Thrunakari (throo-NAH-kah-ree)

The Thrunakari are the Zemanii tribes that call the sprawling forests and dense jungles of Tanaria their home. Known as the “Treefolk” among outsiders, they embody the serene and grounded essence of the natural world, living in harmony with their lush surroundings. Deeply spiritual and fiercely protective of their ancestral lands, the Thrunakari are among the most peaceful of the Zemanii, yet their reclusive nature and territorial instincts make them enigmatic to outsiders.
The Thrunakari build their lives in the canopies, weaving homes from living vines and branches, often adorned with natural camouflage to blend seamlessly into the environment. Their connection to the trees is not only practical but spiritual—they view the towering giants as sacred beings, protectors of their way of life, and vessels of wisdom. Thrunakari shamans, known as Thruˈneridhepnir ("Weaver of Forest Spirits"), communicate with the forest through rituals involving song, dance, and the cultivation of symbiotic plants that bloom in their presence.
Physically, the Thrunakari have lean, agile builds suited for climbing and leaping between trees. Their teal or green-tinged skin is marked by swirling patterns that mimic the dappled light of the canopy, granting them natural camouflage. Prehensile tails and sharp, claw-like nails make them masters of arboreal navigation, and they are often accompanied by symbiotic creatures such as Thornfang Lynxes or Clawstrikers, which aid in hunting and protection.
The Thrunakari are averse to conflict, choosing to avoid or outmaneuver threats rather than confront them head-on. However, when their forest is threatened, they are ruthless defenders, using their intimate knowledge of the terrain to turn the environment into a weapon. Their warriors wield long, vine-wrapped spears and bows crafted from enchanted wood, and they coat their arrows with toxins derived from jungle flora.
While they rarely interact with outsiders, the Thrunakari hold a deep respect for the balance of nature and will occasionally trade medicinal herbs or sacred knowledge with those who prove their worth. For the Thrunakari, the forest is not just a home—it is an extension of their very being, and they live by the mantra: To harm the forest is to harm oneself.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Feminine names are often melodic and evoke imagery of beauty, growth, and harmony. These names may include softer consonants and vowels that roll gently, reflecting nurturing qualities and a connection to the forest's rhythm.
Examples:

• Persha (Bright Wisdom)
• Ngãviara (Moonlight Daughter)
• Wazhupa (Bee Spirit)
• Zhãvwaˈu (Half Soul)

Masculine names

Masculine names often emphasize strength, resilience, and connection to the forest's beasts or its protective nature.
Examples:

• Thruntoir(Tree Hunter)
• Shõrawãr (Warrior Thunder)
• Thruantho (Earthborn)
• Ngãvaroth (Moonblade)

Unisex names

Unisex names are versatile and often chosen based on the individual's achievements or personality, referencing the broader environment or cultural values.
Examples:

• Shõar (Warrior)
• Shãlim (Hunger/Soul)
• Ngãlan (Moon Watcher)
• Wangir (Wind Listener)

Family names

Thrunakari family names often reflect their deep bond with the forest. These names are usually tied to specific plants, animals, or natural phenomena. They might also denote a tribe or clan affiliation. Family names can also evolve from remarkable events or the deeds of ancestors.
Examples:

• Thruanver (Earthly Canopy)
• Vaelshãn (Silent Spirit)
• Zhaingarith (Fang of the Roots)
• Thrunvorel (Forest Shelter)

Other names

ther naming conventions include titles or honorifics used in ritual or societal contexts, denoting a person's role or achievements.
Examples:

• Sheraper (Rainkeeper)
• Thrunmala (Tree Healer)
• Toˈmibirzhãn (Silent Guardian)
• Shaiwaˈuti (Soul Pathfinder)

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The Thrunakari speak a regional dialect of Zemakar, the shared language of the Zemanii. Known as Thrunakar, this dialect reflects the Thrunakari's spiritual connection to their forest and jungle homes, blending the melodic tones of Zemakar with subtle regional adaptations. While distinct in style, Thrunakar is entirely comprehensible to other Zemanii, allowing communication across tribes while preserving the Thrunakari’s unique cultural identity.
Thrunakar maintains the flowing and poetic nature of Zemakar but incorporates metaphors and expressions tied to the forest and jungle environment. Speech often mimics the rhythms of nature, with melodic tones that evoke the rustling of leaves or the flow of water. Vocabulary emphasizes flora, fauna, and spiritual concepts unique to the Thrunakari way of life. Differences in tone and pacing reflect the region: jungle speakers tend to be more rhythmic and lively, while forest speakers are slower and more deliberate.
“Na wael railerir tairrin tagh na thrun'nithan” (The wind carries wisdom through the canopy).
Translation: Seek knowledge in the whispers of nature.

Regional Variations

While the Thrunakar dialect remains cohesive, subtle differences arise between jungle and forest tribes due to their unique habitats and lifestyles.
Jungle Thrunakar
Region: Dense, vibrant jungle environments.
Traits:

• More rhythmic and fast-paced, mirroring the dynamic energy of jungle life.
• Heavy use of onomatopoeia and sound mimicry to imitate jungle creatures or environmental phenomena.
• Focus on survival-related terms, with vocabulary rich in descriptions of predators, plants, and weather patterns.

Forest Thrunakar
Region: Expansive temperate forests with towering trees.
Traits:

• Slower, steadier cadence, reflecting the forest’s serene and grounded nature.
• Greater emphasis on spiritual and ancestral terminology, tied to ancient trees and rituals.
• Expanded use of metaphors related to growth, roots, and interconnectedness.

Shared customary codes and values

The Thrunakari’s way of life is guided by an intricate system of customary codes and shared values that govern their interactions with one another, their forest home, and the broader natural world. These principles are rooted in their spiritual beliefs, their dependence on the forest, and their communal way of life. To the Thrunakari, their codes are not rigid laws but living guidelines, as adaptable as the vines that weave their homes.
1. The Law of Balance “Take only what is needed, and return more than you take.”
The Thrunakari believe in maintaining equilibrium with the forest. Overhunting, excessive harvesting, or wastefulness is strictly taboo. Each tribe member is taught to respect the cycles of nature and to act as a steward for the forest. Ritual planting, care for injured animals, and sustainable living are all practices ingrained from childhood.
2. The Code of Camaraderie “The tribe is one body, and each of us is a vital part.”
Every Thrunakari is expected to contribute to the tribe according to their abilities, whether as a hunter, weaver, healer, or protector. Individual achievement is celebrated, but selfishness or hoarding of resources is scorned. Sharing food, knowledge, and labor is considered sacred.
3. The Pact of Silence “The forest listens, and we must not betray it.”
Silence and stealth are valued traits, especially when moving through the forest. Loud noises and unnecessary disruptions are seen as disrespectful, as they may disturb the balance of the ecosystem. This code is also metaphorical, urging the Thrunakari to think before speaking and to value introspection over impulsiveness.
4. The Code of Sanctuary “To shelter is to honor life.”
Hospitality is a sacred duty. Lost travelers or injured creatures seeking refuge in the forest are offered aid—though outsiders are watched closely and expected to follow the Thrunakari’s customs while under their protection.
5. The Law of Ancestry “The roots remember.”
Ancestral knowledge, preserved through oral traditions and rituals, is seen as vital. Forgetting or disregarding the wisdom of elders and ancestors is considered a grave error. Stories, songs, and ceremonial dances are used to pass down teachings about survival, harmony, and respect for the forest.
These codes and values form the foundation of Thrunakari society, ensuring that their culture remains as enduring and harmonious as the trees they call home.

Foods & Cuisine

The Thrunakari’s diet reflects their deep connection to their environment, relying on what the forest or jungle provides naturally. They honor their surroundings by using every part of their harvest, ensuring sustainability and minimal waste. Cuisine is deeply tied to their spirituality, with food preparation and consumption often accompanied by rituals of gratitude to the forest.

Jungle Tribes

The jungle tribes utilize the rich biodiversity of their environment to craft vibrant and diverse meals. Staples include tropical fruits like bananas, papayas, and guavas; starchy tubers like cassava and taro; and an array of nuts, seeds, and herbs. Protein comes from fish, small game, and insects, all of which are abundant in the jungle.

• Fruits: Passionfruit, açaí berries, guava, mango, and bananas.
• Tubers and Roots: Cassava (processed into flour or flatbread), taro, and yams.
• Proteins: River fish (piranha, catfish), turtles, frogs, and insects like ants or grubs.
• Seasonings: Jungle herbs and spices such as cilantro, annatto, and chili peppers.

Signature Dishes

• Roa’theka (Fire Tubers): Cassava roasted in large leaves with herbs and chili paste, served alongside grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves.
• Nakari’veth (Jungle Spirit Broth): A rich, smoky stew of fish, root vegetables, and jungle herbs, cooked in a hollowed log lined with hot stones.
• Threla Nuts: Ground and mixed with honey to form nutrient-dense energy balls, eaten during long journeys.
• Fruit Ferments: Naturally fermented fruit beverages like Moluka, made from mashed bananas and sweetened with açaí.

Meals in the jungle tribes are communal and celebratory, often prepared in large quantities for the entire tribe. Food is cooked over open fires, with tools and cookware crafted from local materials like clay and carved wood. Preparing food is a spiritual act, with each ingredient symbolizing a gift from the forest.

Forest Tribes

Forest tribes rely on what the temperate woodlands provide. Staples include wild game, berries, nuts, and grains. They cultivate small gardens of squash, beans, and corn, while also foraging for mushrooms, herbs, and roots.

• Fruits and Berries: Cranberries, blackberries, elderberries, and wild apples.
• Grains and Vegetables: Corn, beans, squash, and wild rice.
• Proteins: Deer, elk, rabbits, wild birds, and fish from forest rivers.
• Seasonings: Wild sage, juniper, and cedar for smoking and flavoring.

Signature Dishes

• Rovan’ska (Forest Harvest Stew): A hearty mix of venison, squash, beans, and wild rice, slow-cooked with juniper berries.
• Thal’nai Bread: Flatbreads made from ground acorns, baked on heated stones.
• Smoked Game: Deer or fish smoked over cedarwood, seasoned with forest herbs.
• Berry Syrups: Sweet reductions made from elderberries or cranberries, used as condiments or preserved for winter.

Forest meals are simpler but no less sacred. Food preparation is tied to the changing seasons, with preservation methods like drying and smoking ensuring the tribe thrives during colder months. Meals often involve storytelling, with elders passing down history and spiritual teachings as the tribe shares food around communal fires.

Coming of Age Rites

The Thrunakari's coming-of-age rites reflect their deep spiritual connection to the forest and their focus on resilience, harmony, and community. These rites draw inspiration from indigenous peoples, emphasizing endurance, connection to nature, and the transition from childhood to responsibility within the tribe.

The Journey of Solitude

When a Thrunakari youth reaches the appropriate age (determined by their tribe's elders), they embark on a journey of solitude into the depths of the forest or jungle. During this time, they must survive alone, relying on their knowledge of the land and their spiritual connection to the forest for guidance.

• Duration: 3 to 5 days, depending on the individual’s readiness.
• Purpose: To prove self-sufficiency and receive a spiritual vision or sign from the forest, often symbolized by an encounter with an animal or a rare natural phenomenon.
• End Ritual: Upon returning, the youth recounts their experience to the tribe. If they encountered a significant vision or event, it is interpreted by the Thruˈneridhepnir and incorporated into the youth’s adult name.

The Mark of the Canopy

In this rite, the youth ascends to the highest branches of the forest or jungle, symbolizing their transition to adulthood and their place within the canopy. They must retrieve a specific item, such as a rare flower or fruit, which is sacred to their tribe.

• Test: The ascent tests their agility, courage, and connection to the forest.
• Reward: Upon their return, they receive a ceremonial marking—either a painted design or a permanent tattoo—representing their achievement and their role in the tribe.
• Symbolism: The design often incorporates the patterns of the forest, such as leaves, vines, or animal tracks, and reflects their spiritual journey.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

The Thrunakari hold beauty in deep connection to the forest, valuing traits that reflect harmony with nature and the strength of their arboreal lifestyle. Physical adornments are minimalist yet meaningful, often crafted from natural materials like feathers, polished stones, woven vines, and rare blossoms. Facial and body paint, derived from colorful plant pigments, is used ceremonially and to signify stages of life, accomplishments, or spiritual connections.
Lean, muscular builds are seen as ideal, reflecting agility and endurance needed for navigating the treetops. Swirling natural patterns on their skin, believed to represent their bond with the forest, are celebrated; the more intricate and vibrant the markings, the more revered the individual. Hair is often braided or decorated with small charms and is considered a canvas for personal expression. For some, growing and maintaining symbiotic plants in their hair—small flowers, moss, or vines—is a mark of exceptional beauty and spiritual favor.

Gender Ideals

The Thrunakari value balance and mutual respect between genders, with roles often determined by individual skills and natural inclinations rather than rigid societal norms. The Thrunakari emphasize cooperation, nurturing, and leadership that serves the collective good.
Both genders are expected to be skilled climbers, capable of navigating their treetop villages and the dense forest with ease. Leadership is fluid, with elders of either gender often holding revered positions as guides and mediators. Physical prowess, intelligence, and a deep connection to the forest are qualities valued universally. The Thrunakari often follow matriarchal leadership, where elder women guide decisions in times of peace, while respected warriors or hunters of any gender step forward in times of conflict. Leadership decisions prioritize the well-being of the tribe and the forest as a whole, emphasizing a communal and cooperative approach.
The Thrunakari’s respect for balance extends beyond gender, recognizing that every member plays a vital role in sustaining the tribe’s harmony with their environment. Outsiders, however, often misinterpret their ways, seeing them as either overly primitive or impossibly enigmatic. To the Thrunakari, these misunderstandings matter little, as their lives are lived not for the approval of others, but in service to the ever-living forest.

Females:

Females are viewed as the heart of the tribe, often leading in spiritual and community matters. As Thruˈneridhepnir, women guide the tribe’s connection to the forest and pass down knowledge of its sacred rituals and medicinal secrets. Strength in nurturing is highly respected, whether it’s in rearing young, tending to the symbiotic flora, or managing the tribe’s resources.

Male:

Men are typically seen as protectors and providers, responsible for hunting, crafting tools, and ensuring the safety of the tribe. Leadership roles among men are based on wisdom and service rather than dominance, with elder men often mentoring younger generations in the ways of the forest.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship among the Thrunakari is deeply intertwined with their connection to the forest and emphasizes mutual respect, compatibility, and the symbolic intertwining of lives. Thrunakari courtship is a blend of practical and ritualistic elements.
Both genders engage in courtship by demonstrating their physical and emotional strength, as well as their connection to the forest. This can involve feats like climbing to great heights to retrieve a rare flower, crafting intricate ornaments from natural materials, or taming a symbiotic creature to offer as a companion. These acts are not about dominance but about showing dedication, skill, and respect for their shared way of life.
For the Thrunakari, harmony is as important as strength. Prospective partners may work together to weave a ceremonial canopy or perform a ritual dance beneath the sacred trees. These acts symbolize their ability to collaborate and navigate life’s challenges as a pair. The Thrunakari do not take courtship lightly. While casual relationships exist, formal partnerships are considered lifelong commitments. Once a pair decides to bond, their lives become intertwined in every aspect, from shared responsibilities to raising young. Their union is celebrated in a ceremony where the entire tribe gathers to witness and bless their union.
To the Thrunakari, courtship is more than romance—it’s about finding a partner who complements and enhances their connection to the tribe and the forest. Their ideal union is one of mutual growth and shared purpose, rooted in the belief that love, like the forest, flourishes when nurtured with care and patience.

Ritual Exchange of Gifts

Gifts play a central role in Thrunakari courtship, but these are not extravagant or materialistic. Instead, they are deeply personal and tied to the giver’s identity. A hunter might present a carefully crafted weapon, while a Verdant Weaver might offer a living plant imbued with spiritual significance. The gifts are exchanged during a ceremony known as the Vrinehara ("Binding of Paths"), where both individuals pledge to nurture the bond they are forming, much like tending to the forest.

Connection Through Dance and Song

Music and dance are integral to courtship, often performed at communal gatherings beneath the canopy. Each partner performs a unique part of the ritual dance, telling their story and revealing their intentions. Their movements mimic the ebb and flow of the forest, emphasizing their compatibility and shared rhythm. Songs passed down through generations may also be sung, with lyrics tailored to reflect the suitor's feelings and the natural world around them.

Approval of Elders and the Forest

Before a union is formalized, it is customary for both individuals to seek the blessing of the elders and the forest itself. Elders evaluate not only the pair's compatibility but also how their union might impact the tribe and its harmony with the forest. Rituals often involve planting a new tree together, symbolizing the growth of their bond and their commitment to the tribe’s future.

Relationship Ideals

The Thrunakari view relationships as a reflection of the forest itself—interdependent, enduring, and rooted in mutual growth. Whether between mates, family members, or friends, relationships are built on trust, shared purpose, and a profound respect for each individual’s role within the tribe.
The Thrunakari believe that a strong relationship, like a tree, requires deep roots and balanced branches. Both partners are expected to contribute equally, though their contributions may differ based on their individual skills. One partner might focus on gathering or crafting, while the other provides spiritual guidance or physical protection. What matters most is the sense of reciprocity and shared responsibility. Communication is central to this balance. Partners often engage in quiet, meaningful conversations during shared tasks, ensuring that their connection remains strong and aligned. Conflict is seen as a natural part of growth, much like the forest thrives on cycles of death and renewal. Disagreements are resolved through calm dialogue, often mediated by an elder if necessary.
Relationships among the Thrunakari are deeply spiritual, with an emphasis on nurturing not only the bond between individuals but also their collective connection to the forest. Couples often perform small rituals together, such as tending to a sacred tree or meditating beneath the canopy, to strengthen their spiritual and emotional unity. This connection is seen as a foundation for raising children and supporting the tribe. While romantic love is celebrated, the Thrunakari prioritize the idea of shared purpose above all. Relationships are viewed as a partnership aimed at benefiting the tribe and the forest. Whether through raising children, protecting their territory, or contributing to communal projects, couples are expected to work together to support the greater good.
This sense of purpose extends to all relationships, not just romantic ones. Bonds between siblings, friends, and even mentors and apprentices are guided by the same principle: individual growth should contribute to the collective well-being.
Formal relationships, particularly romantic ones, are seen as lifelong commitments. The Thrunakari do not rush into these unions, as they understand the weight of such bonds. Once formed, they are expected to endure through hardship, much like the trees that bend but do not break in a storm. Separation is rare and carries a deep stigma, as it is viewed as a failure to nurture the relationship properly. Relationships among the Thrunakari are never isolated. The tribe itself is seen as an extended family, with all members taking an active role in supporting one another. Child-rearing, for example, is often a communal effort, with elders and other tribe members stepping in to teach and guide. This support network ensures that no bond exists in a vacuum and that every relationship is bolstered by the tribe’s collective strength.
Ultimately, the Thrunakari view relationships as living entities that require care, attention, and patience. Whether romantic, familial, or platonic, each bond is an opportunity for mutual growth and a chance to strengthen their connection to the forest and each other. The highest ideal is a relationship that mirrors the harmony of nature, where both individuals thrive together, creating something greater than themselves.

"The Thrunakari are not merely dwellers of the forest—they are its pulse, its voice, its unseen guardians. To walk their lands is to tread upon hallowed ground, where roots whisper ancient secrets and the air thrums with life. They are as elusive as a shadow at dusk, yet their presence is felt in every leaf that sways and every branch that creaks. Beware to those who would harm the trees, for the Thrunakari are always watching, and the forest itself will rise to their call."

— Lirathion Val’evira, Elvish Scholar of the Verdant Realms

Encompassed species

• Zemanii

Languages spoken

• Zemakar