Illahiti

The **Illahiti** are the dominant race in Illahitkum.

## History

The Illahiti believe they were born from the tears of a benevolent sea deity who wept for the beauty and mystery of the hidden abyss. These tears, it is said, fell into the deepest ravines, mingling with the magic that permeated the ocean's depths. This divine mixture gave life to the Illahiti.

## Culture

Despite living in a world dominated by land, the Illahiti emerged as a remarkable people adapted to their aquatic environment. The Illahiti found their home within the intricate network of underwater ravines on the ocean floor. Their history tells a tale of resilience, ancient wisdom, and an unbreakable connection to the depths.
The Illahiti revered the abyssal ravines as more than just a home. They believed that the ravines were conduits of ancient energy, holding the secrets of the ocean's creation and evolution. Through meditation and rituals, the Illahiti would venture into the deepest chasms to commune with the spirits of their ancestors. They sought guidance, protection, and insight into the changing tides of the world.

As the guardians of the depths, the Illahiti held a deep responsibility for maintaining the delicate balance of their ecosystem. They understood the interconnectedness of all life forms within the canyons and worked to ensure that no creature upset the equilibrium. They would intervene in times of crisis, using their affinity for aquatic magic to mend wounds in the natural order.

The story of the Illahiti continues to be shared through oral traditions, songs, and intricate tapestries that depict their history. While they have faced challenges, the Illahiti remain a symbol of resilience and unity with the natural world. Some have ventured beyond their canyons to share their wisdom and advocate for the protection of the oceans. Their story serves as a reminder that even in the deepest darkness, there is the potential for light and change.

## Artifacts

The Abyssal Shell Pendant is an intricately carved shell pendant worn by Illahiti leaders and elders. It symbolizes their connection to the ocean's depths and their role as guardians of the canyons. The patterns on the pendant represent the ebb and flow of the tides.

The Ancestral Conch Horn is a large conch shell with ancient engravings that is used during ceremonies to call upon the spirits of the ancestors. When blown, the resonant sound is believed to bridge the gap between the physical and spiritual realms.

The Tidal Compass is a handheld device adorned with shells and mother-of-pearl that Illahiti navigators use to read the ocean's currents and predict tides. It's both a practical tool for navigation and a symbol of their intuitive connection to the sea.

Ocean Song Shells are a set of specially selected shells that emit harmonious tones when struck. These shells are used in music and rituals, with each shell producing a unique note that is believed to resonate with the ocean's energy.

Turtle Carving Tapestry are elaborate tapestries made from woven seaweed and shells, depicting the story of the first Illahiti guardian born from the heart of a sea turtle. These tapestries are displayed during migration celebrations and other significant events.

The Pearl of Unity is a luminous pearl placed at the heart of underwater altars during ceremonies. It is a symbol of unity among the Illahiti and represents their shared commitment to preserving the ocean's equilibrium.

The Shimmering Seashell Codex is an ancient scroll made from pressed seaweed fibers and adorned with intricate shell motifs. It contains the teachings, rituals, and histories of the Illahiti , passed down through generations to the keepers of lore.

The Turtle Crown of Leadership is a crown made from turtle shells and pearls worn by the Tyee of the Illahiti community. It symbolizes their role as a unifying force and their connection to both the physical and spiritual realms.

## Religion

The religion of the Illahiti is a deep-seated belief system intricately woven into their way of life, their connection to the underwater canyons, and their reverence for the mysteries of the deep. Rooted in a profound respect for nature, ancestral spirits, and the cycles of the ocean, their religion is a guiding force that shapes their actions, rituals, and interactions with both the physical and spiritual realms.

The Illahiti hold a deep reverence for their ancestors, believing that their spirits reside within the currents and depths of the ocean. These spirits are seen as guardians and guides, offering wisdom, protection, and a connection to the lineage that has shaped the Illahiti over generations. Rituals and ceremonies are dedicated to honoring these spirits, with offerings of shells, underwater flora, and resonant chants.

Illahiti religious practices are rich with rituals that celebrate the interconnectedness of all life. They hold ceremonies during significant natural events, such as the changing of tides and the migrations of sea creatures. The "Tide Dance" is a sacred performance that aligns the Illahiti's movements with the currents, symbolizing unity with the ocean's rhythm.

Among the most sacred rituals is the "Great Deep Meditation." In this practice, Illahiti gather at the edge of the abyssal canyons, where the ocean's depths are at their most profound. Through a combination of meditation, song, and incantations, they seek to journey into the spiritual realm, guided by the currents of their ancestors' wisdom. It is believed that during these moments, the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is thinnest, allowing the Illahiti to gain insight and guidance.

Symbols play an essential role in Illahiti religious practices. The spiral, representing the cycles of life and the ocean's currents, is a common motif. Shells, as conduits of energy, are often used as focal points during rituals. The luminous pearls found within certain shells are considered gifts from the ocean's heart, bestowed upon those who are spiritually connected.

A core tenet of Illahiti religion is stewardship of the oceans. They believe that their role as protectors of the abyssal ravines is a sacred duty, and that maintaining the balance of the ocean's ecosystems is crucial to honoring the ocean deity and their ancestors. This belief drives their commitment to sustainable practices and their determination to navigate the challenges posed by the changing world.

In the tapestry of Illahiti lore, their religion is a thread that weaves together their history, their values, and their connection to the depths. It is a testament to their enduring bond with the ocean and their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the delicate harmony of the underwater canyons.

## Seasons

Migration Season is a period when various sea creatures, including turtles and other migratory species, pass through the underwater canyons. The Illahiti celebrate this event with rituals, feasts, and communal gatherings to honor the interconnectedness of life in the ocean.

Ancestral Awakening is a spiritual season where the Illahiti believe the spirits of their ancestors are particularly close. Rituals and ceremonies are held to connect with these spirits, seeking guidance, and honoring their legacy.

Harvest of Abundance is aseason when underwater flora and fauna thrive and can be harvested sustainably. This period is celebrated with feasts, communal gatherings, and the creation of unique culinary dishes using ocean resources.

Currents of Change is a time of heightened currents and shifts in underwater dynamics. The Illahiti may view this as a metaphorical season for adapting to changes and challenges in their environment, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation.

Coral Blooming is a season when coral formations bloom in vibrant colors. The Illahiti might create elaborate coral sculptures and art installations to commemorate this event, combining their artistic expressions with the ocean's beauty.

## Celebrations

The Migration Celebration is a celebration during which the Illahiti gather at the canyons' edge as migratory sea creatures pass through. They perform the "Tide Harmony Dance," synchronizing their movements with the ocean's currents. A communal feast follows, featuring dishes made from ocean resources. The purpose of this is honoring the interconnectedness of life, celebrating the arrival of migratory species, and acknowledging the importance of unity.

During the Awakening Ceremony, Illahiti create underwater shrines adorned with shells and luminous pearls. They perform a solemn ceremony where they light candles or use bioluminescent organisms to represent the presence of their ancestors. Meditation, storytelling, and offerings are made to connect with their forebears. They do so to honor the wisdom and guidance of their ancestors, seeking spiritual connection, and fostering a sense of continuity with their lineage.

The Harvest Feast is celebrated by preparing a lavish feast featuring a diverse array of dishes made from sustainably harvested underwater flora and fauna. The feast is preceded by a ritual dance that mimics the movement of ocean creatures. The ocean's generosity is celebrated during the Harvest Feast, promoting gratitude for nature's bounty and showcasing culinary creativity that reflects the Illahiti's connection to their environment.

For Coral Blooming Art Showcase, Illahiti artisans craft intricate coral sculptures and installations using naturally vibrant coral formations. These creations are displayed in a grand underwater exhibition, accompanied by poetry, storytelling and music. This is done to celebrate artistic expression, highlighting the beauty of coral formations, and intertwining art and nature to create a sensory experience that connects with the ocean's aesthetic.

## Sacred Items and Creatures

1. Sea Turtles: Sea turtles are considered sacred emissaries of the ocean's wisdom. The Illahiti believe that the first Tyee was born from the heart of a sea turtle, symbolizing their divine connection to the depths. Sea turtle migrations are celebrated as a spiritual event, signifying unity and the interconnectedness of all life.
2. Guardian Creatures: Creatures like squid, and dolphins are seen as guardians of the ravines, the first Ocean Gaurdians. This is the reason the squid is on the banner of the Illahiti Ocean Guard. The Illahiti hold special rituals to honor these beings, acknowledging their role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
3. Coral Formations: Coral formations are considered living artworks created by the ocean itself. The Illahiti view them as sacred symbols of the ocean's creativity and resilience. They create coral-inspired sculptures during special ceremonies to honor the beauty and importance of these formations.
4. Pearls: Pearls are regarded as gifts from the ocean, embodying the essence of the deep. The Illahiti see pearls as treasures bestowed upon them and offer them as symbols of gratitude and respect during ceremonies.
5. Shells: Shells, used as currency and adornments, are also held sacred. They represent unity, exchange, and the interconnectedness of the Illahiti community. Shells are often used in offerings to symbolize the Illahiti's gratitude for the ocean's bounty.
6. Sun and Moonlight Through Water: The play of sunlight and moonlight through the water is considered a dance of the spirits. The Illahiti view these natural phenomena as messages from the ocean, inviting them to participate in the rhythms of life.