Qaffiri Tribe

The Qaffiri Tribe (pronounced: \ə-ˈfer\) is a shoag tribe that has settled into most of the Beyaz Swamp east of the Anor Mountains. The tribe was pushed out of their native lands along the northern stretch of the Kiffin Marsh by the more war-like Kiqukke Tribe.

• Total Population: 1800
• Entomology: Qaffir, Qaffiri
• Regional Population:

  • Beyaz Swamp: 1300
  • Turan: 200
  • Theodova: 100
  • Other: 100
• Languages: Shoag
• Religion: Shoag Ancestor

In Y73 AE Kinshrk, war-leader of the Kiqukke Tribe began a series of raids on the lands of the Qaffir. The Kiqukke were a much larger tribe and within two decades and driven the Qaffir from their tribal lands. The Qaffir moved north to the marshes along the Kivar River. The Carthins who claimed the land as theirs offered little resistance as the lands were simply not well-suited to the acclaimed horsemen.

Nearly all of the Qaffiri live within the swamps and marshes around the Kivar River or have returned to their tribal homeland of Kiffin Marsh.

The tribe venerates is forebears by wearing their bones, partaking of their humors, and singing their songs. Each village is ruled by the eldest living female who selects an spiritual adviser. As the Qaffiri prefer to live in smaller communities there are no towns or villages large enough that a council is needed to oversee its course. The Qaffiri are fiercely independent even from each other and the ruling female serves only for dealing with other people.

As their ancestors wielded the power of the great saurs those who were gifted with their power are held in high regard. Many will give them gifts seeking their favor against the whims of the spirits.

Each adult has a spirit guide. The animals of the world have spirits that speak their their true voice; although others cannot understand. Upon reaching adulthood a Qaffir is led on this spiritual journey by a council of elders of each animal spirit. If no spirit chooses the youngling then they are expected to travel to another village and seek acceptance from their spirits.

It is a rare occurrence, but occasionally an unknown spirit will come into the circle during the choosing. If the Qaffir is chosen by this spirit they are given a high honor and the tribe has been blessed.

A Qaffir may not reject the spirit - to do so would be considered a grave insult. The spirit has the right of refusal not the youngling. A youngling that rejects their spirit guide will be cursed and banished from the tribe. Their name shall never be spoken again nor shall it be passed on to a newly born Qaffir. They are without honor and blood.