Ikhaya

Overview
Ikhaya is the Southern most region in Svet. It is known for its great grasslands, honorable people, and grand feasting. 762 was the year that this nation was united by the Chieftains of the 9 great tribes, with the greatest among them proclaimed Umholi.

Capital City: Inkosi

Ruling Title: Umholi

Current Ruler: Natane Doba

Country Age: 438 Years

National Animal: Bennu

Character Styles: Native American, Mayan, and African.

Leadership
In Ikhaya, the system of command is based upon both wisdom, and strength. However, those in power often act as both civil leaders and representatives in a larger council making sure all the tribes needs are sufficiently met. This system of command means that one must be powerful, wise, and honorable in order to retain a position of power. Strength and loyalty to the tribe help ensure loyalty to their chieftain and many have different ways of dealing with how they choose or accomplish that rank. Be it a fight to the death, spiritually gifted the position, or decided at a young age.

Umholi
The Umholi is the leader of the united Ikhaya, they're chosen by the other chiefs and a group of elders.

Chieftain
The chieftain is the main ruler over it's tribe, they are chosen by the council of elders unless otherwise specified, most often than not you can attempt to usurp the current chief, but that is rare and far between as these warriors are revered and most often the strongest in their tribes.

Council of Elders
Male and females of each tribe, that are progressed in age, they are revered for their knowledge and recognized for the lives they lived.

Other
Medewi- traditional healer and spiritual leader who serves a tribe, while they hold no rank in the tribe their position is highly respected and dignified. Male or Female can be a Medewi (Mystery man) though most can only receive the training necessary by being either born in the family or chosen after a long and rigorous program. The Medewi serve as guides in various ceremonial and traditional gatherings, they are an invaluable asset to each tribe, for their knowledge of the spirit world is unparalleled.

Umholi
The current Umholi of Ikhaya, Natane Doba, name meaning "Daughter no war" a member of the Sulvane Tribe. She is leader with a who seeks peace and prosperity for all the tribes having proved that and more. Being a fairly small woman compared to many of her peers one would expect her to be fragile and delicate flower. This is not the case Natane is skilled in combat as in strategy. It has been noted that she is a decisive woman known to take all possibilities into account before making a move. Hailing from the Sulvane Tribe, though none are quite certain of how her birth came to be about. Rumor has it the chief at the time of her birth and a group of huntsman stumbled upon her near the village in a routine hunting trip.

To her people she is a godsend and that has rolled over into her role as Umholi. It has lead many to claim quite a bit about her, some rumors stating she's the daughter of Maitreyi, Banni and even rarer Raama though no one is certain. Whether there is any truth behind these claims or not, Natane has never claimed to be related to the gods.

In her early years, Natane was taught by the Medewi of her tribe to be the next, that study was interrupted when a battle between the Sulvane and Deljia tribes broke out, striking dead their current chief. In midst of battle she showed ingenuity and strength rallying her tribe to full strength leading to the eradication of the Deljia tribe who was known for their warlike behavior. After the quick "war" the last name she carries today was added. Doba meaning "no war" something that since then has been honored. The elders found it suitable after her display during such an uproar to make her chief, she is the strength of her tribe and the backbone of her nation, though most other nations on see her as a child, the likeliness of them to treat her as no threat is small. She is ruthless when it comes to the safety of her people and for it she holds their trust.

Atakepa Tribe- Hassun Nashoba
When it comes to strength Atakepa boasts the most powerful hunters, both male and females are highly trained in combat, living closest to the great desert it is a necessity for them all. A tribe known in the past as being cannibalistic, has changed little in many of their traditions such as if any decides to challenge their chieftains position, the winner cuts the fallen's heart from their chest and eats it both in a show of power and as a way to obtain right to have the position of chieftain. Known for its great warriors and hunters it also is known for the skins and bones of animals that it trades for other goods. It is located relatively near the capital means that this tribe has rich trade with any tribe. Their Chief Hassun reached chiefdom at a relatively young age and has kept it now for a good 30 years at the age of 47 he is the longest reigning chief. While he is a light hearted fellow in general with his tribe he has no mercy for those who challenge him for his position, one of his childhood friends making the mistake of trying to sway tradition and his heart into leniency. Since then many have tried and failed to obtain the sought after position. He is a veteran of battle and death, making him well respected even among other tribes, and a highly sought after bachelor. ;)

Bnai Tribe - Nashashuk Viho
The Bnai Tribe, also known as the Tree People live in the small forested region near the Nashazemlya border .They have hearing and a sense of smell that are superhuman. They are savage when fighting, using their teeth and fingernails as much as their weapons.

Most children begin to learn from a young age how to be warriors and are taught, weapon skills, and their people's customs. After the first kill is made, the member is honored by receiving a mark on their right shoulder blade. This mark signifies that the person is now a warrior and has killed. Oftentimes these markings look like welts on the skin as if burned. If a child is born with a deformity, they are cast out and abandoned to erase the stain from the bloodline.

Nashashuk known as "Thundering Chief" carries quite an ironic name as he is a quiet man, delivering orders quickly and decisively through hand signals. Most outsiders assume that he is mute, illiterate and dumb. This is far from the case he is a very well read man, exceeding in many magics such as their neighbors to the north. The Bnai and Yuglyudi have been known in the past to intermarry resulting in many crossovers in the way they are. Whilst the Bnai are not heavily focused on magical use they seem to have a natural affinity for it, mostly using it to grow their forest and in medicinal abilities. Nashashuk holds several advisors within his tribe from all his villages and carefully traverses them each to ensure the well being of his people. While he is a younger chief he is by no terms unworthy of the title having proved it tenfold both in prowess and logic, though being younger he is not infallible to ways of the flesh often partaking in women, excessive hunting, and drinking.

Dejima Tribe- Micco Megedagik
The Dejima tribe are a curious folk, having separate villages for men and women. Both trained in agricultural pursuits, hunting, and the art of war. Both male and female citizens are trained with discipline and honor of a warrior society often taking slaves from the conquered. Though they are treated well enough as it is illegal to strike them without just cause or out right butcher them without a trial. All the male slaves in female villages are eunuchs, and females are prohibited in male villages unless it is a set time in which male and females are allowed to meet. There are several of these meetings a year and often the only time families will ever meet. Though this time is mostly set aside in hopes of growing the tribe not family reunions. All Dejima infants were brought before a council of elders and examined for physical defects, and those who weren’t up to standards were left to die. These ill-born babies are tossed into a chasm or abandoned on a nearby hillside. Left alone, the child would either die of exposure or be rescued and adopted by strangers.

Chief Megedagik is most known for his battle prowess and ruthlessness, both in battle and in his villages, as he takes only a small escort when moving between villages as male presences outside of the set dates are prohibited. Though more often than not he has his sister travel with them to be a mediator between women's villages and the men's causing her to have developed a deplorable name among women, Nittawosew "she is not sterile", though her real name is Urika Rozene "useful rose".

Tewany Tribe - Papou
The Tewany tribe is rather strange as it doesn't truly have an truly odd distinctions like the rest of the tribes, it is composed of peoples from it's surrounding tribes, either people disowned by their previous tribe, or punished to leave for whatever misconduct are normally welcomed into this tribe with a promise of rehabilitation and chances for a normal life. Of course that makes this tribe dangerous in so many ways murders, thieves, and so much more, have taken haven here and helped build a civilization recognized by the rest of the Ikhaya as ironically a relatively safe place.

Chief Papou or grandfather as many call him, is a man well past his prime, yet his rule has been firm and caring which is why even now his people have not asked him to handover rule... or maybe they have but were proven wrong that this elder still has every right to maintain his place. Papou is looked upon with great regard his achievements in battle and in rehabilitating the criminals whom have come to Tewany, with little concern in dispatching those who would not change. Papou has a soft spot for children in his advanced age as he never remarried after he was cast from his own home. He rarely talks of why he was sent away, yet when asked one can see the anguish and sorrow of it that still haunts him today.

Hiditsa Tribe - Ettali
Upon first glance this bright community seems filled to the brim with good fun and constant joyous celebration. Which isn't entirely untrue as there are more celebrations than holidays. Though underneath that is a darker secret world, filled with torture techniques to make even the most strong minded individual recoil in horror. Every warrior of this tribe has earned the title by undergoing the gruesome techniques as proof of undying loyalty. Even the magic of this tribe seems to be tainted with it's dark underworld, as the magics of Hiditsa are only activated when blood is sacrificed be it a cut on one's own hand or the blood of an enemy.

Chief Ettali is a solemn character in the midst of celebrations, speaking little and normally only in whispers, her advisors are her mouth to the people. As such she is a quiet person and few know much about her except those she was raised with. Though even then it is said she was solemn and quiet things have grown steadily more dark for her as even in the midst's of their constant celebrations people go missing at a rapid rate, something foreigners are wary of when they visit, especially if they hold any ranks.

Tatahono Tribe- Deshani
The Southern edge of Svet is marked by the great Ice Wastes of the South. This unforgiving land is home to but one type of people, the Ice Warriors, the Tatahono Tribe. They claim to be the strongest people in all of Ikhaya, and are long time rivals of the Atakepa in that regard. Unlike the Atakepa, however, the Tatahono also pride themselves in extensive magical practices, in both combat, and civil matters. They lust for combat as much as any other warrior tribe, and want for little in this regard, as the Ice Wastes seem more than happy to provide them with all manner of savage beast to test their warriors against.

Despite the tribe's boasting of their strength and power, as well as tales of their savage nature, they are surprisingly docile when dealing with those who wander into their lands, feeling that any who would brave the landscape in which they live deserves at least a moment to speak. If it turns out that their motives are of ill intent, well, lets just say that no evil soul is known to have returned from Tatahono territory yet.

While they are forgiving in that aspect, they are otherwise ruthless in the protection of their domain, as well as in their rivalry with the Atakepa. Skirmishes between the two tribes are not uncommon, with the border between the two tribes being marked by staked heads.

Perhaps the most terrifying aspect of the Tatahono, however, is their beautiful leader, Chief Deshani. While fair and youthful in appearance, in reality this woman is said to be around 60 years of age. It is as if the ice and cold of their land has rendered her ageless, or perhaps it is some darker power, as other tales claim. She is a brutal leader, with a tongue sharper even than her blades, and she is not known for a calm demeaner, even amongst her own people. Some wonder if perhaps the blood of the Atakepa runs in her veins, both as an insult, as well as pure curiosity. Her strict nature is rivaled only by the power that she wields.

Parents in Ikhaya tell their children the tale of the Raven Queen, who is said to have been cast out of her family home when her father found out that she was not his own, much to her mother's distress. Deshani was abandoned on the Ice, left to be reclaimed by nature. The young girl, barely weeks old, however, was said to already have such a sharp mind, that she struck a deal with Narak, the God of Darkness. She would forever aid him in fighting back the creatures of the Darkness, and in return, he granted her power far beyond her peers, and wisdom far beyond her experience.

Unampi Tribe - Isha
The Unampi Tribe is widely thought to have become extinct, this is however far from the truth, the tribe actually lives below ground because of the torturous heat of the day and frigidness of the deserts nights. Their cities are the most extravagant as the walls are inlaid with the jewels they mine below ground in the attempts to widen their cities, there are however above ground cities though they are rare and mainly used as outposts or strong holds rather than actually containing civilians. The Unampi are the only known tribe to have a set military like hierarchy separate from the usual hunter and warrior group that most tribes have. While a part of Ikhaya they are not known for their love of visitors even within the country they abide(partially cause everyone doesn't even know they still exist.) a peculiar habit they have been noted for involves the women in this tribe, there has been more than a few occasions when a visitor has found himself seduced and beheaded in efforts to procure the strongest offspring, as such foreign leaders often are warned before hand not to interfere with the women if they want to avoid any such conflicts.

Chief Isha is daughter of the previous chieftains head concubine though not a direct descendant of the chief, she is a descendant of a foreign ruler fool enough to lie with an Unampi woman, leaving the warnings most travelers get, entirely unheeded. Her mother the daughter of a previous chief, has been a concubine of the Chieftains after her father, leading their decision behind closed doors and being the sole provider of Isha's education. While not profound in the ways of war herself she has proven to be a wise strategian and ruler. Her people have experienced an exponentially growth of wealth under her rule, as much of the things she's implemented are to both ease the work load of her people and performing great leaps in the education of them, both in magic and scientific advancements.

Mikaski Tribe - Ayumi Bellard
Mikaski is the only tribe in Ikhaya to live near the sea, as such their patron god is Apaho. Heavily relying on fisherman in the region this costal tribe flourishes under Apapho's will. Though not without it's own sacrifices; once a year on the night of Evalti, they lead a solemn procession to the sea the loveliest of all their virgin daughters dressed in the beautiful regalia, shell, coral, and beads of plenty decorating her as offering to the god's service. The girl is lead into the sea by the tribes Medewi who whispers a blessing over the child committing her to the sea, mere seconds pass and girl is pulled with a scream beneath the waves ensuring good fishing and life for the fisherman of the tribe. This is not however the end of their daughters, this they know, but the beginning of their new life beneath the waves.They return to their village and all offer gifts of solace to the child's parents before feasting begins in her honor. While this tribe focuses heavily on it's fishing it is not left defenseless on land, many villages containing, one or more parties of Ruux galalka (spirit binders) individuals taught in the a sacred tradition in which their spirits are transformed into that of their totem animals and from there they search out the enemies and hunt them down.

Chief Ayumi Bellard, her name as foreign as her mother was to this tribe. Her father was the previous chief and after his untimely passing the title fell to her with no arguments from any party. She is a highly gifted Ruux galalka rumored not only to have one but three different spirit forms having taken on the last after a battle with the dragon she slayed. While powerful she is not all that wise, for without the elders to balance her youth she'd have already spent the nations money on mead and celebrations.

Sulvane Tribe - Zenobia
Homeland of the current Umholi, this tribe has been reluctant to change until recently, and many of the older ways are still very much enforced. There are few women who participate in the arts of war or hunting in the physical sense rather they've become far more adept in the art of magic to counter balance their opponents in the favor of their warriors. Men and women of this tribe are highly involved outside their families and often children are cared for and taught by the elders while the others are away gathering food, farming, hunting, or anything involving efforts to further their society.

Chief Zenobia of the Sulvane has always been Natane's right hand and when Natane was chosen as Umholi she's continued to be her greatest asset. Zenobia trained with the hunters much of her life something very unusual for girls in Sulvane to do as it was they who were to weave magic upon their looms and stop the enemy while their menfolk fought. While not talented in loom magic like her predecessors her strengths of the mind are impassable to the illusionary magic's her people have always excelled in it is said that the only reason Natane was able to destroy their enemies was through Zenobia's eyes.

Naming System
The naming system of Ikhaya is one unique in its nature. When a child is first born, they are not given a name. It is believed that until they reach their first year of age, they are little more than animals. However, once they reach that all important age, they are given a name of their parents' choosing. Later, when they begin to reach the age of adulthood, they are granted a second name, generally by the Medewi of their tribe. The elder converses with the Gods, and considers what the individual has achieved thus far. After meditation lasting anywhere from a single day to an entire week, the Medewi will announce the individual's second name, a name generally taken from an old language, which sums up who that person is.

Titles, such as Chief, are added to the beginning of one's name in formal situations, as well as when an individual of lower ranking is referring to them.

Lastly, in formal situations, or other important times, such as when announcing one's self before a great enemy, one's name will also have a reference to their clan attached to the end. This can be in one of a couple different forms.

Tribe Member -

Bob, of the Atakepa Tribe

No Tribe -

Bob, the Wanderer

Multiple Tribes, or very high ranking -

Bob, of Ikhaya

Inkosi
Population:1 million

Climate: Hot,Sunny.

The capital city of Ikhaya, Inkosi

Wildlife
The wildlife of Ikhaya can be characterized as being hardy, intelligent, and more varied than that of other nations. The people of Ikhaya have had an intimate connection to the creatures that they share the land with, shaping their history, beliefs, and way of life to be much different than that of any other.

Read more about the wildlife of Ikhaya Here.