Nation of Razir
The first land in Tokavah to feel the sun's warm embrace every day is the nation of Razir. Razir is a vast savanna interspersed with large mesas that surround a lone volcanic mountain, Mount Motomoyo. This mountain is sacred to them. It is believed that as long as smoke rises from the top, Razir will be blessed.
Razir experiences two seasons: dry and wet. Both are hot. As the long dry season, or Scorching, persists, it gradually depletes all the nation's water sources. This has led the Raziri to adopt a nomadic lifestyle. However, when the Dousing begins, they gather atop the large mesas to await the end of the rainy season.
To the people of Razir, life is a gift and should always be lived to fullest. Whether you are working, playing, hunting, or celebrating, you should give your all to everything you do. Feelings - good or bad - should always be expressed. A common saying goes that feelings are like a hot coal in your mouth - to hold it inside will only burn you, so spit it out and it will cool.
This philosophy has given them a reputation for being short-tempered and overly blunt, but they would argue other people sicken themselves by letting negative feelings fester. The Raziri do not hold grudges. If an individual has a problem with another, they confront them in front of witnesses. If words will not resolve the problem, then they fight. Most often this is physical combat, but other contests can be agreed upon. Once the fight is over, the loser abides by the will of the winner and the issue is settled. It is not uncommon to see the same individuals who were yelling at each other hours before sitting around the campfire laughing and sharing a drink that evening.
The Raziri are a passionate people who focus their attention on the present. Stories from the past are remembered and often retold, but what is done cannot be undone, so they see no reason to dwell on it. As for the future, the sun always rises into a new day, but until then, there are plenty of other concerns or desires to occupy oneself.
The most important things to the people of Razir are family, hunting, and the Flame. The Raziri are incredibly loyal to their family, which includes not only blood relatives but every member of their tribe. All is done for the sake of the tribe's survival and benefit. As fearsome warriors, often gifted with natural claws, they consider hunting to be the ultimate way not only to provide for their family but to test their skills.
Every tribe, big or small, has a Flame. It is said that long ago fire raged in all lands, but the Divine bottled it all up into the mountain - Mount Motomoyo. She took embers from the fires and pressed them into the hearts of her chosen people. These people were charged with tending to the Flame. In remembrance of this, each tribe maintains a fire at all times.
Raziri Names
Given Names
Raziri given names are inspired by Swahili, a mixture of other African heritage names, and Native American names - both the Native American names in their languages and the English translations.
When a baby is born, they are given a birth name, sometimes called a pup or cub name, by their parents. Oftentimes this name is chosen based on events or circumstances surrounding their birth, their birth order, or the time of day or season of their birth. As the child grows, nicknames based on their personality are common. However, upon reaching adulthood, the child participates in a Naming Ceremony celebration. The exact timing is different in every tribe and for every child, but it usually occurs around the age of sixteen.
Some adults carry that name for the rest of their lives. However, just as in childhood, adult's may be given nicknames or names speaking of their accomplishments or special gifts. Adult names can be opaque in their meaning, such as "Akili", "Nafasi", or "Sefu", or they can be more literal phrases, usually two to three words in length, such as "Sparking Ember", "Morning Rain Cloud", or "Dream Dancer". In the case of a longer, phrase name, the individual usually chooses a single word from the phrase which they go by in casual settings.
Family Names
Within the tribe, a person may refer to themselves by their parent's names, such as "Binti, daughter of Bright Moon and Tabari." Outside of the tribe, Raziri identify themselves by their tribal name. For example, "Binti of the Nafsiyowe Tribe". For more formal occasions, an individual would list their adult name, any additional nicknames or awarded names (in order of being received), their parent's names (in any order), and their tribe name. For example, "Binti Dancer Golden Feather, daughter of Bright Moon and Tabari, of the Nafsiyowe Tribe".
There are several thousand Raziri tribes, so it is impractical for Raziri to memorize all of the tribe names, but most Raziri know the names of the largest tribes.
The three largest tribes are:
Nafsiyowe Tribe - the largest and oldest tribe in Raziri, boasting nearly three hundred members.
Mzizimoto Tribe - they are unique among Raziri as they do not travel but remain in a village at the base of Mount Motomoyo.
Jonitaji Tribe - the second largest tribe in Razir known for their powerful Channeling skills.
Name Examples
Chiku of the Kuchokali Tribe
Morning Sun Upon the Grass
Blue Gem Eyes Pouncing Claw, child of Foluke Bloody Tooth and Abebe, of the Ujanja Tribe
Hasanati
Kodwo