Al-tayih

The information below is to be helpful and provide backstory. To join, speak with Hazael or Ambra.

The Al-tayih are the ambush of were-tigers that make their home in the vast deserts of Haavi, near the sea, but far from the golden, glittering city that that lies far to the north. Their name comes from the Haavian word for ?wanderer' and this name of their own choosing is also the name by which they are known all across the dunes. Enigmatic desert people, the Ambush is most often encountered by the people of Haavi and travelers when they stray too far into the dunes to the south and are found by the Ambush who then lead them back to the north to the well-traveled roads where silk and spices flow to the rest of the known world. Other than by the occasional desert traveler, they are rarely encountered in their home by anyone. This is by no accident or simple consequence of their nomadic way of life. They stay far away and lead back the lost to safeguard the Ambush territory; to turn them away from certain death and tale the tale that they might tell others to stay far from the southern sands. It is from no sense of benevolence or obligation to do so. It is from their desire to protect the sands that are theirs and the treasure they hide in the oases they wander. Here is more about the Al-tayih and their secretive society.

The Ambush Itself

The Ambush is made up of a number of families of were-tigers who departed, soaked in blood, from Haavian society centuries ago. They worship Kashti, the tiger-spirit, as their only faith and this worship of her and absolute refusal to acknowledge Cinash as anything more than simply another deity and accept many Haavian social norms were among the causes for their departure from Haavian culture long before ago.

The Ambush as a People

In understanding the Al-tayih, it is crucial to first understand that their name has, for them, a deep and very different meaning from how it is often understood. To those outside the Ambush, they are seen most often as nomads who wander the desert from oasis to oasis in search of water and sustenance. In truth, their wandering is not wandering at all; it is with a sacred purpose. The Ambush travels in a great circle, between a number of oases, moving from one to the other in an endless patrol that encompasses a great length of shoreline along the sea and dozen oases. This vast circle is regarded as their territory, blessed to them by Kashti when she led them into the sands, and beneath the sands, near the cool water of the pools and beneath the great rocks that bake in the desert sun, they bury bounties of preserved food and jars of fresh water. They are anything but wanderers as most outside the Ambush might think them, but in their eyes and minds, the name ?Al-tayih' is a gift from Kashti. These oases and sands are their blessing from their tiger-goddess and they wander it, protecting it and their families from any who enter.

Al-tayih Leadership

Leadership of the Ambush is divided between at least two members of the Ambush, a male and his mate or mates. Neither is more important than the other, and in the case that the male has more than one mate, there is no deference given to one female over the other. Both are expected to fill their roles equally regardless of age or experience. Their role in society is perhaps best described by their title, Iraheem and Irikithyr, both Ambush derivations of old Haavian for ?father of many' and ?mother of many.' The Iraheem is most often the eldest male among the Ambush, the most skillful hunter and venerated veteran. His word is heard by all the males of the Ambush and his permission is required for a male to leave the Ambush on his own in search of territory elsewhere. To do so without seeking the Iraheem's blessing is seen as abandonment of the Ambush and one who did so would never be welcome to return. The Iraheem guides the hunters and as well as leading them on to the hunt or into battle. His guidance is sought by young males pursuing mates and his blessing is required for mating. Those about to become fathers will often seek out the Iraheem's wisdom. To seek the Iraheem's counsel or help for any matter is not regarded as a sign of weakness, but encouraged as a wise move made by a male who gives decisions regarding his family the weight Kashti demands. The Irikithyr is always the Iraheem's mate, and should he have more than one, both are addressed as such. Irikithyrs' words are heard by every female of the Ambush and they lead spiritual gatherings, ensure the food stores and bounties brought by the hunters and fishermen are sufficient to feed the Ambush, and provide their maternal wisdom to younger females as they find mates and prepare their own dens as well as when they become pregnant with young of their own. Irikithyr are present at the birth of all kittens within the Ambush, helping to deliver and name them, and to celebrate with and care for the new mothers as they learn to care for their young. Just as males are encouraged to seek out the Iraheem for counsel, so are females encouraged to seek the Irikithyr when a problem arises just as they seek answers from their own mothers, sisters, and friends. Mothers that find themselves in need of aid may ask the Irikithyr for help without fear and it is not uncommon for the revered tigress to nurse hungry kittens, clothe, and nurture the Ambush's young when they become more than a family can care for whatever the reason. Disputes within the Ambush are brought before the Iraheem and Irikithyr and together a resolution will be agreed upon after both sides have made their case. This agreement is reached by both leaders and is final. Both titles are most often handed down by Iraheem to Iraheem and Irikithyr to Irikithyr when both mates feel as if all the wisdom they have to offer has been passed on and when a new, capable pair of mates is ready. It is never passed before ready successors have proven themselves. Should an Iraheem wish to take another mate after becoming the Ambush's father, his new mate must be ready to be mother to the Ambush from the moment they are mated. The current Iraheem, Hazael Al-tayih, is the first Iraheem to take up the mantle due to the death of his predecessor in memory. Killed in battle with Tirosi hunters, Hazael was the greatest living warrior of the Ambush and assumed the title in combat and at a time of brutal conflict with their hated enemies. At the present time, there are two Irikithyr, Ambra Al-tayih and Naya Al-tayih. Hazael and Ambra have been mated for centuries while Naya came to the Ambush after being freed by Hazael from the Tirosi after her own Ambush was slain. In this way, she is unique among many of the past Irikithyr. Al-tayih Society - For any member of the Ambush family comes before all else, even the Ambush itself, while it is understood that what is most often good for the Ambush is best for the family. In this way, the families of the Ambush act in each other's best interest. This understanding is at the heart of the Ambush as a whole and crucial in understanding how the Ambush has survived to this day. The role of males and females in society are different and well defined without one meaning more than the other. Rather, the strengths and nature of each is embraced by the entire Ambush. In this way, they vary from Haavian society where there is clear disparity between those who make the means for the family and those who depend on they who make them. The males in the Ambush are hunters, fisherman, and warriors ? they are the protectors of the farthest reaches of the ambush's territory. Males are fewer within the Ambush for reasons that are two-fold, the first being simply that male kittens are born in slightly fewer numbers than females. The second is that were-tiger males are fiercely competitive by nature with other males for mates and territory. The Ambush live closely by necessity and this sometimes leads young males to venture out on their own and away from the Ambush for both. Despite their natural territorial tendencies and sometimes fierce competition, many remain within the Ambush and they are the ones mostly often encountered by those who do happen upon an Al-tayih. These males of the Ambush stalk the few and fearsome creatures that also call the desert home and bring them down for food to bring home their families, mates, and kittens. They are also the Ambush's warriors and the first to find and slaughter the Tirosi that hunt the were-cats of the Haavian desert with bloodthirst and without even a thought of mercy. This role is due, in part, to the physiology of the male were-tigers. They are larger, heavier, and by their nature more suited to combat in either form. This is also owed to their role within the Ambush. It is far easier for the Ambush to sustain the loss of a male than even one female. The role of women in the Ambush is best described as domestic, but that is where the similarity of this role and the domestic role accepted in Haavi ends. Because of their revered tiger-goddess Kashti, women are revered and guarded ferociously by the males of the Ambush. It is important to note that males are not subservient, but the wisdom and guidance of the Ambush's women is often deferred to when conflict within the Ambush arises. The women of the Ambush give birth to and care for the young, make, preserve, and store in the sand the food brought home by the hunters, and make homes for their families and the Ambush as a whole. The older females help the younger in caring for kittens and making homes. Wherever they make their home, for however long they dwell there, their territory and young are the most important to both males and females and should a threat ever emerge deep inside the Ambush's territory, beyond where the hunters and warriors protect, such threat will find itself shredded by tenfold more claws and teeth and maternal fury.

An Al-tayih Family

Family within the Ambush is a broad term but refers most directly to any number were-tigers that share common blood. A den, however, can refer to a pair of mates and their kittens as well as the immediate area they occupy and the things that are theirs. The Al-tayih live in extremely close proximity to one another, often with a handful of dens of family members living inside one larger tent built near the oases and Ambush has occupied. This allows for males to learn to live, hunt, and fight alongside one another and for females of the same family to help one another with caring for the young and wounded, making meals and storing food, and protecting their dens. This also makes the most of the scarce resources ? what is not needed by some may be shared by their close relatives. These tents typically house three to four generations, seldom larger or smaller than that. Should room be required when a family member takes a mate, the family within will work to expand the tent and welcome the new pair while the female makes her den there. The den is a place of immense importance, where one's mates, kittens, and family gather to eat, sleep, and worship. A den will eat together, sleep together, and worship together. Even in the large tents where families often live entering the den (the immediate living space) of a pair of mates without announcing oneself and being acknowledged (welcomed by either mate) is considered gravely disrespectful and may provoke one or the other, or both. Females in particular are extremely protective and mindful of their dens, even more so females with young. To not welcome family, however, is likewise considered disrespectful and is seldom, if ever, done. To enter another family's den without permission will likely provoke them to even a violent rebuke. The exception to this rule is the Iraheem and Irikithyr, both go where they wish within the Ambush's territory and often the Iraheem and his mate (or mates) will have a tent of their own. This is most likely an instinctual, an unspoken homage to their tiger instinct that recognizes them as the dominant male and female, or females. Concerns for privacy and modesty are nearly nonexistent outside of respect for the den, another stark contrast to proper Haavian society. Cooperation between those members of a family who make their dens beside one another, families as a whole, and the families of the Ambush is a way of life and when one has more than it requires to be eaten or stored, it is expected that it will be offered to the Ambush.

Mating and Marriage

Marriage is practiced within the Ambush and is regarded as sacred. Infidelity and divorce are nonexistent and any such conduct would be regarded an affront to both Kashti and the Ambush. The two terms, mating (the act of sex) and marriage (the joining of two mates), are interchangeable. One does not occur without the other. Male and female kittens, and later children, are not separated as they grow and learn to interact and behave with one another. Upon reaching maturity, males of the Ambush express their interest in females in courting rituals that involve shows of strength and prowess as hunters and protectors in equal parts with social interactions to discover whether potential mates are compatible. Unlike in Haavian society, males and females in courtship are often left alone and allowed to venture off together. The risk of impropriety is mitigated by the females' fierce guardianship of their ability to make and nurture life and the males' understanding of the importance of having a mate and kittens as well as providing for them. To mate outside of marriage is tantamount to a slap in the face of Kashti, to whom life and fertility are sacred, and flagrant disobedience to the wisdom she left her children. Should a pairing be incompatible, rejection is nearly always by the female privately and is considered final. Should they decide, however, that they wish to be mates the two inform their families together and arrangements are made for the Ambush to gather for a feast and celebration. The male prospective mate is charged with gathering the food for such a feast and may be helped by his brothers; however, this act is viewed as his final test of being able to provide for his mate and kittens and the majority of hunting and fishing should be done by him. The female will begin to make her den and is helped by other females of both families. This task is no less important for her, before the marriage will occur both are expected to fulfill their obligations to one another. A failure to do so on either account would be unthinkable. When marriage occurs, the ritual is performed by the Ambush's leader and presided over by the eldest females and males of both families. The eldest males will share with the younger his wisdom and the Ambush's expectations of him while the eldest females will share with the younger the same. Then both soon-to-be mates will share with one another their vow to do all these things and any further promises to one another and their union blessed by the Ambush leader and his mate, or mates. After that, the two are mated. Such a mating lasts for life and as such, courting can sometimes be long and trying, but so is the life of an Al-tayih and such challenges are considered good for the youth. Polygamy is accepted but occurs infrequently. Nothing about the courting or mating changes. It is absolutely not seen as a symbol of status or wealth, neither is espoused by the Ambush and the inability to care for multiple mates and litters of kittens after having them would be the greatest of dishonors. Males with more than one mate are often the eldest among the Ambush, the most cunning warriors, and adept hunters among the Ambush - those that have shown themselves to be the most capable of providing for them.

Religion

t is difficult, if not impossible, to overstate the importance of the worship of Kashti within the Ambush. It is for their devoted worship of the tiger-spirit, more than any other single reason, that the were-tigers of long ago whose descendants now are the Al-tayih left Haavian society for the solitude of the desert and the harsh life that is now the only they know. In this way, it is by that faith they have been defined and, in their minds, rightly see themselves as Kashti's most devout. With all that said, their ways and traditions of worship are greatly unlike those understood by outsiders. There exists within the Ambush no priests or priestesses of Kashti and they have made no shrines or temples to her. No member of the Ambush assumes to be, or is recognized, as Kashti's voice; not even the Irikithyr. To the Ambush, Kashti is very much alive in spirit and speaks to them in dreams and in their instincts, that is, she will speak to them on her own. The lifestyle of the Ambush, seldom lingering in once place for more than weeks, does not lend itself to building great structures of sandstone like those in Haavi to serve as houses of worship to their goddess. Further, leaving members of the Ambush behind to tend them permanently should they ever be built when the Ambush moves on makes as little sense. Instead, the spiritual leaders of the Ambush are the mothers. In each den, the mothers of each family can be heard singing songs of worship and leading their mates and children in prayer. Before each meal, and each hunt that brings the bounty they feast on, before the beginning of each day the mother will burn incense and pray to Kashti for her protection for their mates and her blessings upon their little ones. It is expected of a new female mate that she be intimately familiar with their faith before mating so that she can provide for the spiritual well-being of her family just as the male is expected to be able to provide for their physical sustenance. This intense study takes weeks, and sometimes months, as female mates-to-be visit with the other mated females of their family, the Ambush, and the Iraheem's mates to receive their wisdom, experience, and the cherished traditions of Kashti. When an Ambush mother gives birth, she scoops up each of her kittens and before they even know the warmth and safety of her breast, they are held high by their mother to the tiger-goddess and given a name that Kashti might first, and then the Ambush, know them by. The importance of this role as the family's spiritual guide is understood by each woman of the Ambush and considered one of the greatest privileges and responsibilities of womanhood. The role of religion is no less important for males, however different. When the day begins as his mate, or his mother in the case of unmated males, make the fire and the morning meal and say her prayers it is his place to take a moment to lay beside her and pray together. When he stalks out on the hunt or off to battle, he should reflect on Kashti's blessings and the importance and privilege of his role as hunter and warrior. During the hunt or combat, his mind should be on nothing else. He should know that the tiger-goddess leaps with him, her claw guides his blades or his own claws, her swiftness loose his arrows and her eyes show his the danger, and should he fall her arms will embrace him and she will soothe his pain until he feels her nuzzling his face and he is safe under her protection once again. When he returns, should Kashti not roar for him to come home, he will bring back the bounty of the hunt or the blood of his enemies and he will sing or roar with his brothers songs and prayers of thanks to Kashti for her blessings that which they bring home to mates, kittens, and hearth. There are a number of holidays and celebrations the Ambush honors in the name of the tiger-goddess but none can compare to the celebration of Kashti's greatest gift, the gift of life, when the females of the Ambush are most likely to conceive and become pregnant with kittens. For the entire Ambush, this time is sacred and all patrolling will cease well before this holy time. The males will begin guarding the Ambush's territory with the greatest ferocity of all, at no other time will so many be seen around the edges of wherever the Ambush lies when the time for this celebration comes near. Even an innocent transgression will be met with hostility. Interlopers will be shown away with drawn blades and bows and bared teeth to be warned once to never return. While the males guard and gather a feast, drawing from what stored food is near and hunting both day and night the females will build their dens and prepare everything else, and the food the hunters return, for a feast that does not end for days. Fires will be built in every den and at every table in the center of the Ambush, the scent of cooking, spiced meat and roasting desert fruits will fill the air, and some weeks later when the time is upon them the Ambush will gather together and feast. Mates will mate, often before the fires and beside each other, and the future of the Ambush is made. This goes on for days and nights, until each female that will conceive carries kittens in her womb and the time has passed that those who will not might and then the Ambush goes on again over the sands. During this time, mating with one's mate takes priority over nearly anything else save for feasting, prayer, and worship and mating can even be seen as a form of both. Such is why any entering Ambush territory during this time will often be met with the threat of violence, if not outright violence by those males without mates or those who have conceived and seek to protect their mate and kittens. This is only the most important of celebrations for the Ambush, others occur throughout the year and the sacred practice of their faith occurs throughout the day, every day, for all their lives.

Go Back

Last modified on March 23, 2016, 20:38:06