Malys (nation)

About

National Overview

The Malys are a tribal people who have begun to form a more permanent settlement of their territory. Forgoing their historical migratory existence in exchange for a more sedentary lifestyle. As such they are recognized by their neighbours as having a territory and nationhood, rather than being considered transients in the region.

Dominant Culture

Malys (culture)

The Malys follow a common cultural norm.

Geographic Area

The Malys Nation holds claim over the eastern portion of the Plains of Tekara.

Government

Head of State

The Malys have no central authority, however great moots involving the leaders of many clans are held to discuss issues of import to the entire people.

Levels

Clanhold

Each clan of Malys claims a territory of several leagues usually bordered by rivers or ridgelines. These clanholds are dotted with individual family homes, farms, fishing and hunting camps and other dwellings. the head of each clan is the lawmaker and administrator for their territory. Advised by a few trusted and respected elders, and served by a small number of agents who maintain order and communication within the clanhold.

Religion

Dominant Religion

The Malys still hold to their traditional beliefs of powerful totem spirits. These take the form of shape-shifting animals capable of taking on Treahni form. The various clans identify with specific totems and rivalries exist between clans whose totems are antagonistic towards each other.

Minor Religions

The Malys have recently begun converting to worship of the Goddess Peolu, as a divine creator. Although welcomed in the region, few churches have been built and these are exclusively operated by female clergy from Tabras.

Architecture

The majority of structures built by the Malys are of a semi-permanent nature, reflected in the materials and design of their buildings.

Materials

Typically the Malys build light and low timber framed structures with walls and roofs of felted wool lined leather sheets.

Designs

Houses

A typical Malys home is a octagonal yurt-like structure with light timber frame and double layered leather sheeting with felted wool in between. These vary in size but typically a family home is approximately 9-12 metres in diameter, with a central peak at about 2.5 metres. The interior will be subdivided by heavy curtains, into sleeping, and social areas which include cooking and eating.

Workshops

Workshops are either incorporated into a family's home, or exist as a slightly smaller but similarly built structure. Work that can be, will be done outdoors.

Warehouses / Barns

Barns follow the same shape, with a more open space, and have walls made from wattle and daub.

Fortifications

Small palisade fences reaching a height of 2 metres may for paddocks for the protection of livestock during the night, but no formal fortified structures exist.

Temples / Churchs

Chuches to the Goddess Peolu are a relatively new feature amongst the Malys and take the form similar to the fmaily homes, with higher central peaks and an attached smaller structure that serves as the private quarters of the attendant clergy.