Mongke Tumen

The Nomads of the Galila Desert, officially named the Mongke Tumen to those that know the Old Tongue, are responsible for escorting caravans of traders, travelers, and vacationers across the desert safely. They also rescue and protect those who get lost in the desert and cry out for help. The Mongke Tumen is a highly organized military society that includes not only tradesmen and craftsmen, but entire families.

Requirements

Race - Any, though typically humans or shifters that are part of the many families that make up Mongke Tumen.

Class - Any, but anything that depends heavily on water might be a really bad idea.

Alignment - Neutral or Good.

Contact - Nibal or any Council Member. In the discord server, contact Zaria.

Appearance

The Mongke Tumen peoples are inherently Haavian, and as such share many of the same features as the people from the Feryoth Oasis and other Haavi cities.

Physical Features

Dark eyes and black hair are the most common among the nomads. Variations such as blue or green eyes and shades of brown or auburn hair are present, though rare. All of the nomads have dark skin, with some of the lighter shades starting in the burlywood range. The darkest hues stray toward ebony colors, giving nomads of these skin tones the upper hand in enduring the desert sun. Undertones include olive, and red as the most commonplace, with yellow uncommon. The Mongke Tumen come in a variety of heights and body types, ranging from tall and burly to petite and willowy as fully developed adults. Most of the nomads are athletic or wiry to some degree, their demanding and minimalist lifestyle dictating that both genders are hardy.

Clothing

Men

Tunics and wide-legged trousers are common garb for Mongke Tumen males. Tribal tailors can produce any garment a nomad might want, though convention stands that older generations tend toward earthy or dark colors and long sleeves, whereas younger males enjoy jewel tones and short sleeved or sleeveless shirts. A variety of head coverings, which also double as face protection, are both traditional and utilitarian for the nomads. Hooded cloaks are commonplace wards against the blistering sun and sudden sandstorms, as are kaffiyeh scarves. Kaffiyeh are sometimes secured with an agal, which can be used to denote a position of wealth or influence in the tribe.

Women

Long, loose tunics and shalwar pants are the most common clothing for women in the nomadic tribe. Dresses and shirts are often embellished with loop and frog style closures. A much wider range of colors, materials, and styles of clothing is acceptable for women, from exceptionally demure to exceedingly provocative. The Mongke Tumen tailors are well-versed, and make clothing to order, based on the preferences of individual customers. Veils of any style are the most popular head coverings for women, though hooded cloaks are gaining in popularity.

Materials

Silk, linen, cotton and, surprisingly, wool are the fabrics most often seen within the tribal wares. Shoes seem to run the gamut, and largely depend upon an individual?s preference and occupation. Colorful silk slippers befit both men and women, and are regularly worn by entertainers, concubines, scholars and magic users. On the other end of the spectrum, hard-soled, stiff leather boots are the choice of laborers such as blacksmiths, and are frequently worn by cavalry and gunners. All manners of shoes and boots exist in between these two extremes, each of them manufactured for both men and women.

Armor

Leather, studded leather, and banded leather armor are common for those in military service, as it is typically too hot to wear metal armors in the desert. Officers who choose metal armor are often outfitted in steel splint mail, with either leather or padding below. Most warriors opt for at least a breastplate, either out of leather or steel, though helms, pauldrons, and bracers are common. Typically, greaves are reserved for cavalry and ranking officers.

Accessories and Jewelry

Included in the traditional look and rites of the Mongke Tumen are accessories. Elaborately decorated, personalized water skins are prized possessions often passed down from previous generations, and particularly old ones are symbols of a prominent family. Long, double-edged daggers called qamas are conventional for both men and women, and are usually worn belted around the waist.

Jewelry in the Mongke Tumen is a tradition in and of itself. Parents give their children both set and loose gems and precious metals to build a personal wealth. Semi-precious stones, such as turquoise, jade and onyx are also used in nomad jewelry. Girls in particular are showered with jewelry, as this is something not included in the ritual dowry payment. Large, single-stone pieces in elaborate gold settings are the most sought-after, and convey the most prestige or wealth in society.

Society and Traditions

The Mongke Tumen are poised upon an evolving structure of class and rank, throwing their present norms and traditions into upheaval. Though a sense of order is maintained, many of the traditionalists have found themselves questioning the leadership as the tribe turns from a patriarchy to an egalitarian society.

Naming Conventions

Names in the Mongke Tumen are also suffering a shift, thanks in part to the nomads? increased contact with Karchanians, and particularly residents of Dunholm. Traditionally, nomads are bereft of a surname unless they are from an immensely prominent family that, at some point in the line?s history, was awarded with a permanent title or honorific. When a last name is included in a nomad?s moniker, it always precedes their individual name. Increasingly, the younger generation of Mongke Tumen are imposing their own surnames, taking either their shamanistic symbols presented at birth as their patronymic, or combining the names of their parents into one word.

Education

All nomadic children are well-educated, speaking not only their particular dialect of Haavian, but the variations of archaic (scholarly) Haavian. Because of the horde?s interactions and proximity to Dunholm, Mongke Tumen are taught how to speak, but not always how to write, the common Karchanian language. Every tribal nomad is taught how to read and write archaic Haavian. Mathematics is paramount to the functioning of the tribe and extensive education in both mathematics and certain sciences is mandatory. For the most part, the Boge Runescribe serves as a preliminary teacher for the camp, though some children are educated in their individual homes.

Religion

The Mongke Tumen are very versatile when it comes to religion and beliefs. Though the majority of the nomads remain devoted to Cinash, as is Haavian tradition, others have recently dedicated themselves to other gods. Sarva and Kashti are worshiped as co-deities within nomadic society, and recently small clusters of devotees for Marawen, Isoden, Victoria and Cyrion have begun to crop up. The Mongke Tumen are very open and accepting of most religions, provided the devotion does not supersede the member?s contribution and duties to the tribe.

Housing

The traditional and unique housing solution for the nomads is a tent-like structures known as a Yurt. Circular in shape with a conical roof, yurts are made of a latticework of thin slats that form the walls and roof, and in some of the more skillful homes, the floor as well. The lattice is then covered in heavy, waxed canvas or treated skins. Most yurts contain a wooden door, and some come complete with windows. All yurts have a hole in the roof, usually at the center, to allow for venting. Many of these vents are covered with metal mesh disks that protect against invasion from animals or debris, but still allows for airflow.

As a result of their mobile nature, the Mongke Tumen nomads have developed a very close-knit family structure and society. This is particularly apparent in the generational cohabitation practices of the nomads. Typically, one yurt houses up to three generations of family members. Wives move into their husband's family's home. Members of the army have free use of the communal barracks yurt, while tradesmen may find housing in the merchant and laborer yurt. Only the extremely wealthy or the particularly powerful have individual yurts.

Outsiders

Thanks in part to their reputation as the Galila Desert?s best and most reliable guides, the Mongke Tumen have a rather pleasant opinion of those who exist outside of their own tribe. Merchants, craftsmen, entertainers, and those lost in the dunes are welcomed into the nomads? camp regularly. Though there are several cultural quirks and stumbling blocks, overall the tribe is tolerant of and fares well with outsiders. Most visitors stay approximately a day, and move on with their caravans or the regular guides that depart every morning from the camp.

Visitors, refugees, and guests that wish to take up a more permanent place in the tribe may do so through one of three methods:

marriage
adoption
assimilation.

Each method varies, and the length of time the process spans is dependent upon the situation and circumstances. The individual?s ability to contribute to the continued success of the camp is also taken into consideration. There is no trial period for those of Mongke Tumen birth who wish to leave the tribe, and nomads often part ways with the camp to tend to personal affairs. Those who return are usually welcomed back with fanfare, though the Council reserves the right to permanently expel troublemakers and lawbreakers.

Money and Trade

In general, Mongke Tumen tribesmen dislike carrying gold coinage. Coins are loud and, once accumulated, take up precious space and weight on a nomad?s person. It is because of this mindset that wealth among the nomads is not measured in holdings. Instead, a nomad is considered rich depending upon quality, not quantity, of possessions. Quality is defined within the Mongke Tumen as being not only beautiful, but durable and useful. An individual?s personal value can also be based upon their skills. Those who are particularly adept in their field of services or manufacturing goods are seen as more fortunate.

Due to their abhorrence of money, the Mongke Tumen is very much a bartering community. Goods and services are routinely haggled over until both parties are entirely displeased, but begrudgingly agree with the terms. Often, merchants will quote exorbitant prices to begin with, and allow customers to whittle them down out of a display of respect. To accept a Mongke Tumen price outright can be considered insulting, and many tribesmen are not sensitive to the system of appointed and accepted prices elsewhere, which leads to affront and conflict when outsiders visit the camp.

Dowries are a holdover from the clashing change of equality in the tribe. A dowry is, essentially, a payment for taking on the burden of another family member. In ages past, the dowry was to compensate for the lack of both skills and income the wife would bring to the household. Now, the dowry serves as a display of wealth and power. In marriages that involve same-sex couples, dowries are exchanged equally, regardless of gender. This practice, along with the rise in women?s stations throughout nomadic society, has inspired a reversal of positions, with the lower-ranking husband?s family paying a dowry, or with outright dowry exchanges. In a traditional dowry payment, high-ranking families are expected to provide large, valuable dowries for their daughters? marriage. Conversely, there are expectations that the husband?s family will keep the bride in the lifestyle she is accustomed to at the least, and otherwise treat her well.

Hierarchy

The Mongke Tumen is designated into three distinct factions, all of them answering to a single ruling entity known as Khagan. Though the Khagan is the war band?s leader and director, she does not make decisions without the input of her advisors and inner circle. The Council of Advisors is composed of the faction leaders, while the Inner Circle are hand-selected by the Khagan. The current Khagan is Altan-Thahab Nibal.

Military Faction

The Military faction includes all of the warriors and craftsmen purposed toward the combative survival and victory of the Mongke Tumen. Within the military faction there are four divisions, each one led by a Baatar: Cavalry, Bowmen, Gunners, and Infantry.

Cavalry

The Cavalry consists of roc riders. Mounts are capable of carrying two people, and it is not uncommon that riders often carry bowmen or infantrymen into combat. The rider is in charge of the day-to-day care and keeping of the roc, as well as the animal?s training and readiness. Roc riders are almost always lesser officers, choosing to server their commission?s tenure astride one of the prized giant birds. Roc riders may originate from any of the other divisions, and many possess magical abilities. Cavalry soldiers often serve as messengers and reconnaissance agents for the group.

Bowmen

Bowmen are highly trained, deftly focused masters of wind and arrow within Mongke Tumen. Those who seek to join the ranks of the bowmen must first pass a test that includes, but is not limited to, loading, knocking and loosing from prone position, astride a Roc in flight, while under heavy fire, and in a stand storm. Bowmen may also be arcane in nature. Ranking bowmen often serve as scouts and hunters for the horde.

Gunners

Gunners are high-ranking infantrymen that have specialized training in Mongke Tumen?s small collection of portable cannons. Gunner is a position of importance and responsibility, and gunners are perhaps the most rigorously trained out of all the divisions. Gunners work in teams of three, one team per cannon. They must be strong, agile, and astute. Not only is being able to move the cannon important, but proper aiming and loading are paramount. The Baatar of Gunners is responsible for powder manufacturing, storage and distribution, as well as all shot inventory while individual gunners are responsible for the care and maintenance of their machines. Rarely do Gunners have magical capabilities.

Infantry

The infantry is perhaps the most diverse division of the military faction. All military personnel start as infantry, though some do not stay there for long. Infantry is a blanket term for all soldiers who fight on foot. Members of the infantry ascend through the ranks quickly at first, the earliest stages of proving themselves easy. Most infantrymen gets stuck somewhere in the middle ranks as proficient fighters that are a credit to the military, without any particularly remarkable skills or leadership qualities. These men and women, the proficient masses, are the backbone of the tribe. Infantry are responsible for the care and upkeep of their weapons and armor, as well as knowing their position and orders in formations and strategies.

Civilian Faction

The Civilian faction includes all craftsmen, tradesmen, and commoners that help Mongke Tumen complete daily functions. Though there are many, varied occupations and professions that fit into the civilian ranks, the leadership is laid upon four individuals in particular, and beneath which all other organized trades are categorized. The faction is led by the masters of their respective specialized divisions called "Shri"s. These divisions are as follows:

Tradesmen

The Tradesmen division is overseen by the Shri Blacksmith and includes all metalworkers, carpenters, glassblowers, tailors, etc. The Tradesmen division includes any skilled trade that is charged with providing a deliverable service as well as products. The Shri blacksmith is tasked with guaranteeing the integrity of all things built, constructed, or created by the tradesmen. The Shri Blacksmith is also responsible for the construction and delivery of yurts as dictated by the Khagan. The Shri Blacksmith is also responsible for maintaining community structures and devices, such as faction yurts, carts, sleds, and canon trucks.

Craftsmen

The Shri Bowyer oversees all bowyers and fletchers, jewelers, potters, furriers, tanners and other textiles makers. The Shri is responsible for inspecting and guaranteeing the quality of all textiles produced by the tradesmen, including certifying that all of the precious metals and gems are genuine. Mongke Tumen traders who wish to leave camp and enter a city or community to trade must first be cleared by the Shri Bowyer, their wears rigorously inspected before they will be allowed to present them as products of the Mongke Tumen. The same standards are applied to those that wish to enter the camp to trade; if the Shri finds their wares lacking, they will be allowed to enter the camp for rest and protection, but may not be allowed to offer goods on trade.

Agronomists

The Shri of Husbandry oversees all shepherds, hunters, animal handlers, farmers, and dowsers. The Shri of Husbandry serves as veterinarian for both military mounts and domestic livestock. Their duties include butchering and distributing large kills made by the hunters, or as granted by the shepherds. The Shri is in charge of not only breeding the Roc mounts used by the cavalry, but selecting the mounts that individual officers receive upon their induction ceremony. The Shri counsels riders on the best rearing and training techniques of rocs, as well. It is quite common for the Shri of Husbandry and the Baatar of Cavalry to be one and the same.

Entertainers

The Shri Chef is in charge of all large-scale events in the camp. The Chef is in charge of food preparation and presentation, dancers, singers, musicians, acrobats, fire breathers, magicians, puppeteers, and any other performance or hospitality occupations. Whether the camp is hosting a ceremony or escorting a caravan across the desert, the Shri Chef is in charge of all meal planning and service, as well as any entertainment, games, or scheduling that needs to happen. They work in conjunction with the Shaman division, mostly. The Shri Chef is in charge of all hospitality, including assigning where and when guests or travelers sleep (at the discretion of the Khagan), wash, and dress, as water is scarce and the resource must be closely monitored.

Sorcery Faction

The Sorcery faction includes all religious and magical service occupations in Mongke Tumen. The shaman faction tends to all mystical and divine needs of the horde, including births, unions and deaths. Though the leadership recognizes that there are many types and forms of magical arts, there are three that are seen as pivotal to the survival of the nomads. These leaders retain the title of Boge, and are sorted into the divisions of Shamans, Healers and Runescribes.

Shamans

Shamans can be religious or natural in origins, but are never arcane. Shamans, they say, are born and not made. These people possess magical abilities from birth, and are typically sorted into the Shaman faction very early on. Most shamans display a ?sign? from one of the tribe?s two gods, or are otherwise physically or physiologically (including disability, or disfigurement) marked as chosen by nature, the desert, or the elements. They are the spiritual and moral compass for the tribe, and are often sought out not only for their learned sagaciousness and advice, but also as diviners and seers. While some shaman have limited healing powers, most are more versed in the arts of curses, wards, blessings, rituals and rites. The Shamans serve as librarians, record keepers, and historians for the tribe.

Healers

The Healers are the heart and lifeblood of the tribe. They can be either arcane or natural, but are never religion-based in power. Not all healers have magical powers, and several choose to be highly educated herbalists and apothecaries. Though healers may possess innate abilities from birth, their talents are always supplemented by deep and rigorous book studies and scholarly pursuits, as well as practical application and practice. Some healers choose to specialize in a particular field, which can include but is not limited to: surgeon, midwife, vitologist (only uses magic; mostly heals diseases and infections), combat healer (complete and total but temporary magical healing; wounds will reopen), and brewer (potions, poisons, and liquor).

Runesmiths

Runesmiths are arcane only. Though they are able to manipulate the elements (pyromancers, terramancers, etc.), their abilities are purely magical and a result of years of study and scholarship. Even the most highly adept runesmiths use an object of focus, most often a weapon or piece of jewelry, that they gradually carve with runes and sigils. It replaces a spell book, and helps them channel their powers. Aside from being functional casters, Runesmiths are also the tribe?s scribes, enchanters, conjurers, mesmers, and summoners.

Dual Classes

The faction system is imperfect and many denizens of Mongke Tumen fall into more than one faction allocation. For instance, a runesmith might also be a blacksmith. In rare occurrences, an individual may rise amongst the ranks of two factions to become leader of dual divisions. Ranks, even dual ones, are awarded by the Khagan.

Other Classes

More traditional classes and occupations are welcomed into the Mongke Tumen society, and may be shoehorned into the existing hierarchy, even if they don't strictly subscribe to the descriptions above. For instance, a priest of Victoria may be ranked as a Shaman, while a martial fighter who uses a crossbow as their main weapon will become a Gunner. Mongke Tumen society is flexible and adaptable.

Special Factions

Council of Advisors

Inner Circle

Ceremonies Rites, and Rituals

This section is a WIP. Due in large part to their mobile nature, the Mongke Tumen have very specific birth, courtship, marriage, and death rituals. Other ceremonies include coming-of-age, induction into the army, and initiation as an apprentice. Though the rites and ceremonies may vary in specific instances, there is a standard format that is followed.

Ceremonies

Ceremonies are typically social affairs that celebrate occupational or social milestones, such as learning a new skill set, being accepted into a new subculture, or receiving a higher rank or station.

Coming of Age

Coming of age applies to both boys and girls. When the juvenile reaches the age of fourteen, they are eligible to enter into conscript training. Before the child is accepted into a training program, they must first prove that they?ve learned the first and most important law of nomadic life: always know where you are. Once a month, the children that will age to fourteen during the course of that month are taken far out into the desert with provisions. Each child is then required to find their way back to a designated oasis at or before an appointed time. Though this may sound cruel, Mongke Tumen scouts are never entirely out of range, and keep a constant watch over the aspirants.

Army Induction

Apprentice Initiation

Rank Ascension

Council Selection

Inner Circle Award

Rites

Rites are individual religious, magical, or social events that aren't necessarily celebrated by the tribe as a whole. Rites are very personal, intimate matters.

Naming

Courtship

Courtship in Mongke Tumen is a very odd balance of old and new. Members of the tribe are allowed to officially begin courting at the age of sixteen. Due to many of the nomadic customs ingrained in the people, a couple makes known their intent to court with the public presentation of a gift. The female or her family endows the would-be suitor with an item that is indicative of the family?s position and wealth in tribal society. In couples of same-sex orientation, the lower-class partner presents the gift. These gifts are often very elaborate, and are typically custom made. For example, a blacksmith might give a suitor a particularly ornate sword, especially if that suitor is an Infantryman. The suitor then publicly declares his acceptance (or rejection) of the item. If it is accepted, the couple begins courting.

Death

Blessing of the Moon and Sun

Rituals

Rituals are performed after the prerequisite rites have all been completed. Rituals are typically religious or magical in nature, and signal the finality or closing of a series of rites, indicating that a journey has been completed.

Birth

Births are always overseen by a shaman and a healer. Men are typically barred from the birthing yurt, though exceptions have been made. Upon birth of a child, the healer first cleans and checks the baby for health reasons, and then the new tribesman is handed over to the shaman. The ritual of birth includes a naming rite, overseen by the shaman. The shaman anoints the child with ceremonial oils, appointing it one of the sacred Mongke symbols before the baby is then dubbed with a name chosen by the parents. The chosen name and the accompanying sacred symbol are written into official record, inscribed by the shaman onto the Scroll of Lives.

Marriage

The Ceremony of Marriage can vary greatly, but always includes several standard practices. Marriages are always presided over by the Boge Shaman. The bride and groom present themselves to the Boge, usually in their best clothing and jewels. There is no precedent for having special clothing made for a wedding, as the nomadic lifestyle requires that things remain compact and multi-functional. Vows are exchanged publicly, typically in front of the entire camp assembly. A great feast, provided by the families of the wedded couple, follows. During the feast, the dowry is presented to the groom and his family. Drunkenness at the fete is considered a compliment, though rude or violent behavior is not tolerated. Recitations of poetry and serenading the couple with song is encouraged, and viewed as blessing the union. Multiple spouses are acceptable in nomad society, as are the keeping of concubines, though this practice is more common amongst Mongke Tumen males.

Burial

The Ascension of the Khagan

Families

Geography

Last modified on February 6, 2025, 22:08:49

Land of Karchan