Sunrunners

## Overview

Sunrunners are the indigenous, desert-dwelling people of Rayz who inhabited the continent long before the arrival of Tarnish colonizers in A3101. Most Sunrunners follow the ancient Animist religion and have a rich culture known for their unique music and dance traditions.

In modern times, many Sunrunner writers and activists have made their mark on the worlds of literature, science, and social justice, and are especially well-regarded among academics in Kemper.

Despite the differences between the Sunrunners and the Tarnish Rayzi, there is a good deal of contact between the two groups in certain parts of Rayz. Although Stratism teaches that non-believers, including Sunrunners, are consigned to "The Wasteland" when they die, many Rayzi Stratists do not actually believe that Sunrunners are damned—a belief that remains common on Tarn.

## History

### Pre-Colonization

Before the arrival of the Tarnish colonizers in A3101, Rayz was home to various groups of indigenous people who would only later become collectively known as the Sunrunners. These groups did not see themselves as one body of people. They were diverse in their customs and traditions but largely shared an Animist belief system and a deep connection to the land. While there had been some contact between Tarn and Rayz, there had been no significant colonization attempts prior to A3101.

### Tarnish Colonization and the Emergence of the Sunrunner Identity

In A3101, Tarnish settlers arrived on the shores of Rayz, driven by a desire for resources, new territory, and a determination to spread the Stratum. The arrival of the colonizers marked a significant change in the lives of the indigenous peoples. As the Tarnish began to encroach upon the Sunrunners' lands, the disparate indigenous groups found common ground in their shared heritage and experiences. The pressure from the colonizers led the native groups to consolidate their cultures, leading to the more unified Sunrunner identity that we know today.

## Culture

### Religion and Beliefs

Sunrunner Animism focuses on the interconnectedness of all things. According to their theology, harming someone or something ultimately harms oneself and loved ones, and all beings should be treated with respect and reverence whenever possible. Sunrunners believe it is acceptable to hunt and harvest resources from nature as long as there is a reasonable need and use for those resources. Additionally, protecting others and oneself, even to the point of using violence, is permissible, but being an aggressor is not.

### "Vadira Lunoste"

"Vadira lunoste" is a central principle in Sunrunner culture, encapsulating their unique approach to life's trials and tribulations. It roughly translates to "dance in adversity," a philosophy advising acceptance of unchangeable circumstances, finding humor and grace amidst difficulties, and fierce opposition against injustices within one's control. It's a life-affirming mantra, a guiding star in Sunrunner society, providing strength, comfort, and resilience, helping to mold the Sunrunner spirit of tenacity and jovial acceptance.

### Traditions

Sunrunners have a rich culture, characterized by their unique music and dance traditions. Jokes and farcical stories written by Sunrunners are popular in many parts of Callax, even among those who hold prejudiced views of the group.

### Debate over Tradition and Inclusivity

In contrast to the rigid hereditary social class system of the Stratum followed by the Tarnish, gender roles and acceptance of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations in Tarnish society are surprisingly progressive. In Tarnish culture, leadership roles are open to all, regardless of sex or gender identity, and there is wide acceptance of non-traditional identities and relationships. This is a point of irony, considering the otherwise stringent structure of their society, and is often used as a critique against the Sunrunners.

Sunrunner society, on the other hand, adheres to a stricter model when it comes to gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation, with leadership reserved for male shamans alone. (Only men can be shamans; only shamans can be leaders.) While there are no explicit laws against non-heterosexual or non-cisgender behavior, strong societal stigma does exist. This issue has come to the forefront of Sunrunner discourse with the rise of figures like Rainbringer, the controversial daughter of the respected Sunrunner leader, Dawnwatcher. A prolific writer, academic, and activist, Rainbringer's calls for social change, particularly regarding gender roles and acceptance of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, has polarized Sunrunner society. She is famous for saying, "They have their Gahls and Laxes and Zeds, but so do we. The men are the Gahls. The women are the Laxes. And anyone who dares to love the wrong person or have a different idea about their gender are the Zeds." She has lived in the progressive, academically-minded Desert Rows section of the city of Cowb, Velseria in the continent of Kemper for a number of years. She is married to a Velserian woman.

These tensions have led to introspective debates within the Sunrunner community, raising questions about the preservation of tradition versus the need for social progression. A significant portion of Sunrunners wrestles with the dichotomy of wanting to become more inclusive, and the fear of losing cultural values. It is a complex issue that speaks to the Sunrunner's evolving identity and their struggle for self-definition in a world where even their oppressors—the Tarnish—appear more progressive in certain aspects. This has led to a unique cultural dissonance, where Sunrunners grapple with the contradiction of holding onto traditional values that, in some ways, place them behind those they perceive as oppressors.

### Vesma

Vesma, derived from the Vespyra plant native to Rayz deserts, has held significant cultural importance among the Sunrunners for centuries. Traditionally used in low doses during rituals and as pain medication, Vesma aligns with the Sunrunners' animist beliefs, respecting the plant's essence. However, the Sunrunners are deeply concerned about the widespread abuse and appropriation of Vesma—especially among non-Sunrunner peoples—which has led to a distortion of their culture and misuse of the sacred substance.

## Political Structure and Current Affairs

The Sunrunners' societal organization is marked by eight distinct regions known as cantons, each led by a Cantoner. These local leaders guide their communities in accordance with Sunrunner traditions and values, highlighting the group's emphasis on self-governance and self-determinism. Notably, seven out of the eight Cantoners have openly expressed their alignment with the Union of Planets' philosophy of self-determinism, indicating a shared belief in the autonomy and independence of their respective communities.

Among these Cantoners, Dawnwatcher is one of the most significant figures. Known for his strong leadership and embodiment of "vadira lunoste," he has been chosen as an emissary for the Sunrunners. Accompanied by a delegation of non-leader Sunrunners, Dawnwatcher has been dispatched to Tarn in an effort to provide assistance in the ongoing war.

This move represents a crucial moment in the history of Sunrunner and Tarnish relations. While their shared past has been fraught with conflict, Dawnwatcher's mission signifies a potential turning point. Despite their different cultures and beliefs, both the Sunrunners and the Tarnish face the common threat of assimilation by the Mission. Their united front in the face of adversity echoes the Union of Planets' philosophy of self-determinism and underscores a shared commitment to autonomy and mutual support. In spite of their historical disagreements, it seems that the Sunrunners and Tarnish leadership are finding ways to collaborate for what they see as the common good.

## Relationship with Tarnish Rayzi

Despite the differences between the Sunrunners and the Tarnish Rayzi, there is a good deal of contact between the two groups in certain parts of Rayz. This contact has allowed for cultural exchange and a deeper understanding between the communities. However, Sunrunners still face various forms of discrimination and exclusion, such as being barred from participating in certain events or entering the continent of Tarn. The Rayz Engagements were in part caused by the Calla Monarchy's dissatisfaction with the Tarnish Rayzi, who allow the Sunrunner people to practice Animism unmolested and who refuse to teach that Sunrunners are condemned to go to the Wasteland when they die since they have not divided themselves into the three classes.

## Relationship with Kemper

In Kemper, there has been a heightening of interest in Sunrunner activism, literature, and science, as many great minds in recent years have come from Sunrunner populations. Many Kemperian institutions of higher learning have robust Sunrunner scholarship programs, and despite some challenges presented on a cultural level, more and more Sunrunners—especially academics—have begun to immigrate to Kemper. In the the city of Cowb there is a growing section that has come to be known as the "desert rows" where a thriving Sunrunner community is beginning to take hold.

Vacationing in Kemper is popular among well-to-do Sunrunners and is a "dream destination" for many who are less privileged.

## Relationship with Tarn

Because Sunrunners have not separated themselves into the three classes found in the Stratum, The Angelic Verses condemns them as "unclassed". As such, they are said to go to the Wasteland when they die, as opposed to entering the Paradise where the Stratum continues. Consequently, every country on Tarn has a legal protection against allowing any Sunrunner to enter into its borders, on the grounds that Sunrunner ideology—manifest in their very presence and existence—endangers the souls of their citizens. Sunrunners in general do not have a positive perception of Tarn, especially Tarnish leadership.

Because the world championships for Strategex are always held somewhere in Tarn, no Sunrunner has ever been able to participate. Despite this, Strategex remains popular in Sunrunner culture.

## Calendar and Holidays

(Read more about the Sunrunner calendar and holidays here.)

Sunrunners have their own calendar and observe a unique set of holidays, many of which celebrate their connection to the land and their cultural heritage. These holidays often involve music, dancing, and other traditional Sunrunner practices.

## Education and Social Mobility

Sunrunners have their own schools with limited government oversight, which often provide better education than those available to some Tarnish Rayzi, particularly the less privileged. Though these schools primarily cater to Sunrunners, it is not unheard of for a poor Tarnish Rayzi to attend one, with the community occasionally turning a blind eye to such cases.

(Read more about education on Callax here.)

## Notable Sunrunner Figures on Callax

Over the years, several Sunrunners have gained recognition in various fields, including academics, social activism, sports, arts, and even the popular game Strategex. These individuals serve as a testament to the Sunrunners' resilience and ability to excel, despite the challenges they face.

(Read more in the "Other Notable People" section of The Callaxians' page.)