Makha'ri (Mah-KAH-ree)

The Makha'ri are a subgroup of Reshari found throughout Central and northern Vraelia, and the most common and widespread of their people (it's this group that most people think of when discussing the Reshari). Lacking a homeland of their own, these Reshari have instead adopting a more nomadic lifestyle, becoming well known for their skill in merchantry, as well as for being the best navigators of the arid region of central Vraelia.

General Appearance

The Makha'ri resemble various small cats, and are the most physically varied of the Reshari.

History

According to stories shared among the Reshari, as well as ruins and artifacts found throughout central Vraelia, the Makha'ri people once had a small but prosperous kingdom in the region sometime around the tail end of the Era of the Mage Empires. Not much is known of this kingdom outside of what can be gathered from relics and stories, though it's believed that it enjoyed a relatively peaceful existence for a number of centuries, before it was invaded and destroyed by a rival nation, most likely the then-expansionistic Sythssya, scattering its people throughout the region. While there is no possibility of this kingdom being rebuilt in the forseeable future, with its former lands and resources being claimed by others, the Makha'ri still keep its memory alive through their stories, and the city of Yatirya (a city carved into a sandstone cliff, and the largest remaining city of the old kingdom) remains a frequent place of congregation for their people, with it being said that every Reshari (Makha'ri or otherwise) makes at least one pilgrimage to the city in their lifetime.

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

The Makha'ri are known for being the most communal of the Reshari species, living in tight-knit clans that act like an extended family. Members of these clans are willing and able to do whatever they can to aid their clanmates, including providing neccessary resources if they can afford to do so, and aiding in the rearing of children born into their clan. Additionally, if a Makha'ri clan considers someone to have earned their trust, they might even be willing to consider that person to be part of the clan, even if they aren't Reshari themselves.
Additionally, the Makha'ri are best known for their nomadic lifestyle, almost constantly being on the move between settlements/encampments. This has had a strong impact on a number of aspects of their lives, with the Makha'ri forming few attachments to whatever area they currently find themselves in, placing greater value on items that can be easily carried/moved around, and being ready to move on at a moments notice. While some Makha'ri are known to occassionally find a permanent place to settle down, many of them still feel an inate sense of wanderlust, often drawing them towards occupations that involve travelling frequently.

Shared customary codes and values

Like the rest of the Reshari people, the Makha'ri greatly respect the principle of Sacred Hospitality, caring for their guests and respecting the authority of their hosts. They also share a deep appreciation for storytelling, particularly as a way of preserving history and traditions. While the idea of "fair trade" is valued by all Reshari, the Makha'ri especially emphasise this idea in their interactions with others and each other, due to the importance of trade among their people.

Average technological level

The Makha'ri have the knowledge and tools to build and maintain Reshari Skiffs (or "Sandships"), large catamaran-like vessels built to "sail" across the desert sands of central Vraelia.

Common Dress code

Due to their nomadic lifestyle and the high temperature of their home region, Makha'ri clothing is made of lightweight material, and is designed to cover most of their body in order to shield it from the sun.

Art & Architecture

In keeping with their nomadic lifestyle, Makhari structures typically consist of tents of varying sizes that can be quickly and easily erected and dismantled as needed. Makha'ri art often takes the form of tapestries and other textiles, typically woven with colourful threads.

Foods & Cuisine

Like all Reshari, the Makha'ri have little to no sweet foods in their cuisine, due to their inability to taste them. Instead, they prefer foods that can be stored for long periods of time while travelling between destinations (such as jerky). However, when an ocassion calls for a large meal (usually a celebration of sorts), a number of dishes do make use of various spices.

Funerary and Memorial customs

It is customary among the Makha'ri to bury their recently deceased as soon as possible, either at the "capital" of Yatirya, or at the nearest outpost/settlement. The final resting place of the deceased is marked with their name, as well as the clan they were a part of.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

The Makha'ri consider a creative mindand openess to new ideas and perspectives to be attractive traits.

Gender Ideals

The Makha'ri are the most egalitarian of the Reshari people, with a wide variety of roles being filled by both men and women.

Courtship Ideals

Among the Makha'ri, it's most commonly the men who do the courting.

Relationship Ideals

The Makha'ri are largely monogamous, and both partners are expected to contribute equally to their relationship. Additionally, due to the close-knit nature of their caravans, members of the same caravan treat one another as extended family (regardless of any actual blood relations), sharing many responsibilities among each other, including raising children.