Dwamanae

The **Dwamanae** are nomadic people, never settling in one area for more than a day. It is easy to spot a Dwamanae tribesman from afar, due to the large packs that they are often carrying or have stored away on their mounts. Due to the sightings of the tall packs, it is said that if you’re ever lost, look for the pack that touches the sky, and the Dwamanae will help you in any way they can.

## History

The Dwamanae were founded by one of the first Manna, **Suijin Mukesha**. Suijin was said to of never stopped moving, and that he always followed the direction that the wind was blowing, settling down wherever he may be once the sun had set. As a result, the tribe born out of his travels continued the tradition, never settling down in one spot for longer than they had to.

The only time the Dwamanae have ever settled down was during a period of time where their tribe began to die out, around Ancient 4,831, due to an unknown disease that spread within their tribe.

Once the Dwamanae had fully recovered from the mysterious disease, around Ancient 4,632, they returned to their nomadic ways. The tribe has remained small from this disaster, and because of the fact that women often die during childbirth. Many of the tribespeople will send offerings to Eiroyt in order for him to be kind to those who have passed.

Due to the high mortality rate of women during birth, the Dwamanae are not worried about the women of their tribe having children. They care more about those who are currently alive living their lives to the fullest, and if that means the tribe will eventually die out, then they are fine with it.

## Physical Appearance

The Dwamanae wear colorful, lightweight clothing that is typically in pinks, reds, or oranges. The clothing has geometric designs decorating them, with most of the decorations being along the seams.

Both the men and women of the tribe wear dark makeup around their eyes when traveling in order to reflect the sunlight and allow for them to see easier. The Dwamanae also put a lot of effort and detail into the intricate jewelries that they wear, seeing it as therapeutic and a way of letting out artistic desires. Many Dwamanae will also pierce and stretch their earlobes as their rite-of-passage into adulthood, with some also getting facial tattoos in a masquerade-esque design around their eyes. Their hair is typically cut short or shaved.

## Culture

The Dwamanae believe that they were born from the earth and sky, with their packs being tall with the belief that they catch the winds, thus leading to a blessing from **Kurro** for safe travels. They follow the winds, believing that Kurro is leading them to a place of solitude and easy rest for the night. It is said that their founder, **Suijin Mukesha**, followed Kurro’s winds around the planet, and had become a part of the winds themselves once he had died.

The Dwamanae are a friendly and helpful tribe, often stopping by villages and **Gestal** to share the goods they have found on their travels. If a traveler comes across their camp for the night, they will be invited in by the Dwamanae and given a family-like treatment and shelter for the night. During the night, the Dwamanae build large bonfires, sharing stories and telling new travelers about the stars and constellations in the sky, leading to the belief that the Dwamanae were the origins of the **astrology** of the world. Once they are done with their stories, they will retreat into temporary huts made out of sticks and hides, the tops smothered in mud to keep the warmth inside.

It is said that once a Dwamanae has shared a meal with you, they will never forget your face.

During their travels, the Dwamanae will raise cattle and other livestock, using them as both a source of food and as companions. Many Dwamanae take on a tamer lifestyle, learning about the animals they come across and bring into their tribe. Whenever the winds take the Dwamanae into the plains, they like to settle down for the day to allow their livestock a day to rest and graze.

### Food

Dwamanae have a diet that is primarily through their livestock and foraging, with their favorite foods being raw meat, dairy, blood, and honey. They enjoy taking the honey and mixing it into stews and soups, which has led to their most popular dish - **Bloodstew**. The bloodstew is made up of raw meats mixed with honey and blood to create a thick consistency, with local herbs being mixed in to add extra flavor.

It is rare for the Dwamanae to slaughter for meat, with the only times they do it being when welcoming in a new leader or during a celebration. They will also save any rice or other preservative vegetation that they come across, due to the only times they’re able to get it being through trade. During these celebrations, the Dwamanae will sing and dance around their bonfire, singing about their joy of being alive and their thankfulness.

### Trade

The Dwamanae are natural **archaeologists**, taking their time to survey abandoned sites that they find on their travels. When visiting villages or cities, they will trade away the relics of the past that they come across in exchange for food or clothing.

### Worship

One of the stranger facts about the Dwamanae that those who visit them discover, is that they worship both **Vyros** and **Ter’ot**. When asked why, the Dwamanae will simply explain that there must be evil for there to be good, and that they don’t necessarily support Vyros--just that he is necessary.

Despite their worship of the two draconic **Celestials**, the Dwamanae primarily turn this attention towards **Celena** and **Kurro**, due to them following Kurro's winds for good luck, and their thankfulness towards Celena for the fertile soils that she provides for their foraging.

### Romance

The Dwamanae do not have strict courtship that they follow, typically just letting their relationships occur organically and allowing them to form without interference.

### Death

When death occurs within the Dwamanae tribe, they will cremate the body of the one who was lost, carrying them in burial vases within their carts.

### Language

Dwamanae is a word meaning “To the Winds” in the language **Manae**, a language that only the Dwamanae speak. The Dwamanae will also speak the common Eprean language.

## Leadership

**Heimir Albertsson** is the current leader of the Dwamanae.