Tkevsa of the Coastal Plains

The Coastal-Plains tkevsa make up 50% of the population of Tokled Proper, and 40% of the population of the archipelago as a whole.  Their claimed territory fills almost the entire southern third of the island, bordered by the shore to the south and the volcano's rift fields to the north.  The area is further divided into three regions, separated by the two largest rivers.

The exploration fleet that reached Tokled in 2055 Vol made contact with these tkevsa, and our outpost is located at the coastal plains' easternmost point.

Culture

Average technological level

The coastal plains culture is more agricultural than industrial. Like all other tkevsa populations, they have a flight guild, but its focus is more on timely delivery of goods than in preparing for the distantly future migration to the new island of Kildnevvy.  Their flying engines, therefore, are designed for carrying cargo over short-range trips.

Art & Architecture

Tkevsa build very few permanent structures. Even on the plains far from the rift zones, the unpredictable nature of the volcano has led them instead to invest their time and resources in more moveable, almost tent-like shelters designed to protect from the prevailing wind. They are crescent-shaped, made of light metal framework covered by heavy cloth with a layer of waterproofing.  Some include an open panel at the top of the framework to admit light. The entrance faces away from the wind, and the cloth covering slants to the ground, where a berm of stone and soil anchors it. Although they can be relocated, they seldom are unless natural disaster threatens.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Despite their innate fear of the ocean, many coastal plains tkevsa engage in the competitive practice of beachcombing. High tides can sometimes leave interesting debris, especially after storms, and the first tkevsa to touch anything washed up on shore wins it as a prize. The challenge is to be bolder than any other tkevsa competing for the same object, but without risking getting eaten by the ocean. Tkevsa do not communicate with their opponents directly, but can nevertheless cooperate if it seems advantageous. Their short-term future sight allows them to predict the outcomes of different courses of action. This could include making an attempt or assisting with another's attempt.

Related Locations

• Tokled