Esameni Kenscarf
Symbol of Experience
The Esameni are the native Human inhabitants of the Ulabari Isles located deep within the Shadowshroud, far from any other major landmass. Across Astrania and Melmerika (and perhaps the shores of unknown lands) they were renowned for their maritime expertise, with many foreign captains proclaiming that one Esameni sailor was worth ten from the mainland. This prowess for seamanship was promoted greatly within their culture. Those who displayed an impressive aptitude for sailing would be celebrated by their tribe, whereas those who lacked such skills would become social pariahs.
Amongst the Esameni, theoretical ability was often held in low regard as most only respected objective and practical application of such talents. One way in which this was measured was with the Kenscarf. This small piece of light cloth would be worn similarly to a traditional scarf, but would be adorned with the teeth of predatory aquatic beasts on strings. The number of teeth upon a person's Kenscarf was of the utmost importance. An adult with a single lonely tooth would be a subject of mockery, whereas someone with many would be held in great esteem. For this reason, most Esameni went to great lengths to earn more pieces for their Kenscarf.
Differing Criteria
How a person would acquire more teeth for their Kenscarf varied from tribe to tribe. Generally, a child would not receive their Kenscarf until they had completed their first inter-island voyage. Upon completion, they would be gifted the garment with a singular tooth attached. This tradition was mostly unanimous amongst all people on the Ulabari Isles. However, the methods of earning more could differ greatly. Some tribes would award a new tooth for each ocean and sea that a person sailed upon. Those with many adornments to their Kenscarf would be seasoned sailors who had travelled over countless horizons.
Other tribes demanded more than a simple visit. Across the waves, the Esameni were often viewed as violent raiders and pirates who spilled innocent blood and then fled to the sea with their ill-gotten gains. This reputation is courtesy of a few prolific factions. In order for members of such tribes to embellish their Kenscarves, they had to prove themselves as warriors. Most of these plundering groups would reward their people for simply stealing valuable cargo, but others demanded blood. Amongst these savage killers, their heroes wore Kenscarves that told the tale of a hundred deaths on a hundred shores.
Disparity of Teeth
Although the number of teeth attached to a person's Kenscarf represented how accomplished they were, it is also true that some tribes were far more selective with these awards than others. Some people would wear a hundred shark teeth despite a relatively uneventful career simply because their faction was generous. In other tribes, a person with more than five teeth upon their Kenscarf would be considered a legendary figure. This disparity often led to clashes between different groups, as well-travelled and seasoned veterans would be spoken down to by arrogant and ignorant outsiders.
Kenscarf Revocation
To be stripped of one's Kenscarf is the epitome of humiliation in Esameni culture. It is a punishment reserved only for those who have brought great shame to their people or committed a heinous act. Typically, this punishment is followed by banishment or execution, as to allow a shunned individual to remain within the group invites vengeance.
Amongst more warlike Esameni tribes, anyone can be stripped of their Kenscarf at any moment. If a warrior allows a foe to steal their Kenscarf, they will be tossed from the boat and left at the mercy of the sea. Furthermore, it is considered to be of the utmost disrespect to tug on another person's Kenscarf. If such a trespass is made, a fight to the death will often follow. A person who allows this insult to stand will become a joke amongst their peers, and will be subject to vicious harassment until they rectify their shattered reputation.
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