Wanaoi

**The indigenous Wanaoi** are a race of people existing on Arth.

## Overview

Believed to be the first people on Arth, most Wanaoi people are situated in Anachoria. They are commonly a diverse in appearance, but also generally dark skinned people who tend to be taller than the average human. One unique thing about the Wanaoi is that they have a male majority, with only 39% of their population being women. However, despite this gender imbalance, their culture is egalitarian, with strong value placed on parental figures as leaders and teachers. Most Wanaoi people live together as a large family structure, with entire villages living together and caring for each others' children.

Wanaoi people also tend to be the most magically inclined, with a majority of the population being able to possess augur or having a natural affinity for it.

## Culture

### Marriage

Due to the gender imbalance in Anachoria where boys outnumber girls, a common practice throughout Anachorian history is the practice of a familial harem, where when a woman marries into a family, all the males/brothers in the husband's family (unrelated to the wife) effectively become the new woman's husband too.  It is also often dowry based and the woman chooses who is her most important husband. Genetic lineage is also placed on the maternal line, so any child who comes from the woman is the child to all the men in the harem. This cultural practice has spread to other racial groups in Anachoria.

### Child-rearing

Unlike other continents' cultures, Wanaoi people do not believe in the concept of ownership in families. While families are defined, they are usually done so through their accomplishments or appearance, and in close knit structures any adult is considered responsible to a child if they are present. They consider any child to be theirs as well, therefore obligating them to take care of the child if it is in danger or distress.

### Death

When a person dies in Wanaoi culture, their body is wrapped in cloth and covered in flowers. However, during the embalming process, the body is carved with augur symbols by the family members or close friends, usually prayers for their safe departure to the afterlife, as well as protection of the family still alive.

### Birth

Birth is a widely celebrated event, especially if the offspring is female. However, during the birthing process, it is meant to be a private and chaste event where the only ones allowed to be present during the birth are the mother, spouse(s), and the midwife. Wanaoi people pray to the god of childbirth and god of healing to ensure a safe birth, and midwives are considered valuable in their society for their knowledge and common possession of healing magic.

### Puberty/Aging

When a member of Wanaoi culture comes of age, usually puberty, they are expected to display their accomplishments, be it magic or any other kind. This is performed in a ceremony where the accomplishments and talents of an individual are displayed, and celebrated with a party of food and dance. Those who prove themselves able to live freely are considered fully fledged adults in Wanaoi culture, however they also believe a person physically and emotionally becomes an adult when they reach the age of 25. Their long lifespans and hygienic culture explains this reasoning.

## Trivia

* The word "Wanaoi" is inspired by the Mycenean Greek word *"wanax"* , which means "king, chief, lord, or leader".