The Larčók (called "Desert Folk" in the common tongue) is a species made by the Waesws and were placed in the desert even they weren't inherently meant for the desert. However, due to their ability to adapt, they swiftly became masters of their new desert environment (Not in an evolutionary way.) They were modeled off the Men and Elves, however, there are many differences, particularly noticeable are their eyes. They have no pupil, their eye is entirely iris. Initially, these creatures were created to be a mix of all four of the other species, Smart, Wise, Strong, and Kind. Though they had a greater intellect than the Cin, they were far outclassed by the Humans, and though their wisdom exceeded the dwarves, it was dwarfed by the Elves.
The Larčók started in The Glass Desert and swiftly adapted to the harsh conditions of the landscape and climate, as well as the beasts that roamed not only the land, but the skies and beneath their feet. During their escapade through the desert, they started a new civilization with a new great kingdom and great megalithic structures (though never completed), this would have take place around the fall of the Tőyōtkan Empire to The Rot.
Throughout their reign over the desert, they believed that the heavens and the earth were once one, until those that hunted the sky god. The sky god forced the heavens to split, as to protect himself. In doing so he cursed the life of the Larčóks which tried to hunt him down by calling them "Áblekén." He could not curse all of them, however. The moon goddess, the lover of the king of the skies, helped thousands of Larčók flee across the desert. Thus, the Larčók worship the Moon.
The survivors of the god's hatred had to flee their once great cities. They founded three cities within the dry lake. They also had many live out in the desert at the Oases to defend them, named Oasis Dwellers.
The Greater Village as it was called, was built around and under the bones of the dragon. The survivors of the Larčók grew a strong spiritualistic culture, differing greatly from the Men, Elves, and Dwarves, which were very materialistic. They wear masks, shawls, and things which can be described as head-scarfs (However, they are a little different.) Originally it was for the sand, but it became tradition that they wore it always. They have great skill at metallurgy, as they have many raw ores in the lake and they possess exceptional skills in this craft. They are adept at forging weapons, tools, and intricate jewelry.
The Larčók have mastered the art of working with the unique glass formations in their desert. They create many delicate glass sculptures, jewelry, and beautiful architectural elements.
Their culture gives much respect to story telling, thus bringing about "The Storyteller's Guild." The Storyteller's Guild is an esteemed group of individuals who preserve the history, myths, and legends of the Larčók, making sure that the stories are forever preserved.
Deep within the desert lies a sacred place called the Dragon Sands. It is a vast expanse of shifting sand dunes where the Larčók believe the collective memories and ancestral knowledge of their people reside. The Mó'xvad are believed to possess the ability to receive visions of the future, however often it is only glimpses.
The Larčók have a special bond with the oases scattered throughout the desert. They believe that these oases are living entities and assign guardians to protect them. The guardians, Oasis Dwellers, are tasked with preserving the purity of the water and maintaining the delicate balance of life within these precious sanctuaries. The Oasis Dwellers are not allowed to drink from the Oasis' waters, and can not eat the plants already growing there, nor eat the animals that are coming to drink from the Oasis. Most Oasis Dwellers in the far reaches of the island do not get access to the caravans from the cities like the inner Oasis Dwellers do, thus they have adapted to life in the desert, living a fairly solitary life. They usually have families that number to be about fifty in the out stretches, and rarely ever return to the cities due to the dangerous path back.
Naming Traditions
A woman's name might include softer and more melodious sounds, such as "l," "m," "n," or "ý," and "e," "u," or "é" vowels.
For example, the names Lýren, Manélak, Nevas, Yétaš.
A man's name might have stronger and more assertive sounds, such as "k," "g," "d," "t," and "ó" or "ú" vowels.
Examples: Kórgún, Dreván, Túrók, Ólán.
An androgynous name could include a mix of sounds, neither overly soft nor assertive. It might incorporate "b," "f," "p," "v," and "a" vowels, which are seen as neutral.
Examples: Baván, Félák, Póvan, Váraþ.
Family names are based off of the parents, who when wedded combine their family names into one name.
For example, a man from the Éfúg family weds to a woman from the Žexąg family, and their children will be of the Žéfąg family.
Culture
The main language spoken is
Čašek , and being isolated from all other peoples of Namied for many years, they only know this one.
Čašek has four main dialects, the dialect of
The Glorious Village,
The Greater Village,
The Lesser Village, and finally of those living in the Oases, called the Oasis dwellers.
When they have been seen without a mask, whether purposeful or by accident, they must request forgiveness from three individuals. First, to the great moon goddess. To do this, they must prostrate and pray, then lift themselves up, remove the glove on their left hand, and cut that hand, allowing the blood to drip upon their face and the earth. Second, to the elders. To do this, you must prostrate yourself and explain to the elders why it had happened. Finally, to the person who saw your face. You do this by taking your bloodied hand and presenting it to the individual. Then, they either accept by placing their hand onto it and placing their forehead upon their own hand, or deny it by looking away. If you get acceptance from at least two of the three (with the god counting as two itself) then you are accepted back into the community.
The highest class in Larčók society are the Wise Men. They are the only ones who can be religious leaders, and the planters of trees. This means they are the only ones to run religious ceremonies like the star ceremony, they are the only ones to teach religious texts (Ancient stories/history), and the only ones who can "sand watch." They are also the only ones who can plant trees. They are also allowed to be the keepers of knowledge, teachers of knowledge, and teachers of Biology. The wise-men believe in a freely consented moral order rather than a deliberate organization of territories. They work to "contain the misery of evil" in Larčók society. They teach and write, are the priests and soothsayers. Often they are the first to talk to people coming into their land. Larčók hierarchy is not strict, but wise-men are still regarded highest, and are usually the ones people go to for knowledge.
There are three groups of Wise-Men. The ones born into the class and remain members of the main roles dedicated to the Wise-Men are called the Daštín, often times they live comfortably and are supposedly the highest of the three groups, but are oftentimes regarded by the common folk as the least important of the groups, although never explicitly. Then there are the ones born into the class but live a life of asceticism and mysticism. They are the Mó'xvad, they are the most important of the groups as they are the most highly renowned teachers, and because of their ascetic lifestyle, they are considered the closest to holy that a mortal can be. Finally, those not born into the Wise-Men class but through their scholarly lifestyle were allowed to be considered members, although their children would not be allowed to be considered Wise-Men unless they proved themselves, they were still members of the class. These scholars are called the 'Állem. They are considered the least important, however most common folk consider them higher than the Daštín, who are not widely respected. The Larčók have the greatest respect for the Mó'xvad, as they reject their class and live a holy life, whereas the Daštín embrace the comfort of living as the highest class. This is was specifically crafted to be so by the early leaders and city founders. The Daštín, those who chose power, were specifically viewed negatively by the people, thus keeping the Daštín accountable. Those who are of the lowest class, 'Állem, are the most widely respected, but have the least political power, thus keeping them accountable.
The Main Roles in Larčók Society:
- Teachers of Knowledge:
Teachers of the languages, Teachers of Math, Teachers of the World (Science). Keepers of the Libraries (Librarians)
- Keepers of Knowledge:
Writers, Poets (writers of myths), Orators.
- Teachers of Biology (Considered the most important of the sciences.):
Teachers of how plants work, Teachers of how best to plant them.
Barred for only Wise-Men and Farmers.
- Planters of Trees:
Because trees are held in high reverance, they must be planted in a specific way.
Only the Wise-Men may be Planters of Trees.
- Religious Leaders:
Those who run the Ceremonies, Teachers of the religious texts (The ancient stories/history)
Only the Daštín and Mó'xvad may be Religious Leaders. Most often the Mó'xvad
Often they will carry with them a dagger, this will either be a curved dagger or a short sword.
The short sword they use is what they call the "Akénukæn." This is their favored weapon behind the staff/spear (They view them as the same thing). The Akénukæn is a 53 cm (21 in) long weapon, often made of iron and wood.
The Larčók hold a respect for all forms of life. Anything that is able to survive in the desert, whether in the lost sands of the south, the snow of the north, the lakelands, or by the water, from the smallest creatures to the grandest beings, they have a deep respect for this. Even the creatures they deeply fear, such as El Cuchillo, the Ažódeks, etc.
Their faith highly embraces impermanence and interconnectedness. The Larčók's lifestyle is built on sustainability and minimalism, rooting from their desert environment. They use resources responsibly, avoiding excessive consumption and waste, to ensure the well-being of the land and its inhabitants. This is taken especially seriously by those in Oasis, the Oasis Dwellers ensure they never waste water, food, or any resources of any kind. This led to a value in community and an emphasis on cooperation over competition.
They celebrate artistry, storytelling, glass crafting, music, and dance. The Larčók strive for inner peace, and they believe that the arts is one of the greatest means in which to achieve this.
Walking around in public places, if you are bare handed then you hold your right arm with your left hand. This is because the Larčók are primarily left-hand dominant peoples, therefore when you hold your right arm you immobilize the dominant hand.
When meeting someone you typically go into a deep bow. The closer you know the individual, the higher your bow can go. When in religious prayer you prostrate, put your hands behind your back with your left hand holding your right arm, and while praying, raise your head up to the nearest source of light, either the sun or moon (Specifically moon if she is in the sky).
The average Larčók wears a head-scarf or intricately wrapped turban, however, the head-scarf is far more common. They are made from light and breathable fabrics to allow for an easier time cooling down in the desert climate. It is also to protect from the harsh sands and sun. The Larčók wear flowing masks that cover the lower half of their faces. They shield the Larčók from the sand and dust. The masks and head-scarfs are adorned with vibrant colours that blend with the coral and sand. The mask and head-scarves represent the humility and protects them from the looks of the lustful. Their clothes are loose and flow comfortably. They have long cloaks made of linen, and tunics beneath that was made to cool them in the desert heat. They have many layers of silk which absorbs the sweat into the tunic, and then the cloak to protect from the elements. They have wide and loose-fitting pants and skirts, used by both sexes. They wear belts to hold tools useful for survival. They wear upon their cloaks a shawl draped over their shoulders, made for more protection. Finally, the Larčók wear jewelry that is inspired by the sparkling of the coral, for better protection from the beasts that hunt them. All of their clothes are vibrant, the vibrancy going down as you go from top to botton (the closer you get to the sand, the less vibrant it becomes.) Different colours depend on where they go that day. Unless they are Oasis dwellers. Oasis dwellers wear colours that blend in with the desert sands and lack all colours. Oasis Dwellers have far more form fitting clothes, with few free-flowing strands of cloth. Typically they have a two strands of cloth flowing from down their forearm and shoulder, disconnected from eachother. This is particularly to use to confuse the animals of the desert in a storm or to use the cloth as defence against these creatures.
Their art consists of many different things made of glass and metal, as they have a strong sense of glass-blowing and metallurgy. Their work usually consists of things for jewelry, however, they will produce weapons out of the metals with intrinsic designs, typically these are ornamental, but can be used for combat if necessary.
Architecture is made to blend with the desert environment, mostly out of safety from the beasts of the desert.
Larčók architecture prioritizes sustainability and blends with the natural surroundings. Buildings are constructed with the most available materials, such as sandstone, clay, and the glass formations found in their desert. These materials ensure that the structures withstand the harsh desert climate. However, given the extreme temperatures in the desert, many Larčók settlements include partially or fully underground dwellings. These structures provide natural insulation, keeping the interiors cooler during the scorching days and warmer during chilly nights. Larčók buildings feature intricate glasswork and mosaic patterns. The glass elements capture and reflect the desert sunlight, creating many colours across the surfaces. These buildings often incorporate fluid and organic shapes, attempting to mimic the dunes of the desert. These shapes will often be adorned with cultural artifacts and symbolic representations, dragon motifs, the stars, the moon, and various different representations of the elements they hold sacred, water being the most important. They have a love for gardens, and will have many growing between their homes.
Finally, along their trade routes, the Larčók construct small caravanserais to provide shelter, safety, and provisions for travelers. These structures play a crucial role in facilitating trade between the three cities, and the oases. They are built in and along the side of small buttes. Only a small number of people live in these caravanserais, and are considered Oasis Dwellers as well. They have small gardens in the far corners of building, inside the butte. This is to grow their own food. They are often in contact only with other Oasis Dwellers, though rarely communicative with them, as it is a dangerous path between the caravanserai and the Oasis. They only go if the caravans have not visited for a while and/or they need food.
To make art pieces, they do not use paint, but glass. They have small stained-glass pieces that are glued onto large walls. The glass is often the size of a fingernail, no larger, sometimes smaller. It can depict scenes from their history, from their myths, from their contemporary world, but mostly it is geometric, done across the walls of important places, sometimes the roofs of the most important places. Often you are not able to see use the glass as a window, they tend to be on the inside, or outside, of a wall that was carved into, specifically for the glass. The wall requires skilled carvers, for it must be a specific size, and specific length, and the same throughout, or else the art would look poorly done.
As inhabitants of the desert, the Larčók rely on ingredients that can thrive in arid conditions. Dates, figs, apricots, and pomegranates are abundant and form the basis of many sweet and savory dishes. Millet, barley, lentils, and chickpeas are widely used in various dishes, providing essential nutrients and energy as they can withstand the sweltering conditions. the Larčók of the oases grow fruits and vegetables like melons, tomatoes, and peppers to trade with those of the cities. Meat is consumed rarely, as they don't like to hunt unless hunted. So when they eat meat, it is usually from the giant beasts which they rarely fight.
Some meals they make are Date and Lentil Stew, Pomegranate Couscous, and Bread.
Recipes:
Date and Lentil Stew:
Ingredients:
1 cup dried lentils
1 cup chopped dates
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cups vegetable broth or water
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro or mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
In a pot over an open fire or wood-fired oven, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the
minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Stir in the lentils, chopped dates, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour in the vegetable broth or water and bring the stew to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-
40 minutes until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or mint leaves.
Pomegranate Couscous:
Ingredients:
1 cup couscous
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a pot over an open fire or wood-fired oven, heat the olive oil. Add the couscous and toast it for a few minutes until it turns
golden and fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth or water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and remove it from the heat. Let it sit for
about 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid.
Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the pomegranate seeds and chopped mint leaves.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pomegranate couscous warm as a delightful side dish.
Bread:
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing with your hands until a smooth dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes elastic and pliable.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare a wood-fired oven or a flat surface over an open fire with sand spread over it. The sand will help distribute
the heat evenly.
Divide the rested dough into smaller balls and flatten each ball into a thin, round bread.
Place the bread onto the hot sand surface or directly onto the oven's floor.
Cook the bread for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it puffs up and develops a golden color.
Remove the sand bread from the heat and brush it with olive oil while still warm.
Serve the sand bread with the Date and Lentil Stew or any other dish of your choice.
When birthed, the child is given to the mother who wraps around the child's head the first wrappings. This is just the body wrappings and the headscarf, the face mask is given to them on their third birthday. (It is not expected for you to wear it consistently until you are about five to six years of age.)
The Larčók believe in three coming of age rites for when you enter the three major steps of life. First is when you go from baby to child, around the age of 5, this is when you must cover your face for the first time. The second is from Child to Adult, this is when you leave to spend one year in the harsh job of defending the Oases, afterwards, you return to your home and you become an adult. Finally, the last is from Adult to Elder, this is when you reach a certain age and wisdom. You must recite an old story of your choice from memory to a group of listeners (mostly children) and answer any question they have of it. This is your finally stage of life before death.
When a Larčók passes away, the community would gather to honor and mourn the departed individual.
Similar to a wake, family and friends would come together to pay their respects to the deceased. They would gather around the body and light small flames. During the wake, individuals would have the opportunity to share memories, stories, and words of gratitude for the departed soul. Following the wake ceremony, the Larčók would continue to honor and remember the deceased in their daily lives. They might create personal shrines or keep mementos that serve as a reminder of the departed soul.
The greatest Taboos of the Larčók are Wasting Resources, Harming Oases, Speaking poorly of the Dragon, Disrupting Storytelling, and Breaking Promises.
Ideals
Beauty to the Larčók is not binary. Something that is beautiful on a male will also be beautiful on a female, and vice versa. This is because things that have to do with the sexes, beauty, sexuality, etc. they are viewed as fluid. Beauty to the Larčók does not follow conventional expectations.
There is great love put on contrast. Mostly in clothing, but also in eye makeup. physical appearance is the only thing which breaks this rule. In case of clothing, the contrasted colours are widely viewed as beautiful. In case of eye makeup, something which clashes with your clothes helps to draw attention to what little body you may show. Finally, in physical appearance, something which is not shown in Larčók society very commonly without some form of repercussion. To the Larčók they appreciate softer features the most, something common amongst them.
Because they lack much physical looks, due to being covered up, they place great importance on inner beauty over external beauty, with the exception of eye makeup. Kindness, empathy, intelligence, and a generous spirit are considered integral to a person's overall beauty. As well, individuals who are very positive and passionate, are often considered more beautiful than those who aren't. People who are vibrant and creative are associated with being beautiful.
Clothes to those living in the Oases are built more functionally for desert life, as often they must live in very small Oases. They spend most of their time in the desert sands, thus their colours match the desert, and their lifestyle more rough, so lack of eye makeup is more attractive than more.
In Larčók society, gender is not viewed as a rigid binary but as a fluid and interconnected spectrum. They strongly stand by the idea that every individual possesses unique qualities and strengths, regardless of their gender identity. There is no distinction between clothing designated for a specific gender as there is no need for one such thing.
The Larčók has a view on the world which is very minimalistic and non-attachment extends to their perceptions of gender roles. They do not adhere to fixed expectations or stereotypes based on gender. Instead, they recognize each persons unique talents and capabilities, and the contributions to society that they can make, which are valued for their intrinsic worth.
Oasis Guardians, tasked with preserving the life in the Oases, are chosen based on their spiritual connection to the land and their ability to embody the principles of compassion and kindness. These qualities hold precedence over gender when selecting individuals for this critical role.
The Larčók believe that when you look at someone, you may not immediately fall in love with them, but by spending time with them, learning and laughing, hurting and working is what grows that bond. True love is not something that comes and stays, you find it and you foster it, and you push through it.
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