The Nawabe are the most civilized of the former Gamaal factions. Stretching from the foothills of the Burkhdyn Gazar, across the high Etaska Plateau, and out to the sea north of Saffa, their territory is vast but often bereft of valuable resources. The crown jewel of Nawabe culture is the city of Washir, which sits at the base of the Burkhdyn Gazar on the eponymous Washir River: the city itself is extremely seasonal, virtually abandoned throughout much of the summer but bursting with life during the cold winter months. They also have a trading post, called Sal Rypa, only populated during warmer months. Unlike most former Gamaal, the Nawabe do not have a pony culture: their high-mountain locations are too rough for equines. Hardy Nawabean cattle (said to be part aurochs), yaks and camels form the backbone of their working stock, with goats and sheep also important herd animals.
The Nawabe are a loose confederation of various tribes, each of which has its own leaders. Various travelers report different models of leadership for individual tribes: some rely on wise elders, others on strong chieftains, with both patriarchies and matriarchies attested. The various tribal leaders meet to feast and make treaties for the coming seasons each spring and harvesttime in Washir. At any given point, there are generally a handful of more powerful leaders heading up coalitions of smaller tribes.
The Nawabe are largely a hunting and gathering culture, but they do have a few important industries. Nawabean rugs, woven from the finest sheep and nokka wools, are beautiful works of art prized across Odo Kas. They are also fine leather workers. Nawabean suede is soft and their tooling is of the highest quality. Their leather tents are integral to their traveling lifestyle, known for being rugged, spacious, and easily erected and dismantled for transit. Nawabean wainwrights are also quite talented and flexible, able to improvise a decently functioning wheel from nearly whatever local resources are available.
The city of Washir is of particular importance. Goods from Yul Kantari, ores from Yul Fesh, and other products of the Burkhdyn Gazar are traded to Washir, which in turn transports them via the river for sale to Saffa and others. Nawabean traders are well aware of the value of this transport, and are excellent dealmakers.
The Nawabe are a simple folk, focused primarily on survival. Their entertainment reflects that: archery and wrestling competitions are their primary forms of entertainment. Nawabean wrestling has been imported to Moru Kel in recent years; while simpler than true wrestling, its appeal to youth cannot be disputed. Their archery competitions are more functional than most culture’s, with moving targets thrown across the field for archers to score against. They also have a stylized form of ceremonial wrestling which is indeterminate in function.
Nawabean food is likewise functional: hearty stews, flatbreads, dumplings and wheat noodles abound. They are fans of the fire pepper, however, making their food alternately bland but filling or unbearably spicy. Preserved jerkies and fruit leathers are common among their people, again showing a propensity for utility over aesthetics. Nawabean ale is one bright spot that is increasingly popular among the younger generations: unfortunately for those traveling to Washir, guests are far more likely to be offered kumis, a fermented yak or goat milk, than ale. This vile concoction is considered a delicacy, and refusing it is likely to upset one’s hosts.
The Nawabe, even more than other Gamaal remnants, are particular devotees of Aerta. This may be partially responsible for their historically good relations with Saffa. The Nawabe have two major festivals for the goddess, coinciding with the Sowing equinox and Reaping equinox.
Ta-Uma celebrates the impending thawing of the frozen highlands: while a time for celebration, it is also a time for preparation and to say goodbye to close friends for the forthcoming months spent gathering supplies for the winter.
Ta-Navar celebrates the returning freeze: while it signals impending winter and the end of the most plentiful seasons, it’s also a celebration of reunion and hope.
During both, herds are moved in large numbers and tribes come together to feast and celebrate.
Purnoz, Sala, and Pashan are also widely worshipped among the Nawabe.
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