Tzuriisaki

The Tzuriisaki are a sub-culture of the larger Tzumisui Culture of shapeshifting otters (Kawauso aka otter yokai). Like their predecessors, the Tzuriisaki are well adapted to life by water and are excellent fishers/anglers. They are the minority people of the Maharian Republic, a state in the United States of Adramis.
== History ==
=== Origin ===
The Tzuriisaki came about as a result of the different Tzumisui groups migrating to the world of Abexilas from Eldham due to the collapse. The groups of Tzumisui consisted of the sub-cultures of Tzurii and Tzukamui. The Tzurii were otters adapted for life by rivers and lakes, while the Tzukamui were otters adapted for life by the sea. The two groups of otters unified to form the Tzuriisaki culture group due to a multitude of reasons. For one, being a semi-nomadic people they were few and far between so were pretty weak. If united under a single group, the two cultures would be able to withstand stronger forces. Another reason for the union was stability. Abexilas was a new world that was being colonized by many groups and peoples. If the Tzumisui were to survive and stick out of this chaos they would need to come together. 
=== Settlement ===
The Tzuriisaki would settle on the continent of Cathrámis on the subcontinent of Adramis. They were led here by Arokiku Kawa, head of the Kawa Corporation. Most of the Tzuriisaki were of Tzurii background and were tied to the Shakumagi Federation and Hagusaki having integrated with the society of Shakumagi. Out of all the Tzurii, Arokiku Kawa was the most powerful and influential so led his newly formed people with the Shakumagi people to the new land on Adramis. Together the Tzuriisaki and Shakumagi would settle the Maharian Peninsula. The Shakumagi would create the Republic of Maharia under DonFuer building the city of Bagong Saki. The Tzuriisaki would settle throughout the peninsula. Those who liked organized society settled within Bagong Saki while those who wanted to retain the old ways of semi-nomadic tradition settled sparsely throughout the peninsula. The Tzuriisaki would carve streams onto the peninsula fostering aquatic life and irrigation of agriculture.
==== Destruction of the Hari Tribes ====
As the Tzuriisaki and Shakumagi settled they would encounter the natives of the peninsula, the Hari. The settlers would have much conflict with the Hari Tribes leading to the Hari and their culture being wiped out completely. A main factor for the Hari Genocide was the Tzuriisaki settlers who would brutally hunt down and slaughter the Hari. With the Hari gone, the Tzuriisaki and Shakumagi became the new natives of the peninsula.
==== Skirmishes with the Aartheithians ====
After the settlement of the peninsula and the destruction of the Hari, the Tzuriisaki began facing "Aartheithian Pioneers." See the Tzuriisaki had settled the land south of Mt. Katsao and had built a waterfall naming it Tsakitsaori. Soon after Aartheithians from the Old Kingdom of Nebula began appearing and settling the area. This angered the Tzuriisaki who began launching raids and skirmishes against these settlers from the east. Eventually they were driven out and the Tzuriisaki reclaimed the land.
=== Urbanization and Divergence ===
Once the Tzuriisaki fully settled, they began to experience a period of population growth. The population of the Tzuriisaki boomed so much that, with help from the Kawa Corporation, they were able to found their own town called Tsakitsaori Bridge. The Tzuriisaki also began to diverge as some urbanized and intermingled with the Shakumagi, and others stuck to the traditional ways of life. Both their culture and language changed as a result. The Tzuriisaki culture diverged into four distinct Tzuriisaki groups each also with their own dialect of the Tzuhana Language. 
== Biology ==
Tzuriisaki have very long lives; they can live up to around 7000 years. A Tzuriisaki is considered an adult when they hit the age of 20, but they don't stop maturing until they become around 40 years of age. Tzuriisaki have exceptionally powerful lung giving them the ability to stay underwater for long periods of time. They can hold their breath for around 160 minutes. Also, Tzuriisaki have the ability to excrete a special oil that keeps their fur or hair waterproof. When drunk or under immense stress Tzuriisaki excrete excessive amounts of oil. 
=== Appearance ===
==== Natural Form ====
The natural form of a Tzuriisaki is an otter. The species of otter the Tzuriisaki look like in natural form varies and it depends on the bloodline. Bloodlines associated with the Tzurii tend to be more prevalent; otters of Tzurii bloodlines tend to look like river otters while bloodlines associated with the Tzukamui tend to look like sea otters. The fur of Tzuriisaki tends to be shades and mixes of brown, however some Tzuriisaki have black or even silver fur. Silver furred Tzuriisaki are rare and are seen as blessed by the moon. Their otter fur is very resistant to water. Tzuriisaki eyes come in a variety of colors which include amber, green, yellow, turquoise, red, or brown. The adult otters, including their tail, can range in size from 2 ft (61 cm) to 6 ft (183 cm). 
==== Human Form ====
Tzuriisaki have the ability to take on many forms, but their most common alternate form is of humans. Tzuriisaki in human form can look like anything they want, but only after enough training in shapeshifting. The baseline Tzuriisaki human has black or brown hair, but some do have the elusive silver hair. Just like in otter form, their hair in human form is water resistant. Their skin color tends to have warm undertones with most having skin of tan or varying brown in color. Their color stays the same in human form as it was in otter form. Changing/shapeshifting one's eyes is almost impossible; only highly skilled Tzuriisaki are able to perform this ability. The adult height of Tzuriisaki in human form ranges from 4'9" (1.45 m) to 6' (1.83 m). 
== Culture and Society ==
=== Living Tradition ===
The Tzuriisaki were traditionally a semi-nomadic people having inherited this lifestyle from their Tzumisui ancestors. Most Tzuriisaki lived out in the rural back country of the Maharian Peninsula which mainly included the the Maharian Steppe, Eastern portions of the Tzuriisaki Streams, and the Maharian Forest. They set up small huts and encampments that they would spend some time inhabiting but after would move on to new pastures. The Tzuriisaki lived off the land and sustained themselves by fishing. In contrast to the rural Tzuriisaki, some Tzuriisaki integrated into Maharian society living in the growing city of Bagong Saki. These otters largely adopted the customs of the Shakumagi and abandoned the nomadism of their ancestors. Despite the differences they still retained their love of fish and will often trade with their rural siblings. Additionally, a branch of the urban Tzuriisaki, with the backing of Kawa Corp., founded their own urban settlement of Tsakitsaori Bridge. 
==== Clan System ====
The Tzuriisaki often live in clans (Uji) based on surname (Ujinamei). Clans are made up of members who all share the same surname. This can include individuals who are related to each other or just individuals who share a surname. Members of a clan live in close proximity to each other often dividing into smaller familial groups (Kasaoku). 
===== Name System =====
Surnames can be divided into two categories: Haomaikai Namei (blessed names) and Haoinao Namei (cursed names). Haomaikai Namei are surnames that are the most common names and are all related to bodies of water. Haoinao Namei are surnames that are very uncommon and are not related to bodies of water. These names are considered to be cursed and so individuals with these names are persecuted and often hunted down. Jitsanamei are the given names that identify specific Tzuriisaki. 
Here is a list of common Tzuriisaki surnames: Kawa (river), Umi (ocean), Wanu (bay), Ikei (pond), Kaikuyao (strait), Utzumi (inland sea), Misumi (lake), Iriei (cove), Aonuseinu (hotspring), Kawaguchi (estuary), Shiaodamari (tidepool). 
There are no restrictions to first names. First names can also be divided into two catagories: given names and personal names. The given name is the name given at birth by the parent or guardian; most of the time it relates to fish. The personal name is the name that you choose for yourself. When a Tzuriisaki becomes 20, they are officially recognized as an adult and may choose a name that they want to be called other than their given name; its kinda like a nickname. For example, prominent Tzuriisaki, Arokiku Kawa; his personal name is Arokiku, his given name is unknown. 
=== Tools ===
The Tzuriisaki have a great respect for items or tools they deem valuable or holy. There are three items/tools that Tzuriisaki deem most important. The most valuable tool a Tzuriisaki can possess is the fishing rod. A Tzuriisaki fishing rod or "Tzurisao" is a physical embodiment of the otter's soul and honor. Every Tzurisao is handcrafted by a special craftsman to perfection; the Tzurisao is renowned throughout the world as being the best or one of the best fishing rods. When an otter comes of age they are required to receive a Tzurisao. The Tzurisao is the main provider for a Tzuriisaki; as long as they have it they can both feed and defend themselves. If an otter's Tzurisao were to be lost or broken they must go through a cleansing ritual requiring them to go into isolation or exile. Tzuriisaki also value special rocks called "Tzeinnaouiwa." These rocks are used in everyday activities like eating, cooking, etc. They are also used for other rituals such as marriage, special gifts, funerals, or religious ceremonies. Unlike Tzurisao, which are considered irreplacable, Tzeinnaouiwa may be easily replaced if lost or broken, but in certain cases such as a marriage stone being lost, the otter responsible will be condemned and persecuted. The last important tool of the Tzuriisaki is their special weapons. The otters utilize a multitude of different weapons the most common being swords, spears, and bows. These weapons are often possessed by families rather than single individuals. If an otter were to lose a weapon, they would bring shame to their family and by extent their clan. 
=== Diet Practices ===
The Tzuriisaki primarily eat fish and products of water bodies. They have vast knowledge of everything relating to fish and the water. A typical Tzuriisaki diet consists of fish and dried kelp. It may also include bread due to intermingling with the Shakumagi. Tzuriisaki are also big fans of brewing. Other than water they primarily drink tea, but when it comes to alcohol they love their whiskey. Traditionally, Tzuriisaki use chopsticks and spoons made of driftwood to eat their food; in modern times they commonly use different materials for their utensils like bamboo or different kinds of wood. Along with these utensils, Tzuriisaki utilize the Tzeinnaouiwa, using it to crack open shells or crush food up during preparation.
=== Music and Dance ===
The Tzuriisaki are avid practitioners of song and dance. They love to sing, chant, and chirp while preforming dances; some popular song and dances include the Fisherman's Dance, the Song of the Sea, the Whispering Waves, and the Sailor's Dance. They are also known for playing instruments; the most commonly played instrument is the shamiseinu (it's just a shamisen). The shamiseinu is a three-stringed instrument that is played with a plectrum. Players of the shamiseinu are highly respected in communities of Tzuriisaki. 
=== Religion ===
The Tzuriisaki believe in a folk religion called Uzaoism. Uzaoism says that water is the artery of all life and that the sun, moon, storm gods facilitate the endless cycle of life. Of all their gods they worship the moon god the most. Along with their gods they worship water itself and the ancestors. Their folk religion is not a very organized one and is known to adapt and mingle with other religions such as that of Orchidism, the religion of the Shakumagi, creating a hybrid religion called Uzao-Orchidism. 50% the Tzuriisaki follow the mixed belief of Uzao-Orchidism, while 40% keep to tradition and follow just Uzaoism, and the remaining 10% follow Orchidism. 
=== Abilities ===
==== Shapeshifting ====
The Tzuriisaki in their natural form are otters, but they are able to change this form into things more familiar to other groups of people. Tzuriisaki, rather than stay in their smaller otter bodies, will transform themselves into humans and prefer to stay in such forms; to be clear, Tzuriisaki are not limited to human shapeshifting, but it is their preferred form. They are able to change their human form to whatever suits them, but normally stick to a single form that they live day to day in. The otters choose to stay in human form to utilize the benefits humans have. For one, humans are larger than otters, so human form allows the Tzuriisaki to better defend themselves better than in otter form. Human form also allows the Tzuriisaki to blend into other societies protecting them from potential persecution. 
==== Trickery ====
Other than shapeshifting, the Tzuriisaki are able to perform other forms of trickery. One form of trickery they have is the ability to snuff out lights. They often only preform this trick on travelers traveling at night. Another tricking ability they possess is the ability to mimic voices and sounds. Again they mostly do this in order to trick and frighten travelers at night. The Tzuriisaki find much amusement in tricking travelers.
==== The Curse (Uzaohaoinao) ====
The Tzuriisaki are able to perform one last ability which in their tongue is known as Uzaohaoinao also known as "The Curse" to outsiders. Tzuriisaki have the ability to turn a normal human into a Tzuriisaki. In order for this to happen, the Tzuriisaki must perform the Uzaohaoinao Ritual under a full moon. If the ritual is not performed under a full moon, the victim, rather than be transformed into a Tzuriisaki, will become a normal otter. There is no undoing of Uzaohaoinao and once the ritual begins it must be completed or else the user and victim risk death. Tzuriisaki rarely use this ability as it halves the lifespan of the user. 
=== Language ===
The indigenous language of the Tzuriisaki is called Tzuhana, but most just call it "Otter Tongue." The language's sentence structure is that of SOV (Subject, Object, Verb). Recently a written form of the language has been developed by Tzuriisaki Scholars; prior to that Tzuhana was written in "common script." All Tzuriisaki are born with the ability to both speak and understand Tzuhana. There are 70 normal syllabary sounds in the language + additional syllabary sounds all listed below; The last 5 columns include the additional sounds. 
Tzuhana Syllabary in "common script"
~ 	k 	g 	s 	z 	ts 	tz 	d 	n 	h 	m 	y 	r 	w 	sh 	j 	ch 	_y 	__
a 	ka 	ga 	sa 	za 	tsa 	tza 	da 	na 	ha 	ma 	ya 	ra 	wa 	sha 	ja 	cha 	_ya 	__a
i 	ki 	gi 	shi	ji 	tsi 	tzi 	chi	ni 	hi 	mi 	yi 	ri 	wi 	~ 	~ 	~ 	~ 	__i
u 	ku 	gu 	su 	zu 	tsu 	tzu 	du 	nu 	fu 	mu 	yu 	ru 	wu 	shu 	ju 	chu 	_yu 	__u
ei	kei	gei	sei	zei	tsei	tzei	dei	nei	hei	mei	yei	rei	wei	shei	jei	chei	~ 	__ei
ao	kao	gao	sao	zao	tsao	tzao	dao	nao	hao	mao	yao	rao	wao	shao	jao	chao	_yao	__ao
Tzuhana Syllabary created by Scholars (just hiragana w/ additions)
~ 	k 	g 	s 	z 	ts	tz	d 	n 	h 	m 	y 	r 	w 	sh 	j 	ch 	_y 	__
あ 	か 	が 	さ 	ざ 	た 	だ 	た゚	な 	は 	ま 	や 	ら 	わ 	しゃ 	じゃ 	ち゚ゃ 	_ゃ 	っ_
い 	き 	ぎ 	し 	じ 	ち 	ぢ 	ち゚	に 	ひ 	み 	イ 	り 	ゐ 	~ 	~ 	~ 	~ 	~
う 	く 	ぐ 	す 	ず 	つ 	づ 	つ゚	ぬ 	ふ 	む 	ゆ 	る 	ゔ 	しゅ 	じゅ 	ち゚ゅ 	_ゅ 	~
え 	け 	げ 	せ 	ぜ 	て 	で 	て゚	ね 	へ 	め 	エ 	れ 	ゑ 	しェ 	じェ 	ち゚ェ 	~ 	~
お 	こ 	ご 	そ 	ぞ 	と 	ど 	と゚	の 	ほ 	も 	よ 	ろ 	を 	しょ 	じょ 	ち゚ょ 	_ょ 	~
==== Dialects ====
The Tzuhana language has four spoken dialects that corrolate with certain Tzuriisaki groups. West of the Tzuriisaki Streams, there are two distinct groups of Tzuriisaki: the Urban and Steppe Tzuriisaki. The urban Tzuriisaki or "Bayaii" are Tzuriisaki that live in and near by Bagong Saki; in recent times more and more Bayaii have been migrating to Tsakitsaori Bridge. They speak the "Bayaii Dialect" which is the most spoken dialect and came about due to the intermingling of Tzuriisaki and Shakumagi culture along with the continuing divergence between the city settled Tzuriisaki and the rural Tzuriisaki. The Bayaii dialect has more loan words from the Shakumagi language and the Traveler's Tongue and sounds more monotone compared the other dialects. Steppe Tzuriisaki also called "Zaougeinuii" are Tzuriisaki that live semi-nomadically out in the Maharian Steppe. They speak "Zaougeinuii Dialect" which is said to sound more lyrical almost like a song. East of the Tzuriisaki Streams are where the other two groups of Tzuriisaki reside. They are the Eastern and Northern Tzuriisaki. The Eastern Tzuriisaki or "Funaofunaoii" are the larger of the two groups. They live in the area in and around the Maharian Forest and Tsakitsaori Falls speaking "Funaofunaoii Dialect." When spoken it sounds more aggressive and loud compared to the other dialects. The Northern Tzuriisaki are Tzuriisaki that live north of the East Maharian Stream. They are the smallest subculture and little is known about them. Their land expanse overlaps with that of the Gerteki/Maravillan as it spans across the northern part of the Greater Adramis Western Woodland. They speak a dialect similar to Funaofunaoii which is said to borrow loan words from the Gertek languages. 
=== Race Relations ===
==== Numachiisaki (Shakumagi) ====
The Tzuriisaki and Shakumagi have a very positive relationship. Ever since the days of Hagusaki, the Shakumagi have maintained good relations with the otters and having lived with or near each other for a while now they have grown quite fond of each other. The two groups will often trade with each other with the Tzuriisaki providing fish and fishing products in exchange for Shakumagi gear, food, and material. Their is much influence on the modern Tzuriisaki from the Shakumagi. Even the name "Tsuriisaki" is partially derived from the Shakumagi. The Tzuhana name for them, "Numachiisaki," means "Swamp people of the Homeland." 
==== Tsaoufuzaougeinuii (Gerteki) ====
The Tzuriisaki and Gerteki have a slightly positive relationship. The otters have occasionally crossed the eastern border into Gerteki lands for fishing. Interactions between the two are not hostile; Tzuriisaki often just pass through Gerteki settlements, talk to whoever is there, and continue on their way. They interact way more flawlessly now that Adramis is unified. The Tzuhana name for them, "Tsaoufuzaougeinuii," means "Eastern Steppe people."
==== Maarieizunaii (Muharibs) ====
The Tzuriisaki and Muharibs have a slightly positive relations. The Muharibs settled late compared to the other people groups of Adramis, so no bad blood was spilled during their settlement as borders had already been determined and the Tzuriisaki had already settled themselves. The Muharibs had settled the land of the Aartheithians, so the Tzuriisaki were at first surprised to see them. They were pleased nonetheless as their old enemies were now gone replaced with potential friends. The Tzuhana name for them, "Maarieizunaii," means "Calm Sand people."
==== Tzanukii (Foreigners) ====
Tzuriisaki have mixed relations with those they deem Tzanukii aka Foreigners. They enjoy trade with foreigners who arrive in Bagong Saki often liking to offer good deals on goods sold and traded to these new people. In the countryside it was a different story especially by the Eastern Border. In the countryside of Maharia, Tzuriisaki have had to deal with destruction of both nature and structures they have built. Instances include the disrupting of streams and water ways the otters have built, the griefing of Tzuriisaki Huts, and griefing of roadways built by Kawa Corp. Today, due to the unification of Adramis, interactions with foreigners have been mostly positive. 
Category:Cultures