The Bekhai

**The Bekhai** or ***The People*** in *The Language*, is a tribe who live in The Village. Situated close to the northern border of the Azure Sea Empire and nestled within the Saint's Tribulations Mountains. They take great care in retaining their culture and way of life, which can antagonize other Imperial citizens. Their main representatives outside The Village are high ranking Imperial Defense Force Officers: Akanai and Baatar.

## Overview

> "*The strong protect the weak, and in return, the many support the few.*"
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A commune where strength is prioritized in a holistic approach. *The People* can be separated roughly into artisans, farmers, soldiers and politicians. All resources collected and products produced are distributed, and charity is respected. From young, each villager is taught the Forms and guided along the Martial Path every morning, and in the afternoon, learn the expertise and skills to follow in their parent's footsteps. Individuals who don't suit their current paths are traded off to a different profession so that each individual is ensured of work. Young Martial Warriors who seek to prove themselves as soldiers, trial for cadetship in The Khishigsor leave to serve in the Imperial Army.

The Khishigs defend the Village and its inhabitants, and act as protectors for numerous other tribes across the Saint's Tribulations Mountains. Liaising through these other tribes, the Bekhai further grow their influence by trading goods and services. The mountains themselves are filled with both dangers and fortunes; a veritable treasure trove of natural resources which go largely untouched.

South of the Saint's Tribulations Mountains, the Bekhai have a strong relationship with the Magistrate of the closest Imperial City, Shen Huo. The Khishigs regularly escort a caravan of goods and people to and from the city to trade on a larger scale. A few villagers move to the city as it affords a different lifestyle.

With a powerful Ancestral Beast securing the north, east and west of The Village. The Bekhai have secured a strong foothold on the north-west of the Northern Province.

The Bekhai believe in seeking joy by finding ones passion and then pursuing it.

## Military

Their military doctrine differs greatly to the rest of the Empire, prioritizing efficiency over honour and glory. The Khishigs and the Iron Banner Mercenary Company demonstrate this through strong emphasis on highly mobile forces, skilled scouts, and ranged weapons. The Bekhai mounts, Roosequins, further enhance their hit and run tactics.

The Bekhai also maintain a larger percentage of Martial Warriors among their population when compared to the Empire's publicized average, 2.5% and 1% respectively. The Bekhai are also arguably better in quality.

## Population

### Pure Bloods

Pure blooded tribesman have distinctly amber eyes.

### Half-Beasts

Most of the half-beasts in The Village were once a part of the orphanage. There are always more kids than people able to adopt, even with demand as high as it is. The fiercer arch-types, the wolves, cats, bears and whatnot, usually get picked first by the warrior families. The rest are slower to be picked, and some never do get a family, growing up at the orphanage and help out doing odd jobs, hoping to get picked up to learn a trade. Many of the orphans leaving the village to become soldiers or roamers, unwilling to live as a burden to the Village.

## Trivia

* They are very open when it comes to public nudity as they share communal mixed baths in The Village.
* Rain has described their society as socialist.
* The Panacea Healing technique is initially kept a secret by the Bekhai after Rain discovered it.
* The Bekhai have a fondness for holding festivals.
* Family Rules: marriage at 20, kids at 25, no single parents allowed
* There was some major incident that occurred a few years prior to Rain's arrival that is repeatedly alluded to...
* Inner examination, the first step in self-healing, is taught to the children when they are 8 years old.
* The Bekhai's strategy of scattering their enemies before overwhelming the isolated groups was learned from studying roosequins hunt.
* The Bekhai way of finding and pursing ones passions is similar to following ones Dao, which may be a factor as to why they are stronger on average compared to other Martial Warriors.

## References

1. ↑ Chapter 560
2. ↑ Chapter 10
3. ↑ Chapter 33
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Chapter 622
5. ↑ Chapter 38
6. ↑ Chapter 86
7. ↑ Chapter 37
8. ↑ Chapter 97
9. ↑ Chapter 601