The Hudo

The Hudo are the native people of Azshakar, a group of nomadic tribes who have roamed the deserts for centuries. They are a hardy, resourceful people, adapted to survive in the harsh conditions of the region. The Hudo are known for their skills as traders and merchants, moving goods from oasis to oasis and conducting business with other nomadic tribes. They are also skilled hunters and gatherers, able to provide for themselves in the difficult conditions of the desert. The Hudo have a rich culture that revolves around their connection to the land and their dependence on each other for survival. They have a deep respect for the natural world, seeing themselves as stewards of the deserts they call home.
The Hudo are well-known for their hospitality towards visitors, and travelers passing through their territory are often welcomed with open arms. They are often willing to share their knowledge of the land and its resources and are frequently sought after as guides for travelers venturing into the desert.

With a rich culture that has been shaped by the harsh desert environment. They are a nomadic people, moving across the desert in search of water and food sources. The Hudo have adapted to the harsh conditions of Azshakar in many ways. They are skilled at finding and conserving water, and they have developed ways to store and transport it as they move across the desert. They are also known for their ability to find food in the sparse desert environment, such as hunting small animals and gathering edible desert plants.

## Culture

### Nomadic lifestyle:

The culture of the Hudo is deeply rooted in the harsh desert environment of Azshakar. As a nomadic people, their way of life revolves around the search for water and food sources in the vast and unforgiving desert landscape. One of the most distinctive aspects of Hudo culture is their oral tradition. Much of their history, including stories, legends, and myths, is passed down through generations via word of mouth.

Deeply rooted in nomadic traditions and a connection to the harsh desert environment of Azshakar. The Hudo are a people adapted to the desert's demands, and their culture reflects their intimate relationship with it. Hudo social structure is built around family and clan groupings that roam the desert in search of water, forage, and other resources. These groups are the foundation for how they structure their society. Hudo communities are also highly egalitarian, with each person's contribution, regardless of age or gender, valued through cooperation.

The Hudo are renowned for their skilled craftsmanship, and their art encompasses every aspect of their nomadic existence. They create magnificent woven textiles, elegant pottery, delicate carvings, and intricate metalwork. Like many indigenous cultures, their art is often functional in design, yet beautifully decorated, imbued with symbolism and meaning. The Hudo are also notable for their traditional music, songs, dances, and storytelling, all carrying the weight of their history and legends. Their dances are usually performed in a circle, with dancers chanting and singing as they move in fluid, synchronized motion.

Overall, Hudo culture is unique, owing to its deep sense of respect for nature and its rhythms, a fierce independence, and an unshakeable commitment to their way of life. It is an ancient way of living and seeing the world that is still alive and vibrant today.

### The Hudo and their Culture around the Tanthos:

The Hudo people's ancient traditions have a deep reverence for the Tanthos, the titanic golems made of sand and stone that patrol the desert landscapes of Azshakar. They see the Tanthos as guardians of the desert, charged with protecting its people and wildlife from harm. Hudo lore tells of their ancestors living side by side with the Tanthos, who would offer guidance and wisdom to those who sought it. However, their reverence for the Tanthos is not limited to just admiration. Their traditions include a solemn obligation to protect and safeguard the golems from harm or destruction, and they consider it a grave offense to disturb or damage these ancient constructs. The tale of Emperor Azeen also looms large in Hudo tradition.

According to legend, Emperor Azeen was an ancient tyrant who ruled over the deserts of Azshakar with an iron fist, employing dark magic and powerful golems to subjugate his people. His rule was marked by cruelty and oppression, and he was feared by many. Hudo legend tells of brave warriors who banded together to defeat Emperor Azeen, using their knowledge of the Tanthos to overthrow his rule. They rallied the colossal golems to their cause, and with their might, they were able to bring down the tyrant and restore peace to the deserts.

### The Krias rite of passage

The Hudo people have a unique rite of passage that young children must undertake in order to be accepted as a full member of the tribe - to kill a Krias and take its stinger back to the tribe. This rite of passage is not taken lightly, and is considered an important part of the Hudo culture. The Krias are dangerous creatures, and even experienced warriors can sometimes have difficulty taking one down. However, it is believed that by completing this task, the young Hudo demonstrates their courage, strength, and ability to survive in the harsh desert environment.

Preparation for the rite of passage begins early, with young children learning how to track the Krias, recognize its behaviors, and understand how to approach it safely. They also learn how to use various weapons, from primitive spears to more advanced hunting bows. When the time comes for a young Hudo to take on the Krias, they are accompanied by other members of the tribe who act as guides and support. They are given a designated area in which to hunt the Krias, giving them a fair chance without straying too far from the tribe. The young Hudo must be able to demonstrate their skill and bravery in taking down the Krias alone, using only their wits, strength, and the weapons they have been trained with. Once the Krias is defeated, the young Hudo must extract the stinger and return it to the tribe as proof of their accomplishment. Upon returning with the stinger, the young Hudo is celebrated and recognized as an esteemed member of the tribe. They are initiated into various tribal traditions, and their success in overcoming the Krias is seen as an auspicious sign of their future potential.