been known to devour whoever presented it. Given that risk, all acolytes are expected to excel at hunting, or combat to enslave potential sacrifices. Failures are themselves given as sacrifice by their fellow acolytes. All tribute is given on a small island just offshore in Qarayahattun. The entirety of the island is taken up by the temple to Der’Qaraya, so that the sacrificial platforms rest easily at the edge of the water.
Acolytes of Der’Qaraya wear the skins of crocodiles, or of great lizards for the initiates. No wrath has been shown at such decoration by the great crocodile. Hierarchy is largely based upon skill at combat, hunting, and on the number or skill of slaves owned. Ritual combat is performed unarmed. Much prestige is gained in the application of strength and brutality. Broken bones and torn muscles are a common result of the combat. The loser most often fights to the death, as a loss results in enslavement by the victor. There is only ever one champion of Der’Qaraya, and that is a female chief. No male chief has ever been marked by him. Though not granted the boon of a champion, male chiefs do gain the right to wield the Scaled Spine. In the hands of any male judged worthy, the spine from the back of Der’Qaraya bestows incredible strength and hardened skin. With the curious restriction that it only works for men, the acolytes guard the relic during rule by a woman.

Related Organizations

• Ondar Tribes