Draj

The basic social organization of Draj is the clan, a group of related families that practice the same trade or craft. Most Draji are raised to follow in the footsteps of the forebears of their clan. Each clan is assigned a portion of the fields surrounding Draj and a share of slaves taken in raids on other city-states. Prestigious clans receive better plots in the fields and hold more slaves. Whether or not they believe that Tectuktitlay is a divine being, almost all Draji embrace him as their ruler and count his presence as a boon. The Father of Life delegates most of the city-state’s administrative concerns to his templars. The elite warrior caste known as the jastian knights supports the templars. All other residents of the city-state are merchants, artisans, or slaves.

Arts The Draji frown on dance, drama, and most music as deviations from purity. They redirect these artistic impulses into the composition and recitation of ceremonial chants. The chants beseech Tectuktitlay or the spirits of the land not to harm the city, or thank them effusively for not having harmed it. Of the other art forms, only sculpture and painting command respect, and only when they glorify violence and war. Crafts Draj shows proficiency in some other areas. Draji weavers build advanced looms and Its feather-work excels all other cities save Gulg. Architecture The Draj build low, flat-roofed pueblos with small square windows and open doorways. Dyed mats or feather mandalas decorate their walls. Food In contrast to its puritanical arts, Draji cuisine surpasses all expectations. Slaves predictably receive only plain bread and raw vegetables, but even common freemen dine well on heavily spiced dishes of corn, red and green peppers, several kinds of grain, and dried, pemmicanlike erdlu meat. Everyone washes down the meal with a fermented cactus juice called pulque. Ceremonies The main Draji ceremonies all involve war. The “Flowery Wars” (training battles) occur twice a year. Soldiers dress in full feathery regalia, with jaguar headdresses and many trophies hanging from wide leather belts. They fight with real weapons, which are stone-edged clubs. The winners gain glory; the losers get exiled.

The fertile lands around Draj provide the main resources the city-state deals in hemp (with which Draj produces cloth and rope) and grain (which is used to feed the Tablelands’ hungry people-for a price, of course). The merchants of House Tsalaxa conduct most of the trade for the city of Draj. Tsalaxa is known for its ruthless practices, well suited for a warrior culture. These traders regularly engage in espionage and intrigue in order to secure valuable contracts and business opportunities. The new head of the House, Yarsha Tsalaxa, has some private doubts about the legitimacy of Atzetuk’s rulership. However, she’s still trying to settle her own position as leader of House Tsalaxa in the wake of her grandfather Ydris’s death, and she doesn’t want to express her concerns without solid proof to back them up. In the meantime, she’ll continue to aggressively control the merchant house and keep the trade routes active and open to benefit the city and fill her own coffers. The Draji enjoy brisk trade with two cities to the north, Eldaarich and Kurn. These trade partners provide the bulk of Draj’s commerce since chaos overtook nearby Raam. Until another trade route to the west and south can be established, or until things settle down enough in Raam to ensure safe passage for caravans, commerce with the cities of the Tablelands will be sporadic at best. The main avenue for reaching the cities of the Tyr Region are the silt skimmers that travel between Fort Firstwatch and the village of Cromlin. This makes Nibenay Draj’s main trading partner in the Tyr Region. 

Welcome to Draj, where the warriors rule! Draj is where the warrior will feel at home, where he will flourish under the guidance and tutelage of great Draji citizens. Draj is the home of the warrior; here a true warrior will be amongst equals. Come, the Flowery Wars await. See the masters of archery, the arrow knights, as they demonstrate their prowess with the bow. The fierce eagle knights will awe any warrior with their weapon prowess, while the jaguar knights will make even the most seasoned veteran cower in fear. For those who would try something else, a game of raxoc will soothe the spirit.