Singers

Hailing from the deep desert of the Taisha, the Singers are a loose knit group of thirty-odd tribes who wander Tellus, retyurning to their homeland in the desert every so often to honor tradition and revel with extended family.

Singer Ladies

Their roaming all began as the nomadic tribes roamed far and wide, doing their level best to survive and thrive in the harsh Desert. Finding water holes and oases throughout the sand-choked area is exceedingly difficult, and failure to do so is outright death, so the Singers have adopted customs and traditions that accentuate desert survival, and these traditions permeate their culture entirely; even throughout the few tribes that have decided to travel throughout the lands of Pax, and The City of the Lights. Their mobility allows them to adapt to changing conditions on the fly, which has saved their entire population at least three times that we know of.

Singing and storytelling are at the core of Singer society and culture. They believe that music can communicate with the spirits of the desert that ride the fickle breezes all over the world, and bring about blessings and protection. Their traditional instruments include drums, flutes, and stringed instruments that are crafted from materials that they findthroughout the desert. Storytellers and chanters are highly respected members of the tribe, passing down oral histories and legends through generations.

Survival in the desert is a central skill for the Singers. They are experts in finding water sources, tracking wildlife, and crafting tools and shelter from materials found in the desert. Their knowledge of medicinal plants and desert herbs is highly valued.

Singers at Dice

Singers wear vibrant, flowing clothes that reflect the colors of the desert at different points in the day. Their attire is adorned with intricate embroidery, and their jewelry is made from desert stones and shells. They use colorful scarves to protect themselves from the harsh sun and blowing sand, and wear goggles made with tough camel leather, and glass made deep in the sea of dunes.
Fashion is important to the singers, who treasure vibrance and passion, even in their attire and affect. Makeup is common amongst both men and women, eyeliner being quite common. They love turquiose, and ochre, and put tiny amounts of gemstone dust into their cosmetics to make it glitter like dragonfly wings. Dragonflies are sacred to the Singers, and to their Divine Patron, Saint Myra.
Singers wear intricately wrapped turbans made of lightweight, breathable fabric. These turbans serve multiple purposes: protecting the head and face from the sun's intense rays, shielding against sandstorms, and providing a source of shade.
Both men and women wear scarves and veils, often brightly colored, to cover their faces during sandstorms and to protect against sunburn. These scarves are also adorned with desert-inspired patterns and embroidery.
Singers wear loose, flowing clothing made out of natural, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. These garments are designed to allow air circulation, helping to keep the body cool in the dry desert heat. Their design and build compel the fabric to wick moisture away from the skin in a prolonged cooling process. The also layer, very often. Singers will wear multiple layers of clothing, starting with a lightweight, long-sleeved tunic or robe as a base layer to protect their skin from the sun. Over this, they might wear a more decorative, colorful outer robe or caftan adorned with intricate embroidery featuring desert motifs like camels, palm trees, and geometric patterns. They also use beads made from desert stones and shells to add embellishments to their attire.
Men and women, both, wear loose, comfortable harem pants that allow for ease of movement in the desert. These pants are often brightly colored and gathered at the ankles to discourage the naughty wind from blowing sand too far up one's pantleg. Typically, simple, open-toed sandals made from leather, or woven palm fronds, adorn a Singer's feet. These sandals provide protection for the feet while allowing sand to easily pass through, preventing discomfort and blisters.
Jewelry for the Singers is part of their very nature. They adorn themselves with jewelry crafted from desert stones like agate, carnelian, and turquoise, as well as shells collected from desert oases. These pieces are often intricately carved, or shaped into symbols of their cultural beliefs (mostly dragonflies). They also use metals like silver and copper to create jewelry, often engraved with symbols representing the desert spirits, and their connection to the lands they roam.

Arilah at Play

For protection from the cold desert nights, Singers wear lightweight, hooded cloaks. These cloaks are often reversible, with one side featuring practical desert camouflage and the other side displaying vibrant colors for ceremonies and celebrations. Singers wear broad, intricately decorated belts with pouches, big and small, to carry myriad small necessities such as desert herbs, water purification tablets and tools, and desert navigation instruments.
They use stylized headbands, and ties adorned with desert charms and trinkets, to secure their headwear and scarves in place. The trinkets are, very often, shaped like dragonflies, butterflies, lotus leaves, or oasis-lillies.

The Singers hold special celebrations during the sacred full moon. These gatherings involve prolonged drum circles and wild, spinning dances under the shimmering desert moonlight. It is believed that the desert spirits are particularly active during these nights, and the Singers seek their guidance and blessings, and seek also to please Myra by making a joyful noise. These events are rowdy, and often quite drunkenly promiscuous, leading to the sterner Human societies of Pax to look at them as wanton and excessive.

Which they, in fact, can be.

While primarily self-sufficient, the Singers do engage in sporadic trade with random desert caravans and other nomadic groups on occasion. They exchange their unique desert crafts, music, and storytelling for essential goods such as spices, fabrics, and metals. They get the bulk of their rice and potatoes this way, during the market at Cannat Glaine, which in and of itself is a giant festival of trade, and song, and dance.

Most of the spices, for one reason or another, that are distributed throughout the world start their culinary journey here. Nutmegm and cinnamon, and live vanilla orchids can be found there, at the festival.

Sing the song at the top of your lungs

The Singers

Founding Date

Their calendar is different, and their founding was -72213TK

Type

Family

Alternative Names

The Wanderers; The Vistani; Gypsies; Romani

Demonym

Romani

Government System

Gerontocracy

Subsidiary Organizations

• The Tchamut

Divines

• Vekhettebærdolax-Bayard

Related Traditions

• Tanjiin Ceaorc
• The Atharrgeàrd

Related Professions

• Sealgair Glainne

Controlled Territories

• Cannat Glaine
• Rhegev Desert

Neighboring Nations

• The Hive Mind
• The One True Church
• The Tchamut
• The Worcesters

Manufactured Items

• Mask of the Vixen

Related Items

• Ophelia's Tack

Organization Vehicles

• Connie

Notable Members

• Richie the Beat

Related Plots

• Time to Time

Related Historical Events

Singer

Overview:

Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Performance, Sleight of Hand

Tool Proficiencies: Theives' Tools, Carpenter's Tools

Lifestyle: Poor

Languages: Common plus any two

Equipment:

Any musical instrument, fine clothes (bespoke), a deck of cards

Features:

+2 Cha, or +1 Wis +1 Cha

Suggested Characteristics:

Cha, Wis

Personality Trait:

d4	Personality Trait & Narrative
1	Resilient and Adaptive: The harsh desert environment has shaped the Singers into a resilient and adaptive people. They are accustomed to facing challenges such as extreme heat, sandstorms, and scarcity of resources. As a result, Singers are known for their ability to persevere in difficult situations, finding creative solutions to problems and adjusting to changing circumstances
2	Spiritual and Mystical: The Singers have a deep spiritual connection to the desert and its spirits. They approach life with a sense of mysticism, believing that every aspect of the desert landscape, from the wind to the sand dunes, carries spiritual significance. Singers are often guided by their spiritual beliefs, seeking harmony with the desert spirits and interpreting signs from the natural world
3	Creative and Artistic: Singers are inherently creative and artistic people. Their culture places a strong emphasis on music, storytelling, and artistic expression. They use music to communicate with desert spirits and convey their emotions and stories. Singers are also skilled in crafting intricate desert-inspired jewelry, clothing, and other artistic forms, reflecting their unique culture and connection to the land
4	Communal and Supportive:Singers place a high value on community and support one another in their nomadic lifestyle. They have a strong sense of unity within their tribes, with each member playing a vital role in the survival of the group. Singers rely on mutual cooperation and teamwork to navigate the challenges of the desert, and they prioritize the well-being of the tribe as a whole

Ideal:

Ideal	Narrative
Harmony with the Desert	The Singers hold a deep reverence for the desert and its spirits. Their primary ideal is to live in harmony with the harsh desert environment, understanding its rhythms and respecting its spirits. They strive to leave as little impact on the desert as possible, ensuring that their nomadic lifestyle remains sustainable for generations to come.
Preservation of Culture	The Singers place a high value on preserving their cultural traditions, which are centered around music, storytelling, and their spiritual connection to the desert. They believe that these traditions are the threads that tie them to their ancestors and the land. Singers are dedicated to passing down these traditions to future generations, ensuring the continuity of their unique way of life.
Mutual Support and Community	Singers cherish the sense of community and mutual support within their tribes. They believe in the collective strength of the tribe and hold the ideal that every member has a role to play in the well-being of the community. Singers prioritize cooperation, sharing resources, and helping one another in times of need.
Respect for Diversity and Inclusivity	The Singers' nomadic lifestyle often brings them into contact with other desert-dwelling cultures and travelers. They uphold the ideal of respecting diversity and practicing inclusivity, welcoming outsiders into their celebrations and gatherings. They believe that learning from others enriches their own culture and broadens their understanding of the desert world.

Bond:

Bond	Narrative
Familial Bonds	Family is of utmost importance to the Singers. They have strong bonds with their immediate and extended families. These bonds are characterized by deep love, support, and a shared commitment to the well-being of the family unit. Elders play a significant role in passing down traditions and wisdom to the younger generations, reinforcing these familial ties.
Tribal Bonds	Singers are organized into tight-knit tribes, and the bonds within these tribes are profound. Tribe members share a sense of belonging and unity, working together to navigate the challenges of desert life. They rely on one another for survival and celebrate their unique cultural traditions as a community.
Spiritual Bonds	The Singers' spiritual connection to the desert and its spirits fosters a profound bond among members of the culture. They come together to conduct rituals, offer prayers, and make music to honor the desert spirits. These shared spiritual experiences strengthen their sense of collective purpose and connectedness to the land.
Bonds of Friendship and Camaraderie	Singers often form close bonds of friendship and camaraderie with individuals both within and outside their tribes. These bonds are built through shared experiences, such as music-making, storytelling, and surviving the challenges of desert life together. Singers value these friendships as they provide emotional support and a sense of companionship during their nomadic journeys.

Flaw:

Flaw	Narrative
Resistance to Change	Singers may have a deep attachment to their cultural traditions and way of life, which could make them resistant to change or innovation. This resistance may hinder their ability to adapt to evolving circumstances, such as changes in the desert environment or encounters with outsiders who bring new ideas.
Inherent Suspicion of Outsiders	Because of their nomadic lifestyle and self-sufficiency, the Singers might be naturally suspicious of outsiders. While this can be a protective measure, it may also lead to missed opportunities for beneficial exchanges with other cultures or hinder their ability to form alliances in times of need.
Struggles with Modernization	As the world around them modernizes, the Singers may face challenges in balancing their traditional way of life with the pressures of modernity. This could include issues such as access to healthcare, education, and the impact of technology on their culture. It might also lead to generational conflicts as younger members of the tribe seek opportunities beyond the traditional lifestyle.
Environmental Impact	While the Singers value harmony with the desert, their nomadic lifestyle and resource use could inadvertently harm the environment over time. Overgrazing, deforestation for shelter and firewood, and other practices necessary for survival might lead to desertification or harm local ecosystems, potentially undermining their own sustainability.