1. Banyur PeopleThe Banyur are a tribe of the
Duhjari people. They are a group of several hundred people lead by their chieftain, Aharu.
They are a nomadic horse clan whose territory lies at the foothills of the Terrin mountains and stretches south across the Serha plains. They are a society that values honor, family, discipline, and cooperation, putting the group before oneself first and foremost. They have a deep respect for the elderly, valuing them for their wisdom. Despite their penchant for discipline, they are an active people that love sport, and love competition, everything from archery contests to racing to sparring to betting.
They are also a fierce people known to defend their domain tooth and nail. They are renowned for their archery, especially their mounted archery.
They are primarily a hunter gatherer society, but their livestock are an equally important part of their society. Horses are the most important animals in their lives, and every family owns at least one. They are treated as members of the family, and riders often form deep bonds with their horses. Next important are their cattle and goats, from which they get milk, meat, hide, and wool. No part of the animals they use go to waste; they use it all, from the tendons to the bone to the blood even to horse hair.
They stay in one area so long as the grass permits their livestock to feed, and move on when it grows sparse, allowing time between stays for the grass to grow back. Their lifestyle does not allow them to remain in one area for too long.
Most people in their group cannot read or write, as they rely on the spoken word. They have an oral history, and love storytelling and song.
They absolutely hate dragons, which have been known to feed upon their livestock and horses, and which they regard as over-sized vermin.
2. GenderThey are patriarchal and patrilineal; lineage is traced through the male side, and men are seen as the heads of the household and the chieftain of their group is always male. They are expected to be skilled equestrians, bowmen, and hunters, and expected to provide for their families through their strength. They tend to be the ones to care for the horses.
Women tend to care for the household as well as livestock, but they are also all taught how to fight. They are expected to help defend the tribe in times of crisis, either directly through fighting, or by carrying supplies into battle. Women are highly valued in Banyur society, and though the Banyur are patriarchal, the roles of women in their society are more flexible than rigid, and have been growing increasingly flexible in recent years. Women in their tribe often participate in traditionally male-dominated pursuits, like falconry, sparring, and even fighting, and the Banyur have seen their share of strong female warriors.
Both men and women are expected to pull their weight, and while they do indeed have gender roles, merit is seen as more important than rigid
roles.
Marriages tend to be arranged by the parents, and particularly well-off men may have multiple wives. Bride prices are also typically expected to be paid to the bride's family, generally livestock, weapons, or clothing. It's not unusual for a man to marry widowers, either, to care for her after her husband's death.
3. SexualityThe Banyur live hard lives and thus have more of a focus on growing their population. They are not a prudish people and are fairly laid back about sex; a life spent among thin-walled tents means there's very little privacy to be had, so people just get into the habit of politely ignoring other peoples' business. However, as a patriarchal society, they do have double standards for men and women. Men may have multiple wives, and it's expected and even encouraged that they'll sow their wild oats long before they marry. Women, on the other hand, are expected to be virginal until marriage.
Homosexuality, however, is rather stigmatized as it's seen as a waste, but that doesn't mean such relationships don't happen in secret. Or sometimes not so secret. Often people are aware of such relationships, but politely choose to remain quiet about it.
4. MagicMany Banyur have gifts of beastspeaking, which is useful for a people who make their lives around their animals, but other types of magic are not unheard of. Mages are valuable for their many different talents, and can find work among their tribe based on their skills.
5. StyleThe Banyur tend to wear clothing made of animal hides and goat wool. They also use the fur of animals they hunt, such as marmots and rabbits, to line their winter clothes. Men and women dress similarly, both wearing breeches, though women's clothing tends to be brighter and more intricately embroidered, and they often wear dresses when not on horseback. It's not uncommon for them to still wear breeches beneath their skirts.
Fur hats are worn in the colder months, and thick jackets, though lighter headdresses are worn throughout the year, though the very elaborate ones are worn only on special occasions. They love to decorate their clothing with intricate bead work and embroidery, generally done in geometric patterns.
They often use horse hair in their jewellery.
Many Banyur sport elaborate tattoos and scarification, and ear-stretching is also common.
Both men and women tend to wear their hair long. Women are expected to keep their hair braided, except when in private or with their husbands. Single women often wear beads and other hair decorations.
6. ReligionThe Banyur are soft polytheists with a dash of ancestor worship, and generally rather laid back about religion. They see all gods as being different aspects of one singular creative force, and thus find it really easy to integrate other religions into theirs. Though they essentially believe all gods are one god, they often worship and honor specific deities they see themselves as having a personal connection to, believing that that is how their creator connects to mortal men.
Because of their deep respect for family and the elderly, they also practice ancestor worship, honoring and praying to the spirits of deceased relatives.
7. Perception of OutsidersWith the Duhjari's shaky relationship with Adela, the Banyur are likewise wary of outsiders. They trade with outside groups now and then, but remain rather insular. Outsiders who have not been given permission to use or cross their lands are often met with caution and sometimes hostility, but the Banyur will often promise them safe passage at a price, usually in the form of goods.
In times of open conflict and battle, the Banyur do take prisoners, sparing any who willingly surrender. They are allowed to assimilate into their tribe.
8. LawsRape, murder, and adultery are punishable by death, as is the theft or killing of horses. Most smaller disputes are settled among individuals, though an elder might be called in to mediate. In some cases, disputes are settled through sparring.
