World of Kralis

Ba-liyan Tribes

(pronounced: bɑ̃-lẽ-yaan))

Of the “civilized” species in the Omniverse and Ta Los, the Ba-Liyan (a shortened form of 'Bali-Yan-Shi-Nu', meaning “peaceful people”) are not organized into a country, realm or kingdom. Rather they are a collation of tribes spread through out Ta Los and the Omniverse. While each tribe is different in some respects, most have carried on the way of the ancients.

Ba-Liyan are outgoing, friendly, and pragmatic all the while filled with curiosity and a desire to explore new regions and travel the world. Noted for their inquisitive nature similar to that of the Aelwyn species, they are often seen as reckless, especially for their preference to learn and discover through personal experience as much as through oral tradition.

They are a very ancient species that has not changed since their “creation” or arrival into the Omniverse. This has lead many scholars to believe that they may be among the first species created by the Lhatijo. They are known for their deep connection to the energy of the Omniverse, the powers of the modern day Jinhu were born from their mastery over this energy. They are a spiritual and primal people that are close to the land in which they dwell; they tend to have close ties to the spiritual forces (Kai) of the world.

Standing no more than two-half or three feet tall, the Ba-Liyan are humanoid with an elongated body, short legs, short round ears and thick fur. This thick fur ranges from solid black to soft brown to red to a mixed color, and is often striped in silver, gold, or white. This thick fur tends to ripple and move based upon their emotional state. Their eyes range from magenta to light blue. They have either short, roundish ears for females or have tapered pointed ears for males. Most males grow long, thin, wispy beards and mustaches. They are lithe and speedy creatures, and their sharp intuition has a great deal to do with their excellent response time.

Ba-Liyans have a semi-prehensile tail that has gross motor control and is capable of picking up and holding things, but not necessarily use them other than to move an object.

Psychology

From an outside point-of-view Ba-Liyan are seen as playful, hyperactive, and to inquisitive for their own good. Yet, they are an extremely practical people that use every possible tool at their disposal. They are an extraordinarily spiritual people who devote much of their daily lives to ritual observance, their intimate relationship with Omniverse and the worlds that they inhabit allow them to see the full array of possibilities that they offer.

Their inquisitive nature is derived directly from this connection. These deep relationships call to the Ba-Liyan driving them to explore everything despite the trouble it may cause them. They show strong determination into exploring and understanding the mysteries of the world and Omniverse.

To Ba-Liyan all is sacred, life, work, ritual and religion are one in the same occupying the same space and time. Since time immemorial Ba-Liyan have maintained their sacred covenant with the Omniverse to live in peace, freedom and honor.

This is not to say that the Ba-Liyan people are pacifists, rather they strive to live in tune with the world and the Omniverse.

Living in harmony with all creation is the aim of existence for the Ba-Liyan. Achieving this allows the Ba-Liyan to live lives of freedom and peace. Among themselves they are often merry, greatly appreciating jests and practical jokes. They rarely forget a kindness or an injury, and often act from impulse and in a childlike way. They are tractable, docile, hospitable, and frugal, and have always sought to be peaceable, as their tribal name indicates. They believe in and recognize many omens of good and bad.

Society and Culture

Made up of several hundred different tribes, the Ba-Liyan are notable for their wide variety and diversity of their culture. Ba-Liyan have a long and ancient culture that has been preserved in the numerous tribes that survived their many destructions and re-births over the eons.

While the precise origins of the Ba-Liyan are unknown and lost to ancient memory, oral tradition tells us that ancient Ba-Liyan originated somewhere in the “western country” (this is thought to be the large cave systems found in the modern day Lands of Talica) emerging from the Shiabau (portal), the cave portal from which they entered this plane of existence from the Qara Scuru (The Dark Dimension). Oral tradition states that this is the third world of the Ba-Liyan, having existed in the Qara Scuru twice before.

Emerging from this deep earth cave system they were guided by the “Great Spirit”, and were guided from region to region across the Western Realms until they originally arrived in a range of mountains now known as the Blue Mountains. This marked the beginning of time for the Ba-Liyan on Ta Los and in Kralis.

Ba-Liyan live in harmony with their environment, striving for perfection within their society and constructing a culture that is attuned to the rhythms of the land so that they flourished across the land. This atonement to all living things is what grants Ba-Liyan such strength in their Kai and their unique ability to master jinhu.

All Ba-Liyans are connected through their spiritual forces and the spirits of their ancestors, and as such their culture and kin have remained almost entirely intact through out the eons. However, each of the various tribes have unique traditions and distinct styles of housing, dress and food.

Family And Structure

As a species the Ba-Liyan tend to be organized in small families known as a strahmos, a patriarchal-like family, that often consisting of one polyandrous male, several wives and their young.

Unmated males, known as bhaiatu (young men), are active members of their communities until they reach maturity. On the onset of this maturity bhaiat’s set out and chose their mates and founded their own strahmos families.

Clans or tribes, often referred to as Gahscas, are formed by strahmos’ coming together under a single bvahtran vehnerabi (Elder Father or Elder Mother). These clans can range in size from 25 to 50 strahmos.

Community

Ba-Liyan social structure is a patriarchal one and is dominated by Tevarlis (leader), unlike the bvahtran vehnerabi who rule like chieftains, the Tevarlis are the dominate male within a single family and tends to be the oldest male. A Tevarlis has complete control of all the members of the family. Law and tradition give the Tevarlis complete privilege over property of the family and authority over everyone attached to the family: Siev (wifes), Beniha (children), and Asinalis (blood-related; which often included the wives sisters and mother.) It is his duty to father and raise healthy children, a strong family (bhadis) and to maintain the moral propriety and well-being of his family. This is a spiritual belief to honour his Gahscas and the ancestors.

Siev are an important part of the Bhadis, despite the fact that they are ruled over by the Tevarlis. It is her responsibility to ensure that the direction of her husband is followed very strictly as this brings honor to the ancestors. Siev are also responsible for the day to day up bringing of the Beniha in accordance to the laws of the Gahscas.

Ba-Liyan clans migrate from one location to another several times year, these A’juns Acas (ancient homes) are located several hundred miles apart and are located in specific locations that are considered spiritually awoken areas. Often times these areas are located at the sources of telluric currents (also known as Ley Lines) . They tend to be fertile forests, powerful waterfalls, and deep, dark caverns alight with glowing plant life. All places that are believed to rejuvenate their Kai.

All A’juns Acas are built underground and are made up of several miles of tunnels and large underground rooms of various sizes that are used for a number of reasons: bathing, sleeping, practice, study, stores, etc. On occasion these have been known to open up to larger stone caverns that have opened up into the depths of Tav Aeduhn.

Art

Ba-Liyan are skilled artisans and have a special flair for silversmithing, pottery and intricately woven rugs. The most important and most sought after products is their kacel. While many other species admire the detail and beauty of these “dolls”, most do not understand the spiritual connections that the dolls can create between the mortal world and the Celestial Realms.

Their designs in their art from pottery to rugs to their silversmithing is related to their connection to the Omniverse and the spiritual realms. They often use geometrical shapes along with “tribal” designs of various important animals and spiritual concepts.

Customs, Traditions and Beliefs

In the Ba-Liyan world-view, tradition, myth, legend and historical accounts are all equally valid perceptions of reality. Because of this believe they have a deep understanding of the Kai of the world. Through it they are able to make contact with ancestors and power jinhu.

Fundamental to Ba-Liyans is their close-knit kinship system, with clan members maintaining tight bonds and working together in common goals. Per ancient customs every aspect of day-to-day life follows a highly spiritual belief system.

Traditions of Ba-Liyan are easily intertwined with their beliefs. One of the strongest and more ancient of traditions within Ba-Liyan society is the naming ceremony. Ba-Liyan are given two names within the first 60 days of their birth. Traditionally, the first name has no religious or spiritual connotation and is used for day-to-day interaction, the second name is what Ba-Liyans believe is their true name and it is given by Heilark or Enach (shaman) of the clan. Very few know this name, the heilark, his or her tevarlis and siev are generally the only ones that know this name. If a Ba-Liyan shares this name with others it is a sign of respect and deep trust in the other.

Traditionally, every morning before their morning feast Ba-Liyan tend to meditate for up to an hour. During this time their hands and fingers move through nearly 500 symbolic gestures. This is meditation is meant to bring each Ba-Liyan into connection with the spiritual world and their Kai.

Every Gahscas through out the world plays a game of great antiquity, which is meant to help with developing Strength and Agility. Called Ehcrause the game requires two teams that pass a ball of leather or stone using only a basketlike head on a stick. The game lasted for a predetermined time or score. It is a game of quickness, stamina and strength.

Traditionally, all elder Ba-Liyan are given much respect by younger generations. When first coming to greet an elder younger Ba-Liyan perform Ashtaph which is akin to bowing, with the addition of taking the elder’s hand and pressing it to his or her forehead.

As a society, Ba-Liyans have dozens of beliefs many of which are unique to each particular clan. However, there are few that each clan holds with great regard.

Ba-Liyans value honor and loyalty, and within each of the Gahscas the term strahmos often encompasses much more than just blood ties. These often can also include close friends of even other species that they might bring into a strahmos or Gahscas. These “Sahnge Amhic” or “family of honor”, are close friends that are very dear to the Ba-Liyan. A part of their sacred spiritual traditions is the notion of a life debt: when a Ba-Liyans life is saved by another, regardless of species they tend to devote themselves to a lifetime of service to this savior and their family. These develop into long, unbreakable bonds with their boon companions and true friends.

As part of their understanding of the Omniverse, Ba-Liyan belief strongly in the principles of cause and effect where intent and actions of an individual can influence the future of that individual. They call this “spiritual weight” or 'Kai Timbatu'. Those with great Kai Timbatu have a greater effect on their own future. This concept is also closely related to their concept of re-birth or reincarnation.

Marriage

There is no true marriage, as it is considered in other species, when it comes to the Ba-Liyan. They believe in both polyandry and polyamory relationships; both of which are founded in their concept of freedom and exploration. These relationships help create a stronger connection to both the Gahscas and the Strahmos as a whole. As the children are truly raised by the whole Gahscas.

Typically, the eldest daughters of one Strahmos would become mated with both of the oldest sons of another Strahmos. These matings were often done between a son-less Strahmos and another that had sons.

Holiday/Dates of Importance

Though there are many different Gahscas but each adhere to a number of important dates sacred to the Ba-Liyan people.

Da Culnya Atse (Festival of Emergence): Celebrated on 15th night of Janak the Festival of Emergence is held in remembrance of the Ba-Liyan emergence on the Fourth World. It is celebrated with continuous dancing and merriment inside a large cave. It ends as the morning dawns and the various Gahscas exit the cave. This ceremonial holiday ends with a large bountiful feast.

Da Acara Sia (Rite of Passage): This ceremony generally takes place when Ba-Liyan beniha (children) reach their age of maturity. During this ceremony each beniha demonstrates their commitment to their Gahscas and recognize that they are not responsible for following the laws of each Gahscas. Once the ceremony is complete a celebration ensues for several hours.

Nhakts and Dheina: The Festivals of the Sun are generally celebrated on the Spring Dawning (set between Nathag and Menet) and on the Signing (set between Magatos and Sapadek) and celebrates the willingness of the Bali-Yan-Shi-Nu to sacrifice their ancient worlds and the suffering that they endured. Nhakts celebrates the beginning of the Izsalkic (hunger) where Ba-Liyan observe three months of fasting, prayer, reflection and connection to each other. It begins on the rising of the first dawn of the Spring Dawning. Dheina celebrates the end of the Izsalkic and the celebration of Ausanaz (satiation) where the Ba-Liyan people, at the moment the sunsets, begin a festival that will last for three full days where feasts, prayers, meditation and

Dress/Clothing

Ba-Liyan tend to dress in cotton pants and a simple cotton shirt that have several pockets along the sides. These tend to be of natural color but have meaningful designs either dyed on in the case of younger Ba-Liyan or stitched beading in the case of elder Ba-Liyan. They tend to wear a type of woven sandal or low-leather boots.

Food

Ba-Liyan are well known for their ability to farm and to grow large crops beneath the earth. Exactly how they are able to grow stable crops of grains, vegetables and their wild dark fruit called quinka berries is a bit of a mystery but many sages believe it has to do with their connection to the spirit world.

Harmony and balance, is a very important part of Ba-Liyan life. This is reflected in their food where every flavor, at least to the Ba-Liyan, is used in balance with each other. One of the favorite drinks of the Ba-Liyan is a berry beer called Kaitu, “spirit drink”. It is highly intoxicating to anyone but Ba-Liyan (Stamina vs TS 5; or suffer Stage 3 Intoxication).

One of the mainstays of traditional Ba-Liyan cuisine is the Hahptu, a type of dumpling made from rice, fish or other meat, packed into a diamond-shaped container of a woven leaf pouch. Once cooked these dumplings remain fresh for several days if kept in the leaf wrapping. Consuming one returns 3d10 Fatigue points. Costs to create just one with all the correct materials is approximately 10 silver pieces.

Ba-Liyan’s are also well known for their Vihn, a berry-honey wine of a purple color that has hallucinatory like effects on non-Ba-Liyans (causing those that drink the wine to make a Willpower check at a TS of 6 or become stunned for 5 turns).

Religion and Spirituality

Spiritual speaking Ba-Liyan are a highly awakened species. They are open to the various powers of the world. They are sensitive to the power of Kai that flows through the Omniverse which they believe connects all of nature from the lowly ant to the massive mountain rocks. The entirety of the Ba-Liyan religious and spirituality is based predominately around this understanding and belief.

At the center of Ba-Liyan religious life is the shaman or Enach. These individuals are charged with the teaching of how to access Kai, administering to the sick, and ensuring that ancestral doctrine is maintained and that the connection of the natural forces of the world are maintained.

Ba-Liyan religion is based on the belief their purpose is to maintain a balance between nature and the mortal world. They recognize two major ceremonial cycles: Nhakts and Dheina; which divide the year and are time for great ceremonies which last nine days each.

The Gods

Religious worship is based around the singular deity Ughar (or Great Spirit; Some other species scholars believe that this is the god known as the One) and the power of Kai and the use of jinhu. They believe that the origin of their connection to the use of Kai and Jinhu resides in the Blue Mountains, and in other holy places (A’juns Acas).

This singular belief does not mean that the Ba-Liyan do not recognize other deities, they believe that these “other deities” are simply an aspect of the Ughar and each have their season or time to be venerated.

Death and Funerals

For Ba-Liyan death is not the end. Unlike other species, like the Aelwyn, Ba-Liyan have a deep knowledge and understanding of the afterlife. They believe that death is not the end, but a transition into a higher form of understanding and enlightenment, of becoming an ancestor. Ba-Liyan believe that when the body dies in this existence the soul (vésa) enters into the Shiabau and moves to another plane of existence becoming one with the energy of Kia, and is the precursor to Speghiz’iech and the art of jinhu.

In Ba-Liyan culture the bodies of the deceased are not buried or set aflame, rather they are taken to the clan’s Khapenes (catacombs) and enshrined with others of their clan. Each family has a single catacomb hall, all of which make up the entirety of the clans Khapenes. In front of each tomb sits an Kacel (a spiritual doll) that is said to protect the tomb of the ancestor.

Funerals are generally private affairs. Burial of the dead occurs soon after death if possible as Ba-Liyan belief holds that the Vesa’s journey into the Shiabau occurs on the fourth day after passing. Tradition dictates that the body of the deceased to be washed and groomed, then decorated with prayer feathers and the face covered with a cotton woven mask. The body is then wrapped and then laid to rest in the catacombs by the oldest son (if possible, if not this then falls to the oldest male relative). When in tombed, the body is situated to be sat in a prayer position.

After Life

Shiabau, the land of the Ancestors or Heaven, Ba-Liyan beliefs about the afterlife vary greatly from Gahscas to Gahscas. Most hold belief that the souls of the dead pass into a spirit world, where they can occasionally still communicate with the living through dreams or the intercession of Enach. Here the dead remain until they decide to return to the world of the living as new infants within their family or clan.

Some Gahscas also believe that there is a more structured land of the dead, often presided over by a god of death or other supernatural caretaker.

Language

Ba-Liyan speak Rasta-ki, and their high-pitched voices give the language a hyperactive, sped-up feel.

Because they are clan driven, the name of the individual is less important than that of the clan. They all have “first” names, but this is only to differentiate between individuals within a clan – when introducing themselves to “outsiders”, a Ba-Liyan’s clan name is followed by the first name.

Rasta-ki is an inflecting language with many analytical forms. Primary word stress, with a few exceptions, is on the first syllable. Basic word order in Rasta-Ki is subject–verb–object; however, word order is relatively free.

Dialects

The Rasta-ki language is divided into three distinct dialects: Rasta-Ki, Middle Dialect and High Dialect. Which Rasta-Ki is perhaps the most recognizable differences in the various Gahscas and their locations.