Kajva
Cultural Heritage
Kajva are the keepers of Light Flame, masters of radiant fire and illusion. They embody illumination, clarity, and revelation, and have historically held societal and political dominance within the Tjeva. Their culture emphasizes perfection, visibility, and the pursuit of enlightenment, both spiritual and intellectual.
Kajva traditions focus on time, memory, and perception, seeing light as both a guiding force and a tool for teaching truth. Their language is rich in metaphor, and ceremonial life revolves around sunrise, solstices, and crystal reflections.
Shared Customary Codes & Values
- Clarity and Precision — always act with purpose, every movement and word matters.
- Reverence for Light — light reveals truth and must never be obscured.
- Service to Community — illumination is for guidance, not personal gain.
- Perpetual Study — learning and mastery are lifelong obligations.
Technological Level
Kajva are advanced in light manipulation and reflective technologies:
- Crystal spires that amplify sunlight into memory preservation chambers.
- Prism-threaded fabrics used for protection, signaling, and ceremonial use.
- Lightglass instruments that record and project visual histories.
Common Etiquette
- Bow or lower gaze when entering a Kajva sanctum, unless explicitly invited to meet eye.
- Offer reflective or radiant materials when greeting elders.
- Speak clearly and deliberately; metaphors and layered meanings are appreciated.
- Children begin Radiance Trials at age six to align with the Light Flame.
Dress & Appearance
- Layered silks, reflective threads, whites, lavenders, golds, and silver accents.
- Jewelry often contains memory stones or small crystals.
- Hairstyles are precise; ceremonial braids mimic rays of sunlight.
- Children wear lightbind sashes, removed upon successful Radiance Trials.
Art & Architecture
- Mirror Temples: towering crystalline structures designed to capture, store, and refract sunlight.
- Floating districts: architectural marvels suspended on radiant energy.
- Illumination gardens: bioluminescent plants arranged to mimic constellations.
- Art emphasizes clarity, symmetry, and light effects — painting, sculpture, and performance are highly stylized.
Taboos
- Extinguishing another’s flame or revealing secrets without consent.
- Disrespecting the cycles of light (sunrise, solstice, equinox).
- Using light for deception against the sacred community purposes.
- Entering a Mirror Temple unprepared or without ritual cleansing.
Geography & Ecology
Kajva lands are crystalline plains, elevated mesas, and golden valleys, with reflective surfaces and radiant flora. Fauna include sunglint moths, prism-feathered larks, and memory-moss-dwelling creatures. Localized phenomena include Sunveil auroras, which distort time perception and aid ritual alignment.
History
Kajva rose as the dominant Flamekeepers during the Tjeva societal shift. They assimilated or overshadowed Oujeva, partnered with Tsujan for military enforcement, and aligned with the Council to solidify Light Flame supremacy. They remain cultural and spiritual leaders, though their dominance has generated tension with the other sub-ethnicities.
Tourism & Pilgrimage
Pilgrims visit Vayashan and other crystal citadels for light-walks, memory-refraction ceremonies, and flame-guidance training. Only those who demonstrate reverence and patience are allowed into inner sanctums.
Myths & Legends
- The First Ray — the initial light that emerged to guide the Tjeva out of darkness.
- The Mirror of Eternity — a crystal said to hold the first Light Flame.
- The Radiance Trial — legend of children who proved worthy to hold the flame without burning the soul.
Historical Figures
- Avaril of Vayashan — master illusionist and illuminator of the Light Flame.
- Kym Medu-Tsunam — current Avavori Matriarch, blending illusion and light mastery.
- Vashmir the Prismed — scholar and architect of Mirror Temples.
- Lureth of Sunveil — explorer of aurora phenomena, founder of light-guidance rituals.
