Akwarai - Revision history

Gronk: /* Burial practices */

2025-03-09T05:24:48Z

Burial practices

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:24, 9 March 2025
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	=== Burial practices ===		=== Burial practices ===
	Traditionally, the Akwarai cremate their deceased using their communal forges. Ashes and any other cremains are then scattered to the sands to return the body to the desert. Akwarai ~~that~~ die away from the camps in which the forges are located are carried back by their compatriots, who often use salt or sand to aid in preserving the body for transport. Failure to cremate a friend, family member, or other cared for figure is seen as highly disrespectful, and in the event that one is forced to leave a body behind for some reason the Dunewalkers always return later to care for the dead properly.		Traditionally, the Akwarai cremate their deceased using their communal forges. Ashes and any other cremains are then scattered to the sands to return the body to the desert. Akwarai who die away from the camps in which the forges are located are carried back by their compatriots, who often use salt or sand to aid in preserving the body for transport. Failure to cremate a friend, family member, or other cared for figure is seen as highly disrespectful, and in the event that one is forced to leave a body behind for some reason the Dunewalkers always return later to care for the dead properly.

	=== Names ===		=== Names ===

Gronk: /* Elders */

2025-03-09T05:24:30Z

Elders

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:24, 9 March 2025
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	=== Elders ===		=== Elders ===
	Akwarai elders, the disabled, and others who have found themselves unable to maintain the typical nomadic Akwarai existence are greatly valued in Dunewalker society. Traditionally, elders adopt a more sedentary lifestyle, maintaining the semi-permanent camps that traveling caravans and clans visit. Those ~~that~~ adopt this role are viewed with respect~~. By~~ serving as stewards, message carriers, and advisors, they assist caravans in surviving the hazards of the desert.		Akwarai elders, the disabled, and others who have found themselves unable to maintain the typical nomadic Akwarai existence are greatly valued in Dunewalker society. Traditionally, elders adopt a more sedentary lifestyle, maintaining the semi-permanent camps that traveling caravans and clans visit. Those who adopt this role are viewed with respect, as by serving as stewards, message carriers, and advisors they assist caravans in surviving the hazards of the desert.

	=== Burial practices ===		=== Burial practices ===

Gronk: /* Architecture */

2025-03-09T05:22:58Z

Architecture

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:22, 9 March 2025
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	=== Architecture ===		=== Architecture ===
	In general, most Akwarai prefer the open skies over the confines of buildings or even tents - even at night, most Dunewalkers would rather sleep under the starry sky than have a roof over their heads. In very adverse conditions, however, most caravans do carry with them large hide tents that can be erected when required. Those ~~that~~ intend to camp at one location for an extended period of time often intentionally bury their tents underneath a thick layer of sand, in order to keep their dwellings cool during the heat of the day.		In general, most Akwarai prefer the open skies over the confines of buildings or even tents - even at night, most Dunewalkers would rather sleep under the starry sky than have a roof over their heads. In very adverse conditions, however, most caravans do carry with them large hide tents that can be erected when required. Those who intend to camp at one location for an extended period of time often intentionally bury their tents underneath a thick layer of sand, in order to keep their dwellings cool during the heat of the day.

	=== Magic ===		=== Magic ===

Gronk: /* Food and cuisine */

2025-03-09T05:22:27Z

Food and cuisine

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:22, 9 March 2025
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	=== Food and cuisine ===		=== Food and cuisine ===
	Some Akwarai are pastoralists, mostly those ~~that~~ remain near [[Xatabra]] or in the less harsh southern parts of the Sangora Desolation. The herds of goats and sheep they keep provide plenty of food, but do require constant migration towards fresh sources of nourishment for the animals. The Dunewalkers that venture further into the desert usually acquire their food through hunting and foraging. Trade provides a significant variety of food as well that otherwise would not be available in the desert. Tea is consumed in great quantities by the Akwarai, either traded for or sourced from desert plants.		Some Akwarai are pastoralists, mostly those who remain near [[Xatabra]] or in the less harsh southern parts of the Sangora Desolation. The herds of goats and sheep they keep provide plenty of food, but do require constant migration towards fresh sources of nourishment for the animals. The Dunewalkers that venture further into the desert usually acquire their food through hunting and foraging. Trade provides a significant variety of food as well that otherwise would not be available in the desert. Tea is consumed in great quantities by the Akwarai, either traded for or sourced from desert plants.

	=== Travel ===		=== Travel ===

Gronk: /* Traditions */

2025-03-09T05:20:49Z

Traditions

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:20, 9 March 2025
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	=== Traditions ===		=== Traditions ===
	Among the Akwarai, hospitality towards guests is of paramount importance. Visitors at Dunewalker camps can expect to be offered any food, drink, knowledge, or services the Akwarai can provide. Akwarai caravans will sometimes even gift many of their personal rations to those they pass within the desert, even when it would put themselves in a precarious situation in the future. Failing to show the proper respect and gratitude towards one's hosts, however, is seen as a great insult. While any ~~that~~ break these unwritten rules of etiquette will still be treated very well in the moment, other Akwarai clans and caravans will be informed of their behavior and go out of their way to avoid the offender in the future.		Among the Akwarai, hospitality towards guests is of paramount importance. Visitors at Dunewalker camps can expect to be offered any food, drink, knowledge, or services the Akwarai can provide. Akwarai caravans will sometimes even gift many of their personal rations to those they pass within the desert, even when it would put themselves in a precarious situation in the future. Failing to show the proper respect and gratitude towards one's hosts, however, is seen as a great insult. While any who break these unwritten rules of etiquette will still be treated very well in the moment, other Akwarai clans and caravans will be informed of their behavior and go out of their way to avoid the offender in the future.

	As soon as they are able to walk, Akwarai children are gifted with a staff bearing decorations indicating their family and clan - this serves the same role in Akwarai society as clan daggers do for many dwarves elsewhere. Mostly used as walking sticks, these staves can also come in handy as weapons or tools for a variety of purposes. Despite their wooden exteriors, these staves contain a metal core that provides them with a surprising amount of durability and strength. Most dwarves continue to modify these staves over the course of their lives, adding more decoration that reflects their experiences.		As soon as they are able to walk, Akwarai children are gifted with a staff bearing decorations indicating their family and clan - this serves the same role in Akwarai society as clan daggers do for many dwarves elsewhere. Mostly used as walking sticks, these staves can also come in handy as weapons or tools for a variety of purposes. Despite their wooden exteriors, these staves contain a metal core that provides them with a surprising amount of durability and strength. Most dwarves continue to modify these staves over the course of their lives, adding more decoration that reflects their experiences.

Gronk: /* Traditions */

2025-03-09T05:20:31Z

Traditions

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:20, 9 March 2025
Line 28:		Line 28:

	=== Traditions ===		=== Traditions ===
	Among the Akwarai, hospitality towards guests is of paramount importance. Visitors at Dunewalker camps can expect to be offered any food, drink, knowledge, or services the Akwarai can provide. Akwarai caravans will sometimes even gift many of their personal rations to those they pass within the desert, even when it would put ~~them~~ in a precarious situation in the future. Failing to show the proper respect and gratitude towards one's hosts, however, is seen as a great insult. While any that break these unwritten rules of etiquette will still be treated very well in the moment, other Akwarai clans and caravans will be informed of their behavior and go out of their way to avoid the offender in the future.		Among the Akwarai, hospitality towards guests is of paramount importance. Visitors at Dunewalker camps can expect to be offered any food, drink, knowledge, or services the Akwarai can provide. Akwarai caravans will sometimes even gift many of their personal rations to those they pass within the desert, even when it would put themselves in a precarious situation in the future. Failing to show the proper respect and gratitude towards one's hosts, however, is seen as a great insult. While any that break these unwritten rules of etiquette will still be treated very well in the moment, other Akwarai clans and caravans will be informed of their behavior and go out of their way to avoid the offender in the future.

	As soon as they are able to walk, Akwarai children are gifted with a staff bearing decorations indicating their family and clan - this serves the same role in Akwarai society as clan daggers do for many dwarves elsewhere. Mostly used as walking sticks, these staves can also come in handy as weapons or tools for a variety of purposes. Despite their wooden exteriors, these staves contain a metal core that provides them with a surprising amount of durability and strength. Most dwarves continue to modify these staves over the course of their lives, adding more decoration that reflects their experiences.		As soon as they are able to walk, Akwarai children are gifted with a staff bearing decorations indicating their family and clan - this serves the same role in Akwarai society as clan daggers do for many dwarves elsewhere. Mostly used as walking sticks, these staves can also come in handy as weapons or tools for a variety of purposes. Despite their wooden exteriors, these staves contain a metal core that provides them with a surprising amount of durability and strength. Most dwarves continue to modify these staves over the course of their lives, adding more decoration that reflects their experiences.

Gronk: /* Demographics */

2025-03-09T05:19:35Z

Demographics

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:19, 9 March 2025
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	== Demographics ==		== Demographics ==
	The Akwarai are almost entirely dwarven. A small number of individuals of other ancestries have been adopted by the Dunewalker clans, but this is very uncommon and highly unusual. Precise estimates as to the total population of Dunewalkers are difficult to attain, as many clans remain within the desert for decades at a time, but they are unlikely to number more than five or six thousand spread across the Sangora.		The Akwarai are almost entirely dwarven. A small number of individuals of other ancestries have been adopted by the Dunewalker clans, but this is very uncommon and highly unusual. Precise estimates as to the total population of Dunewalkers are difficult to attain, as many clans remain deep within the desert for decades at a time, but they are unlikely to number more than five or six thousand spread across the Sangora.

	== Culture ==		== Culture ==

Gronk at 22:41, 22 February 2025

2025-02-22T22:41:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:41, 22 February 2025
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	\|adjective = Akwarai		\|adjective = Akwarai
	\|languages = [[Dwarven]], [[Aserdian]], [[Common]], others		\|languages = [[Dwarven]], [[Aserdian]], [[Common]], others
	\|religions = Aserdian and ~~Dwarven~~ pantheons		\|religions = [[Aserdian pantheon\|Aserdian]] and [[Dwer pantheon\|Dwer]] pantheons
	}}		}}
	The '''Akwarai''' {{Pronounciation\|ack-WARR-eye}}, frequently also known as the '''Akwara Caravaneers''' or the '''Dunewalkers''', are a loosely affiliated nation of nomadic [[Dwarf\|dwarves]] that live within the [[Sangora Desolation]]. Experts in surviving and thriving in the harsh desert landscape, these dwarves are instrumental in maintaining the trade routes between [[Yarma]], [[Sahramina]], and [[Khapesh]].		The '''Akwarai''' {{Pronounciation\|ack-WARR-eye}}, frequently also known as the '''Akwara Caravaneers''' or the '''Dunewalkers''', are a loosely affiliated nation of nomadic [[Dwarf\|dwarves]] that live within the [[Sangora Desolation]]. Experts in surviving and thriving in the harsh desert landscape, these dwarves are instrumental in maintaining the trade routes between [[Yarma]], [[Sahramina]], and [[Khapesh]].
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	=== Religion ===		=== Religion ===
	Akwarai religion blends the worship of the gods of the [[Aserdian pantheon\|Aserdian]] and [[~~Dwarven~~ pantheon\|~~Dwarven~~]] pantheons, and they often use names, depictions, and aspects from both collections of deities. [[Hurra]], [[Tandlan]], and [[Ayen]] are the three most important gods to the Akwarai, embodying the Dunewalkers' heavy cultural emphasis on loyalty, mutual protection, and peaceful mediation, respectively. Many Dunewalkers also worship [[Saclateni]], who they see as a reflection of the continually shifting desert landscape in which they live. Prayer and religious offerings among the Akwarai tend to be communal but are very rarely performed at temples or holy sites.		Akwarai religion blends the worship of the gods of the [[Aserdian pantheon\|Aserdian]] and [[Dwer pantheon\|Dwer]] pantheons, and they often use names, depictions, and aspects from both collections of deities. [[Hurra]], [[Tandlan]], and [[Ayen]] are the three most important gods to the Akwarai, embodying the Dunewalkers' heavy cultural emphasis on loyalty, mutual protection, and peaceful mediation, respectively. Many Dunewalkers also worship [[Saclateni]], who they see as a reflection of the continually shifting desert landscape in which they live. Prayer and religious offerings among the Akwarai tend to be communal but are very rarely performed at temples or holy sites.

	Some Akwarai hold to mystical practices and traditions that center around the belief that the desert itself is alive. Guided by wisdom taught by a long line of Akwarai ascetics who have turned to solitary life in the Desolation, adherents to this loose faith hold that life can only be understood through recognition of the vast lengths of time required for natural systems of change to complete their work. Through contemplating and communing with the desert, some Akwarai dwarves believe they can form connections with the ancient past and far-off future in order to better realize the role they play in history.		Some Akwarai hold to mystical practices and traditions that center around the belief that the desert itself is alive. Guided by wisdom taught by a long line of Akwarai ascetics who have turned to solitary life in the Desolation, adherents to this loose faith hold that life can only be understood through recognition of the vast lengths of time required for natural systems of change to complete their work. Through contemplating and communing with the desert, some Akwarai dwarves believe they can form connections with the ancient past and far-off future in order to better realize the role they play in history.

Gronk at 05:18, 10 July 2024

2024-07-10T05:18:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:18, 10 July 2024
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	=== Religion ===		=== Religion ===
	Akwarai religion blends the worship of the gods of the Aserdian and Dwarven pantheons, and they often use names, depictions, and aspects from both collections of deities. [[Hurra]], [[Tandlan]], and [[Ayen]] are the three most important gods to the Akwarai, embodying the Dunewalkers' heavy cultural emphasis on loyalty, mutual protection, and peaceful mediation, respectively. Many Dunewalkers also worship [[Saclateni]], who they see as a reflection of the continually shifting desert landscape in which they live. Prayer and religious offerings among the Akwarai tend to be communal but are very rarely performed at temples or holy sites.		Akwarai religion blends the worship of the gods of the [[Aserdian pantheon\|Aserdian]] and [[Dwarven pantheon\|Dwarven]] pantheons, and they often use names, depictions, and aspects from both collections of deities. [[Hurra]], [[Tandlan]], and [[Ayen]] are the three most important gods to the Akwarai, embodying the Dunewalkers' heavy cultural emphasis on loyalty, mutual protection, and peaceful mediation, respectively. Many Dunewalkers also worship [[Saclateni]], who they see as a reflection of the continually shifting desert landscape in which they live. Prayer and religious offerings among the Akwarai tend to be communal but are very rarely performed at temples or holy sites.

	Some Akwarai hold to mystical practices and traditions that center around the belief that the desert itself is alive. Guided by wisdom taught by a long line of Akwarai ascetics who have turned to solitary life in the Desolation, adherents to this loose faith hold that life can only be understood through recognition of the vast lengths of time required for natural systems of change to complete their work. Through contemplating and communing with the desert, some Akwarai dwarves believe they can form connections with the ancient past and far-off future in order to better realize the role they play in history.		Some Akwarai hold to mystical practices and traditions that center around the belief that the desert itself is alive. Guided by wisdom taught by a long line of Akwarai ascetics who have turned to solitary life in the Desolation, adherents to this loose faith hold that life can only be understood through recognition of the vast lengths of time required for natural systems of change to complete their work. Through contemplating and communing with the desert, some Akwarai dwarves believe they can form connections with the ancient past and far-off future in order to better realize the role they play in history.
Line 79:		Line 79:
	=== Burial practices ===		=== Burial practices ===
	Traditionally, the Akwarai cremate their deceased using their communal forges. Ashes and any other cremains are then scattered to the sands to return the body to the desert. Akwarai that die away from the camps in which the forges are located are carried back by their compatriots, who often use salt or sand to aid in preserving the body for transport. Failure to cremate a friend, family member, or other cared for figure is seen as highly disrespectful, and in the event that one is forced to leave a body behind for some reason the Dunewalkers always return later to care for the dead properly.		Traditionally, the Akwarai cremate their deceased using their communal forges. Ashes and any other cremains are then scattered to the sands to return the body to the desert. Akwarai that die away from the camps in which the forges are located are carried back by their compatriots, who often use salt or sand to aid in preserving the body for transport. Failure to cremate a friend, family member, or other cared for figure is seen as highly disrespectful, and in the event that one is forced to leave a body behind for some reason the Dunewalkers always return later to care for the dead properly.

			=== Names ===
			Akwarai names consist of a personal name followed by a clan name, which is usually two words that reflect the clan's history or ideals. For example, the Akwarai writer and playright [[Ksural of the Lonely Skies]] has the personal name Ksural and the clan name Lonely Skies.

	== Government ==		== Government ==

Gronk at 16:47, 25 March 2024

2024-03-25T16:47:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:47, 25 March 2024
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	\|demonym = Akwarai		\|demonym = Akwarai
	\|adjective = Akwarai		\|adjective = Akwarai
	\|languages = Dwarven, [[Aserdian]], [[Common]], others		\|languages = [[Dwarven]], [[Aserdian]], [[Common]], others
	\|religions = Aserdian and Dwarven pantheons		\|religions = Aserdian and Dwarven pantheons
	}}		}}
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	=== Languages ===		=== Languages ===
	Dwarven is the most widely spoken language among the Akwarai, though many of the dwarves also learn either [[Aserdian]] or [[Common]]. Other regional and racial languages may be adopted by Dunewalkers that frequent areas in which their knowledge would be beneficial.		[[Dwarven]] is the most widely spoken language among the Akwarai, though many of the dwarves also learn either [[Aserdian]] or [[Common]]. Other regional and racial languages may be adopted by Dunewalkers that frequent areas in which their knowledge would be beneficial.

	=== Art ===		=== Art ===