Malys (culture)

Cultural Overview

The Malys are a tribal peoples dwelling in the Plains of Tekara. They form dispersed settlements spread over large areas, and have domestication of some livestock species. Where they are closer to the Torcastan Sea and along rivers, they include fishing and some aquaculture. They engage in modest trade amongst themselves, and with their neighbours Aralia, Tabras and the migratory tribes of the Tak-Mi-Lah, whom occupy the Central portion of the prairie region.

Origins

The Malys trace their roots back to the People of the Ark, having migrated to the region over the millennia since their arrival.

Geography

The Malys tribal territories include the Eastern portion of the Plains of Tekara, and along the coast of the Torcastan Sea, between Tabras and Aralia

Language

The Malys speak their own language which has shared roots to the Tabrani.

Family

Structure / Size

Malys families share multi-generational homes, with some split accommodations in particularly large families. Typically a married couple may have 3-5 children survive to adulthood.

Roles of Family Members

Matriarch

The eldest female of the family holds an important place in the structure and decision making for the family. A position of respect and spiritual adoration, whom is considered the judge and guide regarding the family's social reputation.

Patriarch

The eldest male of the family is considered the protector of the family, and will be expected to lead the family in their chosen trade. A position of respect and considered the wealth and property holder for the family.

Importance

Among the Malys Family is very important in determining ones profession and reputation. This extend outward to relatives and the the greater clan.If one's own family is not wealthy or powerful, then allying with a better family, through marriage or other agreements is a way to share some of the reputation of one's betters.

Influence

Large and powerful families can influence the clan as a whole, and are often seen as patrons to lesser families. Small families can band together to equal the political power of singularly large families, however such alliances are seldom strong enough to survive for more than a few generations.

Orphans

Among the Malys orphans are often fostered, or adopted by some relative's family, usually one which a recent loss of a child. The newly adopted child will often be seen as the least favourite, with the foster parents favouring true offspring over the once orphaned child.

Religion

The Malys have their traditional beliefs in totem creatures which protect and guide the clans. Additionally they have begun to adopt the beliefs of the Twinned Goddess, specifically Peolu

Primary Beliefs

The Malys believe that through observation and communing with nature one can learn to live in harmony with their environment. As all living things are born from their mothers, Treahni being no exception, females of child rearing age and beyond are considered magically gifted and to be respected.

Religious Figures

Totems

The totemic spirits of a clan are often perceived as a shapeshifting animal of great beauty and power, which can take the form of a treahni, and is capable of magics aligned with their animal nature.

Skindancers or Therianthropes

Those who can adopt the same animal form as these totems are consider particularly blessed, and can find themselves becoming revered religious leaders.

Structure

The Malys have no formal structure to their religious practices, although women are predominate in the roles of shawomen, or priestess, men or those of mixed spirit may also find a place as spiritual guides. The influx of the foreign beliefs in the Twinned Goddess are shifting this traditional pattern to a more formal church hierarchy, and institutions of the church.

Ceremonial

Pregnancy

Pregnant women, by the time of their second trimester, are exempt form labourious activity, and tended to by midwives, until the time of birth.

Birth and Naming

Newborns are presented to the family matriarch who gifts the child with a name. It is also traditional for every family member to give a small token or gift with wishes for the health and prosperity of the newest family member.

Age

Bi-Annual celebrations marking the passage of the years for family members is common, with small gifts appropriate to the individual's age, gender, and interests is commonplace.

Apprenticeship

Children are expected to learn the trade of their parents. There is no formal education in such, however at 12 sols in age, the expectation of working the family profession in earnest is marked by the gifting of appropriate tools of quality.

Adulthood

By 18 sols of age, Malys are considered adults, and may marry to begin their own family.

Marriage

Malys form strong bonds between men and women as the functional means of continuing familial lines. A formal ceremony involving the parents of both partners agreeing to the merger of the families is followed by a public declaration of intent to marry. The couple to be must wait a period of five days, to allow for any amongst the community to contest the joining. If no such protest arises, or any such protest is resolved through diplomatic or other means the couple then exchange formal vows of fidelity and are declared a pair forever more.

Divorce

Given the importance of family to the Malys, divorce or dissolution of the bonds of marriage is considered a stain on the family's reputation. If a couple is having difficulties it is better that they live separately than formal dissolve the marriage. It is expected that neither spouse will take a lover or have children with another partner during such separation.

Death

The Malys consider the physical death only a stage in the existence of the soul. A formal period of mourning lasting five days is traditional, allowing the spirit to hear and say any last messages with those who the leave behind. The Malys bury their dead in sacred ground, surrounded by grave goods appropriate to their profession, and mark the graves with flat stones, and a wooden staff decorated with ribbons and carvings indicating the name and family identity of the one buried within.

Inheritance

The female children of a dead woman, and the male children of a dead man will equally share in distribution of her or his property. If no such children exist, the sons of women or daughters of men will inherit accordingly. For those without children the nearest blood relative of the appropriate gender will inherit their property and may distribute it among more distant relatives at their whim.

Diet

The Malys eat a wide variety of foodstuff. A large portion of their diet consists of domesticated grains which is supplemented with various fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, and eggs.

Food

Grains

steamed mudgrain, or daygrain porridges are the common base for meals. Some baked breads are also eaten as a travel friendly food.

Vegetables

Often eaten either sauteed, or steamed. some are eaten in stews with or without meats.

Meats

Usually roasted on skewers or fried, such meats are added to existing dishes when available. Stews or soups containing meats is a more popular dish during winter months.

Cultural Dishes

Tagoon

A cultural favourite, this dish contains fresh or saltwater crabs or other crustaceans in a sweet and sour sauce with rice and mixed vegetables. Different regional varieties of this dish feature specific signature ingredients.

Spice / Flavours

The flavour of Malys dishes tend towards the sweet and salty. Particularly sauces applied to sauteed foods served in bowls with mudgrains, or fruit compotes added to porridges.

Drink

Non-Alcoholic

Malys drink a variety of fruit juices, milk, and teas.

Alcohol

Beers and ales brewed from domestic grains are common, as are some locally produced fruit brandies and wines.

Persons

List of Malys Persons

Stories

Bron and Sisa

See Also

Malys (nation)

Malys (people)