The Tumb People are a mysterious race of stone-like humanoids, indigenous to The Barren Badlands, who are deeply connected to the earth and worship the primordial titan Tum Their name derives from the only sound they are capable of making—various pitches of the sound "tum-b", which they use to communicate with one another. This limited vocal range led early travelers to nickname them the "Thumb People", as their squat, rounded forms and rigid movements reminded onlookers of thumb fingers. Over time, the name was adopted, though they refer to themselves simply as Tumb. The Tumb reside primarily in the great stone mesa where the remains of Tum now lay weathered by countless eons after the great titans collapse.
Thralls to Tum
The Tumb People are short, broad, and thumb-shaped, with skin made of dense, stone-like material. Their connection to the earth is inherent, as some Tumb possess the ability to manipulate and mold stone, a power known as Earth-Rifting. This ancient magic is believed to be a direct gift from Tum, their primordial god of stone, who resides within the towering mesa they call home.
Their deep connection to Tum not only defines their physical form but also their cultural identity. All Tumb People are considered descendants of the great titan and are tasked with the sacred duty of rebuilding and offering stone and minerals to his form, which lies dormant in the mesa. Through Earth-Rifting, they sculpt these offerings and fuse them into Tum's being, hoping one day to restore him fully.
The Earth-Rifting Sages
Among the Tumb People, a special order exists known as the Thralls of Tum. These are the most proficient Earth-Rifting sages, individuals who have mastered the manipulation of stone and earth to a degree far beyond that of ordinary Tumb. The Thralls of Tum are responsible for overseeing the restoration rituals, ensuring that the offerings made to Tum are of the highest quality, and that every stone and mineral contributes to his eventual rebirth.
These sages act as spiritual and communal leaders within the Tumb society, guiding their people in the ancient rites passed down through generations. Their deep knowledge of the earth and its magic makes them the custodians of Tum's legacy, and they serve as the mediators between the god and his people. The Thralls are also the keepers of Tum's teachings, which revolve around patience, endurance, and the slow but steady power of the earth. The position of leadership within the Thralls of Tum depends on which amongst them can assume the most stone and mass without shattering in doing so, being aptly named thereafter as the 'Titan Tumb'.
Sacred Duty of The Tumb
The Tumb People live simple, communal lives dedicated to their singular purpose—rebuilding Tum. Their Earth-Rifting abilities are central to their culture and daily life. They use this power to construct their homes, fortify their city, and shape offerings for their god. Every stone they lay, every piece of the earth they mold, is done in reverence to Tum, as they believe their actions bring them closer to the day when Tum will awaken and reclaim his titanic form.
Although they are often viewed by outsiders as primitive or strange due to their limited communication and thumb-like appearance, the Tumb People possess a deep wisdom and connection to the primordial forces of the earth. Their work is slow and deliberate, just as they believe the earth's powers hould be.