The Zailu Tribe
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The Zailu Tribe, are one of the founding tribes of the Rasdom of Melle. They are one of the most stalwart tribes of the Rasdom of Melle, although they existed in the Chieftaincy of Ghanyah - they were in the separate forms of the tribes of Ọkarachi and M'Baku. Through both these tribes, they claim patrilineal descendancy from Azulo, the ruthless Chieftain of the Sahiri, Progenitors of the Southeron people. Despite the negativity surrounding him, the Zailu tribe takes pride in their bloodline.
Contents
History
The Zailu Tribe was officiated on the 5th of the First Seed, 1645 as a combination of the Ọkarachi and M'Baku tribes of Ghanyah - which became necessary as both tribes of Ghanyan Regality were degenerating in power post the Farfolk Usurpation War and The Awakening of the September Prince. Many tribes were leaving the region and by extension; the Nation of Ghanyah, which made the new ruling tribe of Okarachi seem incompetent in the new job they were given. Due to the jejunity of the 11-year-old Iýsakye Nagast of the Ọkarachi Tribe as Negus; his uncle Valgarai, who also served as Regent of Iýsakye's half-brother Juumane, was appointed as Regent for a 2nd incumbency.
Valgarai's first plan was to combine the two tribes, who historically shared blood, into one unitary tribe as a way to strengthen the regal power of Ghanyah. Although the combination was a smooth process, it still did not solidify the power of the Ghanyan royalty - infact, it caused more people to flee the desert out of fear of despotism. This lead to the eventual collapse of Ghanyah. With the impending doom at the hands of the September Prince, Valgarai was left with no choice but to flee the desert. It is rumored that he saw a vision during his travels South -that encompassed a successful Southeron settlement with its environment in the Mesa North. The vision included him and 2 other Ghanyans that continued chanting the letters 'A P O' with the word "ORDER" spelt out in blood on a nearby wall. This lead him to turn back around and go back North, few Ghanyans following him. Valgarai began to quickly build a temple, solidifying his position in the Mesa and declaring the new city 'Méllé'. It was not until after a few weeks that he discovered knowledge on Daemon 'Apohet' from a local library in Krugmar - causing him to link his visions and the letters 'A P O' to 'Apohet'. This quickly made him question all he was doing and encouraged him to follow the betrayed deity.
Sharing his knowledge with his tribe and nation - this caused many of them to leave, but others stayed; some out of fanaticism of Valgarai, some out of fear or worry for Valgarai, and minimal that actually believed in the 'betrayed deity'. Following periods of isolationism and atypical habits, Valgarai changed his name KALFU and began to form the Rasdom uv Melle from his unnamed settlement.
Culture
Due to their historically independent struggles with power, the Zailu Tribe has chosen to uptake the Mellean traits of isolationism, collectivism, and have arguably become societies biggest onlookers. Rather than becoming directly involved with the quarrels and disagreement from the outside world, the Zailu Tribe chooses to look and inquire knowledge on the subject without directly involving themselves in it going so far as to distance their housing from that of the other tribes - they are seen as one of the most arrogant tribes. The Zailu Tribe glorifies winning over honor, respect, dignity, and all else. They are generally seen as opportunists and will only get involved if they see an opportunity from it, and even then the involvement is indirect in most cases. In fact, it has become a standard rule for a Zailu Tribe member to be 'unproblematic' and avoid conflict at all costs. Due to their societal structure, many Zailu tribe members lack any combat experience and instead draw power through their words, wit, skills, and abilities. They have been branded the Black Vultures of society and from this have created unique traditions and rituals that include :
Physical Greeting
In Zailu culture, bowing is seen as an 'Orenner' form of movement and instead applaud Saluting out of respect and esteem for each other. There are many forms of saluting in Zailu culture, the most common being the fisted salute and palmed salute.
Fisted Salute
The Fisted Salute, also known as the Ghanyan Salute, is a salute in which a person puts their fists and legs together and arms outward in a straight-horizontal manner over their chest. It is typically a salute done to men of high regard or militaristic women. When a fisted salute is done, it is seen as respectful for the person that it is done to, to then return the salute. The only people who should not expect a returned fisted salute are second class citizens, prisoners, or servants.
Palmed Salute
The Palmed Salute is much different, it is also known as the Praying Salute. It is a salute in which a person puts their legs and palms together and arms outward in a triangular manner over their chest. It also encompasses bowing your head as if you were praying. It is typically a salute done to elegant women of high regard or religiously respected individuals. The Palmed Salute does not require a return and is a situational salute.
Scarification
Scarification is an initiation rite. It is performed on young men to symbolize their paths into adulthood(typically around the ages of thirteen) - It involves the wounding of one's skin in interaction with clay to preserve a scale-like definition similar to crocodile skin. It is excruciatingly painful and can cause shock, blood loss and infection during the application; making it a fatal tradition if done incorrectly. This process can be done anywhere other than a man's face and private parts - and is a symbol that his tribe confirms his masculinity. The most popular scarification is the Feathered Scars, which are a form of intricate streaks made across a man's skin to resemble that of a birds feather - a homage to the Black Vulture.
Bodily Painting
Tribal paintings are a symbol of prestige in the Zailu Tribe - only those of prestige are allowed to wear them. Most paintings are purple or grey in origin, however, the level of prestige typically applies to the position of the painting instead - the higher it is on a person body, the higher they are in power. For instance, the Grand Chief of a tribe typically wears paint on his face - his family having them upon their upper chest. The tribal paintings of the Zailu tribe are onyx black. Bodily paintings are not gender-restricted.
Branding
Hot-Iron Branding is a sign of complete dishonor in the Zailu Tribe - they are typically put on a persons face adding to the utter embarrassment. If a person has a branding upon them, it typically means they have committed a crime and are henceforth expelled from the tribe. With that being displayed, a branding also destroys the chances of a person joining a new tribe. The mark usually is a symbol or word that publicizes their crime(s). Brandings are not gender-restricted.
Music
The Zailu Tribe utilizes music in many different ways. Music to tribe members may convey a emotion, feeling, and can be used to imply extreem disrespect or esteem depending on the way its played, how much thought is put into it, and the sound it conveys. For instance, a very loud and obnoxious beat could convey the feeling of conflict to a tribe member, or war. However, a very soft sounding Harp could convey the feeling of tranquility. This can be interpreted based on what the event entails - like a very loud and obnoxious beat could be used to convey a feeling of initiation if the event warrants it. The Zailu Tribe specifically utilizes aerophone instruments, the most popular of these being the Sodina. The Sodina is an end-blown and keyless Aerophone instrument mainly created from Bamboo. During meetings or events of importance, it is not uncommon to find a Sodina player nearby to convey and carry-on the emotions transmitted through the events various conversations. Zailu music can be identified for its soft toned sounds, long notes, and calming but lethargic vibration.
Totem
The Black Vulture is the totem for the Zailu Tribe, this totem began as an insult towards Kalfu and his kin from their enemies. It was created due to the rumor that it was he who ended the first Negus' life and took the glory and riches for himself. The Black Vulture, or Gunugun, became an encompassing aspect for the tribe and all its members. Rather than rejecting it as an insult, they embraced the fact that the Black Vulture does highlight many properties of the tribe. Many Melleans, however, took this as a confirmation that Kalfu did indeed murder the first Negus' and have become generally untrustful of him and his people because of it. To many tribes, the symbol of the black vulture, feathered scarification, and bodily painting as execrable symbols and have banished them as a whole.
Clothing
Zailu tribal clothing is very mundane and different from other tribes clothing. They utilize mundane colors and would generally have skin revealed where they have been painted or scarred to remain covert in their pride. In fact, people who are completely covered up are seen as distrustful individuals because it implies they have something to hide. Whether it be a weapon, branding, necromantic markings, etcetera. Types of popular clothing include but are not limited to: Togas, knee-length blouses, knee-length dresses, sleeveless robes, etcetera. The only time when covered-up clothing is allowed is during times of war, conflict, or when the environment suits it.
Weaponry
The Zailu Tribe's signature weapon is the Blowgun. It is utilized with poisonous or venomous darts to further weaken or kill an opponent. It is a common trait for blowguns to be decorated or marked to fit the aesthetic of a person. Zailu blowguns are inherently shorter than most blowguns, sporting a size similar to the cultural Sodina. Blowguns can be made of almost any solid material so long as they allow air and the darts to flow fluently, the blowguns of many high-ranked individuals being made of jewels. Blowguns can also be made into spellcasting implements as well. Most blowgun users have dart quivers on their person as well. It is not uncommon to find Parrying Daggers on a Zailu tribesman and unique forms of scaled light armor under their standard clothing.
