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starstreakerMore Worldbuilding notes for the Kasatha in redsixwing's Ormarr Pathfinder game.
As the Kasatha are a tribal people, life revolves around your clan. The harsh environment of the desert means that each Kasatha looks out for each other. A frequent saying heard at any gathering is "Your Clan is your Family, and your Family is your Clan." There are typically strong bonds between clan mates, as any could be the one to discover the way home.
Each clan is lead by a matriarch, and heritage is traced matrilineally, as they would argue that you always know who the mother is. The position of matriarch has been passed down since the first families realized they could not settle in one place of this new world. The ruling family of the time sent each of their daughters off with a different group, one to prevent inbreeding, and two, maintain control. When a matriarch dies, the position goes to her eldest daughter. If there is no daughter, unlikely but possible, then the next oldest sister in the line inherits. Should all her sisters be dead, then the eldest living niece assumes the title. If there are none in the clan that are suitable to assume the position, then one will be appointed by the Grand Matriarch at the next Gathering.
The Gathering happens once each year, at the end of the rainy season. Several things happen at this time. There is trade between the various clans, the Grand Matriarch is appointed to a one year term, and mating season.
Trade is more than just goods, but also greetings and stories. It is a time to meet those you have not seen since the previous gathering, and to renew connections. Items traded include meat, salts, fruits, containers, weapons, and the rare magic item. Really, anything that could be found in a small city may be found at the Gathering.
The Grand Matriarch is chosen from all the existing matriarchs, and serve a one year term in the position. Any conflict that cannot be settled in the individual clan may be brought to the Grand Matriarch for a final decision. Likewise, if a clan loses a Matriarch, and there are no heirs, the Grand Matriarch will appoint a new one, one who is a direct relation to the original royal family. The Grand Matriarch also serves as a chronicler, and carries the Great Book of Kasatha. It details the history of the Kasatha, including more recent deeds, and tracks the various family trees of the first families. It is a great honor for any Kasatha to have their name recorded in the Great Book for more than just a birth.
Kasatha, it should be noted, are not mammals, but more closely related to reptiles. Breeding season occurs at the end of the rainy season when the temperature is more cool, and there is plenty of water and food. Breeding season lasts for two weeks, the same for the Gathering. The first week is more hectic, with Kasatha seeking and mating with a multitude of others. Before copulation, the Kasatha will press their head domes together. This provides a method of compatibility, and if two are closely related, there is a type of buzz felt by both. Typically, this is enough to warn two away from each other, and find different mates. The second week is when the Kasatha are actually fertile, with the previous week used to find who is the best partner. The pairs spend the second week together, and this is what leads to offspring. While there is no marriage, some Kasatha do choose the same partner multiple years, or they will seek each other out exclusively.
The gestation period is about 98 weeks, with births taking place at the start of the rainy season. They are ovoviviparous, and give birth to live young that are ready to walk a few minutes after birth. Tne entire clan takes responsibility for raising the newborn, and seeing that it has food and water, and the occasional ride while making the journey to the next Gathering.
redsixwing's Ormarr Pathfinder game.As the Kasatha are a tribal people, life revolves around your clan. The harsh environment of the desert means that each Kasatha looks out for each other. A frequent saying heard at any gathering is "Your Clan is your Family, and your Family is your Clan." There are typically strong bonds between clan mates, as any could be the one to discover the way home.
Each clan is lead by a matriarch, and heritage is traced matrilineally, as they would argue that you always know who the mother is. The position of matriarch has been passed down since the first families realized they could not settle in one place of this new world. The ruling family of the time sent each of their daughters off with a different group, one to prevent inbreeding, and two, maintain control. When a matriarch dies, the position goes to her eldest daughter. If there is no daughter, unlikely but possible, then the next oldest sister in the line inherits. Should all her sisters be dead, then the eldest living niece assumes the title. If there are none in the clan that are suitable to assume the position, then one will be appointed by the Grand Matriarch at the next Gathering.
The Gathering happens once each year, at the end of the rainy season. Several things happen at this time. There is trade between the various clans, the Grand Matriarch is appointed to a one year term, and mating season.
Trade is more than just goods, but also greetings and stories. It is a time to meet those you have not seen since the previous gathering, and to renew connections. Items traded include meat, salts, fruits, containers, weapons, and the rare magic item. Really, anything that could be found in a small city may be found at the Gathering.
The Grand Matriarch is chosen from all the existing matriarchs, and serve a one year term in the position. Any conflict that cannot be settled in the individual clan may be brought to the Grand Matriarch for a final decision. Likewise, if a clan loses a Matriarch, and there are no heirs, the Grand Matriarch will appoint a new one, one who is a direct relation to the original royal family. The Grand Matriarch also serves as a chronicler, and carries the Great Book of Kasatha. It details the history of the Kasatha, including more recent deeds, and tracks the various family trees of the first families. It is a great honor for any Kasatha to have their name recorded in the Great Book for more than just a birth.
Kasatha, it should be noted, are not mammals, but more closely related to reptiles. Breeding season occurs at the end of the rainy season when the temperature is more cool, and there is plenty of water and food. Breeding season lasts for two weeks, the same for the Gathering. The first week is more hectic, with Kasatha seeking and mating with a multitude of others. Before copulation, the Kasatha will press their head domes together. This provides a method of compatibility, and if two are closely related, there is a type of buzz felt by both. Typically, this is enough to warn two away from each other, and find different mates. The second week is when the Kasatha are actually fertile, with the previous week used to find who is the best partner. The pairs spend the second week together, and this is what leads to offspring. While there is no marriage, some Kasatha do choose the same partner multiple years, or they will seek each other out exclusively.
The gestation period is about 98 weeks, with births taking place at the start of the rainy season. They are ovoviviparous, and give birth to live young that are ready to walk a few minutes after birth. Tne entire clan takes responsibility for raising the newborn, and seeing that it has food and water, and the occasional ride while making the journey to the next Gathering.
