Tagari
The Tagari are a race that evolved from the original animal inhabitants of the steppes in central northern Lyboria. They possess one or more tails, as well as sharp teeth and claws.
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The Tagari worship their creator, Tagarus, and believe in reincarnation. According to their beliefs, the souls of the dead visit one of Tagarus's nine worlds based on their level of consciousness before being reincarnated. The number of tails they have increases with their heightened consciousness.
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They are semi-nomadic, which leads to a simple and modest way of life. All of their cities are built in special places where nature could be strongly integrated.
realm of the Tagari
The realm of the Tagari is divided into 4 territories, each under the reign of one of the four clans.
The south of the realm borders with Sizahlas, the empire of the Naphas. The south is known for its hot climate and the endless grasslands.
In the west of the realm is the Land Of Red Pillars, where countless red rocks and pillars dominate the landscape.
In the center of the land are some large lakes, which together with the beautiful forests create a beautiful natural image.
In the east of the land, the Tagari border both on Lifarsland, the Kingdom of Nordur and the realm of the Arachnids.
In the north of the realm is the large Ice Mountain and the Ice Coast that extends to the western border.
Wokasa
Wokasa is the capital of the Catori. It is a fortress and cave city, which was built in and on a rocky plateau. The houses are made of soft rock, are supported by pillars and have vaulted ceilings. The individual city areas are connected by numerous tunnels. The water supply also works through a tunnel dug into the rock face. Drainage channels and water channels ensure a functioning sewage system in Wokasa. At the top of the highest cliff is the Khan's house.
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The market place in Wokasa is huge. Numerous warehouses are needed to store the countless trade goods. Much of the foreign trade is handled through this market and the associated board of trade. This is due to the good accessibility of the city.
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The main commodity on the market is the much sought-after tobacco. In addition to tobacco, there are numerous other goods that are offered. Among them are a number of sweet grasses such as wheat, rye and corn. Potatoes, giant pumpkins, big sagebrush and the meat and leather from the many wild pocos are also very popular.
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In the Thaa Catori the number of natarus and chasarus herdsmen is not as great as in the Thaa Haloke, but wool is also traded here, as are many other animal components such as horns, hooves and bones.
For the transport of the trade goods, the Catori breed so-called patamons, which are particularly weight-bearing and are used for the delivery of large quantities of goods. The patamons are bred by the Waban pack and can be rented and bought there.
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Many different crafts are practiced in Wokasa. The most common of these are tannery, weaving and butchery. Moreover, the Tracker Guild has set up its largest location here. Many Catori are naturally very good trackers.
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While the board of trade is getting bigger and bigger thanks to the steadily increasing foreign trade, the Hunting Guild is more of a mere formality due to the many ranchers. The Shaman Circle is often visited by shamans from all over the land. The reason for this is surely the abundant tobacco of this area.
Mythology
According to legend, Tagarus, the giant ram, creator and star-keeper of the Tagari, used his enormous, spiral horns to dig out four holes to the north of Lyboria, in the steppes region, to be precise.
Next, he turned his head to the side to scratch off clumps of his thick wool with the tip of his horns.
He followed by sharpening his mighty horns on the sheer walls of the nearest mountain until parts of the tip broke off.
He also polished his hooves on the boulder-strewn mountain cliffs so that he could take hoof shards with him.
Finally, he used his mouth to pluck a few hairs from his tail.
After Tagarus had carried the pieces of his fur, horn, hooves and tail to the midst of the holes, he began to distribute them evenly.
He divided the wool into quarters, filled the holes with the pieces and spoke:
“Not just warmth to you I give. In nature's colours now, you'll live.”
Next, he arranged the slivers of his horn around the excavated pits and said:
“No prideful horns your heads will crown, but teeth to put your foemen down.”
After the pieces of the horn had been shared out, the hoof shards were distributed between each of the four holes. Tagarus threw two pieces into each hole and began to speak again:
“Ever I'll shield you from below, but now on just two paws you'll go.”
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All that remained were the clumps of hair from Tagarus’s tail, which as before he divided up equally between the holes. His parting words were: “Mindful knowledge is your strength, and now your tail will show its length. Bodies' balance it has blessed, and guided souls' titanic quest.”
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Tagarus decided to grant his children an additional tail for each degree of enlightenment. After death, each child will visit one of his nine worlds. Each world will test their soul and respective level of consciousness. If they complete the task, they will progress to the next level and possess that knowledge unconsciously as a reincarnated being.
Almost every member of the Tagari will visit the same world several times. It often takes myriad lifetimes to garner enough experience for the next life after death. It is extremely rare for a soul to reach the final worlds. Those souls are considered incredibly wise and powerful during their lifetimes. Yet the number of souls who have actually learnt the lessons of the ninth world before their reincarnation is even lower. It is said that there are nine-tailed species – they are considered living gods. Upon their death, their souls no longer roam and are united with the endless cosmos. They have broken through their physical boundaries and will henceforth keep vigil through their descendants, guiding them along the way.
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To maintain the circle of life, the principle of rhythm and thus the balance of souls, Tagarus decides over fertility and the ability to bear offspring. Following his death, a nine-tailed Tagari delivers a new soul, also known as Novani, in the form of a shooting star. Life and death are only the end and beginning of a given journey.
Clans
Macawi
The Macawi are very creative and intelligent beings. They are very eloquent, which is particularly beneficial for many trading activities. With some Macawi, however, the art of speaking can also be interpreted as a wise guy.
Unlike many other creatures in Lyboria, the Macawi are rather nocturnal beings. At night they feel closer to the infinite cosmos and can marvel at it in all its beauty.
From a physical point of view, they have a very slim physique, which makes them vulnerable in combat, but at the same time makes them more agile and faster.
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Another physical characteristic is their long and pointed ears. The Macawi can withstand the most difficult living conditions. The climate of their homeland literally demands a certain resistance. Their home is the Land Of The Red Pillars, in which their capital Aponivi is located.
Tokala
The Tokala are the most diverse genus of the Tagari. They are very adaptable and versatile, which is probably why they live across the realm and even beyond.
They are very clever and learnable beings. The majority of them live rather nomadically in small packs. Like the Macawi, they are extremely nocturnal beings. Of all clans, they have the greatest affinity for the teaching and art of hermeticism.
From a physical point of view, they are the smallest genre, but that doesn't make them less dangerous. The most striking thing is their bushy tail, which can become even thicker and bushier if there is a danger.
Catori
The Catori are one of the 4 clans of the Tagari. They are very proud and loyal beings.
The Catori have the strongest pack formation in comparison to the other clans. As a result, there are very good leaders among them, but also many Catori who can easily submit.
They are very territorial and therefore more likely to be found in their own land.
If you compare the physical aspects of the individual clans, you will quickly notice that the Catori is the physically strongest genus of the Tagari. They radiate a physical presence that is somewhat intimidating for many when they first make contact.
The Catori live in the southern part of the realm. Most live in Wokasa, their capital.
Haloke
The Haloke are very persevering, persistent and modest beings. They are easily satisfied, but remain very persistent when they really want something.
All Tagari are considered semi-nomads, but the Haloke best embody it. They have no fixed structures and are hardly bound to the territory. Compared to the Catori, they have a less pronounced and fixed social behavior.
They rarely live in packs and it is also common for some of them to be complete loners. It is said that when two Haloke mate, they usually stay together for a lifetime.
Religion And Faith
The Tagari faith developed with the arrival of the Prophet Nioba. The prophetess Nioba, envoy of Tagarus, came to make the four clans a common race.
Faith is based on the traditions of the 9 worlds. It is said that every new soul has to step through the 9 worlds in order to finally become part of the infinite cosmos. The 9 worlds of Tagarus were symbolically and textually recorded on an old document.
The realm of innocence, the Nova Plains
Novice - Novani
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An innocent soul enters time and space. It is subjected to the laws of the infinite cosmos. The actions in this world form the basis for the long journey of the soul. The soul develops karma.
The room of Illusions
Apprentice - Sanu
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The apprentice meets the illusions of the world. The four painful illusions prevent the development process. After a number of painful experiences, the veil of this apparent reality is slowly being released.
The gate to the past, researching the cause
Apprentice - Sanu
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The effects of the past are very noticeable in their effect. The apprentice learns to understand the effects and wants to slowly rise to the cause. The creature rises to the Creator.
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The vessel of purity, the pure vessel
Apprentice - Sanu
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The apprentice has become the creator. He wants to be freed from ignorance. The lower aspects are cleaned and refined. The appearance of the physical body expresses purity. The heart was opened for all-embracing love. The apprentice became a vessel of purity through which Tagarus can cast light.
The mirror to self, self-awareness
Enlightened One - Lumin
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The apprentice became a vessel of purity. The divine light can work through the enlightened one. The Lumin recognizes the mirror of the apparent reality and thus itself. Inside it finds all the answers and the secret of the all-encompassing unity.
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The Tower of Light
Prophet / Anoki
The Lumin became a prophet and radiates true beauty through union with the infinite cosmos. He is a being filled with light and has a healing charisma. He reaches the top of self-realization.
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The scale of the cosmos, the constant balance
Prophet / Anoki
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The infinite cosmos is in constant balance. The Prophet's karmic balance is brought back into balance. He lets things happen and takes things the way they are. He moves more and more on the golden path in the middle.
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The intersection of polarity, the connection of opposites
Prophet - Anoki
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The prophet connects the opposites. He breaks through the earthly being by connecting the poles with one another and becoming from duality to unity.
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The portal to unity
Divine Being - Sillas
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The Prophet became a divine being - the Sillas. The Sillas embodies an all-encompassing being and reflects the divine unity. It appears in this form one last time before it becomes part of the infinite cosmos.
Naming
When a Tagari is born again, its name depends on four factors. The name is made up of the words of these four factors.
Forename - The Forename is the first part of the name. Forenames are not proper names, but describe worldly things. An example of this is Tapeesa, which means arctic flower.
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Number of tails - The number of tails indicates in which of the 9 worlds the soul of a Tagari is currently. Depending on the number of tails, a Tagari is assigned a title of faith, which forms the second part of the name. The titles of faith are as follows:
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1 tail- Novani (novice)
2-4 tails- Sanu (apprentice)
5 tails- Lumin (Enlightened One)
6-8 tails - Anoki (Prophet)
9 tails- Sillas (divine being)
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Gender - Together with clan membership, gender forms the third part of the name. The first half of the third word indicates which gender the newborn is. Nat´ane stands for daughter and Chas´ka stands for son. However, only the first syllable is used for the name (Nat and Chas). The word is then completed depending on the clan membership.
Clan membership - Together with the gender, clan membership forms the third part of the name. Depending on the clan (Catori, Haloke, Macawi and Tokala) the last 3 letters of the clan are appended to the first syllables of the gender. A daughter who is born as a genus Tokala is called as follows - Nat'ala
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The full name would be as follows:
Tapeesa Sillas Nat´ala – Flower of the Ice Coast, the divine being, daughter of the Tokala
9 Dogmas
In addition to the 9 worlds, there are also the 9 dogmas. They should make life easier for every Tagari and serve for self-awareness. They were written by Palahu the Nine-Tailed in honor of Tagarus. He is said to have once been in a very deep state of meditation during a starry night, in which he could look directly into the countenance of Tagarus. Afterwards he is said to have written this script.
“All is mind. The cosmos is mental "
“Treat the environment and all of its souls with respect. Nature is not for us, but part of us”
“Life is a journey of many. Enjoy it."
"Gratitude turns everything you have into enough"
"Always stay in close contact with the great spirit"
"The way you reap, you have sown and the way you sow, you will reap."
“Light on one side, your shadow on the other. Follow the light and your shadow will follow you. The closer to the light, the bigger your shadow "
“Be tolerant of those who have strayed from their path. Ignorance, arrogance, anger, jealousy and greed arise from a lost soul. "
"Share your happiness and wealth with others."
Writing, Language
And Communication
The Tagari have a runic writing. The runic writing is several thousand cycles old and has evolved steadily over time. Initially, there were of about 500 runic characters, all of which represented one word.
In the meantime, the number has already multiplied and the writing has become increasingly simpler. The runic characters now also represent syllables, which multiplies the possible combinations. Due to the worldwide spread of the races, the Tagari are always trying to develop their script further. Writing is from left to right and from bottom to top. This is due to the principle of the nine worlds. You start at the bottom before gradually moving up to eventually become part of the infinite cosmos.
The communication of the Tagari is partly non-verbal. They often communicate through their body and their gestures. For example, the tail of a Tagari says a lot about its current state of mind. In the past, they also communicated through barking and growling, which has since been replaced with their own language. Since the Unionia resolution, which states that the language of the humans is used as the single language, almost all Tagari have mastered this language.
On nights when there is a clear starry sky, the Tagari communicate with their higher self. Before such meditations, of course, plenty of mind-expanding substances are consumed in order to be able to communicate as freely as possible.
Governance
The Tagari governmental system has basically been the same since the beginning. The biggest change came with the arrival of the Prophetess Nioba.
Before her arrival, all four clans were separated from one another in terms of government and did not consider themselves to be one race. The visions of the prophetess changed this and they started to perceive themselves as one race. While the structures of the individual clans remained the same, the approach to things that affected the entire realm was changed.
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Each of the four clans is led by a khan who can choose his closest advisors. The office of the Khan usually remains in his own pack, since almost without exception one of his descendants is proposed for the office. In principle, the replacement by a descendant of the Khan is accepted by the community. If for any reason this is not the case, worthy candidates can compete.
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A Khan is responsible for his territory and the cities that are in it. Together with his four advisors, he forms the government that makes decisions for all major areas. The four advisors hold the following positions:
Grand Hunter (War & Hunting) - Khan's adviser on warfare, geostrategy and hunting matters. As far as hunting matters are concerned, he controls the stocks and observes the environment and the living organisms therein.
Ambassador (Diplomacy & Foreign affairs) - Khan's adviser on diplomatic issues. The ambassador represents the interests of the khans towards the other khans or the heads and diplomats of other races of Lyboria.
Clan Shaman (Religion & Belief) - Shamans are mediators to the spirit world, who maintain close contact with nature and the souls of the infinite cosmos. They are scholars of the 9 worlds and act as life counselors for the Khan and the people. The Clan shaman is also head of the local Shaman Circle.
Economy
And Trade
The economy in the realm of the Tagari can be described as a social market economy. Supply and demand determine the market, and it is up to the Khans to intervene in certain cases. This would happen if something no longer served the purpose of the realm and put the entire economy at risk. However, this has never been the case so far.
In the realm of the Tagari you can get a variety of goods. Agriculture and various crafts are the largest areas of the economy. Since Unionia was founded, the volume of trade has increased many times over.
Transport routes have been simplified and optimized by establishing new trade routes.
But there is still enormous potential compared to other races. Trading is regulated by the respective Board of Trade. The four Boards of Trade meet regularly to improve the flow of goods and trade opportunities.
Master of Trade (Economy) - The Master of Trade is the head of the Board of Trade. He oversees all trading activities within the territory. All traders and craftsmen must register with the Board of Trade.
In addition to the four advisors, each Khan has his own guard. The Khan Guard is independent of the Hunting Guild and is only there to protect the Khan and the government. The individual clans have different Khan gardens. In Akah, for example, only members of the Shaman Circle are part of the guard.
Since it is now common for all clans to live across the entire realm and not, as was originally the case, only in their own territories, a regulation has been established for the office of the Khan and his advisors. The office of the Khan may only be carried out by a representative of one's own genus, while the advisory posts can also be filled by representatives of other genera. However, this is very rare.
When it comes to matters that go beyond their own realm, all four khans jointly decide how to proceed.
Traditional Festivals
There are three major festivals per cycle that are celebrated. They are all based on the main Tagari economy, agriculture. By observing the stars, the sun and the moon, the Tagari have precise knowledge of the cycles and their effects on the seeds, growth and harvest. Stone circles can be found throughout the realm, the arrangement of which provides information about the cultivation time, the ripening time and the harvest time.
There are festivals precisely for those three events. First the festival of sowing, the festival of growth and the festival of harvest. These festivals are logically mainly celebrated in the regions where farming is really practiced.
Sowing Festival - takes place on the 50th day after the green star appears.
Festival of growth - takes place on the 100th day after the appearance of the green star. That is the day that summer begins.
Harvest Festival - takes place on the 100th day, after the night of the green star. The day that summer ends.
Birth and Raising
Birth and upbringing play an important role for the Tagari. If a female Tagari is pregnant, it takes between 75 and 100 days, depending on the size of the litter, to give birth.
With a normal litter usually between 4 and 6 newborns are born. The newborns are blind and deaf, which is why they need a lot of protection and are dependent on their mother.
When it comes to taking care of the little ones, the pack is almost argued over who takes care of them. Not only the father of the children, but also the other male members of the pack literally compete with each other.
Everyone is very proud and would like to pass on their experience and skills to the newborns.
If the parents are from the same clan, all children are of the same genus. With mixed parents, it varies and children of both genera are born. The Tagari grow up very quickly and reach an at least physically mature state in a very short time.
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The newborns open their eyes about 10 days after birth. A few days later they are already able to walk and slowly start to explore their surroundings. After about 40 days, they are weaned and accompany the adults on the hunt for the first time.
Almost every Tagari is taught how to hunt, as many of them are semi-nomads and are therefore forced to hunt part of their food themselves. After about half a cycle, the kids already accompany the pack to hunt. The first successful hunt then ends the so-called youngling status.
As far as education is concerned, the mother is only bound to the little ones for the first few days. After that, mother and father play an equal role. The children learn everything from their parents about hunting, the various crafts, natural history and sometimes also about various fighting styles. Depending on their talent, interest and the well-being of the community, the young Tagari decide on their future path.
The Plum Seed Game
The Plum Seed Game is a sort of dice game in which painted stone fruit seeds are used. The stones are shaken in a cup and then thrown up. The player with most of the stones with the painted side still on top wins. This game is often played for high stakes.
Little Brother of War
Little Brother of War is a ball game in which players use a stick to try to hit a leather ball into the opposing goal. The head of the stick is roughly circular in shape and is strung with loose netting that allows the ball to be caught, carried, passed, or shot. The netting is made of animal tendons. The ball may only be touched with the stick or the feet. The number of players varies depending on the game mode. This game is often very rough, which is why it is not uncommon for broken bones to occur. In order to differentiate the teams better, a team paints their body white.
Spinning Top Game
This game is mainly played on the Ice Coast in the north of the country. Holes are drilled into the ice, which are considered goals. Now you try to whip your wooden spinning top into the hole with as few whip strokes as possible. The winner receives the agreed stake.
Kaskada jumping
Kaskada jumping is a tournament in which Tagari from all over the realm compete against each other. It is about making impressive jumps, which are then evaluated by a jury. The one with the best notes is declared the reigning Kaskada champion. The tournament always takes place at Kaskada, the largest waterfall in the realm. These tournaments are very popular with the Tagari.
Traditional Games
and Competitions
Wokasa challenge
The Wokasa challenge is a real folk festival. It is a competition in which many packs from across the realm compete against each other. Each pack may nominate five fighters for the fight. Afterwards, five against five are fought within a large combat area. The goal is to either take out the enemy or throw him out of the ring. Only when all participants of the opposing pack have been counted out or have touched the ground outside the combat zone, the competition is considered won. Killing, using weapons and taking various performing enhancing substances are not permitted. The final competition always takes place on the huge stone platform outside of Wokasa. There the eight best packs of the realm compete. The preliminary round always takes place in smaller rings in the caves of Wokasa. The competition is held once per cycle. The winning pack is then known as the Wokasa Pack and then enjoys a tremendous reputation. Former winners also enjoy the respect for life. Originally, the competition was only held by Catori. Packs of all four clans are now represented, with Catori packs always being favorites.
Snago race
In the past, the Snagos served mainly as a food supplier. Due to the increasing trade, however, one was no longer dependent only on the giant snails. Since then, the Snagos have been caught and trained. The trained Snagos then compete against each other in prepared races. The spectators can then place bets on the respective Snagos. The race is mainly for entertainment, but has increasingly become a complex business. More and more interested people from all over the realm visit the exciting races.
Burial
The Tagari bury the dead and give them back to nature. One finds small tombs, which were built by the relatives over the whole realm. Stones are often placed around the grave and trees are planted.
The only exception to this are the Nine-tailed. They are burned in public, which is a very special event for the Tagari. With such a farewell, almost the entire realm takes part. A Nine-tailed cremation always takes place late in the evening when the stars shine over the realm. When the ceremony is over, those present dance around the fire all night. In the meantime, there is drumming, singing and above all laughing. Such a night is truly an unforgettable experience.
Every Nine-tailed gets his own shrine after his death. The shrine will be built in a special place where the person left great influence.
Life of a pack,
lifespan and partnership
Since the Tagari consider themselves as one race and know their mythology, the feeling of belonging to the pack has been stronger than that of the clan. As soon as a Tagari is old enough, he can decide whether to stay with his pack or to join another. Establishing your own pack is also an option. Many use this time to move to the territory in which their clan lives to learn more about their own genus.
The dynamic in a pack is unique. You can compare a pack with a family. There is no need for a kinship to become part of a pack. It only requires recognition of the rules and the leader. The head of a pack rarely makes decisions alone. If only if the situation demands quick action. Usually the group decides together about their future. A pack usually sleeps together. The sleeping possibilities depend on the respective region and the local climate. Cities often offer sleeping places and dwellings for overnight stays. When a member of a pack does a dishonorable act, it usually puts the entire pack in a bad light. That's why most packs have an iron code of conduct. Belonging to a pack is shown either through body painting, jewelry or clothing.
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Tagari usually live between 60 and 70 cycles. They prefer the monogamous way of life, but there is no such thing as marriage. It cannot be said with certainty whether two Tagari will stay together forever and ever. In some cases, this is the case, while in other cases, many separate after a few cycles.
Social structures,
Hierarchy and punishment
The Tagari have an egalitarian social structure, which means that they are focused on social equality. Each Tagari should have the same access to resources. The differences in rank among the people are very small. Should there be serious disputes, these are usually resolved through public duels, such as an unarmed fight.
Tribunals have also been set up where each party can present their views to a wide audience. The residents present then decide on the respective case in the form of applause. The party that received louder applause wins the case.
If a law is broken, depending on the extent of the criminal offense, either a tribunal or the Khan personally decides on the outcome and the punishment. Smaller criminal offenses can usually be settled by tribunals. If no agreement is reached there or the extent of the criminal offense exceeds a certain level, the case will be brought before the Khan. The death penalty can only be imposed by him, but this is rarely the case.
