Muhafsh

When the tribes of Idiari dispersed, some remained behind on the bays and beaches where the first settlers had built. These were the Muhaf. Because of this, the Muhaf maintain that they are the true mother culture of Idiari and it is something of a cultural marker to bemoan that the nation does not bear their tribe's name.     The Muhaf are divided into several smaller populations; however, unlike the Fouransh, there is very little divergence in cultural identity among these groups. Sea travel is considerably easier than overland, leading to greater interconnection. The largest populations reside in Tafugh Bay to the west, Skalla Island within Tafugh Bay, Acheigh Coast to the southwest, and Faxuur Coast to the northeast.     For much of the Muhaf's history following the divergence of Idiari's tribes, the Muhaf were known as sailors and traders. For those not away at sea, they primarily gathered fish and various mollusks. However, during the industrial age, the Muhaf were frequently at the forefront of modernization. In short order, the four largest Muhaf settlements became four of the largest industrial centers, and their populations boomed with emigrants from elsewhere in Idiari.     Muhaf was at the forefront of many of Idiari's colonial endeavors, and since many colonies were funded primarily by Muhafsh investors, they were in turn particularly profitable for the Muhaf settlements.     The symbol of the Muhaf is the seal. The islands and cays surrounding Idiari are populated by dozens of unique species and subspecies of seals which can be recognized by the distinctive patterns on their skins; it can generally be expected that there will be at least a few seals at any given time, and large gatherings in the breeding season. It's said that in ancient times, this was the first means of navigation used by Muhaf sailors. In addition, the Muhafsh term for the large gatherings of breeding seals translates literally as "markets," which reflects the Muhaf's mercantile nature. (Also as a quirk of the Muhafsh dialect, true seals are called "north seals" while sea lions are called "south seals.")