Zuanwa

Zuanwa is a city state in the jungle that forms a land bridge between Korero and Whakarongo on Mydia. It is currently under construction, pulling in massive amount of labor from nomadic tribes lured to settle by the promise of steady food supplies and safety in numbers.

## Caste System

Zuanwa and much of the surrounding cultures operate under a complex social hierarchy in the form of a caste system based on physical attributes, heritage, gender norms, and aesthethics. These castes are either visible upon a glance naturally or are marked upon each individual using a complex pattern of paints and dyes.

* ***Za'watem*** (Leaders) - At the very top of the caste system is the Za'watem, those individuals chosen by the gods to bring their will into fruition on Galbar. To qualify for the Leader caste, the person must be physically remarkable in a unique and often exceptional way. Blonde hair, large birthmarks in strange shapes, mutations, and strange eye colors, are the four most common categories for the Za'watem. One cannot become Za'watem after birth, as it is decided by attributes beyond the individuals control. Despite this, the only currently named Za'watem is Uraka, who lacks any exceptional characteristic to qualify, due to her father being from the same caste. Another example is Wazan, a Servant who is technically of the Za'watem caste, but has decided to take on a lower caste.
* ***Za'wal*** (Speakers) - Za'wal fill both a clerical and clergical role in Zuanwa's society. Within the caste are a multitude of professions relating to interpreting the different wills and voices of the gods, and relating them to society, as well as keeping the growing administration of Zuanwa running. Examples are Skyspeakers, who interpret the shifting colors of the ink-stained sky to predict the weather, or Farspeakers, who try to divine the future through meditation and hallucinatory rituals. The only way to become a Za'wal is to be born into it, or to trade a caste position within the Ta'zesh with Za'wal. This requires sponsorship from local leaders. Women are traditionally discouraged from remaining in the Za'wal caste if they are born into it, as being a speaker is seen as a male responsibility.
* ***Ta'zesh*** (Hunters) - The Ta'zesh are the warriors, hunters, gatherers and scouts of Zuanwan society, and effectively act as the military arm despite there being no true organized military yet. Within this caste comes a deeper responsibility to commune with the jungle and train in survival and combat, though many different roles fall into this caste. The only way to become a Ta'zesh is to be born into it, or to trade a position in Ta'zesh with one in Za'wal. This requires sponsorship, just like the opposite event. Men are discouraged from remaining Ta'zesh during their youth, as the role of protectors, guide and gatherer is a traditionally female responsibility.
* ***Ta'zun*** (Crafters) - The largest and most accepting caste, most citizens in Zuanwa fall into this caste. It is comprised of almost every trade and profession relating to maintaining society and supplying a city with materials to keep going. Within the caste there are further divisions, most notably the production of paint, dyes, oils, and other materials relating to the social functions of Zuanwa - these professions are generally almost a caste of their own. Everyone who is not born into another caste is born into Ta'zun, typically adopting the same role as their parent.
* ***Ta'ral*** (Unpainted) - A special caste is the Ta'ral, or servant caste. These individuals have no real rights, and are not typically regarded as participating citizens of Zuanwan society. Their role in society is simple, to serve their betters. The only markings allowed for Ta'ral are the clan or caste markings of their "protector", the individual they have pledged their service to. One cannot be born into the Ta'ral caste, but choosing to live as a Ta'ral under someone else's protection can mean guaranteed food and safety. There are widespread issues with abuse of Ta'ral, and situations where it is no better than slavery, but choosing to live under a generous beneficiary may mean an easy and comfortable life. It is important to visibly broadcast your protection through the simple paint allowed.
* ***Rul*** (Marked) - The Rul are what other civilisations would call slaves. Forced into hard labor, dangerous work, and other troublesome situations, the Rul can be identified not by the paint or dyes on their bodies, but the physical marks made to forever brand them as Rul. This can be physical scarification, branding, or other permanent methods, including tattoos. One cannot be born into Rul, it is reserved for prisoners of war, people from other cultures, or unlucky Ta'ral who could not prove their caste.