Etashan

These humans dwell in the deepest depths of the driest deserts on Vallonde. They have adapted to live under conditions in which few other creatures would last days in. Their bodies conserve water in every conceivable fashion and still they value water above almost all else in the world. The Etashan waste few words on lies and live without hesitation in their actions. There is a saying among the Etashan: "The flesh belongs to the man, but the water belongs to their tribe." Everything that is done is for the benefit of the tribe, even at the cost of individuals.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Etash is the language spoken among the tribes of the Etashan people. The language is very difficult for outsiders as each tribe speaks their own dialect which can be difficult for outsiders to understand even if they are native speakers.

Common Taboos

Spilling or wasting water is considered a grave sin in the Etashan culture. When water is freely given to a member outside of the family, it is considered a "water oath" which binds the families tighter than marriage. Breaking this alliance, even by accident, is faced with immediate exile by the tribe and possibly even execution.

Ideals

Courtship Ideals

As a courtship ceremony, the Etashan people perform a combat ritual in which the person courting their interest brings a pouch of water to the center of a small arena. There they are tasked to fight several bladed opponents with nothing but their bare hands to defend their water. When the defender has spilled enough of their own blood in defense of their water, they must then offer the water to their interest. Upon accepting and drinking the water, the two are considered engaged. A similar ritual occurs where both lovers are tasked with defending their water together before their wedding. This ritual has become largely ceremonial and carries little risk, although some tribes force the defenders to fight to the death.

Related Locations