Human, Khijian
Islanders with a strong caste system. Shipbuilders, fishers and sculptors.
The smell of salt on the air infuses the market with the freshness of the sea. A stall sells wooden curios - good luck charms for sailing, for home and for one's ancestors. On either side, a fishmonger and a net maker patiently wait to sell their own wares. There is no shouting or calling to customers, the market is peaceful.
Also known simply as islandfolk, Khijians are humans found on the Countless Isles - the scattering of islands and reefs in the western seas of the Riven Lands. They are a fiercely independent people with rituals and customs outsiders can find surprising or even unpleasant. The majority of Khijians are found on Khiji, the largest of these islands, split into the twin countries of Glorious Khiji and Majestic Khiji. Smaller settlements exist across the rest of the Countless Isles.
Khijians are usually dark of hair and skin. Their dress and hairstyles are dictated by caste - Khiji has a tiered social system that divides those who are "worthy" from those who are not.
Khiji is renowned for having the best shipwrights in the Riven Lands - the islands produce a wide variety of vessels in different sizes and styles. These ships are in high demand across the seas and many captains-to-be will attempt to source their vessel from a Khijian shipbuilder. Their people also enjoy the arts, particularly sculpting with glass and gemstones. Food relies heavily on fish and other products of the sea. Strong broths and salted goods are common in combination with local fruits and vegetables.
Castes
The rigid caste structure Khijians follow dictates many aspects of society, from job prospects to what seafaring vessels a person may own. The system is quite complex and outsiders are often puzzled by its inflexibility. Some example castes are below:
- Skyworthy - The ruling class, usually earned by birthright.
- Seaworthy - Those worthy of sailing on or owning a seafaring vessel.
- Landworthy - A lower class, forbidden from touching the sea.
- Outsider - Foreigners, restricted in where they can travel.
- Honoured - Outsiders who have performed great deeds for Khiji.
In addition, an individual has a secondary caste that dictates how they interact with others. This can include a religious factor or may involve being related to a particularly important person.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Khijians almost exclusively speak Common but may pick up a second language for trading with other races.
Common Etiquette rules
It is custom to turn to face the sea before starting a conversation, particularly with a new guest. As a sign of respect, this will include a bow from members of lower castes. To outsiders, it can seem that Khijians have a surprising, intrinsic knowledge of what direction the nearest water is.
Art & Architecture
Most Khijian archetecture is constructed from wood and reeds. Small amounts of stone, usually sourced from the Porcelain Isles, are used for important buildings such as shrines or palaces. The quality of building materials is dictated by caste. Buildings are usually small in order to save valuable resources. Some people may even have a larger ship than house.
The most popular form of art in Khiji and across the Countless Isles is the carving of glass and gemstones (particularly jade). The most common form this takes is figurines of spirits or animals shaped with flowing curves and exaggerated features. Khijians also enjoy calligraphy and cartography.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Khijians observe and honour a number of traditions and ceremonies. Many of these revolve around the sea due to the nature of their settlements and the reliance on the water for resources. One such practice is The First Mast, a coming of age tradition for young men.
Intelligence (History) to know of customs, traditions and etiquette.
Intelligence (Religion) to know of local worship and festivals.
Summer Camp 2021
Article Links
Bonepicker, Chazbar, Church of Thirasmus, Creep Rot, Derrick & Sons Lumber Company, Domesticated Hippopotamus, Eldrin Sarsatra, Elf, Frost, The Eye that Blinks, The Fabricators, The First Mast, Geganna Salt, Great Arctic Tern, The Great Vortex, Heston Lockheart, Human, Khijian, Katakan, The Last Rebellion, Liberty, Lions of Dun, Magister, Mechanical Grafts, The Mercy House, Mt. Sang, Rubyfall, The Sapient Crown, Seeds from the Sky, Sin, Stockade, Thir Met, The Threat of Endless Fires, Truthscribe Quill
This was an article originally written as part of the 2021 Summer Camp challenge. I have edited the article since then, so what appears on this page no longer reflects the original competition entry. - Theoclymenus
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