"Be more afraid of an army of nerfs led by an acklay, than an army of acklays led by a nerf."
- Ah-Tazza's Leaf
Castes
When Kiitchich sacrificed Its antennae to the Eye, It created the Yam`rii. Each antennae created a different version of the race- one with large tibia meant for hunting and carving, and the other with hands for grasping and sculpting.
Without direction or structure, the Yam`rii had a difficult time surviving. They were sharing tasks equally, even though it made for a harsh existence for the species. Until the prophet Izlal divided them into castes.
The story itself has been handed down through the generations. While several differing versions exist, the concept remains the same.
While gathering fruit in the forest, Kiitchich came to him in a vision. Kiitchich led him to a tree and showed him the moss covering one side of it. It explained that the Yam`rii were two halves, and would only survive by becoming a whole. Izlal contemplated the meaning of It's teachings and returned to the tribe to share his experience. He explained that through separation and joining, it would make daily life easier for all Yam`rii.
He separated the Yam`rii into two social classes- Moss Side and Bark Side. Moss Side, who had hands for finer work, became the gatherers, architects, crafters and scholars. Bark Side, with their large tibias, dug warrens, carved soft stone, hunted beasts and defended the tribe.
A written version of the story (known as Izlal's Tree) still circulates among the Yam`rii tribes.
Without direction or structure, the Yam`rii had a difficult time surviving. They were sharing tasks equally, even though it made for a harsh existence for the species. Until the prophet Izlal divided them into castes.
The story itself has been handed down through the generations. While several differing versions exist, the concept remains the same.
While gathering fruit in the forest, Kiitchich came to him in a vision. Kiitchich led him to a tree and showed him the moss covering one side of it. It explained that the Yam`rii were two halves, and would only survive by becoming a whole. Izlal contemplated the meaning of It's teachings and returned to the tribe to share his experience. He explained that through separation and joining, it would make daily life easier for all Yam`rii.
He separated the Yam`rii into two social classes- Moss Side and Bark Side. Moss Side, who had hands for finer work, became the gatherers, architects, crafters and scholars. Bark Side, with their large tibias, dug warrens, carved soft stone, hunted beasts and defended the tribe.
A written version of the story (known as Izlal's Tree) still circulates among the Yam`rii tribes.
Today
While the caste system is still in place in remote Yam`rii tribes, it is considered archaic and unproductive by current expectations. The basic structure of the system is still relevant to the Zeet-ish`Tchizik religion, as the basic idea is still applied to the various positions within it.
When off-worlders arrived on Huk, the religion was forced into some internal reflection. The Moss Side caste not only included foreigners, but they also wielded weaponry (Which was originally left to the Bark Side). The sudden introduction of advanced weaponry not only strengthened the Moss Side, but also created a gap between the Halves.
Not only could the Moss Side create, write, and teach, they could also now wield weapons the Bark Side could not.
This forced the Bark Side to reevaluate their combat tactics, to defend against superior technology. The standard hunting practice of swarming their prey with sheer numbers was not effective against the new technology possessed by the off-worlders. They began utilizing ambushes, stealth tactics, and organized fighting styles to help defend the tribes from outside influences.
In the current Zeet-ish`Tchizik religion, the Moss Side and Bark Side are used as broad categories for combat and non-combat positions in the belief. There are examples, however, of castes that fall into neither category and have their own structure and regulations.
When off-worlders arrived on Huk, the religion was forced into some internal reflection. The Moss Side caste not only included foreigners, but they also wielded weaponry (Which was originally left to the Bark Side). The sudden introduction of advanced weaponry not only strengthened the Moss Side, but also created a gap between the Halves.
Not only could the Moss Side create, write, and teach, they could also now wield weapons the Bark Side could not.
This forced the Bark Side to reevaluate their combat tactics, to defend against superior technology. The standard hunting practice of swarming their prey with sheer numbers was not effective against the new technology possessed by the off-worlders. They began utilizing ambushes, stealth tactics, and organized fighting styles to help defend the tribes from outside influences.
In the current Zeet-ish`Tchizik religion, the Moss Side and Bark Side are used as broad categories for combat and non-combat positions in the belief. There are examples, however, of castes that fall into neither category and have their own structure and regulations.
"Focus on actions first and not words. Make your actions swift and certain, and you will find explanations easily provided."
- Ah-Tazza's Leaf
Zeet-ish`Laaziz (Force Cannibal)
The term "Zeet-ish`Laaziz" refers to a devotee who happens to have the ability to use the Force. The term loosely translates into "Force Cannibal" (originating from a time when cannibalism was still the preferred method of disposal), and most that bear the title are simply called Laaziz.
In extremely rare instances (only 3 have ever been reported), devout clergy who are found to be infected may continue serving the faith, if they so choose. They use the weapon of the enemy against itself, but are ever prone to the corruption that resides in typical Force users. Navigating the fine line between belief and self-interest is difficult, and many who find themselves to be influenced simply turn to suicide.
Due to the ever-present nature of Zeet-ish influence, the Laaziz are accompanied by a small contingent of Inock`Tchizik at all times. The Inock`Tchizik aid the Laaziz when they require it, from simple tasks to militant action. They wait as faithful servants until the Laaziz commits an act which betrays Zeet-ish`Tchizik, where they strike him down with no mercy or regret.
In extremely rare instances (only 3 have ever been reported), devout clergy who are found to be infected may continue serving the faith, if they so choose. They use the weapon of the enemy against itself, but are ever prone to the corruption that resides in typical Force users. Navigating the fine line between belief and self-interest is difficult, and many who find themselves to be influenced simply turn to suicide.
Due to the ever-present nature of Zeet-ish influence, the Laaziz are accompanied by a small contingent of Inock`Tchizik at all times. The Inock`Tchizik aid the Laaziz when they require it, from simple tasks to militant action. They wait as faithful servants until the Laaziz commits an act which betrays Zeet-ish`Tchizik, where they strike him down with no mercy or regret.
"Alienating the poor makes them fear you. Beings strike out at what they fear. One thousand soldiers, whether rich or poor, are an army."
- Ah-Tazza's Leaf
Chadaanek (Season Dancer)
The Chadaanek caste has an unusual past, and is considered somewhat of a novelty among current religious expectations.
When Yam`rii tribes had mentally or physically disabled members, they would be sent to the Chadaanek caste. The caste had a static location (as opposed to the numerous nomadic tribes at the time) so all tribes knew where to find them. They were given a singular purpose - to appease the elements. While some debate that it was simply "busy work" for the less capable, many within Zeet-ish`Tchizik know that the task they were given was an important one.
Elemental beings, who were created by Kiitchich, did not warrant as much attention as other beings, but the contributions they gave supported all life. Soil, water, air and fire; All of these were needed for daily survival. The Chadaanek were in charge of keeping them appeased. They would dance, sing and make offerings to the various beings in exchange for favorable conditions. A task the other tribes took very seriously.
After the Huk War, with many tribes either abandoning Zeet-ish`Tchizik or destroyed by off-worlders, the Chadaanek were forced to fend for themselves. Having relied on the rest of the tribes for food and basic essentials forced the Chadaanek to begin gathering for their own needs. They quickly realized how dangerous Huk could be.
The Chadaanek transformed their style of dance into a self defense technique to preserve their way of life. The rhythms and acrobatic movements made for a deadly (and visually impressive) art form that can catch even the most battle hardened warrior off guard. The technique, however, was ineffective as a hunting style, and the Chadaanek slowly became accustomed to a diet without meat.
Currently, the Chadaanek practice their art in an unknown monastery somewhere in the Eye. They continue to appease the elemental forces in solitude and hone their preservation skills, awaiting the day when invaders would come to destroy them.
When Yam`rii tribes had mentally or physically disabled members, they would be sent to the Chadaanek caste. The caste had a static location (as opposed to the numerous nomadic tribes at the time) so all tribes knew where to find them. They were given a singular purpose - to appease the elements. While some debate that it was simply "busy work" for the less capable, many within Zeet-ish`Tchizik know that the task they were given was an important one.
Elemental beings, who were created by Kiitchich, did not warrant as much attention as other beings, but the contributions they gave supported all life. Soil, water, air and fire; All of these were needed for daily survival. The Chadaanek were in charge of keeping them appeased. They would dance, sing and make offerings to the various beings in exchange for favorable conditions. A task the other tribes took very seriously.
After the Huk War, with many tribes either abandoning Zeet-ish`Tchizik or destroyed by off-worlders, the Chadaanek were forced to fend for themselves. Having relied on the rest of the tribes for food and basic essentials forced the Chadaanek to begin gathering for their own needs. They quickly realized how dangerous Huk could be.
The Chadaanek transformed their style of dance into a self defense technique to preserve their way of life. The rhythms and acrobatic movements made for a deadly (and visually impressive) art form that can catch even the most battle hardened warrior off guard. The technique, however, was ineffective as a hunting style, and the Chadaanek slowly became accustomed to a diet without meat.
Currently, the Chadaanek practice their art in an unknown monastery somewhere in the Eye. They continue to appease the elemental forces in solitude and hone their preservation skills, awaiting the day when invaders would come to destroy them.