Is there something about Caelondia, the Terminals, or its people that your character wants to know about?
Respond to this particular comment and we can handwave them having come to Zulf, being mentioned in casual conversation, or just something they overhead him talking about with one of the NPCs. You'll be alerted when the particular information you're interested in will be written out in this post.
Much like the city of Caelondia, the Ura of the Tazal Terminals worship and pay tribute to the Pantheon. They take their religion much more seriously, however, and can be very sensitive in regards to how they're spoken.
Their religion also ties in strongly with their politics as the Terminals are governed by various sects. Each one is devoted to one God of the Pantheon in particular and governs one area in particular, with the Micia Sect ultimately being the leader and final say in things.
Many warriors and tradespeople are involved in the sects. While it is not a requirement to have joined one to be either one of those, it's extremely common. Proper dedicates are highly respected in Tazal society, some sects more than others.
Needless to say, sects can make alliances, rivalries, and enemies of one another. Relations between the sects often changes throughout time, often dependent on whoever is leading them at that moment. Some relations are considered traditional, however, and what most people tend to expect.
They are considered the leader of the Terminals, with the leader of the sect listening to the other groups before making any decision that affects the whole of the Terminals. On lower levels, they are seen as community leaders and also tend to funerary matters. When not attending to matters of their people or sending the deceased to the Lorn Mother, they are also known for crafting vivid dyes for clothing.
People who have experienced intense loss tend to join this sect, particularly sole survivors of warrior groups or families although an intense singular loss is seen just as equal. They often seem to have a weary look about them but also smile and give off a welcoming air. The sect leader tends to be a woman, although leaders of other genders are not unheard of.
One of two sects split into two factions, the Ythziu is composed of the Terminals' architects and law enforcement although the latter is also known to get involved in matters of war when the need arises. Meditation is considered a routine for all sect members.
Master stoneworkers of this sect tend to take in multiple apprentices in at a time. They are responsible for the stability of an enormous underground city such as the Terminals and it is considered a rite of passage for a stoneworker going out on their own to make their own stable tunnel.
The vast majority of this sect are lawmakers- creating, adjusting, and destroying laws as is seen fit for the Terminals. All members are also expected to know the basics of wrestling and other melee combat. A certain small portion of the sect is known to be ambassadors, while another is considered an elite combat force within this particular group.
Two things are known about this sect. The first is that all members wear chains to show their devotion to the Chastened Maiden, the most traditional being simple manacles. The second is that the entire sect accepts only women into its ranks.
Another sect which involves two different factions, warriors and inventors mingle together in this sect. They are known for contributing their warriors to the military of the Tazal Terminals. On the other side are the crafters, known for smithing and technology. Depending on the state of the Terminals, one faction or the other may be given more attention.
The equivalent to the Caelondian Menders, this sect is responsible for medicine and the physical health of the Tazal Terminals. They're known for covering up the most out of any sect and can often be seen carrying pouches full of medical herbs and other things on their belts.
It is thanks to this sect that a cure for the plague was found when it initially hit the Tazal Terminals, although this was not after many lives were lost including those of the sect who were working towards the cure.
In contrast to their sibling sect, this one focuses on the emotional and mental well being of the Ura people along with acting as advisers and ambassadors. One of their most notable traits is their attentive and empathetic nature. They are also known for taking in disabled Ura, whether missing limbs or blind.
A particular achievement of theirs is creating new written and gestured languages with the help of the Yudrig sect, allowing for a variety of their members to communicate both with themselves and others outside the sect.
An often overlooked sect, this one is responsible for all agriculture within the Tazal Terminals and often have a reputation of being marvelous cooks. Rumors often pop up now and then about them having their own pet giant Anklegator but this has been unproven.
Those in this sect are the only ones who have figured out the secret of cultivating vegetation normally only seen on the surface deep underground where the Ura normally live. In times of prosperity, their crops are often bought for a considerable amount.
Officially governing over matters such as sex, alcohol, and pipes, this sect is sometimes viewed as nothing more than slackers to join. Those who have gone to the dedicates of Hense (but not joined) would say differently and say they are an incredibly open minded group well versed in matters of sexuality and gender. It can't be denied that they are extremely knowledgeable in how to prevent sexual disease and pregnancy, however.
Their most noticeable characteristic is the various ritualistic scars covering their bodies, giving blood and pain to the Veiled Widow in exchange for the pleasure they are so knowledgeable about.
The messengers of Yudrig are some of the most noticeable of the sects, partially because they do their best to gather attention wherever they go. Despite following a rather reckless creed of impulse, letters and packages left in the care of someone of this sect is guaranteed to make its destination.
The most famous thing they're known for is a technique called yuzal, where they can move in the blink of an eye. All Ura warriors know it, but it's its founding sect which can go the farthest and the fastest with it.
This sect has a reputation as thieves amongst older Ura because of its tendency to take in street orphans or children who are not wanted by their families for whatever reason. However, their true purpose as part of the other sects is to watch over the economy of the Terminals and its trade. Members are only considered true dedicates until the age of 25, at which they "retired" as assistants or traders themselves. Thus, their sect leader is almost always the youngest out of the entire sects.
One of the few sects that is permitted (by itself and others) to take a relaxed view in accordance with their God, it is highly common for its young members to teasingly introduce themselves as "Olak" which can make finding troublemakers occasionally very difficult.
Info Request!
Respond to this particular comment and we can handwave them having come to Zulf, being mentioned in casual conversation, or just something they overhead him talking about with one of the NPCs. You'll be alerted when the particular information you're interested in will be written out in this post.
Caelondia
The Tazal Terminals
Ura Religion and Politics
Their religion also ties in strongly with their politics as the Terminals are governed by various sects. Each one is devoted to one God of the Pantheon in particular and governs one area in particular, with the Micia Sect ultimately being the leader and final say in things.
Many warriors and tradespeople are involved in the sects. While it is not a requirement to have joined one to be either one of those, it's extremely common. Proper dedicates are highly respected in Tazal society, some sects more than others.
Needless to say, sects can make alliances, rivalries, and enemies of one another. Relations between the sects often changes throughout time, often dependent on whoever is leading them at that moment. Some relations are considered traditional, however, and what most people tend to expect.
The Tazal Sects
The Micia Sect
Known as "Veiziu" in the Ura language.
They are considered the leader of the Terminals, with the leader of the sect listening to the other groups before making any decision that affects the whole of the Terminals. On lower levels, they are seen as community leaders and also tend to funerary matters. When not attending to matters of their people or sending the deceased to the Lorn Mother, they are also known for crafting vivid dyes for clothing.
People who have experienced intense loss tend to join this sect, particularly sole survivors of warrior groups or families although an intense singular loss is seen just as equal. They often seem to have a weary look about them but also smile and give off a welcoming air. The sect leader tends to be a woman, although leaders of other genders are not unheard of.
Pyth Sect
Known as "Ythziu" in the Ura language.
One of two sects split into two factions, the Ythziu is composed of the Terminals' architects and law enforcement although the latter is also known to get involved in matters of war when the need arises. Meditation is considered a routine for all sect members.
Master stoneworkers of this sect tend to take in multiple apprentices in at a time. They are responsible for the stability of an enormous underground city such as the Terminals and it is considered a rite of passage for a stoneworker going out on their own to make their own stable tunnel.
The Acobi Sect
Known as "Obiziu" in the Ura language.
The vast majority of this sect are lawmakers- creating, adjusting, and destroying laws as is seen fit for the Terminals. All members are also expected to know the basics of wrestling and other melee combat. A certain small portion of the sect is known to be ambassadors, while another is considered an elite combat force within this particular group.
Two things are known about this sect. The first is that all members wear chains to show their devotion to the Chastened Maiden, the most traditional being simple manacles. The second is that the entire sect accepts only women into its ranks.
The Lemaign Sect
Known as "Ignziu" in the Ura language.
Another sect which involves two different factions, warriors and inventors mingle together in this sect. They are known for contributing their warriors to the military of the Tazal Terminals. On the other side are the crafters, known for smithing and technology. Depending on the state of the Terminals, one faction or the other may be given more attention.
The Jevel Sect
Known as "Velziu" in the Ura language.
The equivalent to the Caelondian Menders, this sect is responsible for medicine and the physical health of the Tazal Terminals. They're known for covering up the most out of any sect and can often be seen carrying pouches full of medical herbs and other things on their belts.
It is thanks to this sect that a cure for the plague was found when it initially hit the Tazal Terminals, although this was not after many lives were lost including those of the sect who were working towards the cure.
The Garmuth Sect
Known as "Uthziu" in the Ura language.
In contrast to their sibling sect, this one focuses on the emotional and mental well being of the Ura people along with acting as advisers and ambassadors. One of their most notable traits is their attentive and empathetic nature. They are also known for taking in disabled Ura, whether missing limbs or blind.
A particular achievement of theirs is creating new written and gestured languages with the help of the Yudrig sect, allowing for a variety of their members to communicate both with themselves and others outside the sect.
The Roathus Sect
Known as "Veiroa" in the Ura language.
An often overlooked sect, this one is responsible for all agriculture within the Tazal Terminals and often have a reputation of being marvelous cooks. Rumors often pop up now and then about them having their own pet giant Anklegator but this has been unproven.
Those in this sect are the only ones who have figured out the secret of cultivating vegetation normally only seen on the surface deep underground where the Ura normally live. In times of prosperity, their crops are often bought for a considerable amount.
Hense Sect
Also known as "Veihen" in the Ura language.
Officially governing over matters such as sex, alcohol, and pipes, this sect is sometimes viewed as nothing more than slackers to join. Those who have gone to the dedicates of Hense (but not joined) would say differently and say they are an incredibly open minded group well versed in matters of sexuality and gender. It can't be denied that they are extremely knowledgeable in how to prevent sexual disease and pregnancy, however.
Their most noticeable characteristic is the various ritualistic scars covering their bodies, giving blood and pain to the Veiled Widow in exchange for the pleasure they are so knowledgeable about.
Yudrig Sect
Known as "Veiyud" in the Ura language.
The messengers of Yudrig are some of the most noticeable of the sects, partially because they do their best to gather attention wherever they go. Despite following a rather reckless creed of impulse, letters and packages left in the care of someone of this sect is guaranteed to make its destination.
The most famous thing they're known for is a technique called yuzal, where they can move in the blink of an eye. All Ura warriors know it, but it's its founding sect which can go the farthest and the fastest with it.
Olak Sect
Known as "Veiol" in the Ura language.
This sect has a reputation as thieves amongst older Ura because of its tendency to take in street orphans or children who are not wanted by their families for whatever reason. However, their true purpose as part of the other sects is to watch over the economy of the Terminals and its trade. Members are only considered true dedicates until the age of 25, at which they "retired" as assistants or traders themselves. Thus, their sect leader is almost always the youngest out of the entire sects.
One of the few sects that is permitted (by itself and others) to take a relaxed view in accordance with their God, it is highly common for its young members to teasingly introduce themselves as "Olak" which can make finding troublemakers occasionally very difficult.