Zaitu-et

The **Zaitu-et** were a human ethnic group and nation native to the southeastern continent.

## History

The Zaitu-et people originated in small tribes living in southeastern Cinder several thousand years ago. Typically semi-nomadic, they hunted and foraged the lands where they lived, occasionally coming into conflict with each other, but living mostly peaceful lives. Archaeological research has produced mostly tools, clothing, and jewelery, with few sturdy structures or complex things like pottery.

This societal structure remained constant until at one point agriculture blossomed among the population. The age and style of tools from this period indicate that farming did not develop naturally and was introduced by an outside source, then spread rapidly to the tribes. This led to an explosive change in culture, with a textile industry becoming very prominent. Many Zaitu-et switched from their semi-nomadic lifestyle to a more sedentary farming life.

This had the side effect of unifying and homogenizing the people of the region, who naturally came together after the spread of agriculture.

A large part of the Zaitu-et died out after a massive climate shift caused famines and mass emigration, while the rest scattered and joined other groups. Some Zaitu-et still exist as a minority race in other nations, but are unaware of their origins.

## Physical appearance

Zaitu-et can be characterized most notably by their warm-colored eyes and silver-white hair. Shades of these can range from red to orange to yellow for the former, and bone-white to platinum-blonde for the latter. Skin color varies widely, spanning a large range of whites, tans, and browns.

Height is typically short-to-average for humans, ranging from five to six feet. No Zaitu-et has ever been recorded over six foot two. Builds are typically slim, athletic, and graceful. A culture and history of foraging in the forest and hunting game lead most Zaitu-et to be naturally lean.

## Culture

### Politics

The Zaitu-et people place a strong value in religion in keeping their lives in harmony. A central figure in Zaitu-et life is the Zaitu-cho, around whom the governmental and religious structures are organized. They function as the center around which authority revolves, a neutral and compassionate third party.

Outside of the Zaitu-cho, land is divided between various different clans, each of whom oversee and govern the people within their lands. One head individual, the Gido, is the leader of both clan and land. Each Gido serves as an equal representative in the government, aside from one.

One clan is chosen to be the "head" Gido for a limited period of time. This head is determined by the Zaitu-cho, through skirmishes in battle as well as physical wealth and overall influence. The head is re-determined every year. If a certain clan remains dominant over a long period of time, (3 years) the title will pass to the second-place contender in order to prevent government from becoming hegemonic.

### Religion

#### Deities and Origins

The Zaitu-et people worship a god known as Zaichiro, who they call the master of the Storm. They say that the world existed in chaos and darkness in its early days, and Zaichiro emerged from the chaos and brought order and structure to it. He is a manifestation of hardships, struggle, sorrow, and trauma, emotions that rage like a storm.

Despite this, Zaichiro is not thought of as an evil or malicious god. He is revered by the Zaitu-et for bringing structure and understanding to life, and look to him as a path to peace. His children are also respected as minor deities, including Adero, who controls precipitation, Taziro, who controls the wind, and Beechuro, who controls thunder and lightning.

#### Weather Symbolism and offerings

Different types of weather are linked to each god, and are seen as omens of things to come. During each type of weather, people make offerings to the respective deity in hopes that they will be guided through or protected from things to come. Things of value such as food, money, or valuable items are left at a shrine, and are typically dissolved when an offering is accepted.

 Wind
 Rain
 Snow
 Lightning

#### Storms

The storm is a culmination of weathers, an omen of chaos, and a symbol of trauma and deep emotion. Zaichiro, as master of the Storm, can control these things and help overcome them.

A major tenet of the theology rests upon finding the "eye of the storm," a metaphorical expression used to express the concept of inner peace. Worshipers are expected to find and isolate sources of confusion, fear, and hate. They acknowledge the pain, but don't let it control them. A storm cannot be destroyed or ignored, but it can be prepared for and endured.

When one has come to terms with themselves and their life, they are said to be in the eye of the storm, the final state one wishes to be in.

### Language

The Zaitu-et spoke an extinct proto-language that had its own alphabet and phonology. Traces of this language can be observed in modern tongues, but none currently speak it. Study of it is relegated to scholars and historians.