Scavengers

During the flood season, the northern reaches of the Rusakra Canyon become deadly and farming is impossible. However, farmers still need income during the floods, and many turn to scavenging. Armed with hooks, lines, nets, and a variety of other tools, they ride the first of the flood downriver, setting up camps in stilt houses built at periodic intervals along the canyon. These buildings provide shelter and safety from the flood, while also allowing an excellent vantage point from which to cast nets and sacks across the flooding river. Bits of rock and minerals, occasional valuables, and, rarely, whole tools make their way one by one into the scavengers’ bags. Once the floods subside, the scavengers make the trek back to Kirburg, where they sell as much of their loot as possible before returning to their farms.

Structure

The scavengers are barely organized, with no officials. However, they do have a set of unwritten rules, the Three Rules of Scavenging, which all scavengers are expected to follow.

The Three Rules of Scavenging

• Respect priority. The first scavenger to find an item gets to keep it.
• Don't be a thief. Give an item's old owner the first chance to buy it, and consider marking it down for them.
• Help other scavengers. Although you can request payment for helping them make money, never overcharge.

Demonym

Scavenger