Shimoguyan (Shee-Moh-Gu-Yahn)
The Shimoguyans are a proud people. Before the land had fully established itself, they had chosen the north of Steeghan to colonize. After a certain time, before the birth of their second generation, the rivers dried up, lakes emptied and the lush terrain dried up. Within five cycles, there was sand as far as the eyes could see.
Most settlements left. Some returning to the south and some going further north, never to be heard of again. Those that remained, did so out of faith more than anything else. "Only those who endure the days of wrath, will reap the comfort during the days of bliss." The words of this prophecy are regularly mentioned, to the point of becoming a sort of blessing.
Palaces became one story cement houses and mansions became tents. The settlements concentrated near the half dozen oasis throughout the desert. The difficulties of adapting to their new circumstances became easier when two discoveries were made. The first was when a few clusters of a new plant emerged, a cactus that looked more plump than it should considering the lack of water. Knowing how other types of cactuses can be eaten, a portion was cut out but found inedible. The juice however was replenishing. After it passed through a simple fermentation process, the alcohol produced became sought after throughout the land. Seeing the demand surge, a system of spigot and pail was devised to be able to extract the water without cutting the cactus. The alcohol was cleverly branded; Cactus Juice.
The second came in the form of silk worm. A simplified diet gave the end product a luster that was not visible in cycles past. The enhanced luster was more apparent when the threads were woven in fabric rolls. Not only did the desert dwellers appreciate the higher quality of the fabric, this also became a sought after product that only the harshest piece of land and it's industrious people could generate.
Most settlements left. Some returning to the south and some going further north, never to be heard of again. Those that remained, did so out of faith more than anything else. "Only those who endure the days of wrath, will reap the comfort during the days of bliss." The words of this prophecy are regularly mentioned, to the point of becoming a sort of blessing.
Palaces became one story cement houses and mansions became tents. The settlements concentrated near the half dozen oasis throughout the desert. The difficulties of adapting to their new circumstances became easier when two discoveries were made. The first was when a few clusters of a new plant emerged, a cactus that looked more plump than it should considering the lack of water. Knowing how other types of cactuses can be eaten, a portion was cut out but found inedible. The juice however was replenishing. After it passed through a simple fermentation process, the alcohol produced became sought after throughout the land. Seeing the demand surge, a system of spigot and pail was devised to be able to extract the water without cutting the cactus. The alcohol was cleverly branded; Cactus Juice.
The second came in the form of silk worm. A simplified diet gave the end product a luster that was not visible in cycles past. The enhanced luster was more apparent when the threads were woven in fabric rolls. Not only did the desert dwellers appreciate the higher quality of the fabric, this also became a sought after product that only the harshest piece of land and it's industrious people could generate.
Naming Traditions
Other names
Shimoguyan naming ceremonies occurs once a year during the Plentiful Moonbeam Jubilee. All the children between one and two cycles of age are gathered during the ceremony and their name is announced to the entire settlement.
"After one full cycle, if the desert has not elected you, we will gladly welcome you in our family."
Culture
Culture and cultural heritage
Very little is known about the Shimoguyan by their own design. Even if they consider total honesty critical to maintaining harmony and good relations within the tribes, a Shimoguyan will openly lie to an outlander about any aspect of their culture, politics, theology or core beliefs.
Not that the Shimoguyan see the outlanders as lesser than themselves. It is more out of a sense of preservation. Their hospitality is well known, as is their joviality and sense of humor.
As long as the transactions are polite if somewhat superficial, keeping good relations with the Shemoguyan is very easy.
Not that the Shimoguyan see the outlanders as lesser than themselves. It is more out of a sense of preservation. Their hospitality is well known, as is their joviality and sense of humor.
As long as the transactions are polite if somewhat superficial, keeping good relations with the Shemoguyan is very easy.
Art & Architecture
Very few settlements have what outlanders would consider buildings. Due to the constraints of territory, most dwellers live in elaborate tents that stay in the same location for the most part but can be dismantled at a moments notice if the need arises.
Because of this constraint, the artistic expression is displayed on all if not most practical objects. Tents are made with bright colors and intricate patterns. The more intricate the pattern, identifies the eldership of the family.
The few paintings and sculptures found, reminisce on days past (some would say days to come), with lush vegetation as far as the eye can see.
Because of this constraint, the artistic expression is displayed on all if not most practical objects. Tents are made with bright colors and intricate patterns. The more intricate the pattern, identifies the eldership of the family.
The few paintings and sculptures found, reminisce on days past (some would say days to come), with lush vegetation as far as the eye can see.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
The sense of family is strong with the Shimoguyan.
Not only a family will share a small cluster of tents to stay close to one another, but the work, chores, feasts and famine are all shared jointly.
When one member is sick, the whole family will isolate themselves in their home with only the healer being allowed in.
Not only a family will share a small cluster of tents to stay close to one another, but the work, chores, feasts and famine are all shared jointly.
When one member is sick, the whole family will isolate themselves in their home with only the healer being allowed in.
Coming of Age Rites
Before their fifteenth cycle, boys and girls do a pilgrimage from their homes to the Oasis of misfortune with only one gourd of water and one spear. A journey that usually takes three days and three nights. If a Shimoguyan can cross the desert and sing about it, then unmistakably the gods will bless the rest of their lives.
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