[[:Template:Bhahuul]]
Bhahuulians
(pronounced: baa-hool)
The Bhahuul of Ta Los, and indeed within the new frontiers of the Void, are among the most resilient, industrious and battle tested species of the Omniverse. Unwilling to surrender, these proud beings are raised in a warrior-mystic culture steeped in a long tradition of honor and loyalty. Since the beginning of time the Bhahuul have appeared to the outside world as powerful, majestic and solid as their mountain motherland.
They are a formidable species, loyal to the Kingdom, as well as each other as directed by the Great Mother. They pull together against any onslaught to them or their beliefs. They have long progressed from holding transgressions against each other. This truth does not hold for non-Bhahuuls. They stubbornly hold onto grudges against others, which are not easily forgiven.
Bhahuul once faced internal civil war as great houses fought each other over control and domination of the whole burgeoning kingdom thousands of years ago. This division resulted in the decline of the Bhahuul to the point that they stopped caring for true honor. It was not until the rise of the warrior king and first emperor - Cionach the First, that the Bhahuul realm was established and the rule of the First Aukigan began.
Bhahuul are not wretched, unkempt beings with horns. cloven feet and snouts. They are regal in appearance, though fierce, their powerful horns (Scuretez) are ringed with silver, and gold indicating their status within the empire. Those with thick coats take great care to keep them clean and which are often braided in elaborate fashion. There are those that are known to have large Cocota (hump) over the top of their shoulders and neck.
They range in a great deal of colors from light gray to red to dun yellow to sheer black, with a majority of them are blue-steel gray. The older the Bhahuul the dark their colors become.
Psychology
To be a Bhahuul is to understand that you are inherently different, that in a world of monsters and creatures, many would consider you just that: a monster. But it is to also understand that as a Bhahuul your ancestry is long, complex and is built upon a specific set of believes and thinking. Born and bred for warrior, a Bhahuul adheres to a single purpose: to Serve the Empire.
Bhahuuls are a warrior-mystic (Loraztor-Mhistic) species. Both males and females are expected to be physically strong, mentally sharp and emotionally resilient. It is hammered into them that it is their absolute duty to defend and promote the Empire at all costs. This is furthered by the fact that on the day of their birth (incezif) elders inspected the newborns, those that were not thought to be capable in any regard, are considered outcasts, but are not outcast to live a life filled with misunderstanding or disregard. Rather Bhahuulian culture and laws state that Bhahuulian citizens that were incapacitated or disabled are to be cared for by the whole of the Empire and are to be treated with the same respect as an Ascadur regardless of their disability.
At the age of three-years both males and females(Jukalit) are sent to the local Lecticep (training school) where they would spend the next seven years in relentless, harsh, and often brutal training. Those that did not die, or successfully complete the programs, were allowed to become Prakans, otherwise they a considered Lucratu.
Society and Culture
The Bhahuulian life is based on three core principles, known as the Redina Evariz (Code of Belief-Honor): Honor (Evariz), Strength (Rezista), and Loyalty (Aceade). These three principles are most prized by Bhahuuls and form the backbone of life and society for them. They have been instilled in every citizen, whether it be the Aukigan (Emperor), Prakan (noble-warriors), Negustor (merchant class), the Lucratu (working class) and the Ascadur (civilian class), and finally the Clavon (bonded servant class) and are followed without waver for it is these principles that have kept the Bhahuuls from ever becoming the fodder or bonded servants of another nation since their ancient escape at the hands of giastori.
These pervasive ideals have lead to a single conclusion for all Bhahuuls that among all things the family unit, like the state that they serve, is the binding element that holds the entire nation of warriors together. The principles have taught the Bhahuuls that above all else loyalty to one’s family, the state and self brings them great strength and allows them to live by a deep sense of honor. To give one’s word is to bind yourself to the action that is required to fulfill their word. They despise any creature that does not live an honorable life nor has the strength to achieve this honor.
Despite the principles, Bhahuuls are a species of warriors. To all Bhahuuls honor, in the most traditional sense of the ideal, is the highest principle to live by. It is a warrior’s principle. Although as with all cultures, politics and personal gain tend to get in the way. This sense of honor is consists of the following philosophy: Honor above your life, Honor never surrenders, Honor never bluffs, Honor fights to the death, Honor enriches the soul, Honor protects the family, Honor serves the state.
Through the eyes of the warrior the greatest honor for them is to die in battle. It brings honor to the family and to the state. Weakness is viewed as dishonorable and is not tolerated.
Bhahuulian philosophy views that might makes right. At first look this view appears to conflict with the three core principles of honor, strength and loyalty. However, it is because of these three that justifies the philosophy. The idea of might makes right is based on strength, not just strength of muscle but also of will, spirit or mental fortitude.
To those Bhahuuls living within the Empire the existence and continuation of the state is of high importance. They believe that anything that serves the state is right and just. Bhahuuls understand that in order for their grand republic to succeed they must serve the needs of the state first and foremost. While personal ambition is encouraged within the state, if it conflicts with the ambitions of the state then their personal ambitions must be but aside. This is even true when houses war against each other for political reasons.
Beyond the Empire, Bhahuul still have a deep loyalty to the motherland, but as with all things, living in the world beyond the borders tends to dominate the day-to-day survival of these houses and individuals. So long as they were not dishonored when they left, their place within the Empire is still holds true. Even at great distances from the comfort of the Empire, word travels fast, and news of dishonorable acts travels even faster.
Unlike most cultures and non-monstrous beings, Bhahuul young are born able to defend themselves within hours as their hoofs and small horns quickly harden and become dangerous weapons. The young are treated with great care, but they are also driven by their elders as to weed out the weak minded, the weak willed and the weak spirited.
All young Bhahuuls,known as Jukalit, are required by Bhahuulian law to under go a week long assessment just days after they are born. While not mistreated they are put through grueling tests to assess their mental, will and spirit. Those that are found lacking are placed into forced retainers within the state.
It is from here that the ranks of the Prakan, Nequstor, Lucratu, Ascadur and Clavon are filled. Male Bhahuul that are deemed only worthy of bonded servants are castrated, which is a dishonorable condition, so that they are not allowed to father weak children. Female Bhahuuls that are deemed as bonded servants are never allowed to bear young, those that do are forced out of the state and bring dishonor to themselves and are looked upon by all Bhahuul with disdain.
While the Empire is built on the backs and efforts of its male citizens, its female citizens (other than bonded servants) are given formal education, that includes military and tactical education as well. Often Bhahuul females are allowed to own and manage their property apart from their husbands even if they are married.
Bonded Servants (Clavon)
the lowest level in Bhahuulian society is the bonded servant. The economy of the republic is built upon indentured labor and without it the republic would come to a stand still. Those that are non-Bhahuul tend to be forced retainers because they have broken one of the various laws of the republic and must work off their sentence. Bhahuul bonded servants are known as the (Rhusine) dishonored. Those that are not of Bhahuulian ancestry are known as Kulachtal.
The Rhusine (dishonored)
Rhusine are those male and female that were found weak during their trials as young Bhahuuls and will forever be Rhusine unable to regain any honor within the republic. The Rhusine can only eve be Bhahuulian.
The Kulachtal
Kulachtal are an entirely different type of forced retainers and they can be of any species. These are individuals that have broken Bhahuul law in some way or have dishonored themselves, the state and have been sold into enforced labor to the state where they must work until they have restored their honor.
Many times the Kulachtal and Rhusine have a chance to redeem themselves and do so by surviving within the fighting arenas where they are forced to fight each other to the death. Those that survive are restored to their rightful place within the republic or are freed to return to their homelands.
While not considered citizens and having no rights within the republic per say, bonded servants and forced retainers are treated with great respect and care. By virtue of being a bonded servant they are protected by the laws of the republic and it is considered a crime to harm or kill a bonded servant. Doing so will bring heavy fines and dishonor.
Bonded Servants and forced retainers represent a heavy financial investment with most beginning at 1000 sp, so a few lower class citizens have the means to own them. As they represent a verily hearty investment for the lower class they are treated much finer than the forced retainers of the Negustor or the Prakan. Those that are purchased by the state for labor tend to have harder and harsher lives as they work long, exhausting hours. Kaz-Nakiur does not import or export its forced retainers and find the concept of forced retainers trade dishonorable and reprehensible.
Ascadur
The Ascadur class, the civilian class, have somewhat better lives than bonded servants or forced retainers do. Ascadur are citizens which means that they have rights, limited rights, but rights none the less. Which means more or less that they cannot be killed or tortured without due cause. Ascadur have a much better life than do forced retainers and have better prospects for social advancement, but not much. They are kept down and in place by the more elite classes. Many Ascadur have managed to become rather wealthy and have gained influence to rise from the civilian class to the working class, typically they move on to become a part of the working class, mercenaries or adventurers. The civilian class along with the forced retainers make up the greatest population within the Empire.
Lucratu
The working class, often referred to as Lucratu, are considered the blood of the Empire. These individuals make up the lesser houses and have more rights than the Ascadurs, but still are not as powerful the Negustor class. The Lucratu are the main source manufacturing, working of fields, and more feeding into the Negustor or merchant class. They greater rights and are allowed to own tracks of land, employ the Ascadur and own many forced retainers. They are often wealth citizens and have their own rankings within their class to show status. They are kept down and in place by the more elite classes. Those Lucratu that have managed to become rather wealthy tend to also have gained enough influence (and several bribes) to rise from this class into the Negustor class, typically by becoming merchants, and rarely gaining a seat within the Prakans. Less than half of the Empire are Lucratu.
Negustor
The Negustor class, the merchant class, are made up of a majority of houses with ancient bloodlines that stretch back to the times of Athigurian. They are defined, as are the Prakans, by their ancestral linage as much as by their power and wealth. This is a rigid class and leaving it is much easier than gain access to it, leaving it is a matter of a loss of honor, where as access to it is controlled by the elders within the class, which is jealously controlled.
Most Negustor own vast tracts of land and make their fortune leasing it to those who reside on it (often the working class). These land renters tend to be farmers or ranchers. While owning land is not restricted to the noble classes, the tendency is for the nobles to have already purchased the majority of land in the Empire near the various cities.
Those that do not own land, or do not wish to own land, often take up service in the Grand Army of Kaz Nakiur, throw their lot into the political life of the realm, or into the clergy of the realm. While any Bhahuul greater than a Clavon can attempt to or enter into the army, the bureaucracy or the clergy; most of the high ranked leaders are drawn from the noble class, as those that can purchase their rank or title if necessary.
Prakan
During the week of Kalkurtik (Inquisition) while young Bhahuuls are tested, they are also carefully examined for any signs of greater intelligence, stronger wills, and talents that befit a great leader (magical, divine, or tactical). Any that show even a small aptitude for such are immediately inducted into the Prakan class, given to adoptive parents that will nourish these talents and be able to grant the young Bhahuul access to any and all the requirements they need to fulfill their talents.
Prakan are the ruling class of the Empire. It is from this class that all the great and powerful rulers are chosen from, including the Aukigan. As Prakan, they are bestowed special status as citizens. They are better represented in the assemblies and the various offices of the Empire. So long as the class acts in concord, they can always determine the results of voting in the various assemblies. This is how the Prakan maintain control over the Empire and push it to become greater.
It is required by Bhahuulian law that all Prakan must serve 4 years within the Grand Army before their 20th day of birth. Here the individual Prakan learn a great deal of functioning of the republic and gain a great amount of training in their various talents. There is a hierarchy within the Prakan based upon the talents of the class. Those that show a great deal of talent in the combative arts are herald as the most prestigious, followed by those within divine talents, and then arcane talents.
Prakan are very wealthy and tend to have a large sum of various lands spread through out the republic. Many Prakan do not actually live within the three great cities but rather spend most of their time on their vast tracts of land overseeing various duties. However, all Prakan come to the cities each week to partake in the games and to vote on the various propositions, laws and inductions of the republic.
Aukigan
The Aukigan is not so much a person, but rather a position of power and control. The Aukigan is an elected position from within the population of the Senate, and tend to be great generals, but any one senator can be elected by popular vote. The Aukigan serves for a term of three years and may never be voted into the position again. During the term, the Aukigan acts as the head of the Empire, all final resolutions, laws, entitlements, and state business must pass through the Aukigan’s overview and mark of acceptance. It is this position’s responsibility to control and direct the Senate without direct interference.
Family and Structure
The Bhahuul household (Grospodak) is typically com-promised of the extended family. Depending on the class that the family comprises tends to dictate the overall living conditions. Most families frequently have up to three generations living together. These tend to include the grandparents, father, mother, sons and unmarried daughters, their sons’ wives and their children and any bonded servants or forced retainers.
If one was of the Ascadur class the family resided in a large home where the grandparents and father and mother shared the largest sleeping quarters, married sons, their wives and their children then slept in the second largest area, with unmarried daughters taking the third largest area and bonded servants residing in the common areas in order to be of service to the whole family.
Living residence of the Lucratu greatly improves as they are afforded large areas to live within, often have several large buildings inter-connected surrounding a large central courtyard. The various buildings themselves were built according to the needs of the individual families. These could be expanded or additions added on as needed.
The more ancient Negustor and Prakan classes lived in large spacious estates with their extended family, each living in large multi-rooms, giving each part of the family great privacy and space. The stronger the bloodline of the family to the Empire, the great the wealth the family has the large these estates are. Some are nearly 100 acres in size and have personal soldiers, hundreds of bonded servants or forced retainers.
In all cases, when it comes to bonded and forced retainers, only the most trusted, most loyal and those that have shown the greatest devotion to the family were allowed to live in proximity of their masters and mistresses. Most others, were heavily restrained or magically bound.
While it was common for wives and females to have strong political connections, even becoming powerful legislators within the Senate. The overriding duty of the Bhahuulian wife was to provide her family, her husband, with offspring, preferably males, to ensure that their (his) household and linage did not die out. This pressure to conceive comes predominately from the husband’s family, and often more so from society at large.
It’s not atypical for this to be different in regards to genders or sexualities within Bhahuulian society. Ultimately, the family unit is the most important aspect of society, no matter how that looks.
Because of the high level of requirements by infants, households generally produce five to eight children to achieve the goals of the community and the Empire.
Community
Bhahuulian society is patriarchal in the purest sense. The male head of household (grospodak or House grospu) holds very special legal and social powers and privileges that gives him jurisdiction over all the members of his House, which can include a great number of Bhahuul clans that are connected via marriage as well as various relatives as well as bonded servants and forced retainers.
Life within Bhahuul cities revolve around the Senate Forum, and the central business districts, where most Bhahuuls go for marketing, shopping, trading, banking, and for participation in festivals and ceremonies. Life within the cities, as well as within the countryside, begins before sunrise. Depending on the class level and the nature of the day. Nearly all bonded servants and forced retainers were up and moving about their masters estates fixing breakfast, beginning their labor, or rousing the children and other family members so that everyone is up and moving around 11 am.
Elders tend dress much later, taking breakfast around 11 am, strolling through estates, or maintain the home of the clan, before an afternoon nap and then attending the Senate Forums. While it may look like Bhahuuls are “filthy beasts” this is hardly the truth. They are meticulous in their hygiene, going to private estate or open public bathing houses at least once a day. Both male and female Bhahuuls visit the same bathing house as neither sex views the other in any other meaning than that of mortal shell. These bath houses also contain a magically created cold room and several exercise rooms where combat fighting forms could be practiced in relative safety.
Customarily, most Bhahuuls often attend different types of outdoor and indoor entertainment, which are scheduled from late morning to very late nights. Most attend the games and trials within the various Coliseums to watch events like gladiatorial events, arcane duals or watch Kulachtal and Rhusine fight for their lives to regain their honor.
Life in the countryside is slow but lively, with numerous local festivals and social events. Farms are run by the farm managers, but estate owners sometimes take a retreat to the countryside for rest, enjoying the splendor of nature and the sunshine, including activities like fishing, hunting, and riding. On the other hand, bonded servant labor slogs on continuously, for long hours and all seven days, and ensuring comforts and creating wealth for their masters. The average farm owners were better off, spending evenings at economic and social interactions at the village markets. The day typically ends with a meal, generally left over from the noontime preparations.
Art
Artistic pursuits within the Empire, and within Bhahuul communities outside the Empire, are many and varied. Despite their large, powerful hands they known to create refined visual works, as well as intricate musical scores, dance and poetry.
Bhahuul epics depict tales of honor, death and loyalty, often focusing on the singular hero standing against overwhelming odds and certain death.
Most of their art works are made of silver, brass, and ivory and are highly sought after through out the Omniverse. The greatest artists of Bhahuul origins are often treated with great reference and celebrity like status.
Perhaps the greatest art that the Bhahuul create is within their architecture. Being among the heaviest and largest civilized species within the Omniverse, Bhahuul architecture rivals their size.
Built from granite, marble and great ironwood trees these buildings are sturdy beyond believe, being able to take several direct hits from earthquakes or even elemental ballista. They are tightly interlocked, and flexible. These buildings are built for preservation, with simplicity and function being first and foremost.
Customs, Traditions and Beliefs
Festivals, when celebrated, are gigantic events that can last for several days. Two of the greatest of festivals are known as the Klukultak and the Jultaltak.
The Klukultak, or the Festival of the Dead, is a festival that last three days. It begins on the 1st day of Menet. On the first and last day sacrifices and gifts are offered to the dead, as a way of mourning and remembering the ancients and those that died unexpectedly. It is also the most solemn of all the Bhahuul traditions. During this time of remembrance Bhahuul eat nothing except special cakes made of tasteless flour and blood. Bhahuul dress in dark grays and speak to no one for the duration. Even the Senate remains quite during this period. On the second day the tone of the festival is drastically different. Music is heard pouring through out every building, bards, hired by the various families, read epics and poems of the dead, praising them, national songs are sung and great competitions are held in the various coliseums. Even the Kulachtal and Rhusine are allowed to participate in this festival and are encouraged to enjoy the freedoms of the day.
The Jultaltak, or Festival of the Morning Sun, this festival marks the escape from the ancient Giastori by the Bhahuul. Ancient writings state that these fore-fathers were hunted for several days as they fled south out of the Kingdom of Athigurian. Many were killed during this rebellion, but on the third day it is said that as the last remaining Bhahuul clans crested the hills of the Meminak Mountains on the fifth morning Sahu - Deity of Strength and Warfare appeared in a blinding light his magic laying waste to the giastori pursuers.
For five days, beginning on Dragons Heat, every community burns a tall pyre of ironwood, ignited by special chemical agents that burn a bright white with little heat. During this festival, non-dishonored Rhusine are allowed to live among their kin as equals and may beseech the government to grant them a new status of Ascadur. This is done through gladiatorial combat to the death.
Like most all other civilized cultures, the Bhahuul have rites of ascension. The most popular is known as the Phataltak: Festival of Age. This festival is generally is a five day event with the young Bhahuul’s day of birth situated in between. This occurs during the jukalit’s 13th year. The festival celebration itself is a test of stamina with regards to feasting, drinking, and story-telling, a test that continues, unabated over the five days it ends on the morning of the sixth day as the young Bhahuul’s endurance and stamina is tested as they thrown into a fighting pit were they had to overcome or withstand the brutal beating attacks of older Bhahuul. This endurance is a sign of the Bhahuul’s spiritual stamina as much as their physical stamina. Beaten and bloodied the young Bhahuul is given their first horn ring and declared an adult after several hours of this rite. In spite of everything, this rite of ascension is eagerly anticipated by the young Bhahuul as an opportunity to confront fear, death and honor their house.
While not necessarily not a religious belief, Bhahuul warriors are known to say a prayer to Sahu and Sirrah and to Malik (God of Luck) if they lived.
Bhahuul are well known to be very energetic when exchanging greetings with one another within a specific class. For males in particular, it’s not unusual to see them ramming heads and locking horns or even exchanging hearty embraces.
Marriage
Marriage is important to Bhahuuls, as the Empire put pressure on its people to produce male descendants so that they could potentially become Prakan at best and Ascadur at worst to replace the aging and those who died in battle.
Customarily, Bhahuul do not marry until they are 25 years of age, though they were eligible to marry as early as 18 years of age.
Because female Bhahuuls are granted the same rights as their male counterparts, it is the female that initiates the marriage proposal and contract. Just as most males in other civilizations tend to look for the best in their own desires for a mate, so does the Bhahuul female. She often pursues the most experienced male Bhahuul within her class. No female of a lower class is allowed to pursue males of a higher class, but a female may always pursue males of her class or a lessor class, though this is frowned upon by her peers. Once married, however, the couple always returned to the males ancestral home to live with his parents in order assure that his bloodline endured.
Holy/Dates of Importance
Among the various festivals that the Bhahuul have, Bhahuul have several holy days that they hold close.
Huljatak, Day of Atonement, is observed on the third day of Tavaz, where all Bhahuuls attend rituals to atone for their lack of honor. These lack of honor offenses is not enough to cause communal dishonor.
Braqutak, Day of Honor, is observed on the ninth day of Nyar, where Bhahuul’s evaluate their deeds over the past year, often this is done in solitude, in the evening. This evaluation is meant for them to focus on their deeds and if they held up to the Bhahuul code of honor and loyalty. It is customary, to feast only on the pickled heart of their most dangerous foe that they faced that year.
Vharutak, Day of Loyalty, is observed on the tenth day of Janak. It is a day that Bhahuul’s reaffirm their connection with family and those that they view as Simkri Inruhi. This often is intimate reflection occurring with those individuals and family. This observation is done with a great deal of drinking and eating.
Chulatak, Day of Strength, is observed on the thirtieth day of Kerics. This is day is filled with challenges of strength and stamina, sometimes it leads to a Bhahuul getting severely wounded. It is a time for all Bhahuul to prove to themselves and others their physical, mental and spiritual strength. Outside of the Empire this is done through entering into gladiatorial contests in whichever city or town they are in or call home.
Dress/Clothing
Within the borders of the empire most Bhahuul of all classes dress in simple tunics or dresses of cotton. Males tend to wear leather breeches that reach down to their mid-calf and are tied off. They wear thick belts or sashes around their waist. These are often handcrafted from leather, silk and other fabrics.
Both Ascadur and Lucratu dress in natural earth like colors of tans, reds and light blues. The Negustor class tends to dress in lighter colors of purple, maroon and golds. Prakans wear bronze, silver and gold colors signifying their high status.
Only the Aukigan is allowed to dress in whites, with golden and red steel highlights. This signifies his “otherness” beyond the rest of the Bhahuul populace. Outside the Empire, with respect to local fashion or style, Bhahuul generally do not subscribe to fads or trends. Most Bhahuul’s tend to wear leather pants, breeches, cotton shirts, dresses or kilts of various colors other than white. Most people associate Klingon fashion with heavy armors, military uniforms and accessories, and while it is true that warriors of the Empire do wear these for military reasons, outside of the Empire Bhahuul’s wear the most functional type of armor that they can get their hands on.
Food
The Bhahuul palette, despite commonly held ideas, is very well developed and includes a wide variety of flavors and spices. Central to the Bhahuul taste is the use blood and fruit, particularly that of the crokeh (a gigantic wild boar common in the Empire). This prized beast was the first hunted by the fleeing Bhahuul as they escaped the clutches of the giastori. The meal serves now as a reminder of their escape and humble beginnings. It has long since become the traditional meal that is served during the Chulatak, Day of Strength. Bhahuul outside of the Empire, if they are unable to obtain crokeh, substitute it for the common wild boar or similar beasts from the region.
Thuthataka is a revered spicy dried fruit and meat pie. It contains a variety of spices, fruits and spices. Most of the fruit is generally apples, blood raisins, and oranges, meats often include mutton, pork, goose, or duck. It is further spiced by hot peppers and bluhtrauk (a type of thick brandy). These pies are well baked and can often be found in the gear of traveling Bhahuul. Bakers through out the Empire while baking the traditional pie, also create their own versions of the pie and as such you can tell which pie came from which baker based on this.
Besides the bluhtrauk and other alcohols, Bhahuul have a deep fondness of for coffees. Particularly the tar pit blend, which is a tasty, locally sourced blend of three beans that when ground and steamed deliver a rich taste, though it is a very thick drink. This drink boosts the imbibers alertness and awareness for several hours (+20 bonus to Alertness checks for d10/2 hours).
Religion and Spirituality
Bhahuuls are extremely spiritual. They have a deep faith that their deities watch over them and their actions and to bring dishonor to one’s family, the state or self incurs the wrath of the gods themselves. Bhahuuls believe that everything has a spirit which tends to influence the world around the Bhahuul for good or evil. It is a strongly believed that these spirits and the gods require daily worship and sacrifice in order to appease and keep them happy.
The Bhahuul religion is based on rituals and sacred rites. These rituals are very complex and require a strong priesthood to head the rituals. The chief priesthood’s are usually filled by distinguished Prakan. Bhahuulian religion and politics tend to be intermingled. There are two types of priests; • priests for the general supervision of religion • priests of particular deities
The Gods
Primary to the faith of the Bhahuul, known as the Nakshatras is the worship of the god of strength and warfare, Sahu. He is followed in prayer by Sirrah, the goddess of honor and family. Sahu, the Great Father, appears to his faithful as a gigantic Bhahuul dressed in white plate armor, with charcoal black fur. Sirrah appears a gigantic Bhahuul dressed in similar fittings as Sahu, however she has a sash bandolier of a deep royal purple.
Bhahuul’s also revere the more well known and worshiped deities particularly Hadak, Mala, and Albiorix.
Death and Funerals
Bhahuuls hold death in high regard. How one dies is as important as one has lived. There are many nuances to this custom. Many are morbid and others make no sense to the outsider. Bhahuuls do not fear death and view it in very spiritual ways. When death comes for them, they only desire to greet it in a way that will honor them, their family and the state.
They have no respect for those that take a cowardly route to death. They despise the wasting of a warrior’s life in futile, suicidal means. However, they venerate the lone warrior who through his sacrifice saves his family or the state, or that through his death defeats overwhelming numbers. Bhahuuls attempt to make their deaths mean something so that they are venerated and remembered.
No Bhahuul merely dashes towards death, because of the three principles, they know that to cherish their lives is to further the state, and protect their families. It is within the mindset of the Bhahuul that their deaths and the way that they die: with honor; should tout the truth of the Bhahuul believe of life, honor, loyalty and strength.
All Bhahuul believe that there is no honor in the destruction or death of innocent lives nor of sacrificing their lives unnecessary.
Upon death where family and friends have the body of the Bhahuul and depending on how the Bhahuul died, the funeral ceremony was either noble or it was unceremoniously discarded in whatever means that is the most convenient.
After Life
Bhahuul believe in an afterlife that they refer to Kulrahtak. Kindred to the human concepts of heaven, Kulrahtak is a celestial realm for the dead that lived and died in honor. It is where all true warriors went to feast, drink and fight alongside the deities of the Bhahuul faith. It is believed that the souls of the dishonored dead wander the space between our world and Kulrahtak; many also believe it is these souls that create the horrific, and dishonorable minotaur.
Language
All Bhahuuls speak some form of Mintakat in one of its many dialects. When speaking it is common for Verb-Object-Subject order. Where verbs are given importance. It is a heavy, vocal language, many scholars indicate that it has a braying sound in it. It is not guttural nor is it wispy or rhythmic in any manner. There is a different dialect when it comes to song creation that achieves this rhythm.
