Yowokawu Culture

East Kalu (Kohl: Yówokawäais Mñékopa, lit: "East-Kalu's Life-how") culture is an umbrella term for several Kalu tribes and cultures predominant in the northeast. It generally encompasses Kalu-bloods groups in Kalubio, east Schremn, Bathole and parts of Putoola. These cultures are connected in they share similar languages, values, laws or codes, beliefs or faith, customs, traditions and celebrations, philosophies or mannerisms, or other cultural aspects.

Due to Gacawys colonial efforts in the northeast, much of these subcultures have become unified by regional borders, and formed new subcultures within. Additionally, Kalu cultures have been influenced or integrated elements of Goldblut cultures from aborad, such as Gacawy.

## History

The vast majority of traditional “Kawu” culture originates from the Northern continents. This includes the notorious käɱ from the northeastern warrior tribes. Much of their influence was likely felt due to them being used as escorts and Sherpas for the treacherous journey. Kalu cultural distinction began to appear presumably during their expansion through the northeast as they travelled across modern-day Schremn.

It is worth noting that while there are several similarities between many groups of Kalu, there are also subtle distinctions that may make one seem "foreign" to another. These are rarely, if ever, met with hostility, and more with observation. An "ah, so you're from over there? Ah, cool" type of reaction. However, one attempting to match these mannerisms from tribes or clans they are not members of may be met with scrutiny among certain demographics.

## Present-Day Examples

### Superstitions and Beliefs

In Kalu culture, the number 8 is considered unlucky, much like our 13. Much of this comes from many northern predators of Colanexa having four eyes, while the Kalu have two. One on one, a Kalu could fight most aggressive wildlife. But to have two predators watching you, you were outnumbered.

13 is also considered unlucky, as it reflects hubris. Where the Kohl numerical system the Kalu use is duodecimal (ɱsiñžy’y), striving for a perfect dozen and taking more is said to bring bad fortune, hence the association with the number. In contrast, 3, 7, 11 and 12 (and most of their multiples) are all often considered lucky numbers. Some cultures believe that higher powers of numbers are even more or less fortunate (for example, 9 is even luckier than 3, as it is 3^2. 27 is even luckier, 3^3. 64 is unlucky, 8^2, etc.).

Traditionally, Kalu only hunt predators for food and resources, not herbivores (remember that it is common for northern predators to have four eyes). This is related to their strong ties to honour when facing opponents; either they get food and material, or become food themselves. Their opponent can retaliate, and will do so to survive the same way that their Kalu hunters would. Herbivores, especially non-aggressive ones, were seen as lower on the food chain, and thus considered less honourable to prey on (however, in times of famine these restrictions would often be loosened for the population to survive). That being said, seafood is often viewed as fair game regardless of predatory status.

An indicator of tragedy or bad omen in Kalu culture is for children to die before their parents. In such an event, being allowed to mourn and community support are common. Part of this is why the DQA was such a catalyst in causing the Kalubian Revolution; children were taken to fight and die, while their parents were forced to stay behind due to having others to raise and maintain society through employment and labour. Especially following the revelation of Gamian atrocities committed to the conscripts, parental rage towards the Luvvar state was widespread.

A further example of this is the song "Weeping Mother's Powka", which describes the confrontation and a subsequent brawl with a boisterous Kalu who attempts to flirt with a mother who recently lost her child. He tries various ways to distract her, according to the narrator, but to no avail. The attempts vary from version to version, but the melody and general story of the song stay the same. Connor Felidow uses the song's story to explain Kalu frustrations and family issues to Tina Sparxnik.

### Expressions

“Fight me eye to eye” is a saying sometimes used, likely related to this origin story. It is similar to “pick on someone your own size,” but also “mono-e-mono” or “don’t be a coward.” The "eye to eye" portion is related to how as mentioned, many Kalubian predators have four eyes, instead of the Kalu two (also typical of herbivores).

### Mannerisms

A common Kalu greeting or acknowledgement is a nod or head tilt while maintaining eye contact. This can function either as a greeting, similar to a wave or a "hi," or an acknowledgement of understanding (similar to a typical human nod). One common variation in some circles is for the greeting, the first person (initiator) nods slightly upward, while the second or others (recipients) nod downward, or vice versa. Optionally, the thumb and two foremost fingers (index and middle) can be extended like a wave, with the others gently lowered.

Similar to the middle finger in many English human cultures, a vulgar hand gesture in Kalu circles consists of waving or jerking one's hand as though to simulate masturbation. This is done with a cupped hand (as though holding a phallus) towards males, and swirling the two or three foremost fingers with the thumb sticking out (as though rubbing a clitoris) towards females. If the sex is unknown, or as a less vulgar version, a general aggressive hand or fist shaking can convey a similar emotion.

In combat, biting or spitting are considered dishonourable, along with shots to the genital area or the back (save for tackling or restraining). One expection to this code was non-combattative self-defense, such as against a burglar or sexual assailant. Cannibalism (both living and already dead) are highly forbidden. This taboo is one of the factors in Joseph Rodenski's rise to infamy, as he was known to feast on the flesh and organs of his victims, much like a vicious predator instead of an honourable Kalu.

### Communications and Languages

East Kalu tribes speak various sub-dialects of Yówokow, or East Kohl. These are distinguished by the use of different word variations (and sometimes, older or dated words) and intonations, as well as the notorious "rough vowel" sounds that have fallen out of use in Xazukow (West Kohl).

A common Kalu battle tactic was to have separate squads on patrol with trained avian pets, who would fly in assigned directions to alert nearby squadrons of hostiles or other events (retreat, camp found, reinforcements, hold/advance).

This was amplified with flares before the introduction of instant messaging (radio, digital text, voice comms). However, the tradition of using colour codes and audio cues is still utilized frequently. Accommodations can be made for soldiers who are tone-deaf or colour-blind, however they are generally kept away from positions that use such systems.

### Music, Writing, and other Arts

Several traditional songs appear throughout the arcs. Many traditional Kalu songs are either the aeolian or dorian modes, or use the minor pentatonic and minor blues scales.

While structures and melodies generally remain the same, lyrics are often modified from version to version, as long as the general meaning of the song stays the same. For example:

"There's a lost soul who's sure

All that glitters is gold

And can buy you a stairway to heaven"

(Originally from Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin)

or:

"Follow me now and you shan't soon regret

Leaving the life you led before we met

You are the first to have this love of mine

Forever with me 'til the end of time"

(Originally from N.I.B. - Black Sabbath)

instead of the official lyrics. One demonstration of this is the Memorial Tribute Event, where Reinder Stuhy and former bandmate Sabrina Y'Wixwun unite to perform old songs they wrote at DP-SEI, with the words altered to be more relevant.