Shā'uaki

The Shā'uaki Tribe are the indigenous Fenniko of the Isles of Na’toa, known for their aquatic affinity, sea-faring expertise, and deep spiritual connection to their lands and the ocean. With fox tails shaped like fish fins and blue-hued hair, they are distinctly recognizable, both physically and culturally. Their distrust of both the Furiconia Empire and the Nyaan Empire stems from centuries of exploitation and displacement, yet their resilience and mastery of their environment make them formidable defenders.

Physical Appearance

Fox tails resembling fish fins symbolize their connection to the sea. These tails are considered sacred and are adorned with beaded ornaments and seaweed wraps during rituals. Blue hair reflects their bond to the water, with streaks of white or teal often appearing as they age, considered a mark of wisdom.

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

Canoe-Building and Sea-Faring: The Shā'uaki are master craftsmen, building sleek, Magha-enhanced canoes capable of withstanding powerful storms. They navigate using celestial charts, memorized star patterns, and oral traditions passed down through generations. Ritual Canoe Launches mark significant events, such as the birth of a child or a declaration of war.
Spirituality and Connection to the Land: The Shā'uaki believe the ocean and land are living spirits, and any exploitation without care disrupts the balance. Performed to honor ancestral spirits and the ocean’s guardians, these dances involve intricate footwork and tails flowing like waves.
Ritual Dances: Performed to honor ancestral spirits and the ocean’s guardians, these dances involve intricate footwork and tails flowing like waves.
The Reef Elders: A council of spiritual leaders, believed to commune with the spirit of the sea, guide tribal decisions.
Oral Tradition and Knowledge: Stories, myths, and knowledge are passed orally through songlines, with each song charting a spiritual or geographical journey. Young Shā'uaki are trained in oral storytelling as both a cultural duty and a practical skill for navigation.
Crafts and Tools: They craft weapons from obsidian and volcanic glass, embedding Magha crystals to amplify their strength. Beaded necklaces and headdresses carry protective blessings and mark social rank or role.

Shared customary codes and values

Males: Tattoos adorn their left arms, telling the story of their lineage, achievements, and spiritual trials. These tattoos are often sharp and geometric, resembling waves or currents.
Females: Tattoos are placed on their legs, symbolizing their journey and spiritual grounding. The designs are often fluid and organic, inspired by ocean flora and fauna.

"The Fennikos of Stars"

Symbolic Crop:

Watermelon

Main Livelihood:

Seafaring

Location:

Na’toa

Population:

1,000 (Islands)
100+ (diaspora)

Encompassed species

• Fenniko